Permit a gentleman to offer his services to two ladies who appear to be traveling alone." Father Chaumonot frowned from his chair and would have risen but for the restraining hand of Bouchard, who, like all seamen, was fond of gallantry.
"Monsieur," replied the black mask, coldly and impudently, "we are indeed alone; and upon the strength of this assertion, will you not resume your conversation with yonder gentlemen and allow my companion and myself to continue ours ?" "Mademoiselle," said the vicomte eagerly, "I swear to you, that your voice is familiar to my ears." He addressed the black mask, but he looked searchingly at the grey.

His reward was small.

She maintained under his scrutiny an icy, motionless dignity.
"And permit me to say," returned the black mask, "that while your voice is not familiar, the tone is, and very displeasing to my ears.

And if you do not at once resume your seat, I shall be forced to ask aid of yonder priest." "Yes, yes! that voice I have heard before!" Then, quick as a flash, he had plucked the strings of her mask, disclosing a round, piquant face, now white with fury.
"Oh, Monsieur!" she cried; "if I were a man!" "This grows interesting," whispered Bouchard to Du Puys.
"Anne de Vaudemont ?" exclaimed the vicomte; "in Rochelle ?" The vicomte stepped back confused.

He stared undecidedly at mademoiselle's companion.