“On mine?” I exclaimed, with a feeling of uneasiness. “You see, your position here is an irregular one. You are of course, a man and subject to all the regulations, but you are enjoying the freedom that we permit only to our own sex. The young males are furious, naturally.” “At last--” I exclaimed triumphantly. “Am I to be incarcerated then?” “Don’t worry, my beloved,” said Dianne, putting her arm around my neck and looking at me with glowing eyes, “and forgive me if I’m a good deal in what is about to happen to you. For I can stand anything, rather than the thought of your being alone day and night with Acquilla. You will have to enter the Club for a short while, but by entering it, you will acquire a freedom of action that you never could have had as Acquilla’s prisoner.” “You will take me out yourself, oh, Dianne!” I exclaimed, divining the whole stratagem in her amorous glances. “You have always the right to refuse,” said the bewitching creature, drawing near me. My answer was to fold her into my arms and gather her to me with a passion that obliterated all consciousness. All at once I felt a shudder pass through her soft body, and with a cry of alarm she sprang from me. I looked up. Acquilla, with blazing eyes, was staring at us. “I might have guessed your stratagem, treacherous Histrione,” she cried bitterly. “Very well, the responsibility is on your head! Good-bye, Bogardus!” Before we could stammer an excuse, she turned abruptly on her heel and went off with a final menacing gesture. The next moment the officials appeared and signified to me the decision of the Supreme Council. “Courage, my beloved,” said Dianne, clasping me to her a last time. “Acquilla is a terrible enemy, but I too, have great influence. Only do be careful at the Club. Be patient until your friends can organize in your support. I’ll get you out as soon as I can.” CHAPTER XVII