Part 30 (1/2)
”We can't.”
”Whoy not?”
”This is a very exclusive affair.”
”An' we're very ixclusive paple.”
”Only those having invitations can enter the ballroom.”
”Is thot so? Thin it's outsoide we're lift. What can we do about thot?”
”Nothing.”
”Is it too late to git invoitations?”
”They can't be bought, like tickets.”
”Well, what koind av a s.h.i.+ndig do ye call this, Oi dunno?”
Barney was thoroughly disgusted.
Frank explained that Professor Scotch had been able to procure invitations, but neither of them had fancied they would care to attend the ball, so the opportunity had been neglected.
”Whinever Oi can get something fer nothing, Oi take it,” said Barney.
”It's a use Oi can make fer most things Oi get.”
The two boys lingered outside the building. Frank hoped the Flower Queen would come out, and he would be able to speak to her before she entered a carriage and was carried away.
Sweet strains of music floated down to the ears of the restless lads, and, with each pa.s.sing moment, Frank grew more and more disgusted with himself.
”To think that I might be in there--might be waltzing with the Queen of Flowers at this moment, if I had asked the professor to obtain the invitations!” he cried.
”It's harrud luck!” said Barney; ”but ye'll know betther next toime.”
”Next time will be too late. In some way, I must meet this girl and speak to her. I must, and I will!”
”That's th' shtuff, me b'y! Whiniver ye say anything loike thot, ye always git there wid both fate. Oi'll risk yez.”
Two men in dress suits came out to smoke and get a breath of air. They stood conversing within a short distance of the boys.
”She has been the sensation of the day,” said one. ”The whole city is wondering who she is.”
”She seems determined to remain a mystery.”
”Yes, for she has vanished from the ballroom in a most unaccountable manner. No one saw her take her departure.”
”Not even Rolf Raymond.”