"She has been the sensation of the day," said one. "The whole city is wondering who she is."
"She seems determined to remain a mystery."
"Yes, for she has vanished from the ballroom in a most unaccountable manner. No one saw her take her departure."
"No. He is as much mystified as anybody. The fellow knows her, but he positively refuses to disclose her identity."
Frank's hand had fallen on Barney's arm with a grip of iron, and the fingers were sinking deeper and deeper into the Irish lad's flesh as these words fell on their ears.
"It is said that the young fellow who saved her from the steer to-day does not know her."
"No. She saw him in the crowd to-night, and flung him her crown, calling him a hero. He was nearly mobbed by the crowd, that was determined to know his name, but he escaped in some way, and has not been seen since."
"That settles it!" Frank hissed in Barney's ear. "They are speaking of the Flower Queen."
"Sure," returned the Irish lad; "an' av yersilf, Frankie, b'y."