He seemed only to have seen Micheline's mother.

Not a look for the two young girls or the men who were around him.

The rest of the universe did not seem to count.
He bent as if before a queen, with a dash of respectful adoration.

He seemed to be saying: "Here I am at your feet; my life depends on you; make a sign and I shall be the happiest of men or the most miserable." Micheline followed him with eyes full of pride; she admired his haughty grace and his caressing humility.

It was by these contrasts that Serge had attracted the young girl's notice.