ornament； the pearl brooch； soon assumed。 We descended。
Fortunately there was another entrance to the drawing…room than that through the saloon where they were all seated at dinner。 We found the apartment vacant； a large fire burning silently on the marble hearth； and wax candles shining in bright solitude； amid the exquisite flowers with which the tables were adorned。 The crimson curtain hung before the arch： slight as was the separation this drapery formed from the party in the adjoining saloon； they spoke in so low a key that nothing of their conversation could be distinguished beyond a soothing murmur。
Adèle； who appeared to be still under the influence of a most solemnising impression； sat down； without a word； on the footstool I pointed out to her。 I retired to a window…seat； and taking a book from a table near； endeavoured to read。 Adèle brought her stool to my feet； ere long she touched my knee。
“What is it； Adèle？”
“Est…ce que je ne puis pas prendrie une seule de ces fleurs magnifiques； mademoiselle？ Seulement pour pleter ma toilette。”
“You think too much of your ‘toilette；’ Adèle： but you may have a flower。” And I took a rose from a vase and fastened it in her sash。 She sighed a sigh of ineffable satisfaction； as if her cup of happiness were now full。 I turned my face away to conceal a smile I could not suppress： there was something ludicrous as well as painful in the little Parisienne’s earnest and innate devotion to matters of dress。
A soft sound of rising now became audible； the curtain was swept back from the arch； through it appeared the dining…room； with its lit lustre pouring down light on the silver and glass of a magnificent dessert…service covering a long table； a band of ladies stood in the opening； they