The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-05-29
CHAPTER XIV.
MRS. GRANNY DuMoNT,s ADVENTURE.

A series of masquerade balls were inaugu
rated by some of the leaders OF New lork
society Cor charitable purposes and the
tickets we're placed at a high figure, to bar
out the lower classes. Of course the COM
mon people could not attend, but evil per
sons could obtain tickets easily, and there
are always some depaped creatures at pub
lie masuuerades. Mysteries of death and
darkness have been hidden beneath the
mask worn at such crowded assemblies, and
the gay dancers have little dreamed of the
secrets of their partners have never guessed
the blood stains on the hands that met theirs
in the mad gallopade or whirlipg waltz.
1t was arranged that General Dumont and
wife should go to the first Charity Ball ac-
conpauied by nephew of the General, Mr.
Oliver Trevor
1t was eleven o'clock when Mrs Dumont
entered the doors Of the Academy of Music,
leaning upon the arm of MIR. Trevor. The
General walked close behind, eager TO watch
over and protect the woman he loved.
In the midst OF this scene of folly Maud
Dumont wore a long domino of rich black
silk and velvet mask Of the same somber
hue. She had selected this costume a. the
request of the General, who did not wish
Iher to be conspicuous among such all as
sembly.
As She descended from her carriage at the
door of the Academy, q fashlonahly y-attlred
gentleman accidentally, it seemed to her,
ostled against her, and her domino, not be
ING very securely fastened, was disarraDged
the hood falling back.
"Excuse me- madam" said the stranger,
politely, las he stepped aside.
Owing to the hurry, possibly, In repiac-
ing the hood, Mr. Trevor did not notice the
IlSbred of scarlet ribbon which the stranger
had affixed to it. There was n crowd about
the doors. and his quick movement had not
been noted; yet the ribbon was distinctly
visible to any one who looked particularly
at the hood of Mrs Dumonts domino.
, The party enteraa the crowded lobbie'
/ Heading to the immense platform which eov
8 ered th.. lower part of the house. Three
minutes after entering the Academy, th
General was separated from his wife ant
a nephew.
The crowd flowed hitheY and thither
, ipowerful as some torrent, it drove all betor
it. This Gegeral scarcely knew how o
|. where the separation took place. but h
n found himself far away from his lcompat
lions, and utterly ignorant as to which diret
v ton they had taken.
MIR. Trevor and Mrs. Dumont had bee
8 driven back by the throng, and had retreate
6 to the western entrance. Here the crow
was still greater. 5Phe noisy maskel
crowded around them, shouting and laugh
!. ing. Mrs Dument was confused and almo
IS stunned by the noise.
"Iet us 60 back and find the General
t. she said to her companion; she is waitin
|, for us, no doubt, in one of the lobbies. "
u shall never be able to discover him upc
% the stage"
Mr.. Trevor obeyed, and conducted h
d lovely, change toJthe other side of the bull
as ing Again they found themselves buris
in the ever-ehapging, ever-restless crow
4, As Mrs. Dumont gazed about her, bewi
in dered by the confusion, she suddenlj~fe
ID her left hand pressed in the strong hand
man.
ID 81 will take you to the General madam
ry voice whispered in her ear. "Eeave yo'
companions arm and come with me.
She obeved almost involuntarily, scarce
ry knowing what she did and before she cou
is repent of her imprudence she found herst
drawn through the crowd by the strol
grasp of the strangers hand, and entire
no separated from Mr.. Trevor The strans
" led her on still piercing the crowd, tnroul
So which hepushed his way, clearing passa
at for his companion as he went.
If They passed out into the main hall a,
aseended staircase leading to the first ii
of seats. The corridor outside the drt
he circle was much less crowded than the II
rs. of the house. Here the stranger paused
dis "Why have you separated me from
Iifriends?" said Mrs, Dumont, Indignantly.
la "Fora purpose which is too serious to
low of any ceremony, answered the strf
we ger, whose voice was mufiied by his mask
he Thus disguised, his accents would iha
nd been strange to his nearest and dear
ter friends. To Mrs. Dumont they were ute
,rd strange. She tried in vain to rememl
or, those tones, but she was unable to do So
ay- "Where is the GeneraR' she demand
ay- eagerly ,s,
but II do not know, madam" answered
re- stranger, coldly.
The Generals wife looked at her mys
rious guide with strange thrill OF terror
lid "You have deceived me-" she exclaimed