He paused upon the landing, and looked at her, and a gentle and sad smile stole over his face, such as Corona had never seen there.
"Shall we go into your boudoir for ten minutes, my love ?" he said; "or will you come into my smoking-room?
I would like to smoke a little before going to bed." "You may smoke in my boudoir, of course," she answered kindly, though she was surprised at the request.

It was half-past three o'clock.

They went into the softly lighted little room, where the embers of the fire were still glowing upon the hearth.

Corona dropped her furs upon a chair, and sat down upon one side of the chimney piece.

Astrardente sank wearily into a deep easy-chair opposite her, and having found a cigarette, lighted it, and began to smoke.