Clear Skies

She was the center of attraction. Dressed in a simple, close-fitting
gown of black velvet, without an ornament, her white arms and shoulders
gleaming in the soft light from the chandeliers, she was an enticing
creature to be admired by men and women alike. Two stalwart Americans
felt their hearts bound with pride as they saw the conquest their
countrywoman was making. Candace, her constant companion in these days,
was consumed with delight.

"You are the prettiest thing in all this world," she ecstatically
whispered into Beverly's ear. "My brother says so, too," she added
conclusively. Beverly was too true a woman not to revel in this subtle
flattery.

The great banquet hall was to be thrown open at midnight. There was
dancing and song during the hours leading up to this important
event. Beverly was entranced. She had seen brilliant affairs at home,
but none of them compared to this in regal splendor. It was the
sensuous, overpowering splendor of the east.

Prince Dantan joined the throng just before midnight. He made his way
direct to the little circle of which Beverly and Candace formed the
center. His rich, full military costume gave him a new distinction that
quite overcame Beverly. They fell into an animated conversation,
exchanging shafts of wit that greatly amused those who could understand
the language.

"You must remember," Beverly said in reply to one of Ravone's sallies,
"that Americans are not in the least awed by Europe's greatness. It has
come to the pass when we call Europe our playground. We now go to Europe
as we go to the circus or the county fair at home. It isn't much more
trouble, you know, and we must see the sights."