Each of the third-floor rooms on this side of the hotel was provided with a similar balcony, having a carved-wood balustrade.

However, the young priest's surprise was very great, for he had scarcely stepped outside when he suddenly saw a woman protrude her head over the balcony next to him--that of the room occupied by the gentleman whom M.de Guersaint and the servant had been speaking of.
And this woman he had recognised: it was Madame Volmar.

There was no mistaking her long face with its delicate drawn features, its magnificent large eyes, those brasiers over which a veil, a dimming _moire_, seemed to pass at times.

She gave a start of terror on perceiving him.

And he, extremely ill at ease, grieved that he should have frightened her, made all haste to withdraw into his apartment.