'What a rare creature both in mind and body!' he
thought. But the higher she rose in his imagination, the further she
seemed removed from him in reality. All the security of the preceding
evening was transformed into uneasiness, and his first doubts re-awoke.
He had dreamed too much last night with waking eyes, bathed in a
felicity that knew no bounds, while the memory of a gesture, a smile, a
turn of the head, a fold of her raiment held him captive as in a net.
Now all this imaginary world had tumbled miserably about his ears at the
touch of reality. In Elena's eyes there had been no sign of that special
greeting to which he had so ardently looked forward; she had in no wise
singled him out from the crowd, had offered him no mark of favour. Why
not? He felt himself slighted, humiliated. All these fatuous people
irritated him, he was exasperated by the things which seemed to engross
Elena's attention, and more particularly by Filippo del Monte, who
leaned towards her every now and then to whisper something to
her--scandal no doubt. The Marchesa d'Ateleta now arrived, cheerful as
ever. Her laugh, out of the centre of the circle of men who hastened to
surround her, caused Don Filippo to turn round.
'Ah--so the trinity is complete!' he exclaimed, rising from his seat.
Andrea instantly slipped into it at Elena Muti's side.
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