felt her arm touched, and, turning around, saw two masks wrapped in
dark dominoes before her.

"Beautiful odalisque, I bring you your sultan." murmured one of
them, in whom she recognized Baron Pollnitz.

"And where is my sultan?" she asked.

"Here," said the second mask, offering the beautiful lady his arm.
Louise saw those glorious eyes beaming upon her through his mask-
eyes which the king and Prince Henry alone possessed.

"Ah, my prince!" she murmured softly and reproachfully, "you see
that it is I who have waited."

The prince did not answer, but conducted her hastily through the
crowd. They had soon reached the end of the saloon. A small flight
of steps led them to a little boudoir opening on a balcony. Into
this boudoir Pollnitz led the silent pair, then bowing low he left
them.

"My God! your highness, if we should be surprised here!"

"Fear nothing, we will not be surprised. Pollnitz guards the door.
Now, as we are alone and undisturbed, let us lay aside our
disguises."

Thus speaking, the supposed prince removed his mask and laid it upon
the table.