"Then we can soon suck his brains?"

"Soon--but he must be tied tighter first. But we must not talk here."
A moment later Karozitch and the baroness were in the midst of the
brilliant groups of guests.

A few late comers were still arriving. "Count Kallash!" announced the
footman, who stood at the chief entrance to the large hall.

At this new and almost unknown but high-sounding name, many eyes were
turned toward the door through which the newcomer must enter. A hum of
talk spread among the guests:

"Count Kallash----"

"Who is he----?"

"It is a Hungarian name--I think I heard of him somewhere."

"Is this his first appearance?"

"Who is this Kallash? Oh, yes, one of the old Hungarian families----"

"How interesting----"

Such questions and answers crossed each other in a running fire among
the various groups of guests who filled the hall, when a young man
appeared in the doorway.

He lingered a moment to glance round the rooms and the company; then,