Lucy called Blanche and Caroline, forgetting where she was and shouting: "Do come! You get a capital view from this window!" They all three leaned out, greatly interested.

The trees got in their way, and occasionally the torches disappeared under the foliage.

They tried to catch a glimpse of the men of their own party below, but a protruding balcony hid the door, and they could only make out Count Muffat, who looked like a dark parcel thrown down on the bench where he sat.

He was still burying his face in his handkerchief.

A carriage had stopped in front, and yet another woman hurried up, in whom Lucy recognized Maria Blond.