"The Madonna of Mount Carmel, for all the world!" said that worthy cavalier, saluting her chapeau-bas, and confidently drawing still nearer.
Fanny hastily pulled herself together. She had the foreboding that she must hide her very soul from the scrutiny of this man; so she accepted his salutation with a cold smile, and made as if she were not afraid of him.
"What a loss it is to the company that your ladyship does not dance, but what a gain to me who, also, do not dance," said the hero, with impertinent familiarity. And he sat down beside Lady Kárpáthy as if he were an intimate friend, throwing back his dress-coat on both sides, and nursing one of his legs in both hands. "Will it bore your ladyship if we have a little talk together?"
"I am a good listener."
"During the last few days a joyous rumour has flashed through our capital which has made every one happy who has heard it."
"What rumour is that?"
"That your ladyship intends to spend the coming winter in the capital."
"It is not yet certain."
"You drive me to despair. Surely, my friend
Kárpáthy is not such an ungallant husband? Why, he should fly to execute his wife's wishes!"