On a l'age de son coeur, and if the heart be worn it transmits its weariness to the face, where such signs are ascribed to years.

So the little stab was justified by Catrina's appearance.
While the party assembled were thus exchanging social amenities, a past master in such commerce joined them in the person of Claude de Chauxville.
He smiled his mechanical, heartless smile upon them all, but when he bowed over Etta's hand his face was grave.

He expressed no surprise at seeing Paul and Etta, though his manner betokened that emotion.

There was no sign of this meeting having been a prearranged matter, brought about by himself through the easy and innocent instrumentality of the countess.
"And you are going to Tver, no doubt ?" he said almost at once to Etta.
"Yes," answered that lady, with a momentary hunted look in her eyes.

It is strange how an obscure geographical name may force its way into our lives, never to be forgotten.