was under the wing or rather soared by the shoulder of the lady who had sat by her at the roulette-table ; and with them was a gentleman with a white mustache and clipped hair: solid-browed, stiff, and German, They were walking about or standing to chat with acquaintances; and Gwendolen was much observed by the seated groups.
"A striking girl—that Miss Harleth—unlike others."
"Yes; she has got herself up as a sort of serpent now, all green and silver, and winds her neck about a little more than usual."
"Oh, she must always be doing something extraordinary. She is that kind of girl, I fancy. Do you think her pretty, Mr Vandernoodt?"
"Very. A man might risk hanging for her—I mean, a fool might."
"You like a nez retroussé then, and long narrow eyes?"
"When they go with such an ensemble."
"The ensemble du serpent?"
"If you will. Woman was tempted by a serpent: why not man?"
"She is certainly very graceful. But she wants a tinge of colour in her cheeks: it is a sort of Lamia beauty she has."
