A smiling Lord Halicki joined the little circle now, hugging his son. “Welcome, Roman. I am glad to see you have come to your senses.”
Time and place blurred for several moments, and then Lord Halicki was ushering his son up to the front, and the chapel that had been echoing the soft murmurs of shock and surprise fell into a hushed silence. Idzi, too, found a place up front, near Aleksy’s parents.
Krystyna took hold of Aleksy’s hand. He turned to see her smiling. “They’re waiting,” she whispered.
It was the face, the smile, and rather than the gold of today, it was the yellow of the dress that he had seen what seemed so long ago.
Breathe, he told himself, breathe. He took in breath and—for now—let go of thoughts of Roman.
Aleksy and Krystyna processed toward the awaiting Father Franciszek.
Reading Group Guide
Is ‘love at first sight,’ as in Romeo and Juliet, a possibility in real life? Although Aleksy is stricken by the appearance of the girl in yellow at first sight, their relationship develops over the course of four meetings. What moments are particularly poignant and key in that development?
After the initial physical attraction, might the deeper and enduring relationship between Aleksy and Krystyna evolve because each recognizes the rebel in the other?
Love encounters obstacles when it blooms between members of different social classes, cultures, or religions. Consider the attitudes and actions of Krystyna’s parents and those of Aleksy’s adoptive parents regarding class and culture.
What does the story underscore about religion? History?
Might someone today relate to the theme of the changeable versus unchangeable in the same way as Aleksy does?
Szymon tells Aleksy that Kystyna seems to enjoy making a “fuss.” What are some of the instances? What does the character trait reveal about Krystyna? Do the instances prepare the reader for her jilting of Fabian?
Szymon tells Aleksy: “I do pray when I breathe. And when I breathe, I pray.” Much later, Aleksy thinks he understands. How would you characterize Szymon’s philosophy of prayer?
What is it that would prompt someone like Aleksy to think he could become a hussar? To think he could marry a nobleman’s daughter?
The theme of prejudice plays out through Aleksy and the world into which he is adopted. How does he deal with prejudice? How does Idzi supplement the theme? And Nadya?
Is Roman’s change-of-heart credible? Do you think he is sincere in his acceptance of Aleksy?
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