The Mask

The Mask
by Terry Burres

“The mask was the loveliest that Isabelle had ever seen. It sparkled with garnets and crystals. The feathers would glint different colors at the candle's light touch. The mask did not fasten around one's head but was held in place with a wand that was wrapped in gold damask. Isabelle wanted to wear the mask to the Baumgartle Ball. It would match her new gown to perfection.”

“Isabelle stomped her foot the mask belonged to me, her sister Maria. I was her mean, selfish sister who would not hear of letting Isabelle borrow the mask for even one night. It was, after all, not Isabelle’s fault that the Baumgartle’s invitation had been only for her and her intended, Matthew.”

“She and Matthew would marry in a few months and were invited often as a couple to outings and evening affairs. If I had been older perhaps I could have chaperoned Isabelle and Matthew.Isabelle could not understand why I was so put out. Isabelle said that the way I was acting one would think that Isabelle had arranged for my exclusion.”

“Isabelle had just finished putting on her gown when I strolled into the room. Isabelle gasp as I handed her a red velvet box.‘Isabelle, it is my wish that you wear my French mask to the ball tonight.’”

“‘Oh, Maria!! Thank you so kindly!!’ Isabelle was beside herself with excitement. ‘I was certain that you would never allow me to use your mask.’”

“‘I almost did not. But I know how important it is to you to make the best impression. So if you will take special care of it then I will allow you to use the mask tonight.’”

“Isabelle rushed to me and disregarding any damage to her own gown gave me a hug. ‘I promise, Maria. Oh I will take the best of care of your wondrous mask.’”

“‘ You had better take care. For if you do not take care of my mask I will never forgive you.’ I replied as she opened the red velvet box. ‘And I want you to remember everything so that you may tell me what every one wore and what was said.’ I hugged her back with a smile”

‘”I will! I will tell you about every detail tomorrow. I promise!’Isabelle lifted the wondrous mask from the satin bed. I helped Isabelle with her wrap just as she was told that Matthew was waiting down stairs for her.”

“Isabelle and Matthew had a gay time at the ball. Under the watchful eye of Matthew’s Aunt Carrie the pair danced and dined. The conversation was lively. Isabelle had never looked as heavenly as she did that night."

"Everyone agreed that The Baumgartle’s Ball was the toast of the season.” sighed Maria. “No one knows what happened as Isabelle, Matthew and Aunt Carrie as they drove home that night. When they had not returned at the expected time Father went to find them. By the time he found their carriage it was to late; all three were gone.”

The gentleman sitting across from Maria reached for her hand. Maria’s smile was sad but she continued, “Isabelle has tried every year on the anniversary of her death to come back to our home. Ever year someone has come to the door to bring Isabelle home, but she disappears before she can come inside the front door. Oh, in my younger days I have even waited outside. It did not help at all. I can not see her and she can not bring my mask home as she promised.”

“After eighty years now I am hoping that one day soon I can meet her on the other side. Perhaps if I listen to her description of the ball she will not have to try to come home ever again.” Maria stood to show the gentleman out. After she said goodbye she closed the door, she hoped, for the last time.