"In a moment we were launched into the whirl of the dance. My whole frame quivered as I encircled the delicate waist with my arm. One hand was held in mine, the other rested lovingly upon my shoulder. I felt the sweet breath of the damask lips upon my face--the cup of my happiness was full. "'O that I may never wake and find this a dream! Dear lady, might I dare to hope that the services of a life, never more devotedly offered, might, in some degree, atone for the immeasurable distance between us? That the poor cavalier, whom you have honoured with your notice, may venture to indulge in a yet dearer anticipation?' "I felt the hand of the Mask tremble in mine-- "'The White Rose is a pretty flower,' she whispered--'can it not bloom elsewhere than in the north?' "'Amalia!' "'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!' "'Indeed! anything else?' "'Yes, to avenge the fate of those who trusted, and yet died before their time. How was it with Clara of Gandersfeldt? Fell she not by thy hand?' "'Englishman--thou liest!' "'Bulgarian--thou art a villain!' "The duke gnashed his teeth. For a moment his hand clutched at the hilt of his poniard, but he suddenly withdrew it. "'I had thought to have dealt otherwise with thee,' he said, 'but thou hast dared to come between the lion and his bride. Englishman--hast thou courage to make good thy injurious words with aught else but the tongue?' "'I am the last of the race of Mandeville!' "'Enough. I might well have left the chastising of thee to a meaner hand, and yet--for that thou art a bold fellow--I will meet thee. Dost thou know the eastern gate?' "'Well.' "'A mile beyond it there is a clump of trees and a fair meadow-land. The moon will be up in three hours; light enough for men who are determined on their work. Dost thou understand me--three hours hence on horseback, with the sword, alone?' "'Can I trust thee, Bulgarian?--no treachery?' "'I am a Wallachian and a duke!'