Welcome! Come in, come in.  We're all here to celebrate Mr. Benson's birthday.  Don't mind Sigurd, he's very friendly, also inquisitive. Sit, Sigurd! Good Boy. If you brought gifts you may put them on top of the piano in the Music Room.  We will gather there later.  There may be games.  I picked out a  nice desk set and a new blotting book for a gift.  It seemed appropriate.

Come over here in the light so I can see what you have chosen to wear!  It's much brighter in here than in that entry hall.  This is the color gold of the halo Lady Eva says she sees around my head.  Just imagine!  Now, let's have some food.  Would you like a scone with caviar?  Peche Melba?  Maybe, something else...  What would you like to drink?  Just make yourself at home and there'll be music and games later.

Have you guessed who I am?

Remember the discussion at Mrs. Mantrip's luncheon table where the other neighbors in the Square were invited to meet me after my arrival? Lady Eva, Captain Lowndes, Mrs. Elizabeth Conklin, Mr. Jimmie Mason, and the Vicar were discussing such interesting things.  Yoga, Oriental Philosophies, India...  When the Vicar brought up reincarnation, Mr. Mason upset his glass of port and I said he must mop it up with his serviette or the tablecloth would be soiled forever.  There was a silence afterwards.  They all seemed to be waiting for me to speak, to tell them my ideas on the subject of reincarnation.

I told them about when I was last in Paris and I drove over to Versailles and saw Petty Trianon, and then an extraordinary feeling came over me - was it not odd - for I had never been there before - that, I knew Petty Trianon quite well.  Like a conviction it was, something I felt sure about, and I wondered if I had been poor Marie Antoinette.             So, I decided to come to the party as Marie!  Do  you think Mr. Benson believed in reincarnation?  Who do you think he could have been in another life?  What about you, do you think you had another life?   [Response?  Note:  This email link was broken following the party.]                After visiting the other rooms go see some more costumes...

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Drawing Room       Gallery       Dining Room       Music Room

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There are two co-hosts for this party.   Emmeline Pillson is receiving guests in the Drawing Room.  Go in and show her your costume.   Worship will be circulating, making sure you're offered the most delectable food.  The Dining Room will be open and food will be placed in other rooms as well.   After Signor Cortese arrives, he will arrange for musical entertainment.  Salutations and Best Wishes, Mr. Benson, on this anniversary of your birthday!  We would like to think that you are here with us, enjoying the party.  Don't forget to open your gifts! And, partygoers-all, may you have a wonderful time.   Now, Party On!  Miss Susan Leg