When all was ready, Teresa took Fanny's two hands in hers, and, looking tenderly into her eyes, said in a confidential tone: "Fanny, be kind, tender, and affectionate towards your mother! So far from avoiding, do your utmost to anticipate, her wishes.

You see that she loves you dearly, you love her too.

One thing, however, I beg of you: say nothing, before her, of your approaching wedding.

Keep it a secret for a time--to please me." And Fanny promised to keep it secret.
* * * * * On the appointed day, old Karpathy--if it be right to call our intending bridegroom old--sent Palko to Boltay's, and with great delight received the message that he was to come for the ring himself.
He flew--nay, that would be saying too much for him; but he hastened to the house as fast as a pair of legs could carry him.

On reaching it, he must needs embrace Mr.Boltay himself willy-nilly, and insisted on being conducted to the bride at once.