"Is it the same mask--or are there several dressed alike?" demanded
an officer of guards as the green domino rose from a seat opposite to
him and quitted the apartment.
"I have seen but one--and, by Heaven, here he is again," exclaimed
the party to whom the query was addressed.
The green domino spoke not a word, but proceeded straight to the
vacant seat which he had just left, and again commenced supping, as
though he had fasted for the half of a campaign.
At length the confusion which this proceeding created became
universal; and the cause reached the ear of the Dauphin.
"He is the very devil, your highness!" exclaimed an old
nobleman--"saving your Highness's presence--or wants but a tail to
be so!"
"Say, rather he should be some famished poet, by his appetite,"
replied the Prince, laughing. "But there must be some juggling; he
spills all his wine, and hides the provisions under his robe."
Even while they were speaking, the green domino entered the room in
which they were talking, and, as usual, proceeded to the table of
refreshments.
"See here, my lord!" cried one--"I have seen him do this thrice!"
"I, twice!"--"I, five times!"--"and I, fifteen."
This was too much. The master of the ceremonies was questioned.
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