"So she is not there," said Ormiston; "and our mysterious friendin the cloak is as much at a loss as we are ourselves.Where shall we go next - to La Masque or the peat-house?""To La Masque - I hate the idea of the pest-house!""She may be there, nevertheless; and under present circumstances, it is the beat place for her.""Don't talk of it!" said Sir Norman, impatiently."I do not and will not believe she is there! If the sorceress shows her to me in the caldron again, I verily believe I shall jump in head foremost.""And I verily believe we will not find La Masque at home.She wanders through the streets at all hours, but particularly affects the night.""We shall try, however.Come along!"
The house of the sorceress was but a short distance from that of Sir Norman's plague-stricken lady-love's; and shod with a sort of seven-league boots, they soon reached it.Like the other, it was all dark and deserted.
"This is the home," said Ormiston, looking at it doubtfully, "but where is La Masque?""Here!" said a silvery voice at his elbow; and turning round, they saw a tall, slender figure, cloaked, hooded, and masked.
"Surely, you two do not want me again to-night?"Both gentlemen doffed their plumed hats, and simultaneously bowed.
"Fortune favors us," said Sir Norman."Yes, madam, it is even so; once again to-night we would tax your skill.""Well, what do you wish to know?"
"Madam, we are in the street."
"Sir, I'm aware of that.Pray proceed,"
"Will you not have the goodness to permit us to enter?" said Sir Norman, inclined to feel offended."How can you tell us what we wish to know, here?""That is my secret," said the sweet voice."Probably Sir Norman Kingsley wishes to know something of the fair lady I showed him some time ago?""Madam, you've guessed it.It is for that purpose I have sought you now.""Then you have seen her already?"
"I have."
"And love her?"
"With all my heart!"
"A rapid flame," said the musical voice, in a tone that had just a thought of sarcasm; "for one of whose very existence you did not dream two hours ago.""Madame La Masque," said Norman, flushed sad haughty, "love is not a question of time.""Sir Norman Kingsley," said the lady, somewhat sadly, "I am aware of that.Tell me what you wish to know, and if it be in my power, you shall know it.""A thousand thanks! Tell me, then, is she whom I seek living or dead?""She is alive."
"She has the plague?" said Sir Norman.
"I know it."
"Will she recover?"
"She will."
"Where is she now?"
Ls Masque hesitated and seemed uncertain whether or not to reply.
Sir Norman passionately broke in:
"Tell me, madam, for I must know!"
"Then you shall; but, remember, if you get into danger, you must not blame me.""Blame you! No, I think I would hardly do that.Where am I to seek for her?""Two miles from London beyond Newgate," said the mask."There stand the ruins of what was long ago a hunting-lodge, now a crumbling skeleton, roofless and windowless, and said, by rumor, to be haunted.Perhaps you have seen or heard of it?""I have seen it a hundred times," broke in Sir Norman."Surely, you do not mean to say she is there?""Go there, and you will see.Go there to-night, and lose no time - that is, supposing you can procure a license.""I have one already.I have a pass from the Lord Mayor to come and go from the city when I please.""Good! Then you'll go to-night."
