She excited comment wherever she appeared.

People, as he knew very well even now, were envying him his companion.

And beneath it all--she, the woman, was there.

All his life he had fought for the big things--political power, immense wealth, the confidence of his great master--all these had come to him easily.

And at that moment they were like baubles! She looked up at last and there was a slight frown upon her forehead.
"I am still a little down, starting from where I had the ten mille," she sighed.