'How knew you that I was in the cabinet, Chevalier?' I asked, leaping out.
'Nicola, the Countess's attendant—'
'She with the beautiful hair?' said I.
'Ah—thou hast observed that!' said the Prince, knitting his brows.
'How could I fail to do so? Well, and the pretty Mademoiselle Nicola—'
'Brought me the key of the cabinet, which, with a significant glance, the Countess threw to her from the carriage unseen, as she drove off with the King; and mademoiselle told me to release you. But, my friend, to be one of the Scottish Guard, you are engaged in a perilous game, I think. Peste! if King Louis discovers you playing at bo-peep in Clara's apartment, I would not give much for your chance of promotion, unless at the Place de la Grève.'
'These risks are my own, Chevalier,' I replied coldly; 'but pray what Prince is this whom I have the honour of being before?'
'Your word of honour that you will not mention his name to any one?'
I gave the promise, laying a hand on my heart.
'Allow me to make known to each other,' said the Chevalier, with somewhat of a mock reverence, 'M. Arthur Blane, of the Garde du Corps Ecossais, and Monseigneur the Prince of Vaudemont.'