Inhaltsangabe
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1878. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XI. BETROTHAL. The library of the Hotel de Rauville overlooked the garden and the grounds of the adjoining Convent of the Sacred Heart, and commanded from its window a view of the dome of the Invalides. Massive book-cases extended around the room; marble busts looked out at intervals from deep niches in the polished oak. Allegory, many-hued and many-winged, high soaring in a painted empyrean, glowed from the lofty ceiling; while numerous panels, breaking the continuity of cornice, were filled with family portraits--a long line of grimly austere kinsmen and kinswomen. Through an archway, hung with velvet portieres, was visible a little salon, bright with tapestry and gilding, and strewn with gems in marqueterie and bronze; beyond was the grand salon, sumptuous in the art that made the reign of the fourteenth Louis memorable. Here, by the open window and alone, Marie had been sitting since dinner, upon the evening we have mentioned. The west, rending its veil of mist, burned with the pride and the passion of the sun that night. A hot flush mounted its white temples until the whole welkin was stained red as with conflagration. Then swallows, scenting the odour of tempest from afar, began to fly low; a whisper went about among the trees in the garden; the air grew thick and hot; every steeple was crowned with a fiery nimbus; crimson and purple banners waved in the path of the descending sun; a million lances gleamed; and then came skurrying from the east, a host of vagrant vapours to feed the kindled forge of the storm-gods upon the horizon. The brighter hues faded: a dull coppery glare fell upon heaven and earth, and for a moment the sultry air stood still. Then a few electric kisses thrilled along the ragged edge of the nether clouds, and a low rumb...
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