Under the green of the old tapestry that hung from the ceiling and covered a whole side of the wall, in the still and cool room, a warmth of spring was diffused in golden waves; it was suddenly wafted from the vaporized intimacy.
Uttering the appropriate trifles, to which Entragues lightly replied, Sixtine rose, lit a blue flame under the copper kettle, opened a box of cigarettes, moved about in such an adorable setting that he smiled with joy to see her go and come, lavishing pretty movements and beautifully arched gestures.
She poured tea.
"Now recollect. You owe me my commentary. What is that vision in which I appeared with 'the brow studded with stars?'"
He told of the astonishing apparition, adding that there was a story which Monsieur de B——. knew.
Sixtine interrupted him and pronounced the already familiar words:
"If you wish, I shall tell you the story of the portrait chamber."
Entragues started and grew pale. This exceeded the bounds of probability. With a weak voice, he answered:
"I really would like to hear it."
Sixtine began: