"Do not be uneasy, dear Lady Prudence; I am safe here," said Robin, devouring her with his eyes. "I may never see you again; do not banish me—" "Never see me again?" she interrupted. "Why not? I am sure you are in some danger you will not tell me of, else why should I never see you again?" "Would you care if you did not see me again?"—he was beginning, in a passionate whisper, when Peggie, released from her sheepskin and clad in somewhat scanty drapery intended to represent springtime, pounced upon them, delighted with the semi-nudity that displayed her charming form, while the mask concealed her plain face. "Have I been away long enough?" she cried saucily. "Have you had plenty of time to quarrel and make love? Come, Prue; eleven o’clock has struck, and we shall scarcely be in time for a country-dance before we unmask. Hasten!" She was drawing Prue after her by one hand, but she hung back, extending the other to Robin, who stood irresolute, longing to follow, yet not venturing, unbidden. "Farewell," she said, in a thrilling voice. "Prithee, do not linger." He pressed a kiss on her finger-tips and was still looking after her with his heart in his eyes, when a hand brushed his arm with a peculiar touch, and turning with his wandering senses suddenly on the alert, he saw a figure in a monk’s habit, strolling slowly toward the most crowded card-room. He followed, and soon caught up with him. "Your dress is too conspicuous," said the monk, in a harsh whisper. "There is work to be done, instantly, and your dress unfits you for it." "Show me the work," said Robin, apparently greatly interested in two players who were throwing dice for high stakes. "I expected to find you at your post, and after a long search, where do I discover you? _You_, of all men—at the feet of the most heartless little Jezebel in London," said the monk, with bitterness. Robin laughed silently. "Have you also been under her feet?" he asked. "Well, if it were any one else, I would kill him for such a calumny upon the most virtuous and adorable lady in the world; but I can not spare you, so give me your news." "The papers stolen from a certain general are here, in the possession of a man who does not know their importance, but only that Madame Sarah will pay handsomely for them. Not being able to obtain audience of her, he is now leaving the house." "Why do you make such a long story of it?" said Robin impatiently. "Describe him to me, and I will see to the rest." "There is no hurry; he has a sweetheart among the maids, and will be some time about his adieux. I will show him to you, but you must get rid of that scarlet affair; what have you underneath? Oh! that is still worse; satin and velvet and diamonds! Why couldn’t you come quietly dressed, like the rest of us?" Robin blushed under his mask, for he knew very well that if Prue had not been among the guests, the monk’s frock or the student’s cap and gown would have been fine enough for his purpose.