But the gauzy fabric that enfolded though it
scarcely concealed her bosom, the vest of white damask stuff inwoven
and fringed with gold and silver, the caftan, and the trousers of
crimson embossed and embroidered with flowers of the same gorgeous
materials, all were buttoned and guarded and overstrewn with jewels,
while the broad belt that confined them was literally encrusted with
diamonds and clasped by a magnificent bouquet of flowers wrought by the
lapidary from diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and pearls, so
exquisitely that the artist showed a skill in them almost worthy of his
materials.
From our ardent gaze the beautiful vision was soon withdrawn,--often
to reappear, however, in the bright, calm weather that followed, each
time with less of blushing and confusion in the beautiful face; and
at length, some of us began to flatter ourselves, with a shy glance
of interest and recognition for us in the luminous eyes.
On her strange companion, also, her presence shed a beam that lightened
the darkness of our thoughts toward him.
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