She was there, anxiously awaiting some one or something.

Jeanne de Cernay, stretched in an easy-chair, her head leaning on her hand, was dreaming.
During the past three weeks the young girl had changed.

Her bright wit no longer enlivened Micheline's indolent calmness; her brilliant eyes were surrounded by blue rings, which denoted nights passed without sleep.

The change coincided strangely with Prince Panine's departure for England, and the sending of the letter which recalled Pierre to Paris.
Had the inhabitants of the mansion been less occupied with their own troubles, they would no doubt have noticed this sudden change, and have sought to know the reason.

But the attention of all was concentrated on the events which had already troubled them, and which would no doubt be yet more serious to the house, until lately so quiet.
The visitors' bell sounded, and caused Micheline to rise.