Their happy dalliance was interrupted by the butler who came to announce that a young gentleman was waiting to speak with Master Lorand.
Lorand's heart beat fast! It must be Desi!
Had he not received the letter? Had he not acceded to his brother's request? He had after all come one day sooner than his deliberate permission had allowed.
Lorand hastened up to the castle.
Topándy called after him:
"If it is a good friend of yours bring him down here into the park: he must dine with us."
"We shall wait here by the bridge," Czipra added: and there she remained on the bridge, she did not herself know why, gazing at those plants on the surface of the water, that were hiding Melanie's ring.
Lorand hastened along the corridors in despondent mood: if his brother had really come, his last hours would be doubly embittered.
That simulation, that comedy of cynical frivolity, would be difficult to play before him.
The new arrival was waiting for him in the reception room.