"Who is that?" asked the General's lady.
"His Royal Highness," replied the General. "I am quite sure of it. I knew him directly by the pressure of his hand."
The General's lady doubted it.
General Rubens had no doubts about it. He went up to the black domino and wrote the royal letters in the mask's hand. These were denied, but the mask gave him a hint.
The words that came with the saddle: "One whom you do not know, General."
"But I do know you," said the General. "It was you who sent me the saddle."
The domino raised his hand, and disappeared among the other guests.
"Who is that black domino with whom you were dancing, Emily?" asked the General's lady.
"I did not ask his name," she replied, "because you knew it. It is the Professor. Your protege is here, Count!" she continued, turning to that nobleman, who stood close by. "A black domino with acacia blossoms in his cap."
"Very likely, my dear lady," replied the Count. "But one of the Princes wears just the same costume."