he lost heart, and continued, laughing off the affront. Then we
came to the guard lines, and were beyond reach of the mob.

An officer met us, pointing out the way, and, after he had assisted us
to descend from the chair, we advanced slowly over a carpet of clean
straw toward the gaily lighted entrance. Soldiers lined the walls on
either side, and overhead blazed a beacon suspended on a chain. It was
a scene rather grotesque and weird in the red glow, and I took
Cassion's arm gladly, feeling just a little frightened by the strange
surroundings.

"Where is my Uncle Chevet?" I asked, more as a relief, than because I
cared, although I was glad of his absence because of De Artigny.

"In faith, I know not," he answered lightly. "I won him a card, but he
was scarce gracious about it. In some wine shop likely with others of
his kind."

There were servants at the door, and an officer, who scanned the cards
of those in advance of us, yet passed Cassion, with a glance at his
face, and word of recognition. I observed him turn and stare after me,
for our eyes met, but, almost before I knew what had occurred, I found
myself in a side room, with a maid helping to remove my wraps, and
arrange my hair. She was gracious and apt, with much to say in praise
of my appearance; and at my expression of doubt, brought a mirror and
held it before me. Then, for the first time, did I comprehend the
magic of Sister Celeste, and what had been accomplished by her deft
fingers. I was no longer a rustic maid, but really a quite grand lady,
so that I felt a thrill of pride as I went forth once more to join
Cassion in the hall. 'Twas plain enough to be seen that my appearance
pleased him also, for appreciation was in his eyes, and he bowed low
over my hand, and lifted it gallantly to his lips.

I will not describe the scene in the great ballroom, for now, as I
write, the brilliant pageant is but a dim memory, confused and
tantalizing. I recall the bright lights overhead, and along the walls,
the festooned banners, the raised dais at one end, carpeted with skins
of wild animals, where the Governor stood, the walls covered with arms
and trophies of the chase, the guard of soldiers at each entrance, and
the mass of people grouped about the room.

It was an immense apartment, but so filled with guests as to leave
scarce space for dancing, and the company was a strange one;
representative, I thought, of each separate element which composed the
populat