“Well, at the present moment she would refuse to accept my services,” said he with a gesture. “But if, later⁠—”

Here he gave Mlle. Blanche another glance which was full of meaning; whereupon she advanced towards me with a bewitching smile, and seized and pressed my hands. Devil take it, but how that devilish visage of hers could change! At the present moment it was a visage full of supplication, and as gentle in its expression as that of a smiling, roguish infant. Stealthily, she drew me apart from the rest as though the more completely to separate me from them; and, though no harm came of her doing so⁠—for it was merely a stupid manoeuvre, and no more⁠—I found the situation very unpleasant.

The General hastened to lend her his support.