Chapter

  1      II|     Princess Cagliari, née Countess Blanka Zboroy. You know the family:
  2      II|            starting-point, Countess Blanka was joined in marriage with
  3      II|            When he married Countess Blanka he was very intimate with
  4      II|            when he married Countess Blanka. It is even whispered that
  5     III|            her.~ ~"Pardon me," said Blanka, "but that seat is engaged.
  6     III|           you, my dear princess."~ ~Blanka controlled her indignation
  7     III|      purpose in all this?" demanded Blanka.~ ~"To make you either as
  8     III|           the score, but no God."~ ~Blanka shuddered in spite of herself,
  9     III|           stood in the doorway, and Blanka noted a swift interchange[
 10     III|        monotonous, waste territory, Blanka yielded to the drowsy lullaby
 11      IV|            Where are we now?" asked Blanka.~ ~"Near Bologna," answered
 12      IV|             go by way of Ancona."~ ~Blanka listened with interest. "
 13      IV|             between you two?" asked Blanka.~ ~"Yes - one of fear: I
 14      IV|             from the use of meat.~ ~Blanka shook her head incredulously.
 15      IV|        gentlemen facing the ladies, Blanka led the conversation back
 16      IV|       question in this instance."~ ~Blanka wondered what the single
 17      IV|         When did this occur?" asked Blanka, gently.~ ~"Last year -
 18      IV|         first seeing that man," was Blanka's silent comment. She pondered
 19      IV|            dress, I fear," remarked Blanka.~ ~"By no means," protested
 20      IV|        Hungary."~ ~"But how," asked Blanka, "can they afford to dress
 21      IV|          fear I am wearying you."~ ~Blanka begged him to continue,
 22       V|          impulse of curiosity moved Blanka to turn and look at the
 23       V|         together in a few days; but Blanka said nothing as she bowed
 24       V|         send it up to your room."~ ~Blanka had hardly laid aside her
 25       V|           On the following morning, Blanka sent for the hotel-keeper
 26       V|      comfortably in the newspapers. Blanka, however, took so much to
 27       V|         desired distraction, and to Blanka it seemed as if his influence
 28       V|           wrought by them. And when Blanka knelt in prayer before a
 29       V|      Redeemer's blood had fallen, - Blanka could not but ask herself
 30       V|        forced to pilot his charges. Blanka was compelled to cling fast
 31       V|            his overcoat, he offered Blanka a seat, whence she could
 32       V|             multitude.~ ~Alas, poor Blanka! She only learned later
 33       V|        after the ceremony was over, Blanka shot a glance of scrutiny
 34       V|           many times before?" asked Blanka.~ ~"Twice only, - once in
 35      VI|            toward St. Peter's. Poor Blanka sat at her window with eyes
 36      VI|             front of the hotel, and Blanka recognised in its occupant
 37      VI|            feet above, he could see Blanka's face as she sat with eyes
 38      VI|              How happy was Princess Blanka at that moment! and hers
 39      VI|            sincere, and gracious.~ ~Blanka and Manasseh exchanged glances,
 40     VII|        boundaries to his dominions. Blanka felt a deep joy in her heart
 41    VIII|            VISITOR.~ ~One day, when Blanka announced her intention
 42    VIII|            the battle-field?" asked Blanka.~ ~"H'm! Quidquid delirant
 43    VIII|          was the old Greek usage.~ ~Blanka was thus left to find her
 44    VIII|           sat there busily at work. Blanka envied him: he had mastered
 45    VIII|            the Cagliari palace, and Blanka noted with surprise that
 46    VIII|            trouble yourself," began Blanka. "I can find my way very
 47    VIII|             my dear sir," protested Blanka, "they appear far too magnificent
 48    VIII|          Beppo? Go and fetch it."~ ~Blanka had no need to look at the
 49    VIII|            could tell you," thought Blanka, but did not offer to do
 50    VIII|             is in Rome also," added Blanka.~ ~The advocate looked at
 51    VIII|          Prince Cagliari, and asked Blanka to assign an hour at which
 52    VIII|             to announce his coming. Blanka met the prince in her antechamber.
 53    VIII|         interpret my action?" asked Blanka, proud reproach in her tone.~ ~"
 54    VIII|        reproach in her tone.~ ~"No, Blanka, assuredly not. Your own
 55    VIII|           accept me as a father?"~ ~Blanka was almost inclined to believe
 56    VIII|               Bear in mind, my dear Blanka," proceeded the prince, "
 57    VIII|            required to make you."~ ~Blanka, who was naturally of a
 58    VIII|             I am very glad, my dear Blanka," said Cagliari, when the
 59    VIII|             to you."[75]~ ~"My dear Blanka, no one sees his own face
 60    VIII|    available."~ ~This speech filled Blanka with indignation and dismay.
 61    VIII|           Your secretary?" repeated Blanka, with a start. "Pray send
 62    VIII|            I hate him!" interjected Blanka, in a voice that trembled.~ ~"
 63    VIII|         With this the prince kissed Blanka's hand, and withdrew.~ ~
 64    VIII|            of Cagliari's visit. But Blanka obeyed orders, and kept
 65      IX|             letter was delivered to Blanka by one of the hotel servants.
 66      IX|            proposed to join them.~ ~Blanka made it her first care,
 67      IX|          inspect the lower regions, Blanka remained above, on the plea
 68      IX|          irresistible impulse drove Blanka to ascend to the painter'
 69      IX|             find them again?" asked Blanka, breathlessly.~ ~"I made
 70      IX|         happened to meet you," said Blanka, speaking more sedately
 71      IX|      children with their arrows."~ ~Blanka was sitting so far back
 72      IX|             his power. And what was Blanka to him? A dream. And did
 73      IX|      Cagliari is in Rome," remarked Blanka.~ ~"I know it. I met him,
 74      IX|        again."~ ~"Wonderful!" cried Blanka. "That will surely be a
 75      IX|           one."~ ~"Thank you," said Blanka, simply. "N'en parlons plus" -
 76       X|             FOURTEENTH PARAGRAPH.~ ~Blanka was now like a boy who fears
 77       X|          them.~ ~In this confidence Blanka's entire mood underwent
 78       X|        lunch was served. Ordinarily Blanka ate no more than a sick
 79       X|           chair for the gentleman," Blanka commanded her attendant,
 80       X|           smooth accents.~ ~At this Blanka turned suddenly to her attendant. "
 81       X|      intelligence could not destroy Blanka's[94] appetite. She ate
 82       X|          Cagliari palace," remarked Blanka. "But tell me, if I should
 83       X|         free to say what he wished. Blanka made bold to rise and survey
 84       X|        adopt you as his son?" asked Blanka.~ ~"Such is his purpose,"
 85       X|            is - Prince Cagliari."~ ~Blanka could hardly suppress an
 86       X|   play-acting at my expense?" asked Blanka.~ ~"I can tell you, for
 87       X|                 Jealousy!" repeated Blanka, in astonishment.~ ~But
 88       X|          such is the case," replied Blanka, calmly. "But however that
 89       X|            Vajdar so furiously that Blanka recoiled involuntarily. "
 90       X|        night in a narrow street."~ ~Blanka told her servant that if
 91       X|             I'll warrant," returned Blanka. "They are all in his pay.
 92       X|            The mystery was clear to Blanka now.~ ~ ~ [103]~ ~
 93      XI|           and simpler expedient."~ ~Blanka thought him in fun, and
 94      XI|            to Princess Zboroy - for Blanka retained her rank and title -
 95      XI|           in this world.[105]~ ~But Blanka's enjoyment of house and
 96      XI|            rendering of this decree Blanka lost no time in taking possession
 97      XI|            two wings of the palace, Blanka's faced the Tiber, while
 98      XI|         leading from the room which Blanka now chose for her bedchamber
 99      XI|          the decision was rendered, Blanka was greeted by her bosom
100      XI|         called him. It was clear to Blanka now why her lawyer had been
101      XI|            honorarium from Princess Blanka in his pocket.~ ~Thus the
102      XI|            the political world, but Blanka heeded them not. What signified
103     XII|        richly carved mantelpiece in Blanka's sleeping-room was what
104     XII|          stretched.~ ~This painting Blanka had before her eyes when
105     XII|        These weird melodies came to Blanka's ears nearly every evening,
106     XII|         with it rainy days, so that Blanka was constrained to suspend
107     XII|          have startled the Princess Blanka. The strange visitor was
108     XII|             s tones that she heard. Blanka gazed in wonder at the mysterious
109     XII|             again in the fireplace. Blanka, much bewildered and still
110     XII|           soon be great friends."~ ~Blanka started slightly at the
111     XII|           that anonymous letter?"~ ~Blanka looked at the speaker with
112     XII|           her own dangerous charms. Blanka drew back in nameless fear
113     XII|             up the forged paper."~ ~Blanka pressed her hands to her
114     XII|        yield a passage, after which Blanka found herself alone again.
115     XII|           awe, for two young women. Blanka took her guest's hat and
116     XII|           your real name," objected Blanka. "You were not christened '
117     XII|            I should have been named Blanka. I'll tell you, suppose
118     XII|         exchange names: you call me Blanka, and I'll call you Rozina."~ ~
119     XII|       suggestion seemed so funny to Blanka that she burst out laughing,
120     XII|             if they wish," returned Blanka, composedly. "I have no
121     XII|    exclaimed, after taking a sip.~ ~Blanka sprang up and offered to
122     XII|         room, her guest turned over Blanka's portfolio of drawings,
123     XII|            point of view," returned Blanka with admirable composure.[
124     XII|           for sale at any price."~ ~Blanka felt as powerless in the
125     XII|             marchioness, turning to Blanka.~ ~"No, but I can play it
126     XII|           play it to me, please."~ ~Blanka complied, and the other
127     XII|          then! From sheer amazement Blanka found herself unable to
128     XII|               cried the dancer. But Blanka could not go on.~ ~"Ah,
129     XII|            pay them back." She took Blanka's arm and returned with
130     XII|           wager with you," returned Blanka, "because I know I should
131     XII|           of them incorruptible."~ ~Blanka laughed, and Rozina hastened
132     XII|           as the Queen of Night."~ ~Blanka offered no objection to
133     XII|            speaker's influence over Blanka, that the latter could not
134    XIII|          XIII.~ ~A SUDDEN FLIGHT.~ ~Blanka sat in her room, with closed
135    XIII|       Cagliari palace. Suddenly, as Blanka stood before her fire, all
136    XIII|             riverside in safety."~ ~Blanka could not refuse this appeal.
137    XIII|            at the shoemaker's shop, Blanka was received by a little
138    XIII|          abroad.~ ~Thus it was that Blanka took the offered arm without
139    XIII|             that took possession of Blanka at sight of her own portrait
140    XIII|            It will be all right."~ ~Blanka saw now that he had recognised
141    XIII|            they will fit me?" asked Blanka.~ ~"Citizeness, don't you
142    XIII|            little man's directions, Blanka reached home unharmed, and
143    XIII|          fled at the same time that Blanka and the marchioness left
144    XIII|               And how is it," asked Blanka, "that you have come to
145    XIII|            not to foment strife."~ ~Blanka's hands were clasped in
146    XIII|             me."~ ~"Why not?" asked Blanka, tremulously.~ ~"Because
147    XIII|           us. Is it not best so?"~ ~Blanka gave him her hand in mute
148    XIII|             hour later Manasseh and Blanka stood in the shelter of
149    XIII|           halted under the gas-lamp Blanka recognised her friend's
150    XIII|       carriage door was thrown open Blanka hastened forward and made
151    XIII|             than to receive orders. Blanka[136] turned again to the
152    XIII|           the prisoner to her fate. Blanka felt herself absolved from
153     XIV|          they suffered Manasseh and Blanka to pass unmolested. Manasseh
154     XIV|     Manasseh to a wrestling bout.~ ~Blanka looked on in surprise as
155     XIV|          brother. Then he turned to Blanka. "And this pretty lady is
156     XIV|          little smack of a kiss."~ ~Blanka complied, and brother Aaron
157     XIV|          what is more" - turning to Blanka - "they are sure to come
158     XIV|            brother's sweetheart."~ ~Blanka smiled and promised not
159     XIV|         they bring me back dead?"~ ~Blanka gave him her hand, while
160     XIV|           the young man. As he gave Blanka a radiant look he saw tears
161     XIV|          supper for the travellers. Blanka went into the kitchen and
162     XIV|        should wait till morning."~ ~Blanka readily gave her consent
163     XIV|             not a moment to lose.~ ~Blanka was by this time well used
164     XIV|        entire rear seat was left to Blanka, who was so swathed and
165     XIV|           over the horse's neck."~ ~Blanka appeared satisfied with
166     XIV|               There was a halt, and Blanka awoke of her own accord.
167     XIV|           How beautiful!" exclaimed Blanka, as she gazed at them. Little
168     XIV|            are firing at us!" cried Blanka, startled.~ ~"Don't be afraid,
169     XIV|           in that language, so that Blanka could not understand a word
170     XIV|             we stopped here?" asked Blanka.~ ~Aaron gave her a reassuring
171     XIV|           call she came out, lifted Blanka like a child from the carriage,
172     XIV|      pressing the refreshments upon Blanka in words that sounded to
173     XIV|        tongues except their own."~ ~Blanka soon learned that her hostess'
174     XIV|         kiss her fair guest's hand; Blanka, however, would not allow
175     XIV|             pride and satisfaction. Blanka could not understand his
176     XIV|        great, muscular hands toward Blanka as if to caress her, she
177     XIV|            of fowls he presented to Blanka. She smiled her pleasure,
178     XIV|            as a passport for us."~ ~Blanka laughed, unaware of the
179     XIV|             room stood two beds for Blanka and Zenobia. Aaron and Manasseh
180     XIV|     surroundings were so strange to Blanka that she found herself wide
181     XIV|          moaned as if in anguish.~ ~Blanka could not compose herself
182     XIV|             other side of which lay Blanka, who likewise turned her
183      XV|        rises late in November. When Blanka awoke, every one else in
184      XV|             all of which was new to Blanka and partaken of by her with
185      XV|            travellers on their way. Blanka laughed with delight as
186      XV|      ceremony. Entering the forest, Blanka accosted her companion.~ ~"
187      XV|     companion.~ ~"Zenobia, call me 'Blanka,' and speak Hungarian with
188      XV|          the slope of the mountain. Blanka was in high spirits. The
189      XV|                  How can we?" asked Blanka. "There is scarcely any
190      XV|             then subsides again."~ ~Blanka shook her head doubtfully,
191      XV|             for each traveller. But Blanka declared herself less hungry
192      XV| mountainside into the ravine below. Blanka clapped her hands with delight
193      XV|            fire, at which he taught Blanka to toast bread and broil
194      XV|             had occurred to trouble Blanka's happiness. Two or three
195      XV|        sheltered you last night?"~ ~Blanka at first thought the girl
196      XV|              while the two men took Blanka between them and clattered
197      XV|     mountain torrent.~ ~Of all this Blanka could understand nothing.
198      XV|     Manasseh spread a sheepskin for Blanka to sit on; but she chose
199      XV|            of wild flowers.~ ~"Your Blanka is a jewel of a woman!"
200      XV|    discoursed on war and bloodshed, Blanka was enjoying the late autumn
201      XV|             the mountain flora, and Blanka was delighted to meet with
202      XV|           far from here?" exclaimed Blanka, eagerly, starting up from
203      XV|                No, I am not tired," Blanka asserted. "Let us go on
204      XV|         drink in a wooden goblet to Blanka. She left some for Manasseh,
205      XV|          master, while Manasseh and Blanka brought up the rear. Thus
206      XV|          travellers proceeded, made Blanka entirely unconscious of
207      XV|         signal and remove it before Blanka should come up. He had agreed
208      XV|            snakes in the cave?" was Blanka's first and most natural
209      XV|         besieging force. He assured Blanka that she would find it most
210      XV|            admittance. Manasseh and Blanka waited without, while Aaron
211      XV|           the third as a bridge for Blanka to pass over unharmed. In
212      XV|           the rude courtyard, while Blanka was instructed to sit on
213      XV|           courteous host, to escort Blanka into the cavern. She was
214      XV|          Returning to the fireside, Blanka was easily persuaded to
215      XV|      resting-place even for a lady. Blanka demanded nothing further,
216      XV|          Marczi and Rosalie?" asked Blanka.~ ~The narrator proceeded
217      XV|         after assuring himself that Blanka was really asleep.~ ~"Nor
218      XV|        prosper my undertaking, take Blanka home with you, and, if the
219      XV|           mine.~ ~"Do not betray to Blanka any anxiety on my account.
220     XVI|            under Aaron's pillow. On Blanka's pure brow, as she lay
221    XVII|       morning, and, descending with Blanka to the bed of the stream,
222    XVII|             at all." Then, aloud to Blanka: "Hear me play on the organ
223    XVII|         playing a beautiful melody. Blanka was expected to laugh at
224    XVII|             like a fairy palace."~ ~Blanka, however, was feeling so
225    XVII| unrestrained outburst of joy opened Blanka's eyes and made her see
226    XVII|           Manasseh now presented to Blanka, told her all about the
227    XVII|              David and Simon taking Blanka between them, and the other
228    XVII|           Zenobia."~ ~At this point Blanka interrupted the conversation
229    XVII|            to my wedding," answered Blanka, gently, "but I shall feel
230    XVII|           often been the subject of Blanka's dreams. At last she was
231   XVIII|               It was a new world to Blanka, - that busy mining community,
232   XVIII|             had so cruelly wronged, Blanka felt already acquainted.
233   XVIII|             that filled their eyes. Blanka was surprised, and agreeably
234   XVIII|          dining-room to its utmost. Blanka could not sufficiently admire
235   XVIII|            Brother Aaron sat beside Blanka, and partook freely of a
236   XVIII|             him. He offered some to Blanka.~ ~"I can eat this all my
237   XVIII|          the parson that our sister Blanka wishes to join our communion.
238   XVIII|            sister Anna."~ ~Anna and Blanka embraced each other with
239   XVIII|            not long before Anna and Blanka became the warmest of friends.
240   XVIII|           no ghost could have given Blanka a greater start. It was
241   XVIII|             know him well," replied Blanka, and she could not control
242   XVIII|              My poor Anna!" was all Blanka could say.~ ~"I know he
243   XVIII|          lay between you!" murmured Blanka.~ ~"True," replied Anna,
244   XVIII|          causes you offence."~ ~But Blanka hated the man no longer.[
245   XVIII|          you."~ ~With that she drew Blanka to the mirror, and began
246   XVIII|             bottom of his heart."~ ~Blanka could not but smile at the
247   XVIII|              I think not," returned Blanka, in surprise.~ ~"And hear
248   XVIII|           her lover's image grew in Blanka's heart and assumed larger
249   XVIII|             all revenge had excited Blanka's wonder only; she had thought
250   XVIII|            but her adoration.~ ~ ~ ~Blanka soon found herself leading
251   XVIII|         Sunday, the Lord's day. How Blanka had looked forward to that
252   XVIII|          head.~ ~For the first time Blanka now saw the people assembled
253   XVIII|       guidance.~ ~After the service Blanka asked Aaron and Berthold
254   XVIII|           Two weeks longer," sighed Blanka, "and then six weeks more
255     XIX|       purpose.[215] Did you receive Blanka's letter, - the one she
256     XIX|           As to this last letter of Blanka's, however, he must have
257     XIX|          other, helplessly; "follow Blanka Zboroy's example and turn
258     XIX|       married couple. One afternoon Blanka left the house and fled
259     XIX|            the young lady, Princess Blanka Zboroy, a safe-conduct to
260     XIX|              the beautiful Princess Blanka is at this moment lying
261     XIX|             remains of the Princess Blanka. It is a grim task, and
262     XIX|           You have been longing for Blanka Zboroy's death because her
263     XIX|          annulled this contract. If Blanka Zboroy dies, her brothers
264     XIX|             have to say further. If Blanka Zboroy renounces the faith
265      XX|          had been duly attended to, Blanka had joined the Unitarian
266      XX|        house was not to be shown to Blanka until her wedding day.~ ~
267      XX|          furnished for her. Neither Blanka nor Manasseh had even suspected
268      XX|      suspected what he was about.~ ~Blanka found herself in the paradise
269      XX|           the occasion. And yet, to Blanka herself, something was still
270      XX|           his ingenuity in quieting Blanka's anxiety. Finally he played
271      XX|          With an exclamation of joy Blanka sprang up from her seat.
272      XX|            one of them sat Zenobia. Blanka ran to her and took her
273      XX|           Where is Jonathan?" asked Blanka.~ ~"There he is." Zenobia
274      XX|            236]~ ~"Jonathan!" cried Blanka, wildly.~ ~"Your brother
275      XX|           nobody knows how long."~ ~Blanka was stricken speechless
276      XX|             Anna buried her face in Blanka's bosom.~ ~"Alexander,"
277      XX|            talking in a low tone to Blanka. "In the skirmish at Felvincz,
278      XX|              Away, away!" stammered Blanka, waving her hand. She was
279      XX|             our little cabin," said Blanka.[238]~ ~"What, in your bridal
280      XX|          and was the first guest.~ ~Blanka sat down on the edge of
281      XX|           from these conjectures!~ ~Blanka watched through the long
282     XXI|         beautiful afternoon in May, Blanka and Anna, with Manasseh
283     XXI|            with the Colosseum," was Blanka's encouraging rejoinder.~ ~"
284     XXI|                 Promise not to take Blanka and Anna up Hidas Peak."~ ~"
285     XXI|         mind. He conducted Anna and Blanka to the verge of the gorge
286     XXI|             and pointed them out to Blanka. Agate and chalcedony were
287     XXI|           once more toward Anna and Blanka. Only twenty paces now intervened
288     XXI|            if to shelter her, while Blanka felt only a mad desire to
289     XXI|            at sight[252] of a lion. Blanka and Anna gave a backward
290     XXI|            chased them. Yet neither Blanka nor Anna went on to say
291     XXI|               not even Manasseh."~ ~Blanka and Anna both pledged themselves
292     XXI|            same thought?" whispered Blanka to Anna.~ ~"Yes," returned
293   XXIII|         them. Manasseh now embraced Blanka and Anna and bade them farewell.~ ~"
294   XXIII|         Where are you going?" asked Blanka, in alarm. Jonathan's pale
295   XXIII|             a bloodless victory."~ ~Blanka looked sorrowfully into
296   XXIII|            he was to learn later.~ ~Blanka pressed her husband's hand. "
297   XXIII|           this insult to his adored Blanka, Manasseh's wrath blazed
298   XXIII|        shall wreak ample revenge on Blanka Zboroy, before your own
299   XXIII|         have the pleasure of seeing Blanka Zboroy in my power. Further
300    XXIV|             and the latter a second Blanka. But their aunt Anna insisted
301    XXIV|          little ones, thus enabling Blanka to resume her business duties.~ ~
302    XXIV|             to go to war?" objected Blanka.~ ~"Never fear," returned
303    XXIV|             will go with you," said Blanka, brightening up.~ ~"No,
304    XXIV|         hope and without complaint! Blanka knew the meaning of those
305    XXIV|            a letter to Toroczko, to Blanka Adorjan, from her devoted
306    XXIV|        letters with his own hand to Blanka, praising her husband and
307    XXIV|           relentless persistence.~ ~Blanka well knew who that enemy
308    XXIV|           go on only at a loss. But Blanka was determined not to close
309   XXVII|          his comrades were at home. Blanka came to meet her husband
310  XXVIII|      himself called upon to lighten Blanka Zboroy's duties and to live
311  XXVIII|  grandchildren born to Manasseh and Blanka grew up to call them blessed,