r finger, which was precisely like one that the
Marquise de Bruyeres always wore.

A little troubled by this strange coincidence, he took leave abruptly of
the fair Yolande and her devoted old uncle, and hastened to the masked
lady's box. But, prompt as his movements had been, he was too late--the
nest was empty--the bird had flown. The lady, whoever she might be, had
vanished, and the suspicious husband was left in considerable vexation
and perplexity. "Could it be possible," he murmured, as his doubts
became almost certainty, "that she was sufficiently infatuated to fall
in love with that miserable Leander, and follow him here? Fortunately I
had the rascal thoroughly thrashed, so I am even with him, how ever it
may be." This thought restored his ruffled serenity, and he made his way
as fast as he could to the green-room, to rejoin the soubrette, who had
been impatiently expecting him, and did not hesitate to rate him soundly
for his unwonted delay.

When all was over, and Leander--who had been feeling excessively anxious
about the sudden disappearance of his marquise--was free, he immediately
repaired to the open square where he had been first bidden to meet
the carriage sent to fetch him, and where he had found it awaiting him
nightly ever since. The little page, who was there alone, put a letter
and a small package into his hand, without a word, and then running
swiftly away, before Leander had time to question him, vanished in
the darkness. The note, which was signed simply Marie, was from the
marquise, who said that she feared her husband's suspicions had been
excited, and that it would no longer be safe for them to meet just then,
bade him an affectionate farewell until it might be their good
fortune to see each other again, expressed much regret at this unlucky
contretemps, and begged him to accept the gold chain she sent therewith
as a little souvenir, to remind him of the many happy hours they had
spent together. Leander was at first very much vexed and disappointed,
but was somewhat reconciled and consoled when he felt the weight of his
golden treasure, and saw its length and thickness; and, on the whole,
was rather glad to come off with such flying colours from an adventure
that might have brought down a yet more severe punishment than that he
had already received upon his devoted head.

When Isabelle regained her own room she found a very rich and elegant
casket awaiting her there, which had been placed c