"On the contrary we just begin to hope with good reason," replied Bethlen, laying his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"Did you listen when the young man spoke?"
"He spoke beautifully."
"It is not a question of beautiful speaking. I think that is the man you are looking for."
"A King of Hungary?"
"Or a fugitive fleeing from country to country, just as the dice fall."
CHAPTER XVI
THE LEAGUE
In accordance with a good old custom every festivity must close with a banquet, so this noisy Diet was closed with a still noisier revel at which Michael Apafi again presided, and this time with justice, for according to the old chronicles a skin of wine was not enough for him at a sitting.
Wine gives a peculiar fire not only to love but also to hatred. If ladies are at table we must look out for our hearts; but when men are together then our heads are in danger.