Her eyes were very dark blue, well shaped, and with abundant lashes; she fixed them uncompromisingly upon the person with whom she was talking, and they seemed to defy you to make them look down or humble themselves before anyone on earth. They denoted a woman of strong character, an energetic woman. Shall I say, a passionate woman? I think that I should err: strong natures are able to hold their passions in check, instead of allowing themselves to be dominated by them, like---- But I must finish my portrait. Gracefully arched, heavy eyebrows--but not too heavy--surmounted those expressive eyes; the nose was a little large, but straight, and the nostrils, slightly dilated, opened but little more when she smiled. She had a large mouth, and her lips were rather thin; but the teeth were very white and regular. That mouth was well adapted to raillery and persiflage; and it was most eloquent in expressing contempt and anger. Madame Dauberny was naturally pale, and even by candle light her skin was not white. She had an oval chin and a high forehead. So much for her features; but all these details give a very insufficient idea of the general effect of that unusual face. It was necessary to see her in order to understand her; in the short time that I spent in examining her, her face changed entirely three or four times. There was one thing that pleased me greatly, and that was her accent, in which there was a faint suggestion of the _Midi_, which, to my mind, is fascinating in a woman. She had a well-modulated voice, like almost all those who are born on the banks of the Garonne; it was not soft, but the accent deprived it of anything like harshness. And then, it reminded me of a fascinating Bordelaise, whom I had loved dearly, and known such a short time! On the whole, I was decidedly flattered to be considered Madame Dauberny's friend. But that did not cause me to forget my agreeable partner, to whom also I was deeply indebted. I was anxious to learn something concerning the pretty brunette. I tried to make up my mind to ask her friend Frédérique about her. At that moment, she came toward me and whispered as she took my arm: "Will you be my escort once more?" "Ah, madame! I am too happy that you deign to accept me as such." "Let us make a few turns about the room, and I will finish my task of giving you such information as you need concerning the company; then you will be free to return to Armantine." "Armantine? Oh, yes! that is the lady who spoke to you in my behalf?" "To be sure. You know her, do you not?" "Not at all. I never saw her before; but I had danced a quadrille and waltzed with her." "Well! this is a little strong! And what was the source of her deep interest in you?" "The fact that I had told her of a mad prank I had just committed; of which I will tell you as well, with your permission." "I not only permit it, but I insist upon it; for, after all, it is well that I should know something about the friend of my childhood."