As she did so a bandage was clapped over her eyes and she was led forward blindfolded.

It was only after an impressive pause that the handkerchief was removed.
It was well she had been warned beforehand, or the sight which met her gaze might have caused her to emit a yell loud enough to attract the attention of a passing prefect.

The Villa Camellia was admirably supplied with electric light, but on this historic occasion the apartment was illuminated solely by a couple of candle-ends stuck in a pair of vases.

Their flickering flame revealed a solemn row of nine dressing-gowned figures, each of which wore a black paper mask with holes for her eyes.

The general effect was most startling and horrible, and resembled a meeting of the Inquisition, or some other society bent on torture and dark doings.