Poor devil! he thought; could he resist this woman whose accomplishments were so varied that at one moment she could overthrow a throne and at the next play Phyllis to some strolling Corydon?
Since he himself, who knew her, could entertain for her nothing but admiration, what hope was there for the Englishman?
What a woman! She savored of three hundred years off.

To plan by herself, to arrange the minutest detail, and above all to wait patiently! Patience has never been the attribute of a woman of power; Madame possessed both patience and power.
The countess was seated in another dark corner.

Suddenly she arose and said, in a voice blended with great trouble and impatience: "For pity's sake, Madame, cease those dirges! Play something lively; I am sad." The music stopped, but presently began again.

Maurice leaned forward.
Madame was playing Chopin's polonaise.

He laughed silently.