Amongst those who came from afar was a young man from Pest who had an official post in the county, a rare distinction in those days, who was much praised for his culture and who had spoken once or twice very sensibly at Quarter Sessions,--a certain Szilard Vamhidy.

But what interested the ladies in the young man far more than his official orations was the rumour connecting his name with a romantic attachment he was said to have had with the daughter of a wealthy merchant of Pest.

The young man, being disappointed in his love, had resolved to kill himself, and had persuaded the girl to do likewise at the same time.

Only with difficulty had they been snatched from the threshold of death.

Subsequently, on account of this very thing, the girl had been compelled to become the wife of the wealthy Hatszegi.
The countess quickly made up her mind that such a young man as this was an indispensable acquaintance.