Baroness von Döring should be found in the midst of an admiring throng
at Princess Shadursky's reception. Her brother, Ian Karozitch, was
also there, suave, alert, dignified, losing no opportunity to make
friends with the distinguished company that thronged the prince's
rooms.

Late in the evening the baroness and her brother might have been seen
engaged in a _tête-à-tête_, seated in two comfortable armchairs, and
anyone who was near enough might have heard the following
conversation:

"How goes it?" Karozitch asked in a low tone.

"As you see, I am making a hit," answered the baroness in the same
quiet tone. But her manner was so detached and indifferent that no one
could have guessed her remark was of the least significance. It should
be noted that this was her first official presentation to St.
Petersburg society. And in truth her beauty, united with her lively
intellect, her amiability, and her perfect taste in dress, had
produced a general and even remarkable effect. People talked about her
and became interested in her, and her first evening won her several
admirers among those well placed in society.

"I have been paying attention to the solid capitalists," replied
Karozitch; "we have made our _début_ in the _rôle_ of practical
actors. Well, what about him?" he continued, indicating Prince
Shadursky with his eyes.

"In the web," she replied, with a subtle smile.