Stranica 212 [212]
LABOULAYE*S (FATRY; BOOK
the hand and gazed at them with an air which made all
the other masks ready to burst with envy, then made a
sign to the orchestra; the dance recommenced, and the
prince disappeared.
He hastened again to the elm-walk in search of the trait¬
ress who had insulted him, doubtless led by vengeance. His
blood boiled in his veins; he wandered at random, suddenly
stopping short, looking, listening, and spying im all direc¬
tions. At the faintest gleam of light through the foliage
he sprang forward like a madman, laughing and weeping
at the same time as though distracted.
At the turn of an alley he met Rachimburg advancing
toward him trembling, with an air of terror.
"Sire," murmured he, in a mysterious voice, “has Your
Majesty seen it?”
““What?’’ asked the king.
“The specter; it passed close by me. I am a lost man;
>
I shall die to-morrow.”
‘What specter?” said Charming. ‘What fool’s tale are
you telling me?"
"A specter—a domino with flashing eyes, that threw me
on my knees and boxed my ears twice.
“Tt is she!” cried the king; “it is she! Why did you let
her go?"
“Your Majesty, I had not my pike; but if ever I see her
again I will knock her down."
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