Madame de Hansfeld had removed her mask. The hood of her domino projected a deep shadow on her forehead, whilst the rest of her face was strongly lighted up. Her eyes seemed to glow even more brightly than before from out of the chiaroscuro that enshrouded the upper part of her features.
With the exception of this look, sparkling like a star in the dark sky, the physiognomy of Madame de Hansfeld was utterly without expression.
The princess said in a firm and grave tone to M. de Morville,—
"I confide, monsieur, the secret of this interview fearlessly to your honour."
"I will prove myself worthy of your confidence, madame."
"I know it, but I required this certainty ere I risked the step to which unwittingly you have forced me."
"I, madame?"
"It is your conduct alone that has driven me to seek this interview."
"For Heaven's sake, madame, explain yourself!"
"It is now about two months since, monsieur, that you prayed your aunt, Madame de Lormoy, one of my intimate friends, to present you to me. I acceded with pleasure to this request. Some days afterwards, you informed Madame de Lormoy, that you would not, on any account, be presented to me."