Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-07-24
moon Of DELIGHT
M Ma1au 1etReu H0u4Lom

May see you alone?" she said to
Divitt
Divitt opened the door. Pardon us.
Marquesa. Just a moment on the
balcony"
The marquesa graciously took her
leave.
II prefer her to go, myself" Divitt
explained when he shut the door, "for
she knows nothing. You may speak
freely to her about your work, but that
is all. You came from the Argentine
are in my house. That's all she's been
told. She has just come from Spain
no fortune, but a marchioness and
worthy companion"
Thank you" said Juanita. but
am to be insulted and my veil tor
Off"
Your veil? Where"
In the court. Mr.. Ledbetter 70,
lowed me-"
ut is dask in the court" said Divit
And Ledbetter will not be admitte
hereafter. 1 shall instruct Gabreau
Moreover, you are not to be in tn
parlors every night You'll be out witt
the marquesa. Is that alp"
THAT is ALL" said Juanita. ok
cept-I appreciate You are vel
SOt at oil, OlVlJJ answered, CpSG
ing the door You have broug'
many new people to the place. Y
will come back all the fresher.
All right, Msrquesa."
Kirk called for Juanita at the Tic
the night of the Comus Ball, waiting l.
the Marquesa de Cabrera's suite.
Kirk had telephoned. had been con
nected with the marquesa. They woul
go-Juanita and the marquesa. Kir
carefully selected the flowers Whit
roses for Juanita. Orchids for tn
Orchids did not suit her Kirk de
clced when she appeared in a red satin
dress and huge earrings. Carnations,
thought Kirk, "or red and yellow
flowers"
The marquesa had pinned his or
chids at her waist and sat now on the
divan protruding her brocaded slippers
with their jeweled heels, moving hel
REQ feather fan and chatting in voluble
blurred English about America, about
Seville, which she had just left, about
the Senorita Flores her beloved charge.
Kirk was CAD to meet this member
OF the senorita's encourage. He listened
to the marquesa until the door opened
and Juanita appeared, lovely in yellow
tulle. carrying his roses.
The Mystic Krewe of Comus is
masked and in costume" Kirk explain
ed, as they rode toward the theater
where the ball was to be held. The
master of ceremonies calls out your
name and you step upon the floor. At
went to a ball like that. Senorita
Flores?"
The senorita never had
"Oh, but Ysabel!" exclaimed the
marquesa. Then you will put on
mask, Mr.. Stanard! How We gon'
know you?"
You'll know me-" said Kirk, be
cause l shall wave my hands"
At the theater XIX took them to
their seats in what was the parquet
circle. The parquet had been cleared
for the dancers.
The high sign, marquesa," he said
as he left them. Like this"
But there were so many high signs.
The Krewe of Comus, appearing an
army of Pierrots and Harlequins, beasts,
pirates and devils, followed their queen
with the court ladies, marched about
the ball room, then broke ranks in the
dance. The house murmured excitedly
as the queen, white and splendid, sat
upon the throne.
The lights grew dim and a silver
OlSW DldSJ OH Ills trumpet.
The Marquesa de Cabrera!" he
called.
The marquesa rose and moved across
the floor, bright heels flashing. A
masked black devil bowed low. received
the marquesa in his arms. They moved
out upon the floor.
Miss Bettina Byrnes!"
A slip of a girl in blue met a grin
ming Cheshire cat.
Mrs. Dick Preston!"
Sleepy eyes and a red wind-blown
bob. A tall Pierrot bowed
"Senorita ISABEL Flores."
A whisper went through the house.
Who is she?" Game with Kirk
Stanard. Visiting here with the Mar
quese de Cabrera-that first one, dane
ing with Adrian Fouche"
Juanita was dancing with a black
and orange Harlequin.
II know your voice." said Juanita.
Il know your dancing"
Kirk wondered why the confession
should make him so happy. You
either" he answered in a low voice.
How is Mrs. Belaise?" Juanita
asked.
Bored with Biloxi She never goes
there till the carnival is over She
wants you and the marquesa to visit
her In Biloxi. Will you do it?"
I'D love to-
1T will help us to keep her there,
and it's part of the coast you wouldn't
see otherwise. offering every reason
for her going except the one closest
his heart. What would prevent his
visiting in Biloxi? I'll take YOU to
Ship Island while we're there and to
the Isle of Caprice. the Monte Carlo
OF these parts. The marquesa will let
you. know. I'll speak to her tonight"
The devil, dancing with the mar
quesa. passed close to them. his eyes
meeting Juanita's under his mask.
Kirk, observing him, said, Hes got
get 1t of his mind. And I've got the
supper dance and the last. I can't
get that off my mind either"
Does it burden you?"
He NODDED Like balloons that
won't let me stay on my feet
The encore was waltz. the lights
dropping low. Strangely enough, Kirk
guided Juanita through the dancers
almost in silence. returning with her
to her seat just as the maruuesa and
Mephisto arrived there. Mephisto
kissed the marquesa's hand, bowed to
Juanita.
Juanita danced with the Cheshire
cat this time The marouesa danced
with Kirk. He is charming" she con-
f1ded to Juanita. we are going to
their place in-in Biloxi?"
"When?" Juanita asked.
Il cannot tell. I must see Mr.. Divitt
first"
(To Be Continued)