Page:The Sins of the Cities of the Plain.djvu/156

 sight—to see three such young Adonises flying over each other's backs, all their pricks as stiff as if carved out of stone; then what a study of graceful forms the ever-varying contour of their lovely figures presented to our fascinated gaze during the evolutions of their game.

In the midst of the game Lady Isabel was announced, and I at once recognized Mr. Fred Jones, looking as beautiful as ever in his ladylike get-up.

This made four ladies and four gentlemen, besides the pages, and the Earl at once, handing me over to Mr. Wirein, sat himself down with Laura to a couple of pianos at the end of the room, and they struck up what I understood to be the "Slap-Bum Polka."

"Lay the boys across your laps, ladies, and slap them well!" exclaimed Mr. Cold