The two women had exchanged a deeply significant glance.

It was, in fact, one of those momentary scrutinies which are at once complete and definite.

As to the men, they behaved unexceptionably.

Fauchery and Daguenet looked icy and recognized no one.

The marquis, more nervous than they and afraid of some farcical ebullition on the part of the ladies, had plucked a blade of grass and was rolling it between his fingers.