would last. He had taken matters into his own hands while Brewster was
in Florida, and changed the period from the Spain of Velasquez to
France and Louis Quinze. After the cards were out he remembered, to his
consternation, that the favors purchased for the Spanish ball would be
entirely inappropriate for the French one. He wired Brewster at once of
this misfortune, and was astonished at the nonchalance of his reply.
"But then Monty always was a good sort," he thought, with a glow of
affection. The new plan was more costly than the old, for it was no
simple matter to build a Versailles suite at Sherry's. Pettingill was
no imitator, but he created an effect which was superbly in keeping
with the period he had chosen. Against it the rich costumes, with their
accompaniment of wigs and powdered hair, shone out resplendent. With
great difficulty the artist had secured for Monty a costume in white
satin and gold brocade, which might once have adorned the person of
Louis himself. It made him feel like a popinjay, and it was with
infinite relief that he took it off an hour or so after dawn. He knew
that things had gone well, that even Mrs. Dan was satisfied; but the
whole affair made him heartsick. Behind the compliments lavished upon
him he detected a note of irony, which revealed the laughter that went
on behind his back. He had not realized how much it would hurt. "For
two cents," he thought, "I'd give up the game and be satisfied with
what's left." But he reflected that such a course would offer no chance
to redeem himself. Once again he took up the challenge and determined
to win out. "Then," he thought exultantly, "I'll make them feel this a
bit."

He longed for the time when he could take his few friends with him and
sail away to the Mediterranean to escape the eyes and tongues of New
York. Impatiently he urged Harrison to complete the arrangements, so
that they could start at once. But Harrison's face was not untroubled
when he made his report. All the preliminary details had been
perfected. He had taken the "Flitter" for four months, and it was being
overhauled and put into condition for the voyage. It had been Brown's
special pride, but at his death it went to heirs who were ready and
eager to rent it to the highest bidder. It would not have been easy to
find a handsomer yacht in New York waters. A picked crew of fifty men
were under command of Captain Abner Perry. The steward was a famous
manager and could be relied