Csardas [antikvár]

1 It was generally agreed that the Ferenc sisters were the prettiest girls in the town. Not only had they a style and poise considerably in excess of their years but also, when they were together - at a party or summer picnic, for example - tiie effect of the two contrasting beauties pro= duced a most devastating result. It was more than just complementing each other in appearance, although that was part of it - Amalia, tall, stately and gentle, and Eva, small, quick and vivacious - it was as though, unconsciously, they played to a public, laying aside the daily irritations and jealousies of one another and demonstrating to everyone just how enchanting and lovely they could be. Now, on their way to Cousin Kati's birthday party, sitting one each side of the coach so that their tulle skirts were able to flow untrammelled over the seats, they began the instinctive transition from sisters who were separated in age by only one year, and who therefore annoyed one another, to sisters who loved one another and were aware that in public they were referred to as 'the enchanting Ferenc girls'. There was an added zest to this particular evening - inter-posed with terror because of Papa - because they were going to the party alone and unchaperoned. Papa was on one of his long business visits to Budapest, and Mama, irritated because she had forgotten it was Cousin Kati's birthday party and had arranged to play cards, had said impatiently, 'Surely you will not need your mama this evening, my darlings! Uncle Sandor will fetch and carry you, and - after all - you will be in Aunt Gizi's house.' She had paused, wrinkled her pretty forehead, and added slowly, 'I suppose your papa would expect me to go but' - smiling suddenly like an irresponsible child - 'Papa won't be back for three weeks, and by 13