The ache in my head began to grow. Instinctively, I lifted my hand, pressing it to my right temple.
“What is it?” Lajos said at once, and his voice was normal again, concerned as he would be for anyone.
“Nothing.” I forced myself to smile. “I’m a little tired.”
“I’ll take you back if you like — but Király will never forgive me if you don’t dance with him first.”
I couldn’t help wishing that he did not relinquish me to his Lieutenant with quite so much relief. However, as I danced with the amiable Király, I pulled myself together, recovering my refuge of pretence and sociability.
When we finally said our farewells, I intercepted a few stray winks aimed at him by his friends. General Bem merely smiled benignly upon us, and we departed, walking the short distance back to our lodgings.
“
