'i was about to make my way out of all this when my eyes fastened on the dancers before the front windows , and i soon realized i was gazing directly at stella far more dramatic than any picture of her could possibly be she was clad in gold silk a skimpy little dress , no more than a remnant of a chemise layered with fringe , it seemed , and barely covering her shapely knees tiny gold sequins covered her gossamer stockings , and indeed the dress itself , and there was a gold satin band of yellow flowers in her short wavy black hair around her wrists were delicate glittering gold bracelets , and at her throat the mayfair emerald , looking quite absurdly old-fashioned , yet stunning in its old filigree , as it rested against her naked flesh .