When she issued from the stage door she found awaiting her a bodyguard of young aristocrats dressed in the height of the mode and in the gayest of colours.

At her appearance every man's sword flashed from its scabbard and was uplifted to do her honour.
Never was such a triumph.

No wonder her heart bounded and her cheeks flushed with pleasure.

She smiled right and left and bowed; the rapiers on either side crossed each other over her head and formed a canopy under which she walked with a dainty grace.

She was not permitted to pass from beneath its shelter.