Hearts and Masks

"Aha!" There was mine ancient friend Julius. "Hail Caesar!"

He stopped.

"Shall I beware the Ides of March?" I asked jovially.

"Nay, my good Cassius; rather beware of the ten of hearts," said Caesar

in hollow tones, and he was gone.

The ten of hearts again! Hang the card! And then with a sigh of

relief I recollected that in all probability he, like Columbine, had

heard me call out the card to Hamilton. Still, the popularity of the

card was very disquieting. I wished it had been seven or five; there's

luck in odd numbers. . . . A Blue Domino! My heart leaped, and I

thought of the little ticket in my waistcoat pocket. A Blue Domino!

If, by chance, there should be a connection between her and the ticket!

She was sitting all alone in a corner near-by, partly screened by a pot

of orange-trees. I crossed over and sat down by her side. This might

prove an adventure worth while.

"What a beautiful night it is!" I said.

She turned, and I caught sight of a wisp of golden hair.

"That is very original," said she. "Who in the world would have

thought of passing comments on the weather at a masque! Prior to this

moment the men have been calling me all sorts of sentimental names."

"Oh, I am coming to that. I am even going to make love to you."

She folded her hands,--rather resignedly, I thought,--and the

rollicking comedy began.