It was the last day of the races and he reached the course just as the betting was at its height and everybody's attention was concentrated on the event of the moment.

At such time the crowd has no eyes for men, everyone is occupied with the horses.

Mr.Gerzson therefore had plenty of time to scrutinize all who were present, but look as he would he could not see Leonard anywhere.
At last he could stand the suspense no longer, and during the interval between two races, he descended from the grand-stand, in a corner of which he had ensconced himself in order to get a better view of the field, and mingled in the ring with his brother sportsmen awaiting resignedly for the expression of amazed and horrified inquiry which he expected to see in all faces the moment they perceived him.
But how taken aback was he when the first man who cast eyes on him gave vent to a loud: Ha! ha! ha! whereupon everybody else began laughing also and pointing their fingers at him and exclaiming: "Why here's Gerzson! Gerzson has come back again!" "Have you all gone mad ?" cried Gerzson, confused by this inexplicable hubbub.
He really fancied that he had fallen among a lot of lunatics, till at last Count Kengyelesy forced his way through the crowd towards him, put both his hands on his hips and began to quiz him: "Well, you are a pretty fellow!--you are a pretty squire of dames, I must say!" "But what's the matter?
What has happened?
Why do you laugh ?" "Listen to him!" cried the count, turning to the bystanders.

"He actually has the impertinence to ask us why we laugh! Come, sir! where did you leave the Baroness Hatszegi ?" "I don't see what there is to laugh at at such a question ?" replied Gerzson, in whose mind all sorts of dark forebodings began to arise.
"What have you done with the baroness?
What have you done with our friend Leonard's wife, I say ?" persisted the count.
"That is a perfect riddle to me," growled Gerzson in a low voice.
"Ha! ha! ha!" laughed the count, "it is a riddle to him what has become of his travelling companion." "But can any of you tell me what has happened to her?
Is she alive ?" The count clapped his hands together and flung his round hat upon the ground.
"Now, that is what I call a _leetle_ too strong! He asks: is she alive?
Why, comrade, where have you been in hiding all this time ?" "A truce to jesting," cried Gerzson fiercely.

"Tell me all you know about it, for it is no joking matter for me, I can assure you." On perceiving that Gerzson was seriously angry, Kengyelesy drew nearer to him and enlightened him without any more beating about the bush: "Well then, my dear friend, let me tell you that you have behaved very badly.