A subtle charm emanated from these surroundings. Music, the sight
and odor of sweet flowers, the sound of pleasant waters, the presence of
things beautiful--these have ever had their effect on me. So now I felt
come upon me a sort of soft content, and I was no longer moved to talk
philosophy.
Sighing, I said to myself that I was young. I turned to speak to my
hostess, but she was gone on business of her own. So there I stood for
half an hour, biting my thumb. I had as yet seen nothing of the
mysterious Ellen, although many a score of eyes, in license of the
carnival, had flashed through their masks at me, and many others as
their owners passed by in the dance or promenade near where I stood.
Presently I felt a tug at my sleeve.
"Come with me," whispered a voice.
It was Kitty. We passed to the opposite side of the dancing floor, and
halted at the front of a wide marquee, whose flaps were spread to cover
a long row of seats.
"Count them," whispered Kitty hoarsely. "There are twelve!"
And so indeed there were, twelve beautiful young girls, as one might
pronounce, even though all were masked with half-face dominos. Half of
them were dressed in white and half in black, and thus they alternated
down the row.
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