er mother, Madame Duboc.
M. de Hausee, of purer blood, is like those players who, in spite
of an air of indifference at great losses, feel them none the less.
I consider it my duty as a gentleman to say that his bearing
through the ordeal did credit to his noble family and his personal
character. The Archduchess, who is foolhardy and insolent, does not
deserve such a lover, and it is grievous to think that such a
termagant should have so much power over such a man. I regard her
as I would some poisonous reptile. Piety--which improves most
women--only seems to render her the more defiant, and love--which
softens most wills--makes hers the more hard. After parting with M.
de Hausee she swooned, and I thought what a merciful thing it would
be for all of us if she never regained consciousness. This
idea--which may have been an inspiration--was before me, when I
heard a slight rustling behind the curtains. I pulled out my
revolver (although I had no intention of firing), aimed it, and
said, "Who is there?"

To my amazement, Parflete himself came out.

"For God's sake, don't shoot," said he, "it is I."

He cried bitterly at the sight of the Archduchess--for she was
looking extraordinarily beautiful. He cursed himself loudly, put me
to terrible anxiety, and I repented of my recklessness in not
getting rid of such a fool long ago. With great presence of mind I
rang the bell, and we withdrew to my hiding-place while the
servant came in, raised a hue and cry, and finally carried the
insensible Archduchess to a bedroom. When the coast was clear we
emerged. I asked Parflete what he meant to do, why he was there,
and how he had got into the house.

"To sound the soul of another," said he, still maudlin. "You must
first have searched deeply your own. Remorse has brought me here.
My better nature reasserts itself." And more to that effect. "There
is nothing new under the sun!" he wound up.

"Why should there be?" said I, exasperated. "Come to the point."

"My wife is the purest, noblest of beings!" said he.

"You will defend any jade on earth, provided she be handsome," said
I, but seeing an ugly light in his eye, I added, "but H.I.H. is
certainly respectable. To this we have both been witnesses."

"What is to be done?" he cried, beating his hea