Part 59 (2/2)
”Because it is not fit for you _there_.--There is no room for you _there_!”
Both replied the same.
Topandy meant ”You cannot take part in men's carousals; who knows what will become of you?” while Lorand--meant something else.
”Well, and when will Lorand return?” inquired Czipra eagerly.
”He must first return to his parents,” answered Topandy.
(--”Thither indeed” thought Lorand, ”to father and grandfather”--)
”But he will not remain _there_ forever?”
At that both men laughed loudly. What kind of expression was that word ”forever” in one's mouth? Is there a measure for time?
”What will you bring me when you return?” inquired the girl childishly.
Lorand was merciless enough to jest: he tore down a leaf which was round, like a small coin; placing that on the palm of her hand, he said:
”Something no greater than the circ.u.mference of this leaf.”
Two understood that he meant ”a ring,” but what he meant was a ”bullet”
in the centre of his forehead.
How pitiless are the jests of a man ready for death.
Their happy dalliance was interrupted by the butler who came to announce that a young gentleman was waiting to speak with Master Lorand.
Lorand's heart beat fast! It must be Desi!
Had he not received the letter? Had he not acceded to his brother's request? He had after all come one day sooner than his deliberate permission had allowed.
Lorand hastened up to the castle.
Topandy called after him:
”If it is a good friend of yours bring him down here into the park: he must dine with us.”
”We shall wait here by the bridge,” Czipra added: and there she remained on the bridge, she did not herself know why, gazing at those plants on the surface of the water, that were hiding Melanie's ring.
Lorand hastened along the corridors in despondent mood: if his brother had really come, his last hours would be doubly embittered.
That simulation, that comedy of cynical frivolity, would be difficult to play before him.
The new arrival was waiting for him in the reception room.
When Lorand opened the door and stood face to face with him, an entirely new surprise awaited him.
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