In dull weather I have seen the lake looking like lead, and even the full sunshine scarcely animates it.

For my part, I know I should die of _ennui_ if I had to live face to face with that bare water.

But it is admired by poets and romantic women, those who adore great tragedies of passion." Then, as he and Pierre rose from the table to go and take coffee on the terrace of the restaurant, the conversation changed: "Do you mean to attend Prince Buongiovanni's reception this evening ?" the Count inquired.
"It will be a curious sight, especially for a foreigner, and I advise you not to miss it." "Yes, I have an invitation," Pierre replied.

"A friend of mine, Monsieur Narcisse Habert, an _attache_ at our embassy, procured it for me, and I am going with him." That evening, indeed, there was to be a _fete_ at the Palazzo Buongiovanni on the Corso, one of the few galas that take place in Rome each winter.

People said that this one would surpass all others in magnificence, for it was to be given in honour of the betrothal of little Princess Celia.