Then beneath
his trembling hands it became animate; it moved, extended ivory
arms, and wrapped them about his neck. Its lips became carmine--
perfumed; they bent to him. . . and he was looking into the
bewitching face of Madame de Medici!
He awoke, gasping for air and bathed in cold perspiration. The
dawn was just breaking over London and stealing grayly from
object to object in his bedroom.
V
THE IVORY GOD
The great car, with its fittings of gold and ivory, drew up at
the door of Colonel Deacon's house. The interior was ablaze with
tiger lilies, and out from their midst stepped the fairest of
them all--Madame de Medici, and swept queenly up the steps upon
the arm of the cavalierly soldier.
All connoisseurs esteemed it a privilege to view the Deacon
collection, and this afternoon there was a goodly gathering.
Chairs and little white tables were dotted about the lawn in
shady spots, and the majority of the company were already
assembled; but when, in a wonderful golden robe, Madame de Medici
glided across the lawn, the babel ceased abruptly as if by magic.
She pulled off one glove and began twirling a great emerald
between her slim fingers. It was suspended from a thin gold
chain.
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