"This is his doing." "What makes you think so, pray ?" asked the marchioness, with an air of surprise.

"Why should he plot the ruin of his own secretary and confidant ?" "You yourself are the cause," was the retort.
The beautiful woman bent her head still nearer to him.

Even her cruel heart felt the compliment conveyed in this acknowledgment of her power.
"And what do you wish of me, my poor boy ?" she murmured softly in his ear.
"I wish an interview with you after the opera--a strictly confidential interview." "Very well.

Come to me as soon as I get home, and I will admit you." "No; you shall not turn me away so easily, with an empty promise." "What, must I swear to you, then ?" "No, give me the little key, and I shall be sure of gaining admittance." "I am almost afraid to trust you with it," objected the marchioness, with an arch look; "but still you shall have it--there! And now guard it well, and be discreet." Vajdar kissed the hand extended to him and retired.

The fair Cyrene turned again toward the stage and joined in the applause.