such capital wine as this. I was never so happy in my life. You were really very kind to invite me here—I shall always be very grateful. But do you live alone here? I should think you would be lonesome sometimes—have a desire to see the ladies, eh?"
"O, I am never without means to make time pass agreeably," said the mask, carelessly, "as you shall see."
As he spoke, he pressed his foot against a knob elevated above the floor beneath the table.
The room was instantly filled with strains of delicious music, which seemed to come from an adjoining apartment. It rose higher and higher, filling every portion of the room with a thrilling melody, that seemed to enchant the old man, for he remained motionless, scarcely seeming to breathe. Anon, it rose to a low plaintive strain, that seemed like a dirge, whispering of earthly sorrows, but bearing consolation as sweet and soothing as the breath of heaven! Finally, it ceased—silence reigned as before. With a smile, the mask turned towards his guest.
"It is heavenly," he murmured. "With such music, you cannot be lonesome."
"Listen! you have not seen all," was the response, and again the mask pressed upon the sacred knob.
The folding-doors that formed one side of the room were drawn apart, disclosing a brilliantly-lighted and magnificently-furnished apartment, in which were twelve or fifteen young and exceedingly beautiful girls, dressed in fairy-like garments, that revealed the peerless contour of their exquisitely voluptuous forms in such a fascinating manner that it would have maddened the gaze of even an anchorite. For an instant, all was hushed; then the enchanting strains of music were renewed, and those sylph-
