The emperor desires it." Fauchery gaily recounted how one day, when he had gone down thither in search of a subject for an article, he had come near spending all his time in the aquarium, which was then in course of construction.

The countess smiled.

Now and again she glanced down at the body of the house, raising an arm which a white glove covered to the elbow and fanning herself with languid hand.

The house dozed, almost deserted.
Some gentlemen in the stalls had opened out newspapers, and ladies received visits quite comfortably, as though they were at their own homes.

Only a well-bred whispering was audible under the great chandelier, the light of which was softened in the fine cloud of dust raised by the confused movements of the interval.