behold the Count dressed in classic black in his habitual simplicity; the only jewel that adorned his figure was a golden chain from which hung the One Ring.
He approached first the baroness, who was speaking with Mme. de Villefaramir; the latter had arrived alone, Valartine being always unwell; and without deviating, so did a path always open before him, he passed to Éowénie, and complimented her in terms so brusque and reserved that the proud artist was piqued. Next to her stood Célesbienne d'Affadondilly, who thanked the Count for letters of recommendation that he had written on her behalf for the Elvish theatres, in such perfect Sindarin that not a Saleau-Fauxchangeur nor an Hostettier-Wynné had found aught to blame in any consonantal mutation. On leaving these ladies, he found himself next to Sacqueville-Danglars, who had approached to shake hands.
The notaries made their entrance at this moment, and installed their bescribbled placards on the embroidered gilt velvet that covered the table of gilt willow-wood that had been prepared for the signature. One proceeded to the reading of the contract that the half of Annuminas present at this solemnity, with the addition of one or two of the Valards, was to sign. The contract was read in the midst of a profound silence. But, as soon as the reading was complete, the rumour recommenced, double what it had been before; for the enormous sums rolling in the future of the young people resounded with all their prestige in that jealous company. Andurillo, complimented, adulated, on the point of believing in the reality of the dream he was living, began to lose his head.
