to you, even if your mask was removed, sir; but I
happened to overhear a conversation relative to a person in a domino
such as you wear. I may be mistaken, and if so, there is no harm done;"
and our hero turned away.

"Stop him, dear Henry," said a soft female voice. "I fear that there is
danger: he can have told you but from kindness."

The person in the domino immediately followed Joey, and accosted him,
apologising for his apparent rudeness at receiving his communication,
which he ascribed to the suddenness with which it was given, and
requested, as a favour, that our hero would inform him why he had
thought it necessary.

"I will tell you, certainly; not that I interfere with other people's
concerns; but when I saw that one of them had a poniard--"

"A poniard!" exclaimed the female, who had now joined them.

"Yes," replied Joey; "and appeared determined to use it. In one word,
madam, is your name, Miriam? If so, what I heard concerns you; if not,
it does not, and I need say no more."

"Sir, it does concern her," replied the domino; "and I will thank you to
proceed."

Our hero then stated briefly what he had overheard, and that the parties
were then in pursuit of them.

"We are lost!" exclaimed the young woman. "We shall never escape from
the gardens! What must we do? My brother in his wrath is as a lion's
whelp."

"I care little for myself," replied the domino. "I could defend myself;
but, if we meet, I shall lose you. Your father would tear you away
while I was engaged with your brother."

"At all events, sir, I should recommend your not remaining in these dark
walks," replied our hero, "now that you are aware of what may take
place."

"And yet, if we go into the lighted part of the gardens, they will soon
discover us, now that they have, as it appears, gained a knowledge of my
dress."

"Then put it off," said Joey.

"But they know my person even better," rejoined the domino. "Your
conduct, sir, has been so kind, that perhaps you would be inclined to
assist us?"

Our hero was in love himself, and, of course, felt sympathy for others
in the same predicament; so he replied that, if he could be of service,
they might command him.

"Then, Miriam, dear, what I propose is this; will you put yourself under
the protection of this stranger? I think you risk nothing, for he has
proved that he is kind. You may then, without fear of detection, pass
through the gardens, and be conducted by him