Then he presented himself at the door of the Countess's box.
"May I come in for a little while ?" he inquired with an affectation of doubt and delicacy that was unnatural to him.
"Certainly," said Margaret indifferently, but smiling a little withal.
"I have ventured to bring you some _marrons glaces_," said Barker, when he was seated, producing at the same time a neat _bonbonniere_ in the shape of a turban.

"I thought they would remind you of Baden.

You used to be very fond of them." "Thanks," said she, "I am still." And she took one.

The curtain rose, and Barker was obliged to be silent, much against his will.

Margaret immediately became absorbed in the doings on the stage.