Maurice Leblanc

sub‍­ter‍­ranean

chateau of the Dukes of Charmerace,

lover of beauty would have been at a loss whether more to admire her clear, germander eyes, so melting and so adorable, or the sensitive mouth, with its rather full lips, inviting all the kisses.

is on pins and needles with anxiety?

exasperation by her fidgeting

the nose of the father started thin from the brow, but ended in a scarlet bulb eloquent of an exhaustive acquaintance with the vintages of the world.

And we were unable, quite unable, to deny ourselves the pleasure of meeting you."

one would have said that he had eyes for nothing else, yet, without moving a muscle of his face, set in its perpetual beaming smile, he hissed in an angry whisper, "Drop it, you idiot! Put it back!"

flicker of contemptuous wonder

Will you be an angel and play me a little Grieg