one of the group who had remained. Esther murmured a word in
Lucien's ear just as her knees gave way, and Lucien, supporting
her, led her away.

Rastignac watched the pretty pair, lost in meditation.

"How did she get her name of La Torpille?" asked a gloomy voice that
struck to his vitals, for it was no longer disguised.

"_He_ again--he has made his escape!" muttered Rastignac to himself.

"Be silent or I murder you," replied the mask, changing his voice. "I
am satisfied with you, you have kept your word, and there is more than
one arm ready to serve you. Henceforth be as silent as the grave; but,
before that, answer my question."

"Well, the girl is such a witch that she could have magnetized the
Emperor Napoleon; she could magnetize a man more difficult to
influence--you yourself," replied Rastignac, and he turned to go.

"One moment," said the mask; "I will prove to you that you have never
seen me anywhere."

The speaker took his mask off; for a moment Rastignac hesitated,
recognizing nothing of the hideous being he had known formerly at
Madame Vauquer's.

"The devil has enabled you to change in every particular, excepting
your eyes, which it is impossible to forget," said he.