Across the hall, to the resounding laughter of ladies in sequined dresses, champagne is flowing and the crystal reflects their jewelry more brilliantly than can be imagined.

The music is so intertwined with all this boisterous and unrestrained merriment that it is hardly possible to hear the men arguing about their new revolvers and the races last week.

The only rule for today is a masquerade in red and black.
A strict obligation to wear exactly the red mask.
In all this hurricane, it's easy to run into someone and not to recognize that person...

But somehow I'm sure you'll recognize one thing. The bright scarlet ruby in the dragon's paws, forged in the shape of a key, which is now around my neck...