She spoke to him quickly and in an undertone of voice.
"Lord Chandos," she said, "I wish to speak to you; take me into the conservatory where we shall not be interrupted."
He obeyed in silence; they walked through the brilliant throng of guests, through the crowded, brilliant room, until they reached the quiet conservatory at the end.
The lamps were lighted and shone like huge pearls among the blossoms. There were few people and those few desired no attention from the new-comers. He led her to a pretty chair, placed among the hyacinths; the fragrance was very strong.
"I am afraid you will find this odor too much, beautiful as it is," he said.
"I do not notice," she said; "my heart and soul are full of one thing. Oh, Lord Chandos, your wife likes me, likes me," she repeated, eagerly.
"I am not surprised at it; indeed, I should have been surprised if she had not liked you," he said.
The dark, beautiful eyes had a wistful look in them as they were raised to his face.
"How beautiful she is, how fair and stately!" she said.
"Yes, beautiful; but compared to you, Leone, as I said before, she is like moonlight to sunlight, like water to wine."