The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-07-18

and guilty, one might nave taken ulIu W NO
as innocent as a newborn child.
When the evening arrived he said good
by to me as pleasantly and atfectlonately as
he had always done, and then started on
his Journey as calmly as though no black
treachery toward me were on his nina.
A thousand times l wished L hau never
written that foolish letter.
But managed to dress myself and did
nv best to rouse my failing courage. Ii
John were really false to me must know
the worst, ard then l would leave him tor-
ever
we entered the ballroom. A throng OF
masked figures, arrayed in every imagin-
able kind of costume, moved through the
brightly lighted rooms to the strains OF
lively dance music. Under other circum-
stances how amused should nave peen IN
watching the strange, fantastic crowd,
with their "qulps and cranks" ana
"wreathed smiles"
Usually. too, was devoted to dancing,
but that evening l declined every invita-
ton. MI
worth and carried her away to join In
was glad to take refuge in corner
alone, from whence | could observe the
laughing, chattering throng.
was relieved to find that though several
persons, availing themselves OF the license
10 one recognized me.
All at once, among the eyer-changing
crowd, and moving toward me, perceived
a cavalier in a dark blue domino with
favor on his shoulder For one moment L
hoDPd il was not John. Some one surely,
by chance might have fixed upon tile same
dress; but no, looked again, | could not
be mistaken in Johns tail figure and up
right carriage. l could not see his lace,
for like every one else present he was
closely masked.
In Il second he was by my side.
AT last" my husbands voice whispered
soft and low in my ear, Eat last, fair un-
known, we meet. l know you must be fair
or YOU would not have had courage to write
to me-"
ut was wrong and foolish, 1murmureu,
'but all is fair in love"
"Ah! dear unknown, how can 1 thank
Won for your kindness?' he said, pressing
nearer and trying to seize my hand,
l drew back. l felt as though | must
rush away from him at once and forever.
Then | recullccted myself must play my
part no matter how painful, and then
should see how he would acquit himself IN
his new role
SO. when be again attempted to take my
hand | offered no resistance, but, leaning
forward, | whispered
"What would your wife say?"
'Why need you remind ne OF herr" he
answered, bitterly. Cannot you let me
forget my fetters for momentT
l was bursting with rage and indignant
seorn, but l managed to control my voice
as | said:
You must indeed be unhappy. Poor
fellow. EnSlaved for life through the
thoughtlessness of one rash moment!"
l waited for him to reply, but he was
silent.
And then, I know not what possessed
me- but in my despair l acted my part OF
coquette as l did not know before 1t was in
me to act. | used every art to captivate
him. | told him his wife had never under
stood him and that |, the unknown. alone
really understood and loved him as he de-
served.
He pressed his lips to my hand with pas
sionate emotion, and at the same moment
cavalier in a scarlet domino passed us and
then repassed, glancing very pointedly at
US several times.
turned away and when I looked again
he had vanished.
His appearance seemed in some way to
disturb nv companion. He asked, a little
hestatingly:
" Are you married?'
Does that make any difference to you?'
l said, in my coolest tones.
4" Not in the least; but l should like to
know"
"Why?"
because there seems to be some one"
You mean the scarlet domino. lson't be
alarmed. i am married, DuJ my uSUdlu
does not attend masquerades."
HE may be here without your knowing
il. l am only anxious on your account. l
have no fear on my own; but | should be
sorry to cme into collision with any one to
whom you are in bonds"
What dreadful thing was going to hap
pen? | was SO frightened l could not speak.
''SH eet unknown" the blue domino con-
tiuued, in still lower tones, grant me one
favor. Meet me in the conservatory in
few minutes. | long to see your beautiful
face, il only for moment, aud 1t Is too
public here to unmask. Caution IS abS0-
lutely necessary. We must not be seen go
ing together. If you will 20 round through
the card-room l will make my way there by
the large ballroom"
And, with another pressure OF my hand.
he vanished.
Like one in a dream / slowly rose and
passed through the card-room to the cool
conservatory beyond it. | seated myself in
a deserted corner at the iarthest end, where
l was somewhat hidden by the foliage of
some tropical plants.
In few moments | heard footsteps, and.
by the light of the Chinese lanterns which
Illuminated the conservatory, saw the blue
domino approaching me:
Now, at last, l thought, shall drink my
cup of misery TO the dregs. Will make
him confess he never loved me; and then
farewell forever!
He was by my side He seized my hand,
and began to speak IN tones, Of tendere5t
love. Again footsteps, aud the scarlet
domino stood beside us. He laid his hand
on the arm of the blue domino, saying:
Sir, request you will follow me-"
What do you mean, sir?Y the other
asked, in threatening tone.
His voice sounded strangely changed.
II mean, SIR the scarlet domino an
swered, unmasking, that you are des-
picable villain, and that l am one who
Jy,O HOY 70 vtifa's honor
What terrible moment for me! The
scarlet domino was none other than John!
What had | donel
He turned to me- and said:
"Wait here till l return. / have heard
everything | must reckon with him first
For Heavens sake, John" 1 cried,
almost beside myself with fear and de-
SPAR, dearest John, believe me, it is all
mistake-a Jest"
"a Jest" he repeated scornfqlly. "a
Jest which may be dearly paid for"
Then lie turned to tile blue domino,
whom, till now, | had mistaken for John.
Follow me. I on need have no fear. L
only require to see your face and your card.
All shall be formally arranged"
% am ready, sir, to grant you satisfac-
tion," tile blue domino answered.
They both turned to leave me.
"Oh, Johnw | cried, in an agony of grief
and fear, " beseech you to listen to me.
Appearances, know are against me, but 1t
is not as you think!'
He would not hear me, but turning to
the blue domino, he said:
"Your card, sir? Why are we lingering
here?"
The blue domino drew out his card-case
and presented John with card from it.
My husband read the name and said, with
frown:
Z" beg you will meet me in the park close
by at the gate-house. l will be there
shortly"
Then he turned aud left u.s.
What an uDlucky fellow l ann" the
blue domino muttered,'as though to HIM
self. 81 am always getting into these
difficulties. How many more duels must l
fght?"
His words, If possible. still further in
creased my alarm.
"Oh, STRIP l cried, "if you have any feel
ings Of pity. listen to me. Everything is
very different from what you imagine"
1hen told him the whole story about the
anonymous letter.
He IN EnNo