Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1898-04-26
AN EERIE EPISODE.

1G was at a masquerade at Galinber
tbs studio in once of the old Roman pal
aces. There were music, the tripping
sound of dancing feet. laughter and the
unintelligible hum of conversation min
gled in a gay medley.
Carson, an American, a new arrival
in the city and stranger to that col
ony of sculptors and painters, had been
accidentally separated from the friend
who brought him in the crowd shortly
after his entrance to the ballroom.
He was wandering listlessly among
the merry maskers, quite regardless of
their gibes and laughter at his expense.
Tired at length of his aimless peregri-
nations, he turned aside from the glar-
ing lights and heat to the shade and
GOODNESS of the balcony.
The wide easements at the end of the
room were open and gave an unobstruct-
ed view of the Kaleidoscope scene with
in. A divan near the balustrade offered
place for repose, but it was not until
he was seated that he was aware of the
presence of a lady. She occupied the
fartherl end of the divan and was par
TALLY concealed by the dropping tree
ferns and palms with which tho bal
oony was decorated. She moved slightly
in her nest of tricoIored cushions, and
her fan fell with slight clatter upon
the stone floor.
Carson picked it up and gave it to
her with a courteous bow. She thanked
him, speaking in English, with just the
slightest Italian accent
II fear that am intruding, signora, /"
he said.
"Not SO. The balcony is free TO all
who come. There can be no intrusion. {"
She reached up her hand as she spoke
and pushed aside the feathery branches
that swayed between them. Then he
saw that she was young and very fair to
look upon.
Her face was decidedly English. She
wore an indescribable swathing garment
Of soft texture that was gathered up
closely about her neck and fell to her
feet in long, olinging folds-strongly
suggestive of Bernhardt costume
Two beautifully shaped arms were bare
to the shoulder, and the small hands
that lay in her lap looked as though
they had been modelled in wax.
She leaned back, resting her head up
on the stuccoed pillar, her fan waving
languidly to and fro.
Permit me" said the American,
taking the dainty lace and ivory trife
from her hand and tanning her gently.
She smiled gracious assent, and
then began talking.
1t was SO warm in the ballroom and
one grew so tired dancing, she said.
Did the gentleman dance? Perhaps he
was not acquainted with many ladies
"a stranger in Rome? Was he an artist
or sculptor?
"Neither, signora. lam an attache.
tFrom what country-England?"
''No-America -
"Americal Ah, that marvellous landl''
She chatted on in an open, friendly
manner until a bevy of tired dancers in
vaded their retreat Among them was
his friend Tarro.
"Great heavens, Carsonl Where have
you been2 have looked everywhere for
you. Everybody is unmasking, and it
is time for supper. No doubt you are
starving. Come, / have secured table,
and you are to meet some charming wo-
men. What have you been doing here
all alone? 1t was exceedingly stupid in
us to get separated.
''I have not been alone, :" replied Mr..
Carson. He glanced around, but the la
dy was gone.
''Not alones Why. who was with
you?'
'Thelady. DidyOu not see her when
you came?''
"a caprice, my dear boy. I saw no
lady. No, you sat there incoming, star
ing in most sentimental manner at
that Moorish lantern hanging over
there. Come along. They are waiting
for us. :"
They fingered long over their supper.
There were merry, high pitched talking
and much laughter, but Carson was not
in state of hilarity. His restless, bored
glance wandered over the assembly, and
once he started and turned sharply in
his chair at the low voice of woman
who, with her escort. passed close be-
side him.
Tarro tried to rally him on his alb
straction, but his brow contracted fret
fully, and he nervously fingered spray
of flowers that lay by his plate. He
was not sorry when the ball was over
and he found himself on the pavement
outside of the palace.
A cab was waiting, but without
knowing why he declined to accompany
his friend, saying he preferred to walk
to his hotel he sauntered along slowly,
with bowed head, absently staring at