As to the Marquis de Bruyeres, he had not claimed his seat among the notables, but was snugly ensconced in his usual place--a retired corner near the orchestra--whence he could applaud his charming Zerbine to his heart's content, without making himself too conspicuous.

In the boxes were the fine ladies, in full dress, settling themselves to their satisfaction with much rustling of silks, fluttering of fans, whispering and laughing.

Although their finery was rather old-fashioned, the general effect was exceedingly brilliant, and the display of magnificent jewels--family heirlooms--was fairly dazzling.

Such flashing of superb diamonds on white bosoms and in dark tresses; such strings of large, lustrous pearls round fair necks, and twined amid sunny curls; such rubies and sapphires, with their radiant surroundings of brilliants; such thick, heavy chains of virgin gold, of curious and beautiful workmanship; such priceless laces, yellow with age, of just that much-desired tint which is creamy at night; such superb old brocades, stiff and rich enough to stand alone; and best of all, such sweet, sparkling, young faces, as were to be seen here and there in this aristocratic circle.

A few of the ladies, not wishing to be known had kept on their little black velvet masks, though they did not prevent their being recognised, spoken of by name, and commented on with great freedom by the plebeian crowd in the pit.