Conversation was broken off, laughter was checked, even the waiters stood still in their places.

The eyes of every one seemed turned towards the door.

One or two of the men rose, and in the faces of these was manifest a sudden expression in which was present more or less of absolute terror.

Bartot for a moment shrank back in his chair as though he had been struck, only to recover himself the next second; and the lady with the turquoises bent over and whispered in his ear.

One person only left his place,--a young man who had been sitting at a table at the other end of the room with one of the gayest parties.