"I read it; it was rather unusual."
"What about?"
"About the fecundity of the pollen of flowers."
The chatter ceased. The count was within hearing.
"What have you to say about Esperance Darbois?" inquired a young lady.
The count blushed vividly, an unaccustomed light gleaming in his clear eyes. "It is too soon to pass judgment yet," he said, losing himself in the throng again.
In the Darbois's box there was a constant coming and going of friends. Jean Perliez joined them, his face betraying a conflict of emotions that were not lost on the father of Esperance.
"Did you see my daughter?"
"Yes. I just went to congratulate her."
"How did you find her?"