As we walked slowly down
the passage to our table, many eyes were turned toward us. The
Countess appeared unconscious of it all. Lazily, half insolently
observant, yet wholly unconcerned, she was without doubt the most
strikingly beautiful woman in the assembly; this, though the society
of the world seemed to fill the Londres that night. Poor Galitzin!
As we seated ourselves, a hush fell about the immediate table to our
right and left. It was followed by a low buzzing of curious or
interested, wise or ignorant, human bees. On our right I saw the
Prince Galitzin. From the moment of our entrance he had kept looking
at the Countess. I watched him out of the corner of my eye, and
abruptly he changed seats with one of the gentlemen at his table.
Obviously his view of the Countess' face was not at the angle he
wished. Screwing his monocle in his eye, he began to stare pretty
consistently.
Of course this delighted me. The avidity with which his Serene
Highness was swallowing the bait promised much. I thought it
advisable, however, to create a little diversion, something that would
drive away a possible suspicion that this was a "plant." It was
perfectly obvious to all that the Prince was becoming fascinated.
Also, he was losing his head, for he was showing his fascination in a
rather rude manner. His staring began to attract some attention.
That was the opportunity I was looking for.
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