Through the folding-doors which opened into an adjoining room came the melancholy tones of a harmonium; and M.Cambray recognized a favorite air--Beethoven's symphony, "_Les adieux, l'absence, et le retour_." He paused a moment to listen to it.
"That is mama playing," whispered the child.

"You go in first, and tell her you have brought me home.

Be very careful; mama is very nervous." M.
Cambray softly opened the door, and halted, amazed, on the threshold.
The room into which he had ventured unannounced was a magnificent salon, filled with a brilliant company.

Evidently the countess was holding a matinee.
The assembled company were in full toilet.

The women, who were chiefly young and handsome, were clad in the modest fashion of that day, which draped the shoulders and bust with embroidered kerchiefs, with priceless lace adorning their gowns and genuine pearls twined among their tresses.
The men also wore full dress: Hungarian trousers, short-waisted coat, with large, bright metal buttons, opening over an embroidered waistcoat.
Surrounded by her guests, the mistress of the house, an ideal of beauty, Cythera herself, was seated at the harpsichord, her neck and shoulders hidden by her wonderfully beautiful golden hair.