he brushed sideways to conceal a bald spot, Strickland

"What has happened," replied the Count, "is that a couple of thoughtless masqueraders came up here to play a little joke, and succeeded in getting themselves into a scrape. For your share in getting us out of it we cannot feel too grateful."

"But, who is----?" the girls began together, and then stopped, with a rise of color and a suspicion of displeasure in their interchange of eyes.

"Who is who? Well, my friend is the Baron von Blitzenberg; and the lady is, as she stated, his wife."

"Then all this time----" began Eva.

"He was married!" Eleanor finished for her. "Oh, the heartless scoundrel! To think that I rescued him!"

"I wouldn't have either!" said Eva; "I mean if-- if I had known he treated you so badly."

"Treated ME! I was only thinking of YOU, Miss Gallosh!"

"Dear ladies!" interposed the Count with his ready tact, "remember his excuse."

Great!（6）