nd costumed somewhat like myself."

She touched a bell; I held up my mask.

"Admit the gentleman in black velvet, like Monsieur," she ordered.

"Goodness!" she exclaimed, when Moore entered.

"Puzzle," said I. "Pick the Archduke."

"Impossible--and, if you two go around together, some of my guests will
think they are getting double vision very early in the evening."

From the recess, we could see all that entered and hear every word
said. And it struck me how very eloquent it was of the character of
the Marquise de Vierle that she should, deliberately, provide a
concealed audience while she greeted--alone--every man and woman of
Dornlitz Society. I must admit I rather enjoyed the experience--though
I very rarely guessed the face behind the mask. It is astonishing how
effectively an unusual costume disguises even those we know well.

Suddenly, the Marquis entered hurriedly.

"Do you know, Claire," he said, "that the American Archduke is here
to-night?"

Instantly I laid my hand on the sliding door. It was time for us to be
going. And the door refused to move. I looked at Moore, who shrugged
his shoulders. I could imagine the smile his mask concealed. But the
Marquise met the situation with a laugh.

"I do indeed--and I rather fancy you will find His Highness in yonder
recess," she said.

I parted the curtains and stepped out--and Colonel Moore beside me.

"Madame la Marquise has taken pity on the stranger," I said; "and has
given him an opportunity to recognize his friends."

If the diplomat were surprised, no one would have guessed it--except
that his bow was more than usually low.

"It is a great privilege, my dear Prince, if we can be of any use to
you," he said.

I took a sudden resolve. "I very much fear my unexpected presence
to-night is a source of concern and inconvenience to Your Excellency,"
I said. "With your permission I will take my leave," and I made to go.

Vierle came quickly to me.

"It will make the Marquise and me most unhappy, if you do," he said.
"And I shall tell you frankly what brought me here. The lady who
styles herself your wife is among the guests--she is in the next room,
now, waiting to be admitted. My purpose was to have the Marquise
request her to depart at once."

I laughed, and put my hand on his shoulder.

"So far as I am concerned," I said, "I pray you do nothing of the sort.
The lady does not bother me in the slightest. Besides, she will not
know