them with a beatified expression and seemed to envelop them in his

pious sweetness, for he rejoiced in these last instances of self-

abandonment which were preparing the means of grace.

But the waltz still beat out its swinging, laughing, voluptuous

measure; it was like a shrill continuation of the life of pleasure

which was beating against the old house like a rising tide. The

band blew louder trills from their little flutes; their violins sent

forth more swooning notes. Beneath the Genoa velvet hangings, the