My Library

“Astonished beyond measure at this extraordinary display, I retired, the better to watch the progress of the strange scene, to the opposite side of the saloon, and leaned carelessly against one of two colossal Japanese josses that stood there. No person was anywhere near me, and in my surprise I murmured below my breath: ‘What astonishing power!’ and am certain that a person standing close at my side could not have discerned what I said, yet nevertheless the thought was scarcely framed before the Count turned square upon his heel, advanced straight toward me, smiled sweetly, strangely, as he did so, and said: ‘All this power is yours—and much that is still more mysterious —if you but say the word!’ “ ‘What word?’ asked I, surprised that a man should so readily read my thought—for it is impossible that he could have heard my exclamation. “ ‘That you will voluntarily join the most august fraternity that ever earth contained! Think of it! We shall meet again.’ “ ‘When? where?’ I asked hurriedly, for the august company were observing us, especially the Emperor, who, beneath his heavy brows, was evidently paying quite as much attention to us as to the wonderful things then occurring across the room. “He did not reply directly, but, by a continuation