The old gentleman smiled. "But you are not my son."
"But might I not be?"
"Hm! nephew, you are certainly a fine, good-hearted lad, but they say you are very extravagant."
"Well, perhaps they are right; but had I not been so hitherto, I might have been hereafter."
"But how can I be sure that you will not be hereafter what you have been hitherto?"
"Please, dear uncle, give me a year's trial. If within that time you should hear anything against me, never admit me into your house again; if, however, I can prove that I have resolution to keep my word"—
"Then I will never let you leave my house again," said Uncle Gabor, shaking his hand.
Karely kept his word. A year had passed by, and daring all that time no temptation could prevail on him to diverge in the slightest degree from the resolution he had formed; and though he attended the county meetings as usual, he had not once been seen to gamble; and after a great dinner, he was sure to be the only sober one of the party. Meanwhile, he put his estate in order, and employed his leisure hours in studying languages. In the course of a year, he was looked upon as the most regular, as well as the most accomplished man in the district. He continues to be so still. He married Lina, whom he loves sincerely and faithfully; and seven years have not disturbed their family peace. Happiness is easily read in a woman's countenance, and the lapse of years has only beautified Lina's.
Sandor is also happy. He has a handsome wife with plenty of money; and Aunt Zsuzsi visits them every year, and wears her daughter-in-law's old-fashioned silk dresses.