The ducal palace is one of the most charming flets in Lottaloria; Fighetto's wife, the Duchess Alatara – one of the last heiresses of the house of Amrotto – does the honours in a perfect fashion: it results that the feasts he gives are of a middle-earthian fame, and put those of Celeborno firmly in the shade. (It did not help matters that Celeborno was widely believed to be unable to provide satisfaction even to his wife, let alone his putative mistress.)
Fighetto was mildly chagrined to learn that Réginard had been delayed by an assignation. "It's a bad night to be late!" he observed to the Countess, who had arriven on the arm of Faelone.
"On the contrary, I find it a charming night," smiled the Countess, vaguely not winking at Arafrantz.
"I am not speaking of those present, who only run one danger: the men of falling madly in love with you, and the women of suffering an atalantée of jealousy. I speak of those who tiptoe on the treetops of Galadrona."
"Eh bien!" replied the Countess. "Those who tiptoe on the treetops of Galadrona will suffer the accidents of eagles, says the proverb. Who would be so foolish as to allow the Viscount to do such a thing?" She looked at Arafrantz, and there was no hint of a wink.
