At this news, Aunt Zsuzsi suddenly came to herself, rose from bed, and ordered her carriage; and without even waiting for breakfast, thanked her host for all his kindness, hurried her husband and little Peterke, with tied-up jaws, into the conveyance, and desired the coachman to drive for life and death to S——. The lad who had brought the message was seated beside the coachman as a guide, having forgotten the lady's name on his way back, but hoped to be able to find the house again.
Uncle Gabor shook hands cordially with Menyhert, who was already in the coach, exclaiming gaily: "But for all this our process must not fall to the ground—liquidum est debitum; and if it cannot be arranged otherwise, we must enforce the execution."
Menyhert laughed heartily, understanding an allusion to the long-promised marriage.
The whole household accompanied the carriage to the road, where they once more parted, and the horses set off as fast as they were able.
Uncle Gabor then returned to the house with his guests; Linka was evidently out of spirits that morning, while Siza could scarcely contain her joy on seeing the Gulyasis set off.
"Miss Lina's sunny countenance is clouded to-day," said the poet in a theatrical tone.
Lina, without condescending a reply, turned to Karely, with whom she began to converse, and they entered the house together.
Kalman was thunderstruck. "Why is Miss Linka so ungracious to-day?" he asked Sizike, who still remained out.
"Oh! did you not hear Mr. Menyhert Gulyasi threaten her father with an execution?"
"Who? the old gentleman?" asked Kalman, much shocked.