"I could wish, sir, that this interview, began under such gloomy auspices, should at least end gaily; for, after all, are we not at a masked ball at the Opera? Besides, why should we part in sadness? I believed that you were acquainted with an annoying secret; it is not the case, my fears were futile and are forgotten. I have the recollection of my duty, to defend me from your declarations, as well as my utter indifference as to the revelation that has been made to you. Our position is perfectly clear, what more could any one desire? Farewell, this interview convinces me, that your high reputation is well merited, I know that I need not recommend you to secrecy on the subject of a step that would painfully compromise me. For precaution's sake, I will leave the box first; you will have the kindness to wait here a short time." As she spoke, Madame de Hansfeld rose, replaced her mask, and opened the door of the box. "Ah, madame," exclaimed De Morville, "for Heaven's sake one word more." Madame de Hansfeld made a gesture so proud, so dignified, that De Morville no longer endeavoured to prolong the interview. The princess opened the door and disappeared; in a few minutes De Morville followed her example. As he passed before the chest we have previously spoken of, he found a crowd, so great, that whilst waiting to pass it he had time to overhear these words:-- "My stars! Brévannes," said the malicious domino, who had been sitting all the evening on the chest, "what a sensation you produce! what a scream the domino with a knot of blue and yellow ribands gave when she passed you!" "I don't claim the merit," replied M. de Brévannes, gaily; "I am no more responsible for the domino's scream than Fierval or Heronville." "The domino could not have been more alarmed if she had seen the devil himself," said M. de Fierval. M. de Morville listened with the greatest attention when he found that the princess formed the subject of their conversation (she wore, as our readers will recollect, a knot of blue and yellow ribands, which she had not removed; De Morville had had the precaution to take off his). "It was one of your victims, perhaps," said Fierval, jestingly, to M. de Brévannes. "The unhappy creature has suddenly recognised him," said another. "Faithless man!" "Perfidious monster!" "Who knows?" said the domino, "perhaps it was your wife, Brévannes!" A shout of laughter followed this pleasantry. "That would be a capital joke. You have, no doubt, concealed from her that you were coming here, she has believed you in her candour, and in the same spirit come here herself." Brévannes bore admirably all the jests levelled at him, with the exception of those relating to his wife. He could not conceal his vexation, and endeavoured to change the conversation by saying to M. de Fierval,-- "It's getting late, Fierval, let us go to supper."