Hearts and Masks

"That is a bit of philosophy that goes well with your robe. Indeed,

what better mask is there than the human countenance?"

"If we become serious, we shall put folly out of joint," said I,

rising. "And besides, we shall miss the best part of this dance."

She did not hesitate an instant. I led her to the floor, and we joined

the dancers. She was as light as a feather, a leaf, the down of the

thistle; mysterious as the Cumaean Sibyl; and I wondered who she might

be. The hand that lay on my sleeve was as white as milk, and the

filbert-shaped horn of the finger-tips was the tint of rose leaves.

Was she connected with the ticket in my pocket? I tried to look into

her eyes, but in vain; nothing could I see but that wisp of golden hair

which occasionally brushed my chin as with a surreptitious caress. If

only I dared remain till the unmasking! I pressed her hand. There was

an answering pressure, but its tenderness was destroyed by the low

laughter that accompanied it.

"Don't be silly!" she whispered.

"How can I help it?"

"True; I forgot you were a fool in disguise."

"What has Romance done to you that you should turn on her with the

stuffed-club, Practicality?"

"She has never paid any particular attention to me; perhaps that is the

reason."

As we neared a corner I saw the Honorable Julius again. He stretched

forth his death's-head mask.

"Beware the ten of hearts!" he croaked.

Hang his impudence! . . . The Blue Domino turned her head with a jerk;

and instantly I felt a shiver run through her body. For a moment she

lost step. I was filled with wonder. In what manner could the ten of

hearts disturb her? I made up my mind to seek out the noble Roman

and learn just how much he knew about that disquieting card.

The music ceased.

"Now, run away with your benedictions," said the Blue Domino

breathlessly.

"Shall I see you again?"--eagerly.

"If you seek diligently." She paused for a moment, like a bird about

to take flight. "Positive, fool; comparative, fooler; superlative,

foolest!"

And I was left standing alone: What the deuce did she mean by that?

After all, there might be any number of blue dominoes in the land; and

it seemed scarcely credible that a guest at the Hunt Club would go to a

costumer's for an outfit. (I had gone to a costumer's, but my case was

altogether different. I was an impostor.) I hunted up Imperator

Rex. It was not long ere we came face to face, or, to speak

correctly, mask to mask.