She was under the wing, or rather soared by the shoulder, of the lady who had sat by her at the roulette-table; and with them was a gentleman with a white mustache and clipped hair: solid-browed, stiff and German.

They were walking about or standing to chat with acquaintances, and Gwendolen was much observed by the seated groups.
"A striking girl--that Miss Harleth--unlike others." "Yes, she has got herself up as a sort of serpent now--all green and silver, and winds her neck about a little more than usual." "Oh, she must always be doing something extraordinary.

She is that kind of girl, I fancy.

Do you think her pretty, Mr.Vandernoodt ?" "Very.

A man might risk hanging for her--I mean a fool might." "You like a _nez retrousse_, then, and long narrow eyes ?" "When they go with such an _ensemble_." "The _ensemble du serpent_ ?" "If you will.