The hand that lay on my sleeve was as white as milk, and the
filbert-shaped horn of the finger-tips was the tint of rose leaves.
_Was_ she connected with the ticket in my pocket? I tried to look into
her eyes, but in vain; nothing could I see but that wisp of golden hair
which occasionally brushed my chin as with a surreptitious caress. If
only I dared remain till the unmasking! I pressed her hand. There was
an answering pressure, but its tenderness was destroyed by the low
laughter that accompanied it.
"Don't be silly!" she whispered.
"How can I help it?"
"True; I forgot you were a fool in disguise."
"What has Romance done to you that you should turn on her with the
stuffed-club, Practicality?"
"She has never paid any particular attention to me; perhaps that is the
reason."
As we neared a corner I saw the Honorable Julius again. He stretched
forth his death's-head mask.
"Beware the ten of hearts!" he croaked.
Hang his impudence! . . . The Blue Domino turned her head with a jerk;
and instantly I felt a shiver run through her body. For a moment she
lost step. I was filled with wonder. In what manner could the ten of
hearts disturb _her_? I made up my mind to seek out the noble Roman
and learn just how much he knew about that disquieting card.
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