At this Michael Teleki rose, fell on his knees before Beldi and said with his hands raised to heaven:
"I swear by the Almighty Living God: so may he grant me salvation, protect my life, prosper my wife, my children, as I am your true friend; and because I know that Banfy's every effort is directed to destroy you and your home therefore do I announce to you that if you love your life, that of your wife, your children, you must meet this impending danger by signing the League. Now I have said all that I could to save you and the fatherland and that too at my own peril. I wash my hands in innocence."
Beldi turned in calm dignity toward the Prince's minister and said in a tone of firm conviction:
"Fiat justitia, pereat mundus."
A few minutes after Teleki's arrival at Bodola a rider came bounding into the castle yard. It was Andrew the faithful old servant of Madame Apafi, who inquired for Madame Beldi, handed her a letter from the Princess and added that this was the more urgent as he had recognized Teleki's carriage in the courtyard, which he should have preceded.
Madame Beldi broke open the letter, and read:
"My dear Friend: Michael Teleki has gone to your husband. His purpose is to ruin Banfy secretly by Beldi's hand. The nobles have taken an oath to break the law. Fortunately every one of them has a wife in whose heart the better feelings are not yet dead. I have called on each one separately to guard her husband against Teleki's malice. I hope to attain the greatest result through you. Beldi is the most distinguished among them; if he agrees to the League the rest will follow his example; but he is also the most honorable man and the best husband. I count on your firmness; use every means.
"Your friend,
"Anna Bornemissa."