He returned in about an hour, smiling and well pleased. The city was perfectly quiet, he said. There were no signs of fighting; the insurgents had once more submitted, and in a short time the National Guards were to give up their arms to the imperialists.
With this information we joined the ladies at breakfast, Stephen looking rather pale but not seriously ill, and the rest of us little the worse for the night's adventure.
Franz, too, was doing well, and the knowledge of the capitulation relieved the mind of our hostess from further fear.
We were still sitting at table talking over the events of the brief revolution, when the loud report of a cannon caused us to spring to our feet.
The baroness asked to have a window opened, and a white-faced servant obeyed with trembling fingers.
"Surely I hear the great bell of St. Stephen's?" exclaimed our hostess in astonishment.
"Yes, madam," said Rakoczy; "the tocsin is certainly sounding."
"The people have broken faith again," said she. "I wonder the prince stoops to treat with them."
"If you will permit me," said Rakoczy, "I will find out what is happening, and bring you a report. My friends will stay with you in case there should be danger."
This proposal was agreed to, and as soon as he had gone we moved to the back part of the building, from which the southern part of the city could be seen.