It is a well-known fact that dangers in a silken robe are the most formidable of all.
Mme.

de Lorcy presented him to the princess, who raised her chin to examine him with her little glittering eyes.

It seemed to him that those gray orbs directed at him were two balls, which struck him in the heart; he quivered from head to foot and asked himself confusedly whether he were dead or living.

He soon perceived that he was still living; the princess had remained impassible--not a muscle of her face had moved.
She ended by bestowing upon Samuel a smile that was almost gracious, and addressing to him some insignificant words, which he only half understood, but which seemed to him exquisite--delicious.

He fancied that she was saying to him: "You have a chance, you were born lucky; my sight has been impaired for some years, and I do not recognise you.
Bless your star, you are saved!" He experienced such a transport of joy that he could have flung his arms about the neck of Abbe Miollens, who came up to him with extended hand, saying: "What have you been thinking about, my dear count?
Since we last met a very great event has been accomplished.