It is evident that Miss Davenport has correctly deduced the meaning of the puzzling verse, although its author remains unknown. Having safely secured the sprig of monk's hood (which Miss Davenport is more familiar with under the name of wolf's bane,) the visiting ladies are returned to Harcourt House in time to prepare for the masquerade. In contrast to Doctor North, who has been in costume since morning, Mister Rachman has not yet given even a slight hint as to how he will be arrayed.
As the sun sets, and Mister Harcourt emerges from seclusion, Miss Carrow gives over possession of the plant. Mister Harcourt is very thankful, and places it in a safe place.
Guests begin to arrive. Although Miss Davenport nearly fades into the background with her simple domino mask, Miss Carrow is a vision as the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. She is dressed in a kirtle of crimson velvet and a robe of purple velvet, both richly decorated with ermine. On her head is a coronet and a cap festooned with pearls and other precious stones. (Whether these are truly ermine and gems, or clever imitations, would require an expert to determine.) An historian might point out that Anne was dark, and Miss Carrow is fair, but such pedantry would hardly be appropriate on this occasion.
Mister North's recreation of Sir Isaac Newton wins great admiration for its authenticity. Indeed, many remark that he truly seems to be living the part, and would make a fine actor.
Mister Harcourt appears a short time later in a simple chiton, as worn in ancient Greece. A wide swath of cloth is wrapped around his unique spectacles, completely hiding them from view. He wears sandals and carries a lyre. It seems clear that he has come in the guise of the blind poet Homer, with perhaps a bit of sardonic humor directed at his own infirmity. (As a practical matter, no doubt the cloth also protects his eyes from excessive light, as the masquerade requires Harcourt House to be illuminated with a larger number of candles than normal.)
The masquerade is an intimate one, as these affairs go. The guests engage in conversation, with witty remarks and flirtatious compliments exchanged as the common coin of society. There is a little dancing, ranging from the somewhat old-fashioned minuet to the more recent allemande. (The trio of musicians who accompany this activity is, perhaps, more enthusiastic than gifted.)
It is a peculiarity of the acoustics of the hall in which the masquerade takes place that private conversation is difficult, if not impossible. In many places it seems to act almost as a whispering gallery, such as is found in Saint Paul's Cathedral. One might be able to overhear many interesting conversations.
Mister North: I tell you that I invented the method of fluxions, and not that devil Leibniz!
A gentleman dressed as a shepherd: I believe you, my dear sir, I believe you! My word, you do take take your role seriously!
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Mister Harcourt: You will be ready to perform the ceremony when all the items have been assembled?
Mister Rachman: I will be ready, sir.
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(Miss Davenport finds herself strangely drawn to a gentleman standing off by himself. His disguise is one which brings a shudder to sensitive souls. He wears simple black clothing which appears to be covered with dust. His skin has been rendered a sickly yellow-gray. Large fangs emerge from his mouth, and his hands bear long, curved claws. He has chosen the guise of a vampyre of the most repulsive type; the
nosferatu of Romanian legend. Only after a moment is Miss Davenport absolutely sure that he is not truly one of the undead.)
The "vampyre": We must talk, you and I.
Miss Davenport: Not now! I must be off.
(Miss Davenport attempts to leave quietly.)
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(The Duprays arrive a little later than the other guests. At first it seems that they have neglected to select costumes, and are wearing ordinary evening clothes. Upon closer inspection, it is discovered that the whimsical twins have come
en travesti. Miss Dupray is wearing her brother's waistcoat and breeches, and Mister Dupray is wearing his sister's gown. When addressed, Miss Dupray answers in a deep voice, and Mister Dupray responds in falsetto. They approach Miss Carrow.)
"Miss" Dupray: Good evening, ma petite! How delightfully you portray the famous Queen!
Miss Carrow: Thank you, uh, sir, uh, madam, uh---
"Mister" Dupray: Don't lose your head, pretty one. Of course, you already did that, didn't you? To the King. That was some time after you lost your maidenhead to him.
("Miss" Dupray slaps "Mister" Dupray on the head with "her" fan.)
"Miss" Dupray: Wicked, wicked fellow! Please forgive my foul-minded brother, my dear. Come away with me, and we will speak of nicer things.
("Miss" Dupray takes Miss Carrow by the hand. It is a fine point of etiquette as to whether "her" disguise renders this act of intimacy acceptable or not.)
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These various encounters are soon interrupted by an unexpected visitor . . .