XXIV
THE ROSE-COLORED DOMINO
All the party bowed respectfully as the king came slowly down the great walk, giving his arm to the Princess de Gonzague. Then, anxious to avoid any appearance of intruding upon the privacy of the monarch, they drifted off in search of fresh amusement.
Louis addressed the princess, indicating the gayety around him with a wave of his arm. "After so long an absence from the world, all this folly must worry you a little."
The princess looked at him sadly. "The world and I have little more to say to each other. I come here to-night to meet one who has promised to tell me of my husband, of my child."
"Lagardere?" said the king, gravely.
And as gravely the princess answered: "Lagardere."
"At midnight?" asked the king.
"Yes," said the princess.