And the door refused to move. I looked at Moore, who shrugged
his shoulders. I could imagine the smile his mask concealed. But the
Marquise met the situation with a laugh.
"I do indeed--and I rather fancy you will find His Highness in yonder
recess," she said.
I parted the curtains and stepped out--and Colonel Moore beside me.
"Madame la Marquise has taken pity on the stranger," I said; "and has
given him an opportunity to recognize his friends."
If the diplomat were surprised, no one would have guessed it--except
that his bow was more than usually low.
"It is a great privilege, my dear Prince, if we can be of any use to
you," he said.
I took a sudden resolve. "I very much fear my unexpected presence
to-night is a source of concern and inconvenience to Your Excellency,"
I said. "With your permission I will take my leave," and I made to go.
Vierle came quickly to me.
"It will make the Marquise and me most unhappy, if you do," he said.
"And I shall tell you frankly what brought me here. The lady who
styles herself your wife is among the guests--she is in the next room,
now, waiting to be admitted. My purpose was to have the Marquise
request her to depart at once.
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