he was but a nibbler—a mere fool—to this stranger of the green domino. He passed from chamber to chamber—from table to table of refreshments—not tasting, but devouring—devastating—all before him. At one board he despatched a fowl, two-thirds of a ham, and half-a-dozen bottles of champagne; and, the very next moment, he was found seated in another apartment performing the same feat, with a stomach better than at first. This strange course went on until the company (who at first had been amused by it) became alarmed and tumultuous.
"Is it the same mask—or are there several dressed alike?" demanded an officer of guards as the green domino rose from a seat opposite to him and quitted the apartment.
"I have seen but one—and, by Heaven, here he is again," exclaimed the party to whom the query was addressed.
The green domino spoke not a word, but proceeded straight to the vacant seat which he had just left, and again commenced supping, as though he had fasted for the half of a campaign.
At length the confusion which this proceeding created became universal; and the cause reached the ear of the Dauphin.
"He is the very devil, your highness!" exclaimed an old nobleman—"saving your Highness's presence—or wants but a tail to be so!"
"Say, rather he should be some famished poet, by his appetite," replied the Prince, laughing. "But there must be some juggling; he spills all his wine, and hides the provisions under his robe."
Even while they were speaking, the green domino entered the room in which they were talking, and, as usual, proceeded to the table of refreshments.
"See here, my lord!" cried one—"I have seen him do this thrice!"
"I, twice!"—"I, five times!"—"and I, fifteen."