It should be a wonderful sight--those grounds--everybody in fancy dress with little black velvet masks.

Don't you think you can go ?" "The fourteenth?
I'll try to make it.

Who are you to be ?" "Beatrice d'Este--in a court gown of black tissue instead of velvet, with just a touch of pink--oh, but a wonderful creation! I designed it myself.
We are not bothering too much about historical accuracy." "How would you like this for the touch of pink!" He took the immense ruby from his pocket and tossed it into her lap.
For a moment she stared at it with expanding eyes, then gave a little shriek of rapture and flung herself into his arms, the child he had married.
"Is it true?
But true?
Shall I wear this wonderful thing?
The women will die of jealousy.

I shall feel like an empress--but more, more, I shall wear this lovely thing--I, I, Helene Ruyler, born Perrin, who never had a franc in her pocket in Rouen! Price! Have you changed your mind--but no! I cannot believe it." That was it then! He watched her mobile face sharply.

It expressed nothing but the excited rapture of a very young woman over a magnificent toy.