The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-09-15
UNDER A MASK.

were good enough in themselves; but hi,
wife thought he might have made knowr
his wishes in little less imperious man
ner than he chose to adopt.
However, she said nothing about it
though her eyes flashed little as her lore
and master proclaimed his wishes,
The ball was set down for the evening
of the twenty-ninth.
On the morning of that day Mr.. Bash
ford went to town at the usual hour, but
during the afternoon had occasion to visit
Il section of the city that led him past
his own residence.
He walked on the opposite side Of the
street, and did cross over, as he was IL
some haste.
But his attention was suddenly arrested
by young woman with a large bundle
ascending the front steps OF his domicie,
and ringing the door-bell.
He wondered somewhat at this, as he
was not aware that his wife had been
purchasing anything new in the line OF
dresses lately.
His perplexity increased when the
door was opened cautiously, the young
woman admitted promptly, as if by a
previous understanding, and the door in.
stantly closed again,
Here was q dilemma.
Mr.. Bashfords curiosity and suspicion
were aroused, and he finally decided that
he must know what was going on in his
own house.
He had not long to wait.
The young woman soon reappeared,
but without the bundle, and walked
briskly down the street.
He followed her 1t was not long
chase She led him to one of the busiest
md gayest streets, and final Y turned
quickly into celebrated c0stumer's es-
adjustment.
Mr., Bashford could scarcely believe the
evidence of his senses at first.
But on drawing near, he read the sign
in front of the establishment, which set
forth in plain language that masks, false
whisker-, costumes of all styles, ancient
md modern, serious and comic, could be
obtained within.
Could it be that his wife was venture
some enough to tfisobey him, and had
hired costume with a view of attending
olc masquerade?
The idea was atrociou-, humiliating,
rxasperating.
Yet the evidence seemed to point IN
dubitahjy to such state of things, and
he accepted the conclusion at once.
He did not linger long in meditation.
His wife's andaGity must receive Sc
we're rebuke.
This he decided npon without delay.
So, with that promptncss and shrewd-
ness which be boasttt never deserted
him. he entered the shop before which
he was standing.
The proprietor WAS woman, with
v-looking eyes.
He accostcd Der thus:
Madam, wonld you object to making
five shillings ia az many minutes"
The person addressed intimatng that
she would have no objection to that sort
Of thing, he continued:
"Then describe to me accurately the
costume delivered by the young woman
who entered the shop moment ago, or
Use show me one lust like it,"
"Well,' said the woman, hesitatiuc.
chat wouldn't be exactly regular, you
anow"
u understand that, but can prove to
'ou, if necessary, that have a right to
know, and thai no harm can possibly
come to you by your telling me-"
Mr.. Bashtofd temptingly twirlcd five
shilling piece,
ooh, weIl,'' sand the woman, 'T pre-
;ume it viii be all right. The costume
was that of Turkish lady. Here is one
ust like it except that the hood is blue
instead of scarlet"
"Yes-iast so," said Mr.. Bashford.
The one that the young woman left at
= street has scarlet hood, has It'll?
eyes, sir"
every web. Here are your five shil-
dngs, and besides l am very much
obliged to you, Good day"
Mr.. Bashford left the shop in high
elee.
He made no allnsion, when he went.
nome to bis 5 O'Clock dinner, to the cir
cumstance just related.
He simply said to his wife before leav-
ing, wondering the while at her innocent
md unconstrained ,leneanor:
"As | told yon would probably he the
case, Louise, ! shall he detained in town
by business tonight until quite late. DO
not look for me much before midnight"
"Oh, dear, I arn sorry, Dio. 1t is so
lonesome these long evenings when you
are obliged to be away"
81 guess yon will MANAGE to console
yourself during my Absence" was his re-
ply, delivered in a slightly sarcastic tone,
as he departed
The business" which was to detain
i'm was Of a somewhat startling charac-
rer.
After spending a short time at his
Office, he proceeded to acostumer's estab-
lishment, and placed himself in the hands
Of an artist, who, after u long and tedious
process, transformed him into hideous-
looking Indian chief.
Then, with e)mckle, he was driven to
the ballroom,
The music was pealing forth from the
Orchestra, and hundreds of grotesquely-
lttired fenrea wnyf pfipylinp in the dance