"I am, sir."
"Could you manage two costumes for the Vierle Masque?"
"Quite readily, sir."
"Very good," I said. "And let them be as near alike as possible," I
added.
By this time the Field was almost deserted, and, at Lady Helen's
suggestion, Courtney and I turned our horses over to my orderly and
drove back with her.
"I suppose," said I, "that fancy dress is required to-night."
"It is absolutely _de rigueur_," said Courtney; "and there is no
unmasking."
"Really!" said I. "It promises very well."
"And it realizes all it promises--maybe, a bit more," Lady Helen
laughed.
"How shall I recognize you?" I asked.
She considered a moment. "I am to stay the night with the Marquise,
and we shall both wear white silk court gowns of the period of Henry of
Navarre. I'll also put a red rose in my hair."
"And I," said Courtney, "will be caparisoned in a plum velvet court
suit, à la Louis Quinze. You will know me easily by the awkward way I
handle the high red heels."
"As I don't know what Moore will provide for me," said I, "I will adopt
Lady Helen's rose; and, as I can't fasten it in my hair, I'll carry it
in my mouth."
"A good idea," said Courtney; "and I'll put one in my button hole."