The Spectator., 1916-05-19

Suppose we go at once and pick out some costumes?" suggested Nor ton
 Just as soon as I can get my hat on," replied Florence happy as a lark.
 But mind" warned Jones; be sure that you see the costumer alone and that no one else is about
 I'll take particular care" agreed Norton. We've got to do some hus- ting to find something suitable. For a big affair like this the town will be ransacked. All aboard! There's room for two in that car of mine; and we can have a spin besides. Hang work"
 Florence laughed, and even Jones permitted a smile (which was not grim this time) to stir his lips.
 A happy person is generally un- observant. Two happy persons to- gether are totally unobservant of what passes around them. In plainer terms this lack is called love. And being frankly in love with each other, neither Norton nor Florence observed that a taxicab followed them into town. Jones. not being in love, was keenly observant; but the taxicab took up the trail two blocks away, so the matter wholly escaped Jones' eye.
 The two went into several cos tuners, but eventually discovered a shop on a side street that had been overlooked by those invited to the masquerade. They had merry time rummaging among the camphory smelling boxes. There were dominoes of all colors, and at length they agreed upon two modest ones that were evenly matched in color and design. Florence ordered them to be sent home. Then the two of them sallied up to the Ritz-Carleton and had tea.
 The man from the taxicab entered the costumer's, displayed detectives shield and demanded that the pro- prietor show him the costumes se- lected by the two young people who had just left. The man obeyed won deringly.
 T want a pair exactly like these,' said the detective. How much?"
 Two dollars each, rental; seven apiece if you wish to buy them"
 I'll buy them"
 The detective paid the bill, nodded curtly, and returned to his taxicab.
 Now, 1 wonder" unused the cos tuner what the dickens those irno- cent looking young people are up to-" He never found out.
 On the night of the ball Norton dined with Florence for the first time; and for once in his life he experienced that petty disturbance of collective thought called embarrassment. To | talk over war plans with Jones was one thing. but to have Jones serve 1 soup was altogether another All l through dinner Jones replied to ques- | tions with no more and no less than Yes, sir" and No, sir" Norton was | beginning to learn that this strange man could put on a dozen kinds of armor and always retain his indiyid- uality. And tonight there seemed i something vaguely familiar about | the impressive face of the butler, as | if he had seen it somewhere in the past, but could not tell when or where As he and Florence were ! leaving for the automobile which was to take them to the princess. the truth came home to him with the shock of q douche of ice cold water Under his breath he murmured: You're wonderful man, Jones; and take my hat off to you with the deepest admira- tion, Hang mel"
 What are you mumbling about?' asked the happy girl at his side.
 Was I mumbling? Perhaps I was going over my catechism. I haven't been out in society in so long that I've forgotten how to act"
 "I believe that. We've been in here for five minutes and you haven't told me that you love me"
 Good heavens," And his arms went around her so tightly that she begged for quarter.
 How strong you are,"
 The splendor of the rooms. the dag zliug array of jewels. the kaleidoscopic colors, the perfume of the banked flowers and the music all combined to put Florence into a pleasurable kind of trance. And it was only when the first waltz began that she became herself and surrendered to the arms l of the man she loved.
 And they were waltzing over a vol cano. She knew and he knew 1t. From what direction would the blow come? Well. they were prepared for all manner of tricks.
 In an alcove off the ballroom sat Braine and Olga, both dressed exactly like Newton and Florence. Another man and woman entered presently and Braine spoke to them for a mo- ment. as if giving instructions, which was indeed the case.
 The band crashed into another dance, and the masqueraders began swirling hither and thither and yon. A gay cavalier suddenly stopped in front of Florence.