'Lady,' he exclaimed, taking her hand and pressing it tenderly, 'pardon my rudeness; but I am overcome by feelings which I never before experienced. Although your face is concealed by your mask, I know you are beautiful--the rich luxuriance of your raven hair, and the exquisite proportions of this fair hand, are proofs of the angelic loveliness of your countenance. Am I presumptuous and bold--does my language give you offence?--if so, I will tear myself from your side, though it will rend my heart with anguish to do so. You do not speak--you are offended with me; farewell, then--' 'Stay,' murmured Josephine--'I am not offended, sire--far from it; you are courteous and gallant, and why should I be displeased?' The gentleman kissed her hand with rapture. 'Oh,' said he, in a low tone--'I am entranced by your kindness. You will be surprised when I assure you that I am but a novice in the way of love; and yet I most solemnly declare that never before have I pressed woman's hand with passion--never before has my heart beat with the tumult of amorous inclination--never before have I clasped woman's lovely form as I now clasp yours.' And he encircled the yielding form of Josephine with his arms. 'Why have you been such a novice in the delights of love?' she asked, permitting him to clasp her passionately to his breast. 'Dear lady,' he replied--'my position in life is one that precludes me in a great measure from the enjoyment of sensual indulgences; and I have heretofore imagined myself impervious to the attacks of Venus; but ah! you have conquered me. My leisure moments have been devoted to study and contemplation; I ventured here to-night to be a spectator of the joys of others, not designing to participate in those joys myself. The graceful voluptuousness of your form, developed by this boyish costume, fired my soul with new and strange sensations, which, so help me heaven! I never experienced before. Ah, I would give half of my existence to be allowed to kiss those luscious lips!' 'You can have your wish at a far less expense,' murmured the lady, her bosom heaving with passionate emotions. 'But first remove that mask,' said the gentleman, enraptured at the success of the first intrigue of his life. 'I have no objection to uncover my countenance, provided you bestow upon me a similar favor,' replied Josephine. 'I am most anxious to preserve my _incognito_,' said the gentleman, in a tone of hesitation. 'My standing and peculiar occupation in life are entirely incompatible with such a festival as this, and my reputation would be dangerously compromised, if not utterly ruined. Nay, then, since you insist upon it, fair creature, I will unmask, trusting to your honor as a lady to keep my secret.' He uncovered his face, and Josephine was thunderstruck when she recognized in the amorous stranger, no less a personage than Dr. Sinclair, the pious and eloquent rector of St. Paul's.