"Through the door. Not a difficult thing, either, if you leave
it wide open every night, as it is this."
"Was it open?" said Leoline, in dismay. "I never knew it."
"Ah! then it was not you who went out last. Who was it?"
"It was - was - " Leoline's cheeks were scarlet; "it was a
friend!"
"A somewhat late hour for one's friends to visit," said La
Masque, sarcastically; "and you should learn the precaution of
seeing them to the door and fastening it after them."
"Rest assured, I shall do so for the future," said Leoline, with
a look that would have reminded Sir Nor man of Miranda had he
seen it. "I scarcely expected the honor of any more visits,
particularly from strangers to-night."
"Civil, that! Will you ask me to sit down, or am I to consider
myself an unseasonable intruder, and depart?"
"Madame, will you do me the honor to be seated. The hour, as you
say, is somewhat unseasonable, and you will oblige me by letting
me know to what I am indebted for the pleasure of this visit, as
quickly as possible."
There was something quite dignified about Mistress Leoline as she
swept rustling past La Masque, sank into the pillowy depths of
her lounge, and motioned her visitor to a seat with a slight and
graceful wave of her hand.
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