He went on a little unsteadily, like a man who is not sure
of his sight. The odour of chloroform lingered in his nostrils like the
fumes of an intoxicating vapour; but, with every step he took, some
virtue seemed to go out of him, to be dissipated in the air. The rooms
lay empty and silent before him. 'Mademoiselle' appeared at a door
without any warning sound of steps or rustle of garments, like a ghost.
'This way Signor Conte, you will not be able to find your way.'
She smiled in an ambiguous and irritating manner, her gray eyes
glittering with ill-concealed curiosity. Andrea did not speak. Once more
the presence of this woman annoyed and disturbed him, arousing an
undefined sense of repulsion and anger in him.
No sooner was he outside the door than he drew a deep breath like a man
relieved from some heavy burden. The gentle splash of the fountain came
through the trees, broken now and then by some clearer, louder sound;
the whole firmament glittered with stars, veiled here and there by long
trailing strips of cloud like tresses of pale hair; carriage lamps
flitted rapidly hither and thither, the life of the great city sent up
its breath into the keen air, bells were ringing far and near. At last,
he had the full consciousness of his overwhelming felicity.
CHAPTER VI
Thus began for them a bliss that was full, frenzied, for ever changing
and for ever new; a passion that wrapped them round and rendered them
oblivious of all that did not minister immediately to their mutual
delight.
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