"She was carried to the plague-pit in her bridal-robes, jewels and lace; and, when about to be thrown in, was discovered, like Moses is the bulrushes, to be all alive." "Well," whispered Prudence, breathlessly.
"Well, O most courageous of guardians! she was carried to a certain house, and left to her own devices, while her gallant rescuer went for a doctor; and when they returned she was missing.

Our pretty Leoline seems to have a strong fancy for getting lost!" There was a pause, during which Prudence looked at her with a face full of mingled fear and curiosity.

At last: "Madame, how do you know all this?
Were you there ?" "No.

Not I, indeed! What would take me there ?" "Then how do you happen to know everything about it ?" La Masque laughed.
"A little bird told me, Prudence! Have you returned to resume your old duties ?" "Madame, I dare not go into that house again.

I am afraid of taking the plague." "Prudence, you are a perfect idiot! Are you not liable to take the plague in the remotest quarter of this plague-infested city?
And even if you do take it, what odds?
You have only a few years to live, at the most, and what matter whether you die now or at the end of a year or two ?" "What matter ?" repeated Prudence, in a high key of indignant amazement.
"It may make no matter to you, Madame Masque, but it makes a great deal to me; I can tell you; and into that infected house I'll not put one foot." "Just as you please, only in that case there is no need for further talk, so allow me to bid you good-night!" "But, madame, what of Leoline?
Do stop one moment and tell me of her." "What have I to tell?
I have told you all I know.