awkwardness of meeting my royal cousin, and allow me to make a careful
choice, even amongst my usual society. As my house will be an excellent
one, my position most unusual, and as I shall be suspected of all sorts
of naughty secrets, I shall be in no want of inquisitive visitors, who
will amuse me a good deal, I assure you."

And as M. de Montbron asked, if the exile of the poor young Indian tiger
was to last long, Adrienne answered: "As I shall see most of the persons,
to whom you will introduce him, I shall be pleased to hear different
opinions about him. If certain men speak well of him, and certain women
ill, I shall have good hope of him. In a word, the opinion that I come
to, in sifting the true from the false (you may leave that to my
sagacity), will shorten or prolong the exile of my royal cousin."

Such were the formal intentions of Mdlle. de Cardoville with regard to
Djalma, even on the day she went with Florine to the house he occupied.
In a word, she had positively resolved not to be known to him for some
months to come.

After long reflecting that morning, on the chances that might yet offer
themselves to satisfy the wants of her heart, Adrienne fell into a new,
deep reverie. This charming creature, so full of life and youth, heaved a
low sigh, raised her arms above her head, turned her profile towards the
pillow, and remained for some moments as if powerless and vanquished.
Motionless beneath the white tissues that wrapped her round, she looked
like a fair, marble statue, visible beneath a light layer of snow.
Suddenly, Adrienne raised herself up, drew her hand across her brow, and
rang for her women. At the first silver tone of the bell, the two ivory
doors opened. Georgette appeared on the threshold of the dressing-room,
from which Frisky, a little black and-tan dog, with his golden collar,