"Don't take my remarks amiss," I said; "it is so good for the poor slave when a smiling lady's face lights up the gloom of his dungeon. A sweet, melodious woman's voice sounds so consolingly amidst the clanking of his fetters."
"I am glad to see that you preserve your good humour, for I have come to you on a very serious business."
"What! Then it was not tender sympathy for the poor captive that brought you hither?"
"That also—I may even say principally. Every day I read in the Fövárosi Lapok how many and what sort of visitors you receive—noble ladies, pretty actresses, and what not. Well, thought I, if they may go and see him, it is only my duty to go too. At the same time there are other circumstances which have brought me here."
At this she furtively looked around her.
"Won't they hear what we are talking about through that door?"
"Have no fear. That room is empty. My fellow-prisoner is provided with a separate apartment."
"I have come to inform you of something. I have petitioned the office of wards to relieve you from your guardianship."
"And you've very good cause, too, I think, seeing that I myself have been under guardianship for some time."
"That's not my reason, however. But my position has now become such as to make it indispensable for me to have the free disposal of my money."