horrid dream. You _are_ a brave
man, and what is better, a sensible one, for you submitted to the
inevitable with the best possible grace. But you talk of love as
readily as a hero in a popular novel."

"I never go back," said I. "It seems incredible, doesn't it, that I
should declare myself in this fashion? Listen. For my part, I believe
that all this was written,--my Tom-foolery in Mouquin's, my imposture
and yours, the two identical cards,--the adventure from beginning to
end."

Silence.

"Suppose I should say," the girl began, looking out of the window,
"that in the restaurant you aroused my curiosity, that in the cellars
my admiration was stirred, that the frank manner in which you expressed
your regard for me to--to the burglar--awakened--"

"What?" I cried eagerly.

"Nothing. It was merely a supposition."

"Hang it; I _do_ love you!"

"Are you still the Capuchin, or simply Mr. Comstalk?"

"I have laid aside all masks, even that which hides the heart."

She turned and looked me steadily in the eyes.

"Well?" said I.

"If I took you on--on approval, what in the world should I do with you
in case you should not suit my needs?"

"You could return me," said I laughing.

But she didn't.

***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HEARTS AND MASKS***

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