I did not want to give my name to a
stranger, and now to recognize in my companion one of our own legation
is really a piece of great good fortune. We cannot talk here. I may be
able to be of service to the legation--to my country, but we dare not
talk here. What I have to say is long. You must not call on me, but we
must meet. Come to the masked ball at the palace to-morrow--no, not
you. Some one who is not of the legation--some one you can trust. It
is a masquerade as you must know. I shall wear a mask--a black domino
with a red rose on one sleeve, a white one on the other. Let your
friend say, 'Lincoln.' I shall answer, 'America.' But do let him be
careful."

I said, "Yes; I will arrange it."

"Oh, thank you. Talk now of something else."

I said, "Yes, in a moment." It occurred to me that I might use Merton.
"My friend will be in our army uniform, an entirely unsuspected man.
How pretty those flowers are!"

I found her charming, a widow, and if I might judge from her jewels,
one at ease in regard to money. Before we left, after dinner, I had a
few minutes more of talk with her in the drawing-room. She was free
from the look of care I had observed when presented.

"Good-by," I said, as we parted, "and be assured that you have
friends."

"Oh, thank you!" she murmured. "But I am involving others in my
difficulties. I wish I had never done it. Good night." I went home,
curious and perplexed.

Early in the morning of the next day I went to the rooms of our first
secretary. In reply to my request, he said he had two cards for the
ball at my disposal, and would arrange matters with the master of
ceremonies. I accepted one card for Merton, and went away well pleased
and regretful that I found it better, as she had done, to leave this
singular errand to another.

I made haste to call on Merton, and finding him in, related my
fortunate meeting with Mme. Bellegarde, and told him what she expected
us to do. He was much pleased, and I happy in finding for our purpose
a man whom no one was likely to watch. I urged him, however, to be
cautious, and went away, arranging that he should call on me after the
ball, even though his visit might be far on in the night. I was too
curious and too anxious to wait longer.

It was after three in the morning when he aroused me from the nap into
which I had fallen.

"By George!" he cried, "she is a delightful and a brave woman. I told
you so; but, good heavens! she is in a sad scrap