"Kitty Crosby, isn't it?" said the sheikh.
"I thought Kitty was coming as a gipsy."
"Oh, was she? It might be Miss Halifax. No, I don't think it is, though."
Joan looked up at Amberley. "That's the fun of it. Do you know, I didn't recognise one of my oldest friends? Come on, I'll introduce you."
She led him to where the contadina was standing. "May I introduce Mephistopheles?" she said, smiling.
The contadina's eyes gleamed through the slits of her mask. She bowed and cast a fleeting glance up at the scarlet-dad figure before her.
"Shall we dance?" said Mr. Amberley.
"I should like to," she replied.
He drew her out into the room and took her in his arms. She danced well, but showed no desire to talk. Mr. Amberley guided her through the maze of shifting couple and said presently: "I wonder whether you are Miss Halifax or Miss Crosby?"
The red lips curved. "Ah!" said the contadina.