oups, and to take my
part in the various dances which were now following quickly on one
another. The supper was fixed to take place at midnight. At the first
opportunity I had, I looked at the time. Quarter to eleven!--my heart
beat quickly, the blood rushed to my temples and surged noisily in my
ears. The hour I had waited for so long and so eagerly had come! At
last! at last!

* * * * *

Slowly and with a hesitating step I approached my wife. She was resting
after her exertions in the dance, and reclined languidly in a low
velvet chair, chatting gayly with that very Prince de Majano whose
honeyed compliments had partly spoiled the budding sweet nature of the
youngest girl in the room. Apologizing for interrupting the
conversation, I lowered my voice to a persuasive tenderness as I
addressed her.

"Cara, sposina mia! permit me to remind you of your promise."

What a radiant look she gave me!

"I am all impatience to fulfill it! Tell me when--and how?"

"Almost immediately. You know the private passage through which we
entered the hotel this morning on our return from church?"

"Perfectly."

"Well, meet me there in twenty minutes. We must avoid being observed as
we pass out. But," and I touched her delicate dress, "you will wear
something warmer than this?"

"I have a long sable cloak that will do," she replied, brightly. "We
are not going far?"

"No, not far."

"We shall return in time for supper, of course?"

I bent my head.

"Naturally!"

Her eyes danced mirthfully.

"How romantic it seems! A moonlight stroll with you will be charming!
Who shall say you are not a sentimental bridegroom? Is there a bright
moon?"

"I believe so."

"Cosa bellissima!" and she laughed sweetly. "I look forward to the
trip! In twenty minutes then I shall be with you at the place you name,
Cesare; in the meanwhile the Marchese Gualdro claims me for this
mazurka."

And she turned with her bewitching grace of manner to the marchese, who
at that moment advanced with his courteous bow and fascinating smile,
and I watched them as they glided forward together in the first figure
of the elegant Polish dance, in which all lovely women look their
loveliest.

Then, checking the curse that rose to my lips, I hurried away. Up to my
own room I rushed with feverish haste, full of impatience to be rid of
the disguise I had worn so long.

Within a few minutes I stood before my mirror, transformed into