Red Masquerade

intings offered were mostly of medioc

m, and succeeded admirably in seeming ignorant of the existence of the Princess Sofia

etween the beautiful Russian and the almost equally beautiful Englishwoman. An inquisitive

's gaze lingered approvingly upon a bewitching profile with half-parted lips, saw that excitement was faintly c

, all his being tense with purpose, strung taut--as taut at least as that soft body, only half-masculine in mould and enervated by loose living, could ever be. One thoug

he work of Corot or an imitation no less excellent. At that distance Lanyard felt inclined to dub it genuine, though he kne

y noncommittal as to the antecedents of the canvas--"attributed to Corot"--Prince Victor,

ousand

cken dumb. And for the first time the Princess Sofia acknowledged the presence of her husband,

been of dread. But she was quick to pull herself together, and the auctioneer had scarcely found his tongue--"

ousand

e capped with

hr

ases with halting lips. Prince Victor, again gave his wife the full value of his vindictive snarl. She would n

ve hundred

thou

sand I am

d, a spasm of honesty

ng swiftly--"it bears every evidence of having come from the brush of the master. But we cannot guarantee it. There is, however, a gentleman present who is amply qualified

he pages of his catalogue, but his contempl

n. Nor have I any need of the opinion of this gentleman, whatever his qualifications. I have bid four

offered Lanyard an apologetic

guineas!" sna

he auctione

s offered. Are there

five hu

of despair, hoping against hope. Only too surely something in the picture, some association--heaven knew what!--was more precious to her, almost, t

thou

in her lap. One detected an appealing quiver on her lips, and noted, or imagined, a suspicious brightness beneath t

guineas ... goi

lack. Lanyard found himself loathing it. Impossible to stand

nd one hundr

of amaze, Lanyard knew t