Don Juan. I don't know
just what she means. I'm sure he's a gentleman. Perhaps she expected me
to tell her what Royal said to me, but how could I do that when I think
it was just an impulsive burst that he's likely to forget by morning. If
he really meant it--but I must stop dreaming all sorts of improbable
dreams! I've had such a glorious time in Philadelphia just living and
singing and working and playing that I wish it hadn't happened. I'm
frightened when I think that any serious questions might confront me
here.

_February 10._

I guessed right when I thought that Royal would forget that foolish
outburst. He has been perfectly lovely to me, taking me out and buying
me flowers and telling me about his trips, but he hasn't said one word
more of sentimental nature. I'm surely getting my share of fun and
pleasure these days. There are so many things to enjoy, so much to learn
from my fellow-boarders and every one I meet, that the days are all too
short. Between times I'm making a dress and cap for the masquerade
dance. I hate sewing. I lost all love for it during my years of calico
patching. But I don't mind making the dress for I'm eager for the dance,
my first masquerade party. I'm hoping for a good time.

CHAPTER XXIII

DIARY--PLAIN FOR A NIGHT

_February 21._

LAST night was the masquerade. I wore the plain gray dress, apron and
cape and a white cap on my head. I felt rather like a hypocrite as I
looked at myself in the glass, but Virginia said it was just the thing
and certainly would not be duplicated by any other guest.

I was dressed early and started down the stairs, my black mask swinging
from my hand. As I rounded a curve in the stairway I glanced casually
down the wide hall. The colored servant had admitted visitors. I looked
in that direction--the mask fell from my hand and I ran down the steps
and into the arms of Mother Bab! I couldn't say more than "Oh, oh!" as I
kissed her over and over. When she got her breath she said happily,
"Phoebe, you're plain!"

Oh, how it hurt me! I took her and David to a little nook off the
library where we could be alone and then I had to tell her that I was
wearing the plain dress and white cap as a masquerade dress. Even when I
told her I learned to dance and do things she thinks are worldly there
was no look of pain on her face like the look I b