"I am quite aware of the fact, countess."
"And why have you dared to approach the subject?"
"I will tell you, countess. Because of an old connection between our families."
"Ah, that is something quite new. I have never heard of it."
"Possibly not. One of your ancestors was a cardinal, and one of mine was a minister in Patak—a great difference in their relative positions, no doubt; and this difference had a terrible result for my ancestor. The cardinal condemned him to the galleys for life. The minister had, however, only one word to speak, as the cardinal told him, and he would be free. That word was abrenuncio—'I renounce,' or 'recant.' He would not say the word, however, and so he went to the galleys. As they were putting round his neck the iron collar, from which the chains hang which fasten the slave to his bench, your ancestor, the cardinal, who was not a hard-hearted man, with tears in his eyes entreated my ancestor to say the word 'abrenuncio.' The minister, however, not only refused, but called out 'Non abrenuncio.' In the same manner I now stand opposite to you and repeat the same words—'Non abrenuncio.' This is the rapport between us. Would you treat me as the cardinal did my ancestor?"
Countess Angela tapped her fan upon her knee as she whispered between her small white teeth, and with a cruel smile upon her lips:
"What a pity that those days are past! If I were in the place of my ancestor I would order you to have iron goads driven under your nails."
At this formidable threat Ivan burst out laughing. After a minute Angela followed his example and laughed also.
It was rather a bold experiment to meet the young beauty's wrath with a burst of laughter, but it was a good answer to her foolish speech. The countess felt now that she had given cause for laughter; but she was offended, nevertheless, and with a haughty look at the offender she seated herself.
Ivan did not move from her side. A cotillon, even though it be the "Hungarian," has its uses. One partner cannot leave the other if they wish to separate.