Knights and ladies , elves and pages , monks and flower girls , all mingled gaily in the dance . Sweet voices and rich melody filled the air , and so with mirth and music the masquerade went on . `` Has your Highness seen the Lady Viola tonight ? '' asked a gallant troubadour of the fairy queen who floated down the hall upon his arm . `` Yes , is she not lovely , though so sad ! Her dress is well chosen , too , for in a week she weds Count Antonio , whom she passionately hates . '' `` By my faith , I envy him . Yonder he comes , arrayed like a bridegroom , except the black mask . When that is off we shall see how he regards the fair maid whose heart he can not win , though her stern father bestows her hand , '' returned the troubadour . `` Tis whispered that she loves the young English artist who haunts her steps , and is spurned by the old Count , '' said the lady , as they joined the dance . The revel was at its height when a priest appeared , and withdrawing the young pair to an alcove , hung with purple velvet , he motioned them to kneel . Instant silence fell on the gay throng , and not a sound , but the dash of fountains or the rustle of orange groves sleeping in the moonlight , broke the hush , as Count de Adelon spoke thus : `` My lords and ladies , pardon the ruse by which I have gathered you here to witness the marriage of my daughter . Father , we wait your services . '' All eyes turned toward the bridal party , and a murmur of amazement went through the throng , for neither bride nor groom removed their masks . Curiosity and wonder possessed all hearts , but respect restrained all tongues till the holy rite was over . Then the eager spectators gathered round the count , demanding an explanation . `` Gladly would I give it if I could , but I only know that it was the whim of my timid Viola , and I yielded to it . Now , my children , let the play end . Unmask and receive my blessing . '' But neither bent the knee , for the young bridegroom replied in a tone that startled all listeners as the mask fell , disclosing the noble face of Ferdinand Devereux , the artist lover , and leaning on the breast where now flashed the star of an English earl was the lovely Viola , radiant with joy and beauty .
`` My lord , you scornfully bade me claim your daughter when I could boast as high a name and vast a fortune as the Count XXXXX .
Adelon Antonio Devereux English Father Tis Viola elves troubadour week