Princess Helene asked to see the portrait of the aunt's husband on the box lid.

"That is probably the work of Vinesse," said Pierre, mentioning a celebrated miniaturist, and he leaned over the table to take the snuffbox while trying to hear what was being said at the other table.

He half rose, meaning to go round, but the aunt handed him the snuffbox, passing it across Helene's back.

Helene stooped forward to make room, and looked round with a smile.

She was, as always at evening parties, wearing a dress such as was then fashionable, cut very low at front and back.