Since early morning her blood had been whirling tempestuously within her, and her nerves were agitated by the presentiment of some great crisis.

It required all these circumstances combined to make her so unlike herself.

With what joy did she now make her solemn presentation of the viscount to the chevalier, the chevalier to the viscount, and all Alencon to Monsieur de Troisville, and Monsieur de Troisville to all Alencon! By an accident wholly explainable, the viscount and chevalier, aristocrats by nature, came instantly into unison; they recognized each other at once as men belonging to the same sphere.

Accordingly, they began to converse together, standing before the fireplace.

A circle formed around them; and their conversation, though uttered in a low voice, was listened to in religious silence.