The young man had his elbows on the table and was chatting with another woman, who was showing him her necklace and bracelets.

My mistress sat motionless, her eyes fixed and swimming with languor.

I watched both of them during the entire supper, and I saw nothing either in their gestures or in their faces that could betray them.

Finally, at dessert, I dropped my napkin, and stooping down saw that they were still in the same position.
I had promised to escort my mistress to her home that night.

She was a widow and therefore free, living alone with an old relative who served as chaperon.