Nevertheless, his desire for further knowledge was so intense, that it almost drove him to lead back the conversation to the name of his lady-love.

But he was not quite bold enough.

The mazurka was over; the group broke up.

'She is not coming! She is not coming!' His secret anxiety rose to such a pitch that he half thought of leaving the place altogether; the contact of this laughing, careless throng was intolerable.
As he turned away, he saw the Duchess of Scerni entering the gallery on the arm of the French ambassador.

For one instant their eyes met, but that one glance seemed to draw them to each other, to penetrate to the very depths of their souls.