I turned to speak to my hostess, but she was gone on business of her own.

So there I stood for half an hour, biting my thumb.

I had as yet seen nothing of the mysterious Ellen, although many a score of eyes, in license of the carnival, had flashed through their masks at me, and many others as their owners passed by in the dance or promenade near where I stood.
Presently I felt a tug at my sleeve.
"Come with me," whispered a voice.
It was Kitty.

We passed to the opposite side of the dancing floor, and halted at the front of a wide marquee, whose flaps were spread to cover a long row of seats.
"Count them," whispered Kitty hoarsely.

"There are twelve!" And so indeed there were, twelve beautiful young girls, as one might pronounce, even though all were masked with half-face dominos.