words are for all the country like the amen in the prayer."

Teleki bowed with a show of deep respect as he thrust this poisoned
steel into the great lord's heart, for there was nothing could so
touch him as to have somebody considered greater than himself,
especially when it was a man who deserved it. Teleki now turned to
Beldi, drew him into the recess of a window and gently demanded speech
with him.

"I have always regarded you as a very noble-hearted man; to-day I
learned, although to my own disadvantage, to recognize you as doubly
so. The Diet knows only that you sacrificed your love for your
daughter when you voted for peace. I know besides that you sacrificed
at the same time your hatred for Banfy."

"I--I never hated Banfy!"

"I know why you have concealed this hatred. You think that your
reasons for it are not known to anybody. Oh my friend, we who are men
know well that one may pardon a dagger thrust but never a kiss!"

Beldi drew himself up and knew not how to answer this man who had
thrust the most painful sting of jealousy into his heart, broken off
the point and now left him with a smile.

At this moment Banfy came up behind him. In Banfy burned the desire to
make Beldi feel his arrogance and he sought an opportunity of coming
to blows with him. Beldi did not notice him at first and when the
Prince, by chance, reached that part of the hall at that moment and
with friendly words offered him the jewel-studded beaker in his hand,
Beldi thought that the invitation was to him alone and never once
suspecting that anybody else was reaching for the beaker, he took it
from the hand of the Prince and drained it off to his health at the
very moment that Banfy reached out his hand for it. Banfy grew purple
with rage and turning haughtily to Beldi, he said in an insulting
tone:

"Not so fast, Szekler, you might at least, since I am the general of
the country, show me sufficient respect not to take the glass from my
very lips. I would have you understand that if you continue in such
insolence we may easily come to blows."

Had Beldi been in any other state of mind he would have excused
himself for his mistake with his wonted moderation, but now the desire
had been roused within him to measure his strength. He looked at Banfy
calmly from head to foot and said with suppressed anger:

"I would have you understand, Dionysius, that I am a heavy Szekler. If
by chance I should happen to fall on you I should crush