She sat there in a great carved chair, smiling, her white arms stretched out on the rails, the fingers just gently curving.

There was no apology for her situation, no trace of alarm or shame or unreadiness.

It was quite obvious she was merely amused.

I was in no way ready to ratify the rumors I had heard regarding her.
She had thrown back over the rail of the chair the rich cloak which covered her in the carriage, and sat now in the full light, in the splendor of satin and lace and gems, her arms bare, her throat and shoulders white and bare, her figure recognized graciously by every line of a superb gowning such as we had not yet learned on this side of the sea.

Never had I seen, and never since have I seen, a more splendid instance of what beauty of woman may be.
She did not speak at first, but sat and smiled, studying, I presume, to find what stuff I was made of.