He would have given much to hide it in his pocket, since it
came from Berenice; but even as he put it down a bevy of girls swept up
for favors, and one of them bore it away.
"He has abandoned his opportunity," Mrs. Staggchase observed. "The
favor goes to Mr. Stanford."
The girl who had taken up the mask was indeed pinning it to the coat of
that gentleman, with whom she quickly danced away. Maurice felt his
heart grow hot, but he looked at his cousin with face hard and
determined.
"It was never mine," he said, "except by the chance of a
misunderstanding."
A maid now came forward with a black domino, which Mrs. Wilson slipped
into gracefully, drawing up her glittering draperies. The big diamond
on the toe of her slipper glowed fantastically, peeping from beneath
the penitential robe.
"Hallo," Dr. Wilson exclaimed, coming up at this moment, "what's in the
wind now? Is this turning into a masquerade?"
"Your wife is about to retire from the world," Mrs. Hubbard answered,
laughing.
"With a man," Mrs. Staggchase added, her eyes shining on her cousin.
Wynne stabbed her with a glance of indignation.
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