"Of course he would, especially if some of his friends were present to extol his bravery. Kalman is very brave; it is his nature to be so; he cannot help it. He has many good qualities, I grant, but pray do not tell me that he loves me."
"I see you are again at odds with him. What is his crime?"
"He—but never mind! I will not talk about it. I cannot respect him, nor can I believe that he loves me."
"Akosh has a far different opinion of him."
"So he has!" rejoined Etelka; "but may I not question the justness of his views? Men are wont to prize their friends for those qualities which are of the greatest use to them. A good sportsman, a man that sticks to his word, and who will fight a duel for his friend at a moment's warning—such a man is their idol; they are half astonished, and more than half disgusted that we should ask for more. But I do!"
Vilma was silent. She saw that Etelka was hurt, and Etelka too wished to change the topic of their conversation. Addressing Vilma again, she said:—
"I can fancy your father's disgust last night, when he came home and learned what had happened."
"I never saw him in such a state. But Vandory came with him; he succeeded in quieting my father. I tremble when I think of it. He says he will have his right in this business."
"Never fear," said Etelka.
"But do you know whom he suspects of being the cause? He lays it all at the door of your father and mother?"