"How know you that I am of the same order?"
"The 'Transfigured' cannot be hidden from each other."
"Paul," she whispered, "I must speak with this man alone for a short time. Remain here."
The princess arose, and in company with the newcomer paced slowly to and fro along the terrace, repeatedly passing Paul.
This proceeding on the part of Barbara was somewhat strange, but not altogether incomprehensible. Paul had learned that the word "Transfigured" was used by the patriots of Czernova in the sense of one who, from a state of despair as regards Poland, had passed to a state of hope. Its English equivalent was "conspirator." The term naturally associated itself with the Convent of the Transfiguration, and hence Paul concluded that this masked individual was a monk sent from that very mysterious monastery with some important message.
The conversation, of which he did not overhear one word, occupied about fifteen minutes, and ended by the monk passing some papers to the princess, who immediately concealed them upon her person, an action performed so quickly that Paul almost doubted whether it had really taken place.
This transference of documents accomplished, the monk glided quietly away, and the princess returned to the side of Paul.
Ere he had time to question Barbara on the nature of the interview, Paul saw with surprise a second masked friar making his way along the terrace. He was robed so precisely like the other that Paul at first thought it was the same individual; but a nearer view showed that he was of shorter and more massive build. There could be no doubt that he, too, was bent on having an interview with the princess.
Was this sort of thing to last all night?
Barbara guessed his thoughts, and her teeth gleamed in a pretty smile beneath the silken fringe of her vizard.