of a soft shimmering white stuff covered with gold
spangles and cut to reveal her young neck and arms.
She stood at the head of the room with her mother
as Rezanov entered, and he noticed for the first
time how tall she was. She held herself proudly;
mischievous twinkle, nor child-like trust, nor flashing
coquetry possessed her eyes; these, even more star-
like than usual, nevertheless looked upon her guests
with a dignified composure. Her lips, her skin,
were luminous. In this well-cut evening gown he
saw that her figure was superb; and that she could
command stateliness as well as vivacity moved her
toward a pedestal in his regard that had been occu-
pied by few and never for long.

Rezanov, in his splendid uniform and blazing
orders, filled the sala with his presence as he walked
past the rows of bright critical eyes toward his
hostesses. The young lips of the maids parted with
delight and the men frowned. For the first time
William Sturgis felt the sickness of jealousy instead
of its not unagreeable pain. Davidov and Khostov,
both handsome and well-bred young men, were also
in full naval uniform, and by no means ignored;
while Langsdorff, in the severe black of the scholar,
was an admirable foil.

Rezanov, wondering at the subtle change in
Concha, bowed ceremoniously and murmured:
"You will give me the first dance, senorita?"