I protested; but she was firm. And, so, when the others came up, Moore
and I made our adieux.
When we were out of hearing, Moore handed me a bit of paper.
"This just reached me,'" he said.
It was from the Secret Police and read:
"S. is at Vierle Masque. She wears a gypsy dress of black and red. L.
is also at Masque--he and Count Bigler are dressed alike in white
satin. L. came last and his presence is unknown to the Vierles for he
avoided unmasking by personating Bigler."
"So, they were the White Twins," I remarked.
"You knew them?"
"I knew only Lotzen."
"Hence your advice to our quick-tempered companion--who was he?"
"I couldn't make him out," said Moore; "but he knew the women and was
their escort from the house."
"He seemed to be a bit sour about something."
"My companion said it was because the Blue Masque chose you."
"She was very charming," said I. "Who was she?"
"I knew neither his nor mine," said he evasively.
"But mine?" I insisted. "She of the sweet voice--which, Colonel, I
observed, you noted."
He hesitated an instant; then answered:
"Mademoiselle d'Essoldé."
"Indeed!" I exclaimed. If rumor spoke truly, Mademoiselle d'Essoldé
carried Moore's heart in her keeping. Then I laughed. "Never mind,
Colonel, we shall see her at supper, presently--she will be beside you,
I think."
"Your Highness is very thoughtful," he said.
"Don't give me the credit--it was Lady Vierle's idea," I answered--and
changed the subject. "What is Lotzen up to now," I asked.
"Some deviltry--either women or you."
"I think it's both," said I. "The Marquise consulted him as to sending
Mrs. Spencer an invitation, and you remember how careful he was to call
in person to regret he could not come to-night. He saw, at once, his
opportunity for a talk with Mrs. Spencer. Depend on it, that is the
explanation of the White Twins, and of Lotzen's evading identification.
I dare say he already has an alibi perfected.
"He has had no chance to see her, yet," said Moore. "I'll have her
ordered to her hotel."
"No, she must remain," said I; "I'm committed to the Marquise.
Besides, I'm minded to play their own game for them, a bit. Do you
think Lotzen knows I'm at the Masque?"
Moore thought a moment. "Lady Vierle told him you were not coming,
when she asked as to Mrs. Spencer," he said. "And he may have let it
go at that; but it wouldn't be his usual method. My last order, before
we left the Epsau, was that you were indisposed and had retired and, on
no account, were you to be disturbed without Bernheim's express
permission. But, servants are purchasable and spies are plenty, and
Lotzen knows how to reach the first and use the second. On the whole,
it is likely he has been advised that you are here, though he may not
know your costume. The long military cloaks completely hid our dress;
and you will recall that, at my suggestion, we concealed our hats under
them until we were in the carriage."
"I can't get used to this espionage," I said. "Suppose we take a look
around for the Gypsy Lady; doubtless, we shall find her with a White
Masque."
We were on a walk bordered by a hedge of boxwood, shoulder high. On
the other side, was another path with several Masques on it. Suddenly,
one of them, as he passed, reached over the hedge and struck me in the
back with a dagger.
The blow sent me plunging forward, but did me no hurt. I owed my life
to Bernheim. His steel vest had stayed the blade that, otherwise,
would have found my heart.
With a cry, Moore sprang to me and caught me in his arms.
"I'm not hurt," I said, recovering my balance.
"Thank God!" he ejaculated--then took the hedge at a vault.