"Nothing, monsieur; I nearly lost my balance. I believe that you did me the honor of addressing me. What were you saying, pray?"
"I asked you why you are masked."
"That is a plain question," said the young man, "and I will reply with equal frankness; I am masked in order to conceal my face."
"Then it is a face that I know?"
"I think not; but having seen it once you might know it again later; and that, in my opinion, would be utterly useless."
"I should say that you were quite as outspoken as myself."
"Yes, when outspokenness can do me no harm.
"Does your frankness go so far as to lead you to disclose the secrets of others?"
"Why not, if such disclosure can be of advantage to me?"