That evening a powerful electric reflector threw a dazzling light upon the statue, which, in its divine and pure nudity, seemed to be endowed with superhuman, immortal life.

Against the end-wall was the buffet, a long table covered with an embroidered cloth and laden with fruit, pastry, and cold meats.

Sheaves of flowers rose up amidst bottles of champagne, hot punch, and iced _sorbetto_, and here and there were marshalled armies of glasses, tea-cups, and broth-bowls, a perfect wealth of sparkling crystal, porcelain, and silver.

And a happy innovation had been to fill half of the hall with rows of little tables, at which the guests, in lieu of being obliged to refresh themselves standing, were able to sit down and order what they desired as in a cafe.
At one of these little tables, Pierre perceived Narcisse seated near a young woman, whom Prada, on approaching, recognised to be Lisbeth.

"You find me, you see, in delightful company," gallantly exclaimed the _attache_.