His coolness was partly due to the contempt he felt for the human race in general, and also to his colored glasses, which hid the expression of his countenance.

When he saw that Paul still kept his eyes on the ground, he tapped him gently on the arm.
"Is this the first time you ever saw well-dressed women?
Surely you are not afraid of them.

Look to the right," continued Mascarin, "and you will see the heiress." A young girl, not more than eighteen, was seated near one of the windows.

She was not perhaps so beautiful as Mascarin had described, but her face was a very striking one nevertheless.

She was slight and good-looking, with the clear complexion of a brunette.