shall make no bargains, sir
advocate. No transactions here, sir advocate!"

"Don't 'sir advocate' me!"

"Wait a moment. If you could be so cursedly exact in your calculation of
days, I shall complete your astronomical and chronological studies. Take
out your watch and compare it with mine. It was just 11:45 by the
convent clock in Pressburg, when you gave me your word. To-morrow
evening at 11:45 you are free from your obligation to me: then you can
do with me what you like."

I found his tone very displeasing and turned aside.

"Well don't be dispirited," said Lorand, drawing me towards him and
embracing me. "Let us not be angry with each other: we have not been so
hitherto. But you see the position I am in. I have gathered together a
pack of dissolute scamps and atheists, not knowing you would bring
mother with you, and they have been my faithful comrades ten years. I
have passed many bad, many good days with them: I cannot say to them
'Go, my mother is here.' Nor can I sit here among them till morning with
religious face. In the morning we shall all be 'soaked.' Even if I
conquer the wine, my head will be heavy after it. I have need of the few
hours I asked you for to collect myself, before I can step into my dear
ones' presence with a clear head. Explain to them how matters stand."

"They know already, and will not ask after you until to-morrow."

"Very well. There is peace between us, old fellow."

When the company saw we had explained matters to each other, they all
crowded round us, and such a noise arose that I don't know even now what
it was all about. I merely know that once or twice Pepi Gyali wished to
catch my eye to begin some conversation, and that at such times I asked
the nearest man, "How long do you intend to amuse yourselves in this
manner?" "How are you?" and similar surprising imbecilities.

Meanwhile the long table in the middle of the room had been laid: the
wines had been piled up, the savory victuals were brought in; outside
in the corridors a gypsy band was striking up a lively air, and
everybody tried to get a seat.

I had to sit at the head of the table, near Lorand. On Lorand's left sat
Topandy, on his right, beside me, Pepi Gyali.

"Well, old fellow, you too will drink with us to-day?" said Lorand to me
playfully, putting his arms familiarly round my neck.

"No, you know I never drink wine."

"Never? Not to-day either? Not even to my health?"

I looked at him. Why did he wis