There were others in the salon, who, perceiving that the unknown
beauty was acquainted with Annesley, began to move from canvas to
canvas toward that end of the room where the trio stood. But
Madame did not appear anxious to make new acquaintances.
"I have seen quite enough of this very entertaining exhibition,"
she said languidly, toying with a great unset emerald which swung
by a thin gold chain about her neck. "Might I entreat you to
take pity upon a very lonely woman and return with me to tea?"
Annesley seemed on the point of refusing, when:
"I have acquired a reputed Leonardo," continued Madame, "and I
wish you to see it."
There was something so like a command in the words that Deacon
stared at his companion in frank surprise. The latter avoided
his glance, and:
"Come!" said Madame de Medici.
As of old the great Catherine of her name might have withdrawn
with her suite, so now the lady of the tiger skins withdrew from
the gallery, the two men following obediently, and one of them at
least a happy courtier.
III
TWIN POOLS OF AMBER
The white-robed Chinese servant entered and placed fresh perfume
upon the burning charcoal of the silver incense-burner. As the
scented smoke began to rise he withdrew, and a second servant
entered, who facially, in dress, in figure and bearing, was a
duplicate of the first.
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