did not notice any of it. As the guests were at their
merriest, the middle door flew open and without any announcement there
entered Michael Apafi, the Prince, to whom the escaped Szantho had
carried the news of Csaki's capture.

The two ladies hurried toward the unexpected guest with cries of joy
and surprise, while the gentlemen at once discerned the threatening
storm on the countenance of the Prince and became serious. Banfy alone
knew how to maintain his customary distinguished serenity, which was
wont to express even anger with smiles. He sprang hastily from his
seat and met the Prince with a joyful face.

"Your Highness has come in the very moment that we had emptied our
glasses to your health. I call that an unexpected but most opportune
appearance."

Apafi received his greeting with a slight nod and leading the ladies
back to their places took Banfy's chair at the table.

Several of the guests hastened to offer their seats to Banfy, but the
Prince motioned to him:

"You may remain standing, Banfy. We wish to make a friendly trial of
your case."

"If we may be permitted to be the judges, your
Excellency,"--interrupted the learned Csehfalusi, "the necessary
inquiries have already been made."

"I alone will pass judgment," said Apafi, "although I do not know
whether the master in Bonczida is Dionysius Banfy or I."

"The law of the land is master of us both, your Highness," replied
Banfy.

"Well answered. Then you certainly mean to remind us that a Hungarian
nobleman in his own house does not allow any one to sit in judgment on
him. It is only a little 'Carnival fun' that is under discussion. You
began it, you gave it this name, and we continue it."

Tense expectancy was on the faces of those present for they did not
know whether all this was to end as a joke or as something serious.

"You seized by violence our messenger Ladislaus Csaki and brought him
to your house."

"Indeed!" said Banfy, with feigned astonishment. "Is that his office?
why did not the Count say at once that your Highness had sent him to
hunt on my estate? And then when your Highness has a desire to hunt
within my preserves, why do you not inform me instead? I could have
far better deer shot for your Highness than Ladislaus Csaki can."

"This is not a question of deer, my lord baron. You know perfectly
well what the affair turns on. Do not oblige me to speak more plainly
in the presence of the ladies."

At these words Madame Ban