He was dressed to represent some hideous monster that never was known on sea or land, and in his hand he carried a grotesque mask.
"Hullo!" he exclaimed; "some one been rubbing you down the wrong way? Caramba, you are in a towering rage! Pray what has offended your Royal Highness?"
"Why, all this tomfoolery! Fancy a masked ball with Canterac in the mountains ready to swoop down on us at any moment!"
"The more reason why we should enjoy ourselves while we can. Besides, you are as bad as the rest: you promised to go!"
"I have forgotten it, then."
"Well, you did; so make haste—the carriage is waiting."
"I have no dress ready," said I coldly.
"That doesn't matter in the least. Go in your uniform; you look very well in it."
"Thanks, I prefer to stay here."
"You forget the ball is given in our honour! Colonel Miller won't be too pleased at finding you absent. 'Twill be a slight on our host and hostess."