Part 42 (2/2)
”Perhaps to Sarvolgyi's? He loves prayers.”
”Oh no. But to Mr. Topandy.”
”I cannot advise that: he is very rude to such as you. You are accustomed to preach. Don't go there.”
”Still I am going there: and if you don't care to let me sit on the box, I shall go on foot, as I have done until to-day.”
”Do you know what? What you would get there would not be much. The money, which that man left here, you have by you as it is. Keep it for yourself: I give it to you. Then go back to the college.”
”Madame, I am not accustomed to live on presents,” said Lorand, proudly refusing the proffered purse.
The woman was astonished. This is a curious legatus, thought she, who does not live by presents.
Her ladys.h.i.+p began to perceive that in this young man's dust-stained features there was something of that which makes distinctions between man. She began to be surprised at this proud and n.o.ble gaze.
Perhaps she was reflecting as to what kind of phenomenon it could be, who with unarmed hand had dared to attack an armed robber, in order to free from his clutch a strange woman in whom he had no interest, and then refused to accept the present he had so well deserved.
Lorand saw that he had allowed a breach to open in his heart through which anyone could easily see the secret of his character. He hastened to cover his error.
”I cannot accept a present, your ladys.h.i.+p, because I wish more. I am not a preaching legatus, but an expelled school-boy. I am in search of a position where I can earn my living by the work of my hands. When I protected your ladys.h.i.+p it occurred to me, 'This lady may have need for some farm steward or bailiff. She may recommend me to her husband.' I shall be a faithful servant, and I have given a proof of my faithfulness, for I have no written testimonials.”
”You wish to be Topandy's steward? Do you know what a G.o.dless man he is?”
”That is why I am in search of him. I started direct for him. They expelled me from school for my G.o.dlessness. We cannot accuse each other of anything.”
”You have committed some crime, then, and that is why you avoid the eyes of the world? Confess what you have done. Murdered? Confess. I shall not be afraid of you for it, nor shall I tell any one. I promise that you shall be welcomed, whatever the crime may be. I have said so. Have you committed murder?”
”No.”
”Beaten your father or mother?”
”No, madame:--My crime is that I have instigated the youth against their superiors.”
”What superiors? Against the magistrate?”
”Even superior to the magistrate.”
”Perhaps against the priest. Well, Topandy will be delighted. He is a great fool in this matter.”
The woman uttered these words laughingly; then suddenly a dark shadow crossed her face. With wandering glance she stepped up to the young man, and, putting her hand gently on his arm, asked him in a whisper:
”Do you know how to pray?”
Lorand looked at her, aghast.
”To pray from a book--could you teach some one to pray from a book?
Would it require a long time?”
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