'To-morrow morning we shall wander about; I must have a little time; all to-morrow morning we can discuss plans.' 'You know you command me,' said he, and gazed at her.
She was really a child compared with him in years, and if it was an excuse for taking her destiny into his hands, she consenting,--it was also a reason why he dared not press his whole weight to win her to the step.
She had the pride of the secret knowledge of her command of this giant at the long table of the guests at dinner, where, after some play of knife and fork among notable professors, Prussian officers, lively Frenchmen and Italians, and the usual over-supply of touring English of both sexes, not encouraging to conversation in their look of pallid disgust of the art, Alvan started general topics and led them.

The lead came to him naturally, because he was a natural speaker, of a mind both stored and effervescent; and he was genial, interested in every growth of life.

She did not wonder at his popularity among men of all classes and sets, or that he should be famed for charming women.

Her friend was enraptured with him.

Friendly questions pressed in an evening chatter between the ladies, and Clotilde fenced, which is half a confession.
'But you are not engaged ?' said the blunt Englishwoman.
According to the explanation, Clotilde was hardly engaged.