"A bargain!"
The Monk laughed, and her chaperon opened her eyes and smiled apologetically. The Cavalier laughed, too, and said:
"Good! That was the laugh; now the unmasking."
"And you positively will give the money to the managers not later than to-morrow evening?"
"Not later. It shall be done without fail."
"Well, wait till I put on my wrappings; I must be ready to run."
This delightful nonsense was interrupted by the return of the Fille à la Cassette and her aged, but sprightly, escort, from a circuit of the floor. Madame again opened her eyes, and the four prepared to depart. The Dragoon helped the Monk to fortify herself against the outer air. She was ready before the others. There was a pause, a low laugh, a whispered "Now!" She looked upon an unmasked, noble countenance, lifted her own mask a little, and then a little more; and then shut it quickly down again upon a face whose beauty was more than even those fascinating graces had promised which Honoré Grandissime had fitly named the Morning; but it was a face he had never seen before.
"Hush!" she said, "the enemies of religion are watching us; the Huguenotte saw me. Adieu"--and they were gone.