he
carried a letter or two, or a keepsake, from the lady near the region of
his heart.

"She may need the tonic of some Platonic love in order to bear the
burden of a solitary life," said the Marquis; "but, all the same, I have
no especial reason to think that M. de Hausee is her ideal."

"He is the ideal of several persons," said Alchingen; "I don't know what
to make of him."

But at this point Castrillon displayed a maddening discretion. The
Prince was glad when he took his departure, and he exhausted his stock
of malice in wishing the young coxcomb to the devil. His Excellency was
becoming more and more morose over his snuff and the last mail--which
was longer and duller than usual--with a peculiarly sharp note from his
Chief into the bargain--when Mudara was announced.

Mudara bowed to perfection, and then, going forward, presumed to put his
hand on the Ambassador's arm.

"Your Excellency," said he, "I have some important news. On the whole it
is gratifying. It may make us cynical, but it is absurd to expect human
nature to be Divine. Mrs. Parflete has been at Orange's lodgings this
afternoon."

"You don't mean it?"

"Indeed, it is too true. When he moved to Vigo Street, I was fortunate
enough to secure a room in the same house immediately under his."

"Good!"

"I was sitting at my table, with the door just ajar, when I heard, at
six o'clock, a rustle of silk skirts on the stairs. I peeped out. I saw
a tall lady, thickly veiled, following our landlord, Dunton, across the
landing. She caught sight of me, and started violently."

"Was it Mrs. Parflete?"

"I could _swear_" he answered slowly, "that it was Mrs. Parflete.... She
reached Orange's door; Dunton tapped; Orange came out; the lady and he
exchanged glances; they entered the room together, and he closed the
door. Three-quarters of an hour later they came down the stairs and left
the house."

"You followed them?"

"Alas! I couldn't. I was not alone. Parflete himself was with me. I
dared not trust him out of my sight. He, following his custom, grew
faint at the sight of Madame----"

"Then he, too, recognised her? This is excellent."

"He recognised her height and her figure. Besides, whom else could it
have been--if not Mrs. Parflete? M. de Hausee has no sister, and we know
his character. The caprice of fortune has honoured him with many faults,
but gallantry is not among them. I have that from those who knew him
when he was too young to disgu