He possessed none of that power from which princes derive benefits; what could he do?
And why should he interest himself in a woman who, in any event, could never be anything to him, scarcely even a friend?
He smiled.
If Fitzgerald was not adept at analysis, he was.

Nothing ever entered his mind or heart that he could not separate and define.

It was strange; it was almost laughable; to have fenced as long and adroitly as he had fenced, and then to be disarmed by one who did not even understand the foils! Surrender?
Why not ?...

By and by his gaze traveled to the chess players.

There was another game than chess being played there, though kings and queens and knights and bishops were still the sum of it.
"Are you so very far away, then ?" The song had ceased; the countess was looking at him curiously.
"Thank you," he said; "indeed, you had taken me out of myself." "Do you like chestnuts ?" she asked suddenly.
"I am very fond of them." "Then I shall fetch some." It occurred to her that the room was very warm; she wanted a breath of air--alone.
"Checkmate!" cried the Colonel, joyfully.
"Do you begin to understand ?" asked Madame.
"A little," admitted Fitzgerald, who did not wish to learn too quickly.
"I like to watch the game." "So do I," said Maurice, who had approached the table.