He
knew nothing--and the green domino was interrupted as he was carrying
a bumper of claret to his lips.
"The Prince's desire is, that Monsieur who wears the green domino
should unmask." The stranger hesitated.
"The command with which his Highness honours Monsieur is perfectly
absolute."
Against that which is absolute there is no contending. The green man
threw off his mask and domino; and proved to be a private trooper of
the Irish dragoons!
"And in the name of gluttony, my good friend (not to ask how you
gained admission), how have you contrived," said the Prince, "to sup
to-night so many times?"
"Sire, I was but beginning to sup, with reverence be it said, when
your royal message interrupted me."
"Beginning!" exclaimed the Dauphin in amazement; "then what is it I
have heard and seen? Where are the herds of oxen that have
disappeared, and the hampers of Burgundy? I insist upon knowing how
this is!"
"It is Sire," returned the soldier, "may it please your Grace, that
the troop to which I belong is to-day on guard. We have purchased one
ticket among us, and provided this green domino, which fits us all.
By which means the whole of the front rank, being myself the last
man, have supped, if the truth must be told, at discretion; and the
leader of the rear rank, saving your Highness's commands, is now
waiting outside the door to take his turn.
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