"We are in the Land of Mystery," said the doctor gravely in a low
voice. "You have heard of the Egyptian Hall and the Temple of
Mystery?"

A shudder passed through many that were there; but the majority
were following with wild adulation the superb Koster, who, with
elbows slightly outward and hands turned inward, was passing toward
the ballroom. McFeckless accompanied him with conflicting
emotions. Would he see the incomparable Princess, who was lovelier
and even still more a mystery than the Chevalier? Would she--
terrible thought!--succumb to his perfections?


III


The Princess was already there, surrounded by a crowd of admirers,
equal if not superior to those who were following the superb
Chevalier. Indeed, they met almost as rivals! Their eyes sought
each other in splendid competition. The Chevalier turned away,
dazzled and incoherent. "She is adorable, magnificent!" he gasped
to McFeckless. "I love her on the instant! Behold, I am
transported, ravished! Present me."

Indeed, as she stood there in a strange gauzy garment of exquisite
colors, apparently shapeless, yet now and then revealing her
perfect figure like a bather seen through undulating billows, she
was lovely. Two wands were held in her taper fingers, whose
mystery only added to the general curiosity, but whose weird and