My guests are admitted by ticket only, and my major-domo, who receives these cards, writes on the back of each a short description of the bearer's costume.

So I have only to go to him and consult his notes to learn my guest's identity." "But cannot your guests also procure information from the same source--for a consideration ?" "Undoubtedly.

My domestics are none of them incorruptible." Blanka laughed, and Rozina hastened to take advantage of her good humour.
"And now just imagine among these forty masks one guest who comes neither through the door, nor through the major-domo's anteroom, so that no card, no personal description, no cab-number, no information of any kind, is to be had concerning her from my servants.

She is acquainted with all the secrets of those around her, but no one can guess her secret, or fathom her mystery.

Meanwhile a young painter has taken his seat in one corner behind a screen of foliage, and sketches the lively scene before him.