Page:Napoleon (O'Connor 1896).djvu/238

222 the brilliant assembly, drew all eyes towards her. I had the curiosity to look that way, having unluckily taken off my mask. Madame X, feeling awkward in the crowd of strangers, came to me, and took my arm without more ado, saying aloud, 'Now I shall have a partner.

managed, however, to make his escape, and then this is what happened:

"Rid at length of this dreadful incubus, I hastened up to the first floor, where, going through the quiet card-rooms, I went and established myself in a room at the far end, dimly lighted by a shady lamp. No one being there, I took off my mask, and was resting and consuming an excellent ice, rejoicing in my escape, when two masked men, short and stout, in black dominoes, entered the little room. 'Here we shall be out of the crowd,' said one; then calling me by my name without prefix, he beckoned me to him. I could not see his face, but as I knew all the great dignitaries of the Empire were in the house, I felt sure that a man who could so imperatively summon an officer of my rank must be an important personage. I came forward, and the unknown said in a whisper, 'I am Duroc: the Emperor is with me. He is overcome by the