'Barack Obama has planned appearances at back-to-back Beverly Hills fundraisers Tuesday evening, with the events on track to raise more than $9 million combined, possibly breaking the single-day fundraising record. ... Much of the money raised at Tuesday's twin events - a dinner reception at a historic estate, followed by a concert starring headliner Barbra Streisand - will go directly to the Democratic National Committee, while other dollars will be funneled into Obama's own campaign coffers.

'The first event will cost $28,500 per person for dinner at the Greystone Estate. Upwards of 250 high rollers - including some of the biggest executives in film, television and music - will munch gourmet chow and get to hang out with the candidate, enjoying a little face time and posing for personal pictures. ... For a second, sold-out event Tuesday evening, the Obama caravan will travel just 2½ miles to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where a reception and concert will spotlight Streisand and several other performers. In addition to those attending the earlier dinner, who also get into the concert, about 500 others are set to attend just the musical affair, at $2,500 per ticket.'

The story follows Prince Prospero's attempts to avoid a dangerous plague known as the Red Death by hiding in his abbey. He, along with many other wealthy nobles, has a masquerade ball within seven rooms of his abbey.