The Stenogs decide to give a ball and call upon Ethel to use her influence in getting Mr. Hadley to be the guest of honor. After finally consenting he sends Bill out to procure him a proper masquerade costume and notifies his sweetheart that he will meet her at the dance, at the same time describing his costume so she will recognize him. In the meantime, Ethel's fellow calls and would like to take Ethel but has no costume. Bill, quick to think gives him Mr. Hadley's and runs around to get Hadley another one. At the dance, Ethel's fellow is taken for Hadley and Hadley is taken for Ethel's fellow. Complications reach a serious stage when it comes time to unmask. After much trouble Bill explains how it came to happen and Hadley decides that in the future he will let the Stenogs have their dance without him.