"Do you think I believe all this incredible, romantic nonsense? Why you are some strolling player perhaps!"
"No matter: for we are not likely to meet again," the mask said coldly.
"I am glad," added he, "that the little you have heard and seen of me is disagreeable to you; for, neither wife nor children nor politics should have kept me from Harriette Wilson, if it had been possible for her to have loved me only half as much as she once loved——" he paused.
"Who?"
"Ponsonby."
"Do you know Lord Ponsonby?" I inquired, with surprise.
"It is of no consequence. You are losing your supper. I will conduct you to your own party."
The mask now hurried me along so fast, that I arrived at the table panting for breath.
"Make room for your sister," whispered the mask in Fanny's ear, as soon as he approached her, and the next moment we were both seated.
"Is there nothing in the tone of my voice or in my manner which seems familiar to you?" questioned the mask, in a low voice.