Baroness Orczy

“ The meal was cleared away, András had asked that the candles might be taken away, he longed to sit quietly in the dark, close to his mother, her fond sympathising hand, resting on his burning forehead, so as to chase away the devils of hatred and revenge, which ran riot in his brain. He longed for peace and darkness too because he wanted to indulge in the nursing of a certain fairy vision, which in broad, prosy light, his own common-sense told him to chase away, but which in the gloom, became akin to a dream, from which the awaking, perhaps, would not be so bitter. ”

“ The plain, usually so silent and peaceful at night, under the blue vault of heaven, beneath the glittering stars, was now alive with terror-stricken cries, which seemed to rise from everywhere. A slight summer breeze fanned the flames, and spread them eastwards over rich maize fields, wooden sheds and even stables. András galloped on, his heart full of dark foreboding, gazing at the fire kindled by God’s hands, his mother had said, to punish the arrogant lord. ”

“ Etelka who had no flitting visions on which to dwell had closed her eyes, and her quiet breathing made a soothing accompaniment to András’ wakeful dreams. Suddenly it seemed as if a curious light was discernible through the open casement, out beyond the desolate plain, on the horizon far away. András had sprung to his feet, and gazed out, not understanding at first, the lurid light which gradually illumined the sky. A hurried, anxious knock at the outer door, had also aroused Etelka, and the two little maids had run in, looking very frightened. ”