Then riding in state comes the Lord High Chamberlain, bearing the golden key of the city, delivered over to him in state twenty-four hours previously by the Mayor.  Next comes the hero of the parade, the King himself.  All eyes are riveted upon him.  Thoroughly disguised himself, he is able to recognize on the balconies and among the crowds his personal friends and most devoted admirers.  To these he bows with great solemnity.  Mystified to a degree, and often disputing among themselves as to the probable identity of the monarch, the richly dressed young ladies and their cavaliers bow in return, and look as though they would fain hold the monarch among them much longer than the necessity of keeping order makes it possible.  Following the King are the bodyguards and crowds of holiday makers.

Rex generally makes a display now of some special theme, appearing this year as a crusader, another year as the discoverer of America, and a third year as some other mystic individual.  But no matter what the subject of the carnival may be, the underlying principle is the same.  Sometimes a great deal of instruction is imparted with the mirth-making, but in every case the procession is but a signal for general rejoicing.  Directly the procession is disbanded, which always takes place in military order, the entire city gives way to fun and mirth of every character.  Liberty abounds throughout the city without license.  By common consent every one is careful to prevent disturbance or trouble.  All are happy, and every one seems to appreciate the fact that the very life of the comedy depends upon its respectability.  There is nothing vulgar or common about any of the proceedings, or about the countless tableaux which pass along the private streets.  Everything is what has been described as orderly disorder.  Everything is attractive and easy.

The ball, which is a prominent feature of a Creole carnival, is a wonderful combination of Nineteenth Century aristocratic ideas and of Oriental humor.  The guests are in full dress, and represent the highest elements of Southern society.  Around the carpeted floor, those who have taken part in the pageant march in their grotesque costumes.  An apparently blood-thirsty Indian, brandishing a club over his head, darts for a second from the line to go through the motions of dashing out the brains of perhaps a most intimate friend, who has no idea who has thus honored him by a recognition.

Another man, who in everyday life is, perhaps, a sedate banker or a prominent physician, is masquerading in some extraordinary attire with a mask of extraordinary dimensions and significance.  He sees in the throng a young lady of his acquaintance, and proceeds to shake hands with her with great effusion.  So well is the secret kept, that she has no idea that the apparently frolicsome youth is a middle-aged man of business, and she spends perhaps half the night wondering which of her beaus this fearfully and wonderfully disguised man was.