"That is easily explained. Most of us live masquerades day by day, and there might be too much of a good thing."
"That is a bit of philosophy that goes well with your robe. Indeed, what better mask is there than the human countenance?"
"If we become serious, we shall put folly out of joint," said I, rising. "And besides, we shall miss the best part of this dance."
She did not hesitate an instant. I led her to the floor, and we joined the dancers. She was as light as a feather, a leaf, the down of the thistle; mysterious as the Cumaean Sibyl; and I wondered who she might be. The hand that lay on my sleeve was as white as milk, and the filbert-shaped horn of the finger-tips was the tint of rose leaves. Was she connected with the ticket in my pocket? I tried to look into her eyes, but in vain; nothing could I see but that wisp of golden hair which occasionally brushed my chin as with a surreptitious caress. If only I dared remain till the unmasking! I pressed her hand. There was an answering pressure, but its tenderness was destroyed by the low laughter that accompanied it.
"Don't be silly!" she whispered.
"How can I help it?"
"True; I forgot you were a fool in disguise."
"What has Romance done to you that you should turn on her with the stuffed-club, Practicality?"
"She has never paid any particular attention to me; perhaps that is the reason."
As we neared a corner I saw the Honorable Julius again. He stretched forth his death's-head mask.