It used to be there on the other birthdays also, for there, from year to year, the peasant girl who brought the votive lambs was wont to sit.

But now, Master Jock, in high dudgeon, shouted to Palko, who stood behind his chair-- "What is this?
Whose cover is it ?" "There's no need for so much hallooing, surely! Don't you see that the family goblet has been placed there?
I thought that if that other should come, he might have somewhere to sit." At these words Master Jock's long-drawn face grew beautifully round again.

This little attention pleased him.

He patted Palko on the shoulder, and then explained to all the guests that the empty place had been left for his nephew Bela.

Then he praised Palko before them all.
"I see you have a good heart, after all," cried he.
"Nothing of the sort," growled the old servant, sulkily.
The soup now, for a moment, reduced the guests to silence.