Long did I see the lamps of the bridge glittering in the water; then suddenly the road turned abruptly, and, to judge by the almost intolerable shaking of the carriage and the profound darkness, we had entered one of those alleys, the paving of which is counted among the curses of civilization, the street-lamps being entrusted to the care of future generations.
The carriage suddenly proceeded more heavily: perhaps we were ascending a hill: the whip was being plied more vigorously every moment on the horses' backs: then suddenly the carriage stopped.
Móczli commenced to whistle as if to amuse himself, at which I heard the creaking of a gate, and we drove into some courtyard.
When the carriage stopped, the coachman leaped off the box, and addressed me through the window.
"We are here: at the end of the courtyard is a small room; a candle is burning in the window. The young gentleman is there."
"Is the woman with him too?" I inquired softly.
"No. She is at the 'White Wolf,' waiting with the speedy peasant cart, until I bring the gentleman with whom she must speak first."
"He cannot come yet, for the performance is not yet over."
Móczli opened his eyes still further.
"You know that too?"