of a room, and ushered in his guest. It was a
small, boudoir-like apartment, and exquisitely furnished. Silken
hangings fell over gold arrows, from the ceiling to the floor.
Tapestry carpets, soft as velvet, covered the floor. Rich ottomans,
superb mirrors, marble tables, and pictures, were crowded together. A
soft light was diffused through the apartment by an alabaster
shade-lamp. An intoxicating perfume loaded the atmosphere, and even
oppressed the senses. Lacour, as he sank upon the sofa, felt overcome
by a strange languor. The mask sat close beside him.

"Captain," said the mask, in a musical, insinuating voice, "have you
ever loved?"

"Before I answer this question," replied Lacour, "I must first know
what prompts you thus to catechize me."

"Because," replied the unknown, "I have deceived you--because I am a
woman--one who has long known and loved you, till an uncontrollable
desire to make this confession has compelled her to a step that you
will blame, and, perhaps, despise her for."

Lacour was puzzled, and remained silent for a few moments.

"I see," said the mask, with a sigh, "you despise me for my very
boldness. Yet, I am a lady of rank and reputation, and my affection
for you is as pure as that of maiden can be."

"Fair lady," said Lacour, "if such you be indeed, you must permit me
to request you to remove that envious mask."

"It may not be," replied the stranger, with a laugh. "Ask that, or
presume to remove this shield, and I vanish like a fairy or a phantom.
But if you promise to be very obedient, I may give you hopes of
disclosing my face--perhaps my name--at our next interview. But in
reward for your submission to my behest, I will allow you, like a
benignant sovereign, to do homage to my ungloved hand."

She withdrew her kid glove, and presented, playfully, a hand so white,
so delicately veined, and small, that Lacour could no longer doubt
that he was addressing a lady. He raised the hand respectfully to his
lips. But he felt now that his suspicions were groundless, and that he
did wrong in deceiving a person, who, however romantic and
unjustifiable her behavior might seem, was still one entitled to
respect and honor. But as he was framing an apology for taking
advantage of her mistaking him, the stranger suddenly sprang upon him
like a tigress. The delicate hand he had just kissed now compressed
his throat like an iron vice; the other suddenly brandished in the air
a small _silver hammer_