Murray glanced at him, and, after a pause, left his side and
disappeared. Suddenly, with a quick movement, the dancer loosened
her golden dress and misty veil, and tossing them aside like
falling leaves, she stood confessed--a marvellous, glowing vision
in silvery white-no other than the Princess Ziska!

Shouts echoed from every part of the hall:

"Ziska! Ziska!"

And at the name Lady Chetwynd Lyle rose in all her majesty from
the seat she had occupied till then, and in tones of virtuous
indignation said to Lady Fulkeward:

"I told you the Princess was not a proper person! Now it is proved
I am right! To think I should have brought Dolly and Muriel here!
I shall really never forgive myself! Come, Sir Chetwynd,--let us
leave this place instantly!"

And stout Sir Chetwynd, gloating on the exquisite beauty of the
Princess Ziska's form as she still danced on in her snowy white
attire, her lovely face alight with mirth at the surprise she had
made for her guests, tried his best to look sanctimonious and
signally failed in the attempt as he answered:

"Certainly! Certainly, my dear! Most improper ... most
astonishing!"

While Lady Fulkeward answered innocently: