The grass on the bank of the lake was quite dry and Lady Helen suggested that we sit down.
"This reminds me of a garden in Florence," she said. "Someone might tell us a story from Boccaccio."
The Marquise held up her hands in affected horror.
"Helen! Helen! You're positively shocking," she said.
"Lady Helen evidently believes in living up to our costumes," I ventured.
"Why not?" she laughed, "since the masks hide our faces?"
"Very good, my dear," said Lady Vierle, "you tell the first story; we will take our cue from you."
Lady Helen removed her mask. "Then, that is your first cue," she said.
"I breathe easier," Mademoiselle d'Essoldé remarked.
"We all do," said I—then, suddenly, replaced mine and arose.