"You may remain standing, Banfy. We wish to make a friendly trial of your case."
"If we may be permitted to be the judges, your Excellency,"—interrupted the learned Csehfalusi, "the necessary inquiries have already been made."
"I alone will pass judgment," said Apafi, "although I do not know whether the master in Bonczida is Dionysius Banfy or I."
"The law of the land is master of us both, your Highness," replied Banfy.
"Well answered. Then you certainly mean to remind us that a Hungarian nobleman in his own house does not allow any one to sit in judgment on him. It is only a little 'Carnival fun' that is under discussion. You began it, you gave it this name, and we continue it."
Tense expectancy was on the faces of those present for they did not know whether all this was to end as a joke or as something serious.
"You seized by violence our messenger Ladislaus Csaki and brought him to your house."
"Indeed!" said Banfy, with feigned astonishment. "Is that his office? why did not the Count say at once that your Highness had sent him to hunt on my estate? And then when your Highness has a desire to hunt within my preserves, why do you not inform me instead? I could have far better deer shot for your Highness than Ladislaus Csaki can."
"This is not a question of deer, my lord baron. You know perfectly well what the affair turns on. Do not oblige me to speak more plainly in the presence of the ladies."
At these words Madame Banfy would have risen but the Princess held her back.