I wish to have an exact account of the whole transaction … in detail. I warn you that I will check every single fact. As it is I must tell you that I have no doubt, no doubt at all, that my cousin Gyeroffy made a very poor deal and that you made a very good one. And I find it intolerable that you should speculate in this way, especially with a member of our family. However, we’ll see when you produce the figures. One thing more: what you have said about the farm equipment is not true. During Count Gyeroffy’s minority, which ended only a year and a half ago, Kozard was a model farm and the equipment alone was worth more than you paid for the whole deal. I have proof of that.’

The fat little lawyer jumped up, gabbling, ‘I beg of his Gracious Lordship please to believe that I only wished to be of service. I really … and recently I haven’t had a minute to look into the lease since every moment of my time is spent in his Noble Lordship’s service, indeed all my life … But I’ll look into everything at once. It was all done so hurriedly that the figures were only approximate… just to help out the Noble Count. I’m not sure of the exact figures, all I’ve said is from memory, but I’ll check it all at once … and I’ll be glad to hand it all over to whosoever your Lordship desires. Indeed I wouldn’t mind giving up the lease altogether if my wife can have her money returned. Oh, I’d give it up willingly!’

It was obvious to Balint that the lawyer had had a good scare.

‘Very well. In a week’s time you will provide me with full details, a clear picture of the whole matter. Now go to my mother. She too wishes to see you. Good day!’

‘I beg his Lordship to accept my humble farewell!’ The hirsute little man made a deep bow, bending almost to the ground, and backed to the doorway. As he bowed again before going out a little hopeful glimmer might have been seen in his half-closed eyes. ‘I go at once to wait upon the gracious Countess!’

And he disappeared.

‘That deal with Azbej was not at all as you related it,’ said Countess Roza severely to her son after lunch. ‘He didn’t only pay the sum you were told about, but far more and at several different times. And he only did it to help that unfortunate Laci. He even borrowed from his brother-in-law as he didn’t have enough himself.’

‘His brother-in-law? That’s the first I’ve heard of it!’

‘Yes, his brother-in-law provided the money. Azbej said so.’

‘My dear Mama, are you going to believe what that man says? He tried to tell me lies too, but I don’t believe a word of it!’

‘And why not, may I ask? Why not?’ said Countess Roza angrily. ‘I’ve dealt with the man for years and I’ve never caught him in a lie. Though I did put him to the test once or twice!’ Then she turned to the two housekeepers, who were sitting opposite her, busily knitting as usual. ‘You two know all the facts. Didn’t we check up on Azbej’s deals, several times? Well? Speak up! Isn’t it so?’

‘Indeed we did, your Ladyship!’ said Tothy.

‘Yes, indeed!’ said Baczo. And they continued their knitting in silence.

Balint shrugged his shoulders, but before he had had time to open his mouth to reply his mother turned angrily towards him. ‘And I will thank you not to shrug your shoulders at me, young man.