"And the men who prosecute him—are they just also?"
Tárhalmy did not shirk the answer: "No, they are unjust men," he said shortly.
Mariska grew bolder still, "How is it that a man who is really good can be ruined by those who are evil?"
"Because it is the way of the world, my child," returned her father.
"Are you vexed with Mathias Ráby?" she inquired in a low voice.
"No, I love him as if he were my own son," was the answer.
"And yet you cannot defend him against those who intend him ill?"
"I cannot."
"And why not?"
"Because I myself am on their side."