An introduction under any other title would probably have been evaded by Apafi, but in this form it was impossible not to accept it. He found himself compelled to look at the young man. He was a fine-looking, slender youth and had no trace of a beard. With his feminine features the only sign of the man was his independent bearing. Apafi was pleased with him.
"What is the name of your son-in-law?" he asked Teleki.
The latter answered with a peculiar smile:
"Emerich Tököli, son of Stephen Tököli."
At mention of this name Apafi grew serious and said:
"Your father was a good friend of mine." But he did not offer him his hand.
"I know that," replied the young man, "and for that reason I sought your Highness."
"If only he had not been such a disturber of the peace. It is well that you have not followed his counsel. I remember well the contest between the defeated and half-crazed David Zolyomi. Both had married daughters of Bethlen, who had received as dowry in common the castle of Bajda-Hunyad; one had one-half, and one the other; after the two men had taken counsel together they gathered their servants in their respective castle-yards, began battle and shot at each other from the opposite windows; both had a great love for war. Your father was in battle just before his death. In the very hour of death he needed the thunder of cannon and the tumult of the siege. It is well that you are not like him. You look gentle."
"That is praise undeserved," said Tököli, proudly. "I too was in the stormed castle and defended it until my father fell."
Apafi heard this with displeasure. However he wished to show interest in the youth and so after a pause he asked: