costume of our nineteenth century inspire brusque demeanor and
curt forms of speech, which, however sincere, are not flattering
to the fair sex.

More love-making goes on at a fancy-dress ball than at an ordinary
one; and numerous were the couples that strolled through the
corridors and along the terraces of the Gezireh Palace Hotel when,
after the first dozen dances were ended, it was discovered that
one of the most glorious of full moons had risen over the turrets
and minarets of Cairo, illumining every visible object with as
clear a lustre as that of day. Then it was that warriors and
nobles of mediaeval days were seen strolling with mythological
goddesses and out-of-date peasants of Italy and Spain; then
audacious "toreadors" were perceived whispering in the ears of
crowned queens, and clowns were caught lingering amorously by the
side of impossible flower-girls of all nations. Then it was that
Sir Chetwynd Lyle, with his paunch discreetly restrained within
the limits of a Windsor uniform which had been made for him some
two or three years since, paced up and down complacently in the
moonlight, watching his two "girls," Muriel and Dolly, doing
business with certain "eligibles"; then it was that Lady
Fulkeward, fearfully and wonderfully got up as the "Duchess of
Gainsborough" sidled to and fro, flirted with this man, flouted
that, giggled, shrugged her shoulders, waved her fan, and
comported herself altogether as if she were a hoyden of seventeen
just let loose from school for the holidays. And then the worthy
Dr. Maxwell Dean, somewhat exhausted by vigorous capering in the
"Lancers," strolled forth to inhale the air, fanning himself with
his cap as he walked, and listening keenly to every chance word or
sentence he could hear, whether it concerned himself or not. He