[7] George Rakoczy I., Prince of Transylvania, 1630-1648.
[8] Mente. A fur pelisse.
"And why was all this?"
"I'll tell you, my child. The money which she thus scraped together by toil and frugality, year by year, is regularly sent by Andy to Tartary, in part payment of Sir Michael's ransom. At such times our dear lady grudges herself every morsel she puts into her mouth."
The old nurse wiped the tears from her eyes.
"And what then was the amount of the ransom?"
"That's more than I can tell you, my daughter. Andy always brings back the parchment on which the Tartar marks down the amount received and the amount still due. Our noble lady keeps it herself. I, of course, never ask any questions about it."
The girl was silent and appeared to be reflecting; doubly quick the spindle flew round in her hands, and her heart beat faster too.
"My son Andy is there now," said the old dame, weary of the long silence. "I expect him back every hour now; from him we shall hear something certain."
At that moment the gate outside creaked on its hinges, a little gig rolled boisterously into the courtyard, and a joyful barking and yelping told that an old acquaintance had arrived.