"Why, they say, a very lovely and striking woman, quite the fashion this winter, and in whose presence all our dandies have displayed their gallantries in vain. As to the prince, one is lost in the most extraordinary and contradictory suppositions with respect to him; but——"
"Oh, heavens!" exclaimed Madame Girard, interrupting M. de Brévannes, "there, I declare, is the Marquise de Luceval in her box, and she has not got on her sobieska!"
We will conduct the reader to the Marquise de Luceval's box, where they will, perchance, learn why she did not wear her sobieska.
CHAPTER XV
[DRESS CIRCLE.—BOX NO. 29]
Truth to say, the Marquise de Luceval had not her sobieska.
She was dressed with equal taste and simplicity. The only innovation which she had allowed herself consisted in a very high tortoiseshell comb, à l'Espagnole, which confined a half-veil of black blonde to her splendid chestnut tresses. The marquise was in mourning.
This coiffure, worn by the women of Andalusia, was charming, and gave additional attraction to the piquant physiognomy of Madame de Luceval. She was accompanied by her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, M. and Madame de Beaulieu.
"Alfred! look, I have won my wager," exclaimed the marquise gaily; and, addressing her brother, "Madame Girard has on my sobieska. My dear Alix, your lorgnette, I beg of you," she said to her sister-in-law.
"What wager, then, had you with Alfred?" inquired Madame de Beaulieu; "and who is Madame Girard?"