The secret battle had begun and was not secret.

I saw a wild gleam in Poor Jr.'s eyes, as if he comprehended that strange things were to come; but, ah, the face of distress and wonder upon Mrs.Landry, who beheld the peace of both a Prince and a dinner assailed; and, alas! the strange and hurt surprise that came from the lady of the pongee! Let me not be a boastful fellow, but I had borne her pity and had adored it--I could face her wonder, even her scorn.
It was in the flash of her look that I saw my great chance and what I must try to do.

Knowing Antonio, it was as if I saw her falling into the deep water and caught just one contemptuous glance from her before the waves hid her.

But how much juster should that contempt have been if I had not tried to save her! As for that old Antonio, he might have known enough to beware.

I had been timid with him always, and he counted on it now, but a man who has shown a painted head-top to the people of Paris will dare a great deal.
"As the Prince says," replied Mrs.Landry, with many flutters, "one meets only the most agreeable people in Paris!" "Paris!" I exclaimed.