Besides, it is too absurdly romantic for so
practical a man. No, it is not Sardonyx."
"Yourself, then?"
The doctor laughed.
"Nonsense, Blanche! Mollie is out of her reckoning about us three. By
the bye, I see now through those queer advertisements that have appeared
in the 'Herald' of late. Black Mask--White Mask."
"Yes; Mollie wants to find out whom she has espoused. By Miriam's
advice, she inserted that first advertisement to Black Mask. He, as you
perceive, replies in to-day's edition."
"And she is to meet him to-morrow night."
"Exactly; and will, unless you forestall him."
"How?"
"Don't be stupid, pray. What is to hinder you from being at the place of
rendezvous first and playing Black Mask?"
"I beg your pardon; I am stupid still. Black Mask will be there
himself."
"Look here: ten is the hour. Toward evening I will advance every
time-piece in the house, Mollie's watch included, half an hour. She
will be at the place of tryst at half past nine. Be you there,
likewise--cloaked, bearded, bewigged. Have a carriage in waiting.
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