Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1912-05-11
The Bal Masdua

distinguished which was the
aid and which the archduke By some
means, which l did not bother to in
Quire, Moore had secured two suits of
black velvet of the time of the thir-
teenth Louis, which were marvels in
fit and style. Even our swords were
similar-long, leather sheathed rapierS
with dead gold hits.
Under my doublet I laced the steel
vest Bernheim brought me. 1t and one
other were made by a famous Milan
armorer 800 years ago, Bernheim said,
and the two had been in his family ever
since. And, so far as he knew, there
were no others like them in all Europe
not even in the museums 1t was a
wonderful piece of work truly. The
links were small and yielding and so
cunningly Joined that it was as pliable
as knitted wool and much less bulky
Indeed, when rolled into a ball it was
no bigger than n mans fist. 1t looked
quite too fiimsy to afford any protec-
ton. vet when 1 saw it proof against a
bullet fired from a revolver and also
turn repeated sword thrusts I was per-
force convinced.
AS every one came masked, admis-
sion was, of course. only by card, after
Il
small room where the mask was re
moved and Identification satisfactorily
established by the ambassadors secre-
tary
The house was one of the largest in
the capital, standing in a park of it's
own on the edge of the inner town.
The grounds were the main attraction.
They covered twenty acres and were
maintained exactly as originally laid
out by Il famous Italian landscape art
list, with immense trees and huge
hedges and narrow walks and wonder
full yistaS.
The MarQuiSe de Vierle welcomed her
| guests alone in one of the small recep-
ton rooms, every one entering singly
and unmasking, she herself being as
yet in ordinary evening dress. She was
a very handsome woman, much young
er than the marquis and of the very
| oldest French aristocracy, grande
dame in bearing as well as in birth
Your royal highness does us great
| honor she said as 1 bowed over her
hand.
1 answered her in suit, and we toss
| ed the usual number of compliments
back and forth.
Whom shall we bid join you at
supper?' she asked.
My dear marQuise,' 1 protested,
you have your personal party Sc
| Observation-Disclosures invited, and my I'M
expected coming must not break your
| arrangements"
But she declined to excuse me.
"Who attends you tonight?" she
asked.
My aid, Colonel Moore"
Suppose, then, we make it a party
of eight and ask Lady Helen, the
Countess de Relde. Mile. d Essolde and
the American ambassador"
"Charmingr 1 exclaimed, Charm
mgr
And what hour will your highness
be served?' she asked
AT whatever, hour Nine. la Mar
quise fixes"
Say, 1 O'Clock. then. in the blue
breakfast room 1t is quiet and re
| tired
1 bowed again over her hand and
was withdrawing, when the marquise
stopped me.
Would not your highness like to
| know some of the masQues?" she ask
| ed
Very much, indeed said 1.
|
| recess behind the curtains. yonder-
and, when you are tired, there is a
door, which slides without noise. open
ing into a private corridor leading to
the garden
1 laughed. 'And 1 may have Colo
mel Moore with me? There will be
many faces 1 shall not know"
HE is without % she asked
"Yes-and costumed somewhat like
myself
She touched bell. 1 held up my
| mask
Admit the gentleman in black vel
| vet, like monsieur she ordered.
From the recess we could see all that
entered and hear every word said. 1
must admit 1 rather enjoyed the ex-
perience-though 1 very rarely guessed
| the face behind the mask
Suddenly the marquis entered hur-
riedly.
do you know, Claire" he said. that
the American archduke is here to-
night?''
Instantly laid my hand on the slid
ing door 1t was time for us to be go
ing And the door refused to move
looked at Moore. who shrugged his
shoulders. I could imagine the smile