* * * * *
When I recovered my senses, I was still in the arms of my master. He had borne me to the window, and torn open my vest and shirt-collar. I looked up in his face. One glance revealed to me that my secret was discovered.
Blushing and trembling, I tried to raise myself from his arms; but he held me fast.
'Eugene,' said he, in earnest tones, 'tell me the truth. Are you indeed a woman?'
'I am. My name is Eugenie D——, O my dear master! forgive the deception I have practiced. Do not despise me.'
'Eugenie!' cried he, in joyful accents, 'you shall go with me to the East! You shall go as my wife! Vive I' Empereur!
'But wherefore this disguise?' he added.
I told him my story in few words; and informed him that I was that very young woman who had applied to him for the office I now held.
'Is it possible?' exclaimed he. 'But, Eugenie, tell me—do you really love me as you have so often protested you did?'
'Yes, my dear master,' I whispered.