"With pleasure. I will do more. If on that certain day of Heaven the sun shines as I desire it, this my godless hand shall make two people happy. But if that day of Heaven be illumined otherwise than I wish, I shall give 'quantum satis' of blessing, love congratulatory verses, long sighs and all that costs nothing. So what I shall answer to this question depends upon that happy day."
Madame Bálnokházy clasped Topándy's hand to her heart and with eyes upturned to Heaven, prayed that Providence might bless so good a relation's choice with good humor, and then drew Melanie too towards him, that she might render thanks to her good uncle for the gracious care he had bestowed upon her.
Lorand gazed at the group dispiritedly, while Czipra, unnoticed, escaped from the room.
"And now perhaps Lorand will be so kind as to accompany us to Sárvölgyi's house."
"As far as the gate."
"Where is your dear friend, Melanie, that beautiful dear creature? Take a short leave of her. But where has she gone to?"
Lorand did not move a muscle to go and look for Czipra.
"Well we shall meet the dear child again soon," said Madame Bálnokházy, noticing that they were waiting in vain. "Give me your arm, Lorand."
She leaned on Lorand's right arm, and motioned to Melanie to take her position on the other side; but the girl did not do so. Instead she clasped her mother's arm, and so they went along the street, the mother waving back affectionately to Topándy, who gazed after them out of the window.
Melanie did not utter a single word the whole way.