This is the south end of the ballroom, at the bar.

Elsewhere in this large ballroom, there are scores of other party guests dressed in all sorts of outlandish costumes. On the dance floor are some of the older dancers. The band is playing “Breathless.” On the periphery of the room small groups can be seen, discussing everything from politics to local scandals.

The bartender is busy behind the bar, his only concession to the party a small domino mask. Samuel Ostmann, enjoying himself hugely as a vampire, is here.

A sheik, whom you can recognize as Michael Wellman, and a fairy queen, presumably Veronica Ashcroft under her ornate mask, are discussing something with a small group of guests near the fireplace. The sheik notices you and waves for you to join them.