One thing is always noticeable about these bal masques—the ladies never assume a grotesque costume, always endeavoring to appear charming, according to their own ideas, and leaving the funny part of the business to the male sex.
The couple whom Darrell was anxious to watch had mingled with the crowd dancing and for some little time he lost sight of them.
He began to grow a little anxious and was just thinking of changing his quarters, when all of a sudden they appeared in view close by.
They were heading for the dark spot under the gallery where, only a few persons had gathered.
The lady was holding both hands up to her head, as if to keep her, mask from falling while her tall escort forced a passage.
Eric shrank back behind a pillar.
The two came within ten feet of where he stood, and there halted.
“Can you fix it?” he heard her ask.
“I will try, Marian,” was the reply.
That name—it confirmed the detective’s worst fears—he could believe anything now. The Lady of Cards handed her mask to her companion, who immediately endeavored to refasten the string that had broken loose.