Master Abraham gave the key to Matyi, making him promise not to drop any of the hay about, because it was dear; and, after watching till he had returned, he re-entered, and resumed his seat without speaking. In a few minutes, Matyi came in again: "Where shall I find a tavern sir?" "A tavern! what do you want a tavern for?" "Not for the horses, sir, but for myself. I want to get a glass of wine." "Well, I will give you one just now," said Uncle Abris, and taking the key of the cellar, he went out, desiring Matyi to wait at the entrance. Boriska stormed and dashed about, scolding and holding forth to herself. Scarcely had the old gentleman re-entered and silence resumed her reign, than Matyi appeared a third time: "Boriska wants to know, sir, what she shall cook for supper?" "Supper! are you used to sup?" asked Uncle Abris, turning to his guests. "That we are," replied Karely quickly, before his gentle mother had time to say the contrary. Master Abris sighed deeply, rose and went into the kitchen, whence he was heard talking in a low voice to Boriska, who, on the contrary, spoke as loud as possible, so as to be heard in the next room. "What! that beautiful fowl!--have you lost your senses? I make a fire now! there is no wood cut. Let them eat cheese, there is plenty of bread. Indeed I shall not open the pot of preserves--I can't knead puddings, I've a sore hand. I am not a cook; and why don't you keep one, if you want to turn innkeeper?" All this was heard distinctly by the guests within. And now, for once, Uncle Abris really got into a passion, and, going out to the court, he struck down a renowned cock with the rolling-pin, and, lighting a fire himself, he set to work to pluck it, till Boriska, seeing it was in vain to oppose, snatched the cock from his hands and turned him out of the kitchen. In about two hours the banquet was ready. The unhappy cock had been burnt to a cinder, and his bones were not harder than his flesh. The half-baked bread stuck to the knife when it was cut, and to the palate when it was chewed; and the dishes were so full of salt and cayenne that tears came into the eyes of the eaters. The lady sat at the head of the table, and scarcely tasted anything; she sighed deeply on seeing the worm-eaten holes in her dear mother's table-linen, the well-known knives and forks loosened from their deer's-horn handles, and the old family plate all bruised and broken. What may not a man come to who has no wife to keep his house in order! During supper Uncle Abris, having taken some wine, ventured to break the silence, and asked his sister whither she was _en route_. She replied, smiling, that they were going to visit Gabor Berkessy. "What! to that detestable man!" exclaimed Uncle Abris, somewhat under the influence of the wine. "Why is he a detestable man?" asked Karely, half amused, half annoyed.