"Perfectly," said I. "And I may have Colonel Moore with
me? There will be many faces I shall not know."
"He is without?" she asked.
"Yes--and costumed somewhat like myself."
She touched a bell; I held up my mask.
"Admit the gentleman in black velvet, like Monsieur," she ordered.
"Goodness!" she exclaimed, when Moore entered.
"Puzzle," said I. "Pick the Archduke."
"Impossible--and, if you two go around together, some of my guests will
think they are getting double vision very early in the evening."
From the recess, we could see all that entered and hear every word
said. And it struck me how very eloquent it was of the character of
the Marquise de Vierle that she should, deliberately, provide a
concealed audience while she greeted--alone--every man and woman of
Dornlitz Society. I must admit I rather enjoyed the experience--though
I very rarely guessed the face behind the mask. It is astonishing how
effectively an unusual costume disguises even those we know well.
Suddenly, the Marquis entered hurriedly.
"Do you know, Claire," he said, "that the American Archduke is here
to-night?"
Instantly I laid my hand on the sliding door. It was time for us to be
going.
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