“Take hold of my arm, and let us walk.”
They walked on among the various groups. In a minute or two, Oliva asked a question.
“Talk as much as you like, only do not ask questions at present,” said her companion, “for I cannot answer now; only, as you speak, disguise your voice, hold your head up, and scratch your neck with your fan.”
She obeyed.
In a minute, they passed a highly perfumed group, in the center of which a very elegant-looking man was talking fast to three companions, who were listening respectfully.
“Who is that young man in that beautiful gray domino?” asked Oliva.
“M. le Comte d’Artois; but pray do not speak just now!” At this moment two other dominoes passed them, and stood in a place near, which was rather free from people.
“Lean on this pillar, countess,” said one of them in a low voice, but which was overheard by the blue domino, who started at its sound.
Then a yellow domino, passing through the crowd, came up to the blue one, and said, “It is he.”
“Very good,” replied the other, and the yellow domino vanished.