Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-24

raised an expressive face. ct am to re-
form the guard.''
Counsellor burst into a great laugh, but
as suddenly grew grave.
They will take it kindlyi Their well
come to you is likely to be-interesting.
So expected. But went down to the
mess last week and was introduced by old
Walienloup. They were very civil"
All! and since you left they have been
very silent. They are OVERRIDING it-too
civil and too silent Looks bad you know.
oh, that's all right; Selpdorf told me not
TO be drawn into any shallow quarrels"
Hollywood answered with a smile
But the major did not take M the smile
The two vertical lines above his fleshy nose
deepened.
1T strikes me. my boy, that you've got
the devil by the tail this time" he said
gruttly, as his eyes raised for a moment on
Hollywood; but you know how to take
care Of yourself. Ready? We can drive to
the palace together. l have a carriage
waiting
The couple proceeded downstairs bought
cigarettes of the waiter and started The
wind was bowling in it's usual twaneinr
cadences down the broad Streets increas-
ing IN force as they gained the open light
ed embankment Of the river. along which
they passed for some distance before reach
Ing the courtyard Of the palace
The great entrance hall was still full Of
arrivals. while up the wide central STAIR
case trooped masks and dominos in g.
changing Kaleidoscope of form and color
Eager heads thrust this way and that. pic
turesque figures grouping and greeting
cavaliers OF all periods, maidens Of all ma
lions, monks. barbarians, cardinals Queens
and clownS-sometimes the wisest heads
under the most foolish caps-while here
and there rev favored paper folk made
desultory notes and sketches.
The painted ceiling etching overhead
is one of the triumphs of renaissance art
The identity of the master hand who
achieved that marvellous work has been a
moot point in art circles for couple of
centuries or whereabouts, and quite a
library on the subject exists The Maa-
sauns are very proud of their ceiling
prouder Still or the controversy which has
ragged and continues to rage around 1t.
NJ. Selpdorf, representing his master
stood at the head of the staircase, and re-
ceived the guests with a good deal more
politeness and discrimination than the duke
himself might have shown. for that per-
sonage was said to have an awkward habit
of turning his back upon those whom he
happened to dislike.
Major Counsellor was greeted with effu-
sion: Hollywood with raised eyebrows and
slight reserve.
II had Hoped to welcome the new cap
tain of the guard this evening" Selpdorf
said in a low voice and with a significant
glance at Rallywoods velveteens.
II have not Vet Joined your excellency.
turned Hollywood. and passed on into the
gallery beyond. This gallery, opening from
the head of the staircase, ran around the
great saloon, which served the purpose of
ball room, and many of the guests were
amusing themselves by looking down over
the silk-hung balustrade Oh the dancers be-
low.
In the gallery Counsellor paused to saw a
word here and there to several persons.
who, like Hollywood and himself, were
without masks, but he seemed to have
curiously little facility in penetrating dis
guises. Presently burly old man in the
giittering green and gold of the guard dis
engaged himself from the curtains at the
back Of the gallery, and, nodtfing a SUPER
cilious acknowledgment of Rallywoods sa-
lutte brought his hand down with a rough
heartiness on Counsellors shoulder.
Back again in Nassau Mai. Counsellor.
I'm glad to see your! he said, with the
laugh in his small eyes marred by wri,Eis
of suspicious cunning. an expression which
seemed startling o. what was at first sight