t proportion--seemed to be gifted with an _appetite_, not merely
past human conception, but passing the fancies of even romance.

The dragon of old, who churches ate
(He used to come on a Sunday),
Whole congregations were to him
But a dish of Salmagundi,--

he was but a nibbler--a mere fool--to this stranger of the green
domino. He passed from chamber to chamber--from table to table of
refreshments--not tasting, but devouring--devastating--all before
him. At one board he despatched a fowl, two-thirds of a ham, and
half-a-dozen bottles of champagne; and, the very next moment, he was
found seated in another apartment performing the same feat, with a
stomach better than at first. This strange course went on until the
company (who at first had been amused by it) became alarmed and
tumultuous.

"Is it the same mask--or are there several dressed alike?" demanded
an officer of guards as the green domino rose from a seat opposite to
him and quitted the apartment.

"I have seen but one--and, by Heaven, here he is again," exclaimed
the party to whom the query was addressed.

The green domino spoke not a word, but proceeded straight to the
vacant seat which he had just left, and again commenced supping, as
though he had fasted for the half of a campaign.

At length the confusion which this proceeding created became
universal; and the cause reached the ear of the Dauphin.

"He is the very devil, your highness!" exclaimed an old
nobleman--"saving your Highness's presence--or wants but a tail to
be so!"

"Say, rather he should be some famished poet, by his appetite,"
replied the Prince, laughing. "But there must be some juggling; he
spills all his wine, and hides the provisions under his robe."

Even while they were speaking, the green domino entered the room in
which they were talking, and, as usual, proceeded to the table of
refreshments.

"See here, my lord!" cried one--"I have seen him do this thrice!"

"I, twice!"--"I, five times!"--"and I, fifteen."

This was too much. The master of the ceremonies was questioned. He
knew nothing--and the green domino was interrupted as he was carrying
a bumper of claret to his lips.

"The Prince's desire is, that Monsieur who wears the green domino
should unmask." The stranger hesitated.

"The command with which his Highness honours Monsieur is perfectly
absolute."

Against that which is absolute there is no contending