The other sister now approached, and gently chiding Ilka's tears, she asked in a low, tremulous voice: "Where is Laszlo?"
"He will be here this evening, I believe."
"Why did he not come with you?"
The hussar hesitated. "I am retreating, but he is pursuing."
The colour left the young girl's cheek.
"He joined the cuirassiers," continued Gejza, "about two months ago, and now—we are in opposite ranks."
The sisters looked at each other in consternation.
"You fight against each other!" exclaimed Ilka; "my bridegroom against my sister's!—O merciful Heaven!"
"And did you not think of us, then?" said Aniko.
"It is the soldier's fate, my friends: he may love, and be happy; but when the trumpet sounds he must forget love and happiness, and think only of stern duty."