There she stood, bare-armed, bare-shouldered, bare-breasted, in all the adorable glory of her youth and plump, fair beauty, but she still held the curtain with one hand, as though ready to draw it to again upon the slightest provocation.
"Yes, you took me by surprise! I never shall dare--" she stammered in pretty, mock confusion, while rosy blushes crossed her neck and shoulders and smiles of embarrassment played about her lips.
"Oh, don't apologize," cried Bordenave, "since these gentlemen approve of your good looks!" But she still tried the hesitating, innocent, girlish game, and, shivering as though someone were tickling her, she continued: "His Highness does me too great an honor.

I beg His Highness will excuse my receiving him thus--" "It is I who am importunate," said the prince, "but, madame, I could not resist the desire of complimenting you." Thereupon, in order to reach her dressing table, she walked very quietly and just as she was through the midst of the gentlemen, who made way for her to pass.
She had strongly marked hips, which filled her drawers out roundly, while with swelling bosom she still continued bowing and smiling her delicate little smile.

Suddenly she seemed to recognize Count Muffat, and she extended her hand to him as an old friend.

Then she scolded him for not having come to her supper party.

His Highness deigned to chaff Muffat about this, and the latter stammered and thrilled again at the thought that for one second he had held in his own feverish clasp a little fresh and perfumed hand.