who betray the Samsons of crime to the police at any given moment.  That would be neither here nor there, however, if my daughter and I were allowed to conclude our engagement—­which, believe me, would never have been signed if we had guessed the character of the resort.  Not only would they lodge me in prison for a pretended attempt to elude my contract, but they seek to throw my poor Rebecca into the arms of such reprobates as this Major the Baron.  The hag whom you noticed is not unconcerned in the plot.  It is a protege of hers—­a lovely young girl, guileless in appearance as a cherub, whom they would substitute for my girl, if she had been detained to-night.  In fact—­”

He paused.  The orchestra had played and two or three vocalists had appeared and sang, without Claudius, absorbed in this conversation, noticing that the entertainment had commenced.  A little fat man in a ruffled and embroidered shirt, buff waistcoat with crystal buttons, knee breeches and silk stockings of reproachless black, and steel buckled shoes, had come before the curtain, sticking one thumb in his waistband and the other in his vest armhole, to display a huge seal ring and a mammoth diamond hoop, respectively, as well as his idea of ease in company.  He announced in a high flute-like voice that in consequence of indisposition, which a sworn medical affirmation confirmed—­here he raised a laugh by sticking his tongue in his cheek—­“La Belle Stamboulane” would not appear—­might have to depart for Constantinople for convalescence, but that the bewitching Fraulein von Vieradlers—­one of the few authentic noble vocalists on the variety stage—­following in the footsteps of certain princesses—­would oblige, for the first time on any stage, with selections from her repertoire, etc.

This was concerted, for the outburst of applause, started by the most sinister of aspect among the auditors, was vehement and so contagious that the hussah was unanimous as the stage-manager retired.

La Belle Stamboulane was already eclipsed! so evanescent is theatrical fame.  Of all the audience, only one felt indignant, and that was the student Claudius, who had not heard her sing or wear stage costumes!

“All is over,” observed Daniels placidly.  “I cannot cope with these rogues.  I must go and join my daughter and get our dresses to our lodgings; thankful if we succeed so far.  In about an hour, will you not call, when we will resume our conversation which I wish to have, and with practical gain to you.  This is the card of our hotel.  It is not aristocratic, but once there, you will be safe.”

He spoke with such tranquil assurance that Claudius had not a doubt.  He took the card, read the address:  “Hotel Persepolitan,” so that if he lost the card, it might be in his mind, and nodded with a kind of gratefulness.  The father of a beautiful woman is not like any other man in the world to a young man, who is not indifferent to her.