it would be a pack, monsieur,
in which you would be about equal to the deuce," he said.

"Or the joker," said the other, as they moved away, "which, in a
gentleman's game, has no place."

Our man made a quick step toward them; but Moore caught him sharply by
the shoulder.

"Let them go," he said curtly.

The other hesitated--then shrugged his shoulders.

"For the present be it, then," he said.

"And, look you, sir," Moore went on; "I do not know you, but, if you
will take my poor advice, you will let it be for the future, too." He
offered his arm to his companion. "Mademoiselle, shall we continue the
stroll?"

"What a queer speech," said my Masque, "one might almost fancy they
were of royal rank."

"The King, possibly," I suggested.

"Nonsense, monsieur; you know perfectly well His Majesty is not in
Dornlitz."

"The Duke of Lotzen and the American Archduke, then."

She laughed. "Very likely; very likely, indeed!"

"Mademoiselle is pleased to ridicule."

"And monsieur is pleased to affect ignorance."

"Of what?" I asked.

"When did your Knaveship come to Dornlitz?"

"Very recently."

"You must be a very stupid--diplomat."

"I am," I agreed.

"Do you know the 'American Archduke,' as you call him?"

"Very slightly," said I.

"Doubtless you would rather know his wife," she said naively.

"Then you think he is married?" I asked.

"Of course, monsieur--so does everyone--don't you?"

"No," said I. "I don't."

She laughed. "You mean you don't want to think so,----madame is very
beautiful--_n'est ce pas_?"

"Do you know her?" I asked evasively.

"No, monsieur; do you?"

"I have met her."

"Oh! Oh!" she exclaimed. Then she looked at me quickly. "I thought
she received no visitors."

I shrugged my shoulders. "The lady does not interest me," I said; "let
us talk of something else."

"Of the American Archduke, then," she suggested.

"Why not of yourself?" I urged.

"I am only a Masque--the American may be a King."

"Not likely," I scoffed.

"Are you for Lotzen?" she demanded.

"Diplomats are neutral," said I; "but, _entre nous_, I have become
rather interested in the American."

"So have I," said she. "He is very handsome."

"Thank you," I said, involuntarily.

She stopped and looked at me. I was glad, indeed, for the mask.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Would you mind repeating that last remark?" she said.

I pretended surprise.

"You said the American was very han