The-Scarlet-Pimpernel

Lord Grenville took a hasty farewell of the ladies andslipped back into his box, where M. Chauvelin had satthrough this ENTR’ACTE, with his eternal snuff-box inhis hand, and with his keen pale eyes intently fixed upona box opposite him, where, with much frou-frou of silkenskirts, much laughter and general stir of curiosity amongstthe audience, Marguerite Blakeney had just entered, accompaniedby her husband, and looking divinely pretty beneaththe wealth of her golden, reddish curls, slightly besprinkledwith powder, and tied back at the nape of her graceful neckwith a gigantic black bow. Always dressed in the very latestvagary of fashion, Marguerite alone among the ladiesthat night had discarded the crossover fichu and broad-lapelledover-dress, which had been in fashion for the last twoor three years. She wore the short-waisted classical-shapedgown, which so soon was to become the approved mode inevery country in Europe. It suited her graceful, regal figureto perfection, composed as it was of shimmering stuffwhich seemed a mass of rich gold embroidery.As she entered, she leant for a moment out of the box,taking stock of all those present whom she knew. Manybowed to her as she did so, and from the royal box therecame also a quick and gracious salute.Chauvelin watched her intently all through the commencementof the third act, as she sat enthralled with themusic, her exquisite little hand toying with a small jewelledfan, her regal head, her throat, arms and neck covered withmagnificent diamonds and rare gems, the gift of the adoringhusband who sprawled leisurely by her side.106The Scarlet Pimpernel