Two footmen, the princess' and his own, stood holding a shawl and a cloak, waiting for the conversation to finish.

They listened to the French sentences which to them were meaningless, with an air of understanding but not wishing to appear to do so.

The princess as usual spoke smilingly and listened with a laugh.

"I am very glad I did not go to the ambassador's," said Prince Hippolyte "-so dull-.

It has been a delightful evening, has it not? Delightful!" "They say the ball will be very good," replied the princess, drawing up her downy little lip.