She had seen the jewels before, long, long ago! round the neck of the Duchesse de Marny, in whose service her own mother had been.

She--as a child--had often gazed at and admired the great lady, who seemed like a wonderful fairy from an altogether world, to the poor little kitchen slut.
How wonderful are the vagaries of fortune! Desiree Candeille, the kitchen-maid's daughter, now wearing her ex-mistress' jewels.
She supposed that these had been confiscated when the last of the Marnys--the girl, Juliette--had escaped from France! confiscated and now sent to her--Candeille--as a reward or as a bribe! In either case they were welcome.

The actress' vanity was soothed.

She knew Juliette Marny was in England, and that she would meet her to-night at Lady Blakeney's.

After the many snubs which she had endured from French aristocrats settled in England, the actress felt that she was about to enjoy an evening of triumph.
The intrigue excited her.