“Indeed? Quite interesting”--coldly, then changing his manner quickly, “But it would be most charming to hear your story of the ‘Vampire Dance’.” “If you promise not to say nasty things, or get angry at what I tell you, I shall tell you all about it.” Carl was but too anxious to learn anything and everything relating to Sana, not to yield compliance to this mild request. Her musical voice, her manner and ways had already worked their charm. He was even more in love than he imagined. “Please tell me. I promise to be good.” “Bear that in mind, then. It is not to everyone I tell such things as this. “After de Rochelle had disappeared I returned to Europe where in Paris I met the Princess Cassandra, a Russian. I traveled with her, as companion, over Europe, visiting the various resorts and cities. At Monte Carlo, while we were trying to lose our money, I suppose, at one of the roulette tables, the Princess recognized her nephew, von Sarnoff, who had been winning steadily. He came over to our table and after the usual introductions, played for me. He seemed to have lots of luck and I won more money than I had ever seen before. Then we went to Baden-Baden, where de Rochelle put in an appearance. I had him arrested while he was fighting a duel because of me, and then I returned to my desert home.” “But I thought you were going to tell me the story of the dance. How did you learn it?” “The dance itself was an exotic movement that had its birth in the mind of de Rochelle, who taught it to me when I was in a trance. But he has passed from my mind--he proved himself to be nothing but an impostor--that is all.” “But the dance you did last night would have been impossible while wearing the long dresses and clothes of civilization.” Sana looked at Carl with pleading eyes, “Why do you say that? The whole thing is distasteful to me now when I think of it.” Anxious though he was to hear the whole story, Carl did not wish to force it from the girl, so kept silent, looking out over the desert sands. Sana, however, read his thoughts. Patting his hand ever so lightly she resumed, “We are friends. I can tell it to you. I know you will understand. Perhaps it is for the best. Who knows?” Carl, letting his gaze rest on her face, objected with, “No--if it hurts you to tell it, I would rather you would not.” “But I promised I would. I shall keep my promise. Only, please, please, do not think ill of me. That would hurt more than the story.” Before Carl could give voice to his thoughts, Sana continued: “As I said the dance was taught me while under hypnotic influence. Upon coming out of the trance I found that I had partly disrobed myself. I did not realize it then, but I knew later that de Rochelle was using me as a plaything. Not that he ever harmed me. No. He always respected me.