Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-11-14

was given by the American
officials to the distinguished Cuban of
6cers at the close of hostilities and at
which function diplomats of every
country We're entertained, when all
hostile feeling We're to be laid aside,
and peace and harmony were to pre-
vail. On this account the ball was eX-
as well as one of returning luxury and
splendor.
A number of Americans in high Off
cial positions had rented palaces in
Havana from their impoverished own
ers, and they did not hesitate to con-
6scate for that one occasion the price
less jewels and laces on which they
had advanced money to necessitous
Cubans. Costly raiment, such as princes
alone possess, attracted and enslaved
the eye. The barbaric opulence Of
dress was the feature of the evening;
dominoes were not worn, a mask being
the only safeguard of the face, the
gorgeous character costumes prevent
Ing identity. Every one present was in
costume, excepting one, and he was the
most superbly and elaborately robed Of
any there.
The exception was a Hindu prince,
wearing the cloth of gold which only
those of the royal caste may wear, q
chaplet of great pink Oriental pearls at
his neck, a jeweled sash about his
waist, a turban, the crest cluster of
Oriental jewels, covering his head. The
Hindu's breast was covered with decor
ative orders also blazing with gems.
He accompanied an impersonation Of
the goddess Aurora, woman sumptu-
ously robed in transparent laces and
white satin overlaid with pearl en-
broidery. A pale tissue of white
floated over the costume like a mist,
and this was accentuated by rose-red
diamonds of fabulous size and beauty,
the jewels forming into a stone for
her slender waist and a tiara for her
hair. AS she turned in the undulations
of a mystic, dreamy waltz Aurora at
tracted admiring and ecstatic attention
from all the male dancers, but the
Hindu prince was her constant escort.
The jewels she wore flashed in constel-
lations of light and sent out prismatic
rays that seemed alive of their own
volition.
"Who is she? Who is She" was
asked with intense curiosity. At last
a masker in the character of Mephisto
pheles answered.:
"Who should she be in tow of the
Oriental but old Lynde's daughter, the
beautiful Anita, who has some foreign
blood, although born in the neighbor
hood of Sixth avenue, New York. Hel
father had some money, but hasn'
much now, and If the girl would save
him from bankruptcy she must marry
her Hindu right soon"
Bankruptcy, when he can give hi
daughter a dover of diamonds fit fo
the Queen of Sheba! l thought it wa
She" and the counterpart of King Solo
mon sighed regretfully.
"The diamonds are new to the fai
Anita" said another of the company
this time woman, dressed as Marthi
Washington. IL presume they are
betrothal gift from her lover, tn
Hindu. Yet am told she has refuse
him twice. His devotion tonight is no
discouraged, however"
perhaps the diamonds are treasur
trove of some Cuban lord who ha
abandoned them. Saw you ever fine
gems or any to compare, indeed?"
"Their brilliancy is unnatural-the
hurt the eyes. Can you estimate thei
WORTH?
"By my faith, no. Mine uncle woul
advance several fortunes on then
Hush! They are coming this way.
feel dazzled."
"There are representatives of ever
nation on earth here tonight. 1t is
bit weird l believe that Hindu
numbling his prayers. Did you hear
strange oracular chant as the
passed."
What they had heard as Aurora an
Ter Hindu prince swept by was appa
ntly said for the purpose of sustainiI
interest in the character impersonate
t was intoned monotonously, and WI
heard but indiSinctly through IL
rash of music and the clatter of co
rersation. But a few caught Il
words. They had a sound of forebo
ing.
Death! Death. Forgive, o God ,