Chapter 16: The Chinese Masquerade

⁠​​​‌​​​​‌‌‌‌​‌‌‌​​​​​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​​‌‌‌​​​‌‌‌‌‌​​‌​​​‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​⁠The Chinese Masquerade was the outstanding event of early Spring at Curtain Wells. It was the quintessence of refined affectation, the great fount in which many tributary delights found their source. Moreover, in its character there was a national significance. It was not held merely to emphasize the importance of being seriously amused; it was not one of many entertainments sacred to Epicurus; it