However, by personal instinct, I have followed the latter plan and have
now, I fear, struck the grand chord--judging, at least, by an inward
premonition.'
'You fear?'
'_Je crains ce que j'espere._'
He instinctively employed this language of affected sentiment to cloak
his really strong emotion, and Elena felt herself caught by his voice as
in a golden net and drawn forcibly out of the life surrounding them.
'Her Excellency the Princess di Micigliano!' announced a footman.
'Count di Gissi!'
'Madame Chrysoloras!'
'The Marchese and the Marchesa Massa d'Alba!'
The rooms began to fill rapidly. Long shimmering trains swept over the
deep red carpet, white shoulders emerged from bodices starred with
diamonds, embroidered with pearls, covered with flowers, and in nearly
every coiffure glittered those marvellous hereditary gems for which the
Roman nobility are so much envied.
'Her Excellency the Princess of Ferentino!'
'His Excellency the Duke of Grimiti!'
The guests formed themselves in various groups, the rallying points of
gossip and of flirtation. The chief group, composed exclusively of men,
was in the vicinity of the piano, gathered round the Duchess of Scerni,
who had risen to her feet, the better to hold her own against her
besiegers. The Princess of Ferentino came over to greet her friend with
a reproach.
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