What sort of news do you crave for?
Political, which is dangerous; social, which is scandalous; or court news, which is invariably false ?" "Let us have scandal, then." "Ah! I must refer you to the soul of honor." "Who," answered Steinmetz, "in that official capacity is necessarily deaf, and in a private capacity is naturally dull." He was looking very hard at De Chauxville, as if he was attempting to make him understand something which he could not say aloud.

De Chauxville, from carelessness or natural perversity, chose to ignore the persistent eyes.
"Surely the news is from London," he said lightly; "we have nothing from Paris." He glanced at Steinmetz, who was frowning.
"I can hardly tell you stale news that comes from London via Paris, can I ?" he continued.
Steinmetz was tapping impatiently on the floor with his broad boot.
"About whom--about whom ?" cried the countess, clapping her soft hands together.
"Well, about Prince Paul," said De Chauxville, looking at Steinmetz with airy defiance.
Steinmetz moved a little.

He placed himself in front of Catrina, who had suddenly lost color.

She could only see his broad back.

The others in the room could not see her at all.