It was quite true, he could hardly make himself heard above the din; the fun was fast and furious, pandemonium reigned.
She took his arm and he piloted her skilfully through the crowd and round the corridor to an empty box, where he set a chair for her with its back to the house, and closed the door. She paused a moment to rearrange her hood and sat down; Angelescu took a chair facing her. There was a moment's embarrassed silence, then Angelescu moistened his lips and began.
"I do not exactly know how to put what I have to say, it is very difficult for me. A certain person asked me to come here on his behalf—"
"Then you know—all?"
"Is it true?"
She bowed her head.
"It is?"
"Yes."
A groan escaped him.
"Oh, the infernal blackguard! I would not believe it until I had heard it from your own lips. Oh, why was I not in time—I might have saved you! And now it is too late."