He no longer looked upon it as a passing liaison, but had settled down permanently and finally to lead his accustomed life with her.
It took a weight off her mind, and gave her a sense of peace and security such as she had not known since the return to Paris.

She too began to come out of her shell, and to resume her former mode of life.
She fulfilled her social duties, and paid and received calls, which Wilhelm was allowed to shirk.

At the end of January the first ball of the Spanish embassy took place.

Pilar's whole set was invited, and she could not well absent herself without exciting remark.

She therefore made the necessary preparations for the festivity.