it was almost dark; but there was a dim light in
the passage, and through the foliage we saw two figures standing side
by side not three feet from us. In the orange hood of one I recognised
De Ganache, and the other--yes, that laugh and voice, once heard, were
never to be forgotten.

De Ganache held her hand in his. He raised it to his lips, and
covering it with kisses broke into mad, foolish words--the speech of a
man who has cast aside all self-respect, all honour. Ere he had spoken
ten words, however, mademoiselle had sprung from her seat and stepped
out into the passage, I following on her heels. At sight of her De
Ganache went back as if he had been struck; but with superb insolence
the Duchess stood in her way.

"So," she said in hard tones, "this is the second time to-night!" And
then, with a shameless laugh, she turned to De Ganache. "You are
unfortunate, Monsieur le Vicomte; you see, I have a rival even here. I
congratulate mademoiselle on the quickness with which she has learned
the lessons of the Court." And with a mocking bow she took De Ganache
by the arm and swept down the passage.

Mademoiselle was shivering from head to foot, and even by the uncertain
light I could see her eyes were swimming with tears. For a moment all
her courage, all her high spirit, seemed to have left her.

"Oh, what does this mean?" she moaned. "What does she mean by the
second time? I----"

"She meant, mademoiselle, that she had met the Queen, who is masked as
you are; but, Queen or no Queen," I went on grimly, "you have had
enough of this, and I will take you back at once. There! Put on your
mask, and draw your hood up--and come!"

I led her back towards the main entrance, which we managed to gain this
time without much difficulty, and thence into the gardens.
Mademoiselle spoke no word, nor did I intrude upon her thoughts. We
crossed the Ladies' Terrace, the little groups of people scattered here
and there being much too absorbed in their own business to take any
note of us, and finally stood once more upon the battlements. Along
these we hurried until we reached the stairway leading to the
Philippine, and as we came up two figures stepped out of the shadow
into our path. My charge shrank back with a little gasp of alarm, so
sudden and unexpected was their appearance, and I half drew my poniard,
but put it back again on the moment, for I recognised De Lorgnac and Le
Brusquet.

"I thought we would meet yo