“‘Leopold!—but hush—we are observed.’
“I looked up and saw a tall Bulgarian gazing at us. The mask of course prevented me from distinguishing his features, but by the red sparkle of his eye I instantly recognised Duke Albrecht.
“‘Forgive me, dearest Amalia, for one moment. I will rejoin you in the second apartment——’
“‘For the sake of the Virgin, Leopold—do not tempt him! you know not the power, the malignity of the man.’
“‘Were he ten times a duke, I’d beard him! Pardon me, lady. He has defied me already by his looks, and a Mandeville never yet shrunk from any encounter. Prince Metternich will protect you until my return.’
“The good-natured statesman, who was sauntering past unmasked, instantly offered his arm to the agitated Margravine. They retired. I strode up to the Bulgarian, who remained as motionless as a statue.
“‘Give you good-evening, cavalier. What is your purpose to-night?’
“‘To chastise insolence and punish presumption! What is yours?’
“‘To rescue innocence and beauty from the persecution of overweening power!’