People came and went at pleasure.

The window embrasures became the roost of happy couples; at the great chimney the talkers mostly congregated, each full-charged with scandal; and down at the farther end the gamblers gambled.

It was towards this point that Otto moved, not ostentatiously, but with a gentle insistence, and scattering attentions as he went.

Once abreast of the card-table, he placed himself opposite to Madame von Rosen, and, as soon as he had caught her eye, withdrew to the embrasure of a window.

There she had speedily joined him.
'You did well to call me,' she said, a little wildly.