ry I could not have the
faintest pretension; and it was just possible that my countryman might
bring this fact before me.

He might do worse,--he might question me as to who and what I was; nor
was I very sure how my tact or my temper might carry me through such an
ordeal.

Would it not be wiser and better for me to avoid this peril? Should
I not spare myself much mortification and much needless pain? Thus
thinking, I resolved to wait on the Countess at once, and explain
frankly why I felt obliged to decline the gracious courtesy she had
extended to me, and refuse an honor so full of pleasure and of pride.

She was not alone as I entered,--the Countess Palfi was with her,--and
I scarcely knew how to approach my theme in presence of a third person.
With a bold effort, however, I told what I had come for; not very
collectedly, indeed, nor perhaps very intelligibly, but in such a way as
to convey that I had not courage to face what might look at least like
a false position, and was almost sure to entail all the unpleasant
relations of such. "In fact, Madam," said I, "I am nobody; and in my
country men of rank never associate with nobodies, even by an
accident. My Lord would not forgive you for throwing him into such
acquaintanceship, and I should never forgive myself for having caused
you the unpleasantness. I don't imagine I have made my meaning very
clear."

"You have certainly made me very uncomfortable," broke in Countess
Hunyadi, thoughtfully. "I thought that we Hungarians had rather strict
notions on these subjects, but these of your country leave them miles
behind."

"And are less reasonable, besides," said the Palfi, "since your nobility
is being continually recruited from so rich a bourgeoisie."

"At all events," cried the Countess, suddenly, "we are here at Schloss
Hunyadi, and I am its mistress. I invite you to dine with me; it remains
for you to decide how you treat my invitation."

"Put in that way, Madam, I accept with deference;" and I bowed deeply
and moved towards the door. The ladies acknowledged my salute in
silence, and I fancied with coldness, and I retired.

I was evidently mistaken in attributing coldness to their manner; the
ladies received me when I appeared at dinner with a marked cordiality, I
sat next Madame Palfi, who talked to me like an old friend, told me who
the various people at table were, and gave me great pleasure by saying
that I was sure to become a favorite with Count Hunya