Can such things be? Engelbert Esztherhazy, scion, of aristocracy in Scythia-Pannonia-Transbalkania (fourth largest empire in Europe the Turks were fifth]), could not have cared less. He had served his country and his Emperor in war; he now led the leisured life of his class. But then events overtook him, caught him up, whirled him about; and when he found his feet again, he was a changed man. The servant of a visiting king was undoubtedly...