Somewhat abashed , she busied herself with her soup : but the fancy had taken possession of her , and presently she whispered to Helen , -- `` Do you see any signs of the baron ? '' `` On my left ; look at the hands . '' Amy looked and saw a white , shapely hand with an antique ring on the third finger . Its owner 's face was averted , but as he conversed with animation , the hand was in full play , now emphasizing an opinion , now lifting a glass , or more frequently pulling at a blond beard which adorned the face of the unknown . Amy shook her head decidedly . `` I hate light men , and do n't think that is the baron , for the gloves are a size too small for those hands . Lean back and look some four or five seats lower down on the right . See what sort of person the dark man with the fine eyes is . '' Helen obeyed , but almost instantly bent to her plate again , smiling in spite of herself . `` That is an Englishman ; he stares rudely , says ` By Jove ! ' and wears no jewelry or beard . '' `` Now , I 'm disappointed . Well , keep on the watch , and tell me if you make any discoveries , for I will find the baron . '' Being hungry , Amy devoted herself to her dinner , till dessert was on the table . She was languidly eating grapes , while Helen talked with the major , when the word `` baron '' caught her ear . The speakers sat at a table behind her , so that she could not see them without turning quite round , which was impossible ; but she listened eagerly to the following scrap of chat : -- `` Is the baron going on to-morrow ? '' asked a gay voice in French . `` Yes , he is bound for Baden-Baden . The season is at its height , and he must make his game while the ball is rolling , or it is all up with the open-handed Sigismund , '' answered a rough voice . `` Wo n't his father pardon the last escapade ? ''
asked a XXXXX , with a laugh .
Amy Baden-Baden Englishman French Helen Jove Sigismund left right third