The whole thing was manifestly quite new to him, but he preserved a self-control wonderful under the circumstances.
When, having been made aware of the previous offer to the Voivode and the declared wish of the latter, he rose to speak, there was stillness in the Hall.

He commenced with a few broken words of thanks; then he grew suddenly and strangely calm as he went on: "But before I can even attempt to make a fitting reply, I should know if it is contemplated to join with me in this great honour my dear wife the Voivodin Teuta of Vissarion, who has so splendidly proved her worthiness to hold any place in the government of the Land.

I fain would.

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