Banfy stood colorless and as if rooted to the ground. His wife had risen, and summoning all her strength with a mighty effort, advanced to the Prince and said:
"My lord,—pardon my husband,—he knows of nothing—the guilt is mine; that woman whom you are looking for found herself pursued and turned to me for protection and I hid her in that place without the knowledge of my husband."
Each word that she spoke seemed to cost the pale, weak woman more than human strength.
Banfy blushed and dropped his eyes before her. Madame Apafi looked at her sister triumphantly and pressed her hand.
"Good! that is noble. You were strong."
Apafi saw through the generous deceit and turned angrily toward Banfy, determined that he should not escape him in this way.
"And you permit your wife to take risks which might easily plunge your family—yes, your country—into peril! for this you deserve punishment. It is my wish that here in the presence of your guests, to my satisfaction, you set her right." Madame Banfy sank down on her knees before the guests, with an air of resignation, and dropped her head like a criminal who awaits her punishment.
"That is not my custom," replied Banfy, hoarsely.
"Then I will do it," said Apafi, and stepped up to the lady.
"This deed of yours deserves to be punished by imprisonment."