"That monstrosity!"
"Perhaps some people do prefer them lean."
"Lean? You call Mdlle. de Fontanes lean? Why, she's as graceful as a sylph!"
"I shouldn't be surprised. What is a sylph?"
"Did you see such eyes?"
"Yes; often."
"Where?"
"In other people's heads."
"Lintorn, you're a brute!"
On that they parted. They joined forces again at dinner. Afterwards they went to the Casino. There was a little ball that night. The place was crowded. M. de Fontanes and his daughter were there. Mdlle. de Fontanes behaved towards Mr Davison like an old-time friend. She danced with him, not once nor twice, but three times running; and, oddly enough, between the dances they lost her father. Looking for him occupied a considerable amount of time; and still they could not find him. At the end of the search the young lady was compelled to seat herself while Mr Davison procured her an ice. As he was engaged in doing so, someone touched him on the shoulder. It was Mr Lintorn.