It was not only wet, but reddened.

The mask had fallen upon one of the spots of blood which, we have already said, stained the floor, and from that black velvet outside which had accidentally come into contact with it, the blood had passed through to the inside, and stained the white cambric lining.

"Oh, oh!" said Montalais, for doubtless our readers have already recognized her by these various maneuvers, "I shall not give back this mask; it is far too precious now." And rising from her seat, she ran towards a box made of maple wood, which inclosed different articles of toilette and perfumery.

"No, not here," she said, "such a treasure must not be abandoned to the slightest chance of detection." Then, after a moment's silence, and with a smile that was peculiarly her own, she added:--"Beautiful mask, stained with the blood of that brave knight, you shall go and join that collection of wonders, La Valliere's and Raoul's letters, that loving collection, indeed, which will some day or other form part of the history of France, of European royalty.

You shall be placed under M.Malicorne's care," said the laughing girl, as she began to undress herself, "under the protection of that worthy M.
Malicorne," she said, blowing out the taper, "who thinks he was born only to become the chief usher of Monsieur's apartments, and whom I will make keeper of the records and historiographer of the house of Bourbon, and of the first houses in the kingdom.