"Indeed I have," said she; "and I've been so sorry for him."
Then she nodded most pleasantly to someone, and Courtney and I turned
and bowed. It was the Marquise de Vierle, wife of the French
Ambassador.
"How about her Masque to-night?" I asked; "will it be worth while?"
"It's very evident you are new to Dornlitz," Courtney observed--and
Lady Helen laughed.
"The Vierle Balls outrival even the Court functions," she explained.
"Are you going?" I asked her.
"I am, indeed."
"And you, Courtney?"
"I shall look in late."
I motioned to Moore. "Who is on duty to-night?" I asked.
"I am, sir."
"Could you manage two costumes for the Vierle Masque?"
"Quite readily, sir."
"Very good," I said. "And let them be as near alike as possible," I
added.
By this time the Field was almost deserted, and, at Lady Helen's
suggestion, Courtney and I turned our horses over to my orderly and
drove back with her.
"I suppose," said I, "that fancy dress is required to-night."
"It is absolutely _de rigueur_," said Courtney; "and there is no
unmasking."
"Really!" said I. "It promises very well."
"And it realizes all it promises--maybe, a bit more," Lady Helen
laughed.
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