At the Masquerade Ball (S)

Margaret's salary as a stenographer gave her little leeway for pleasure. She knew of society events only from her morning paper, and when she read of the grand masquerade Mrs. Van Rensellaer was to give she fervently wished that she could go, and when she saw handsome Jack Van Rensellaer at her employer's office she wanted to go more than ever. Jack, too, was interested; he called more than once at the office, ostensibly to see his friend, but in reality to see the little stenographer, whose modest demeanor appealed to him. Miss Winslow, one of the invited guests, lost her invitation and Margaret found it. Here was her chance. After what seemed an age to Margaret, the night of the ball came. Her invitation passed her by the butler without question. Jack Van Rensellaer, dressed as Romeo, recognized her. In the conservatory he laughingly proclaimed her as his Juliette. Later, as they danced together, Miss Winslow, who had made herself known to her hostess, after explaining the loss of...