All her surroundings betokened her father's opulence: large stained-glass
windows, covered with the armorial bearings of his ancestors, cast their
varied hues upon the inlaid marble floor; tables and chairs of oak, slabs
supporting exquisite statuary from the chisel of the most celebrated
artists, were ranged along the walls; an ivory crucifix surmounted a
silver basin of rare workmanship containing holy water. Even the massive
andirons, which stood in the broad fireplace, were partly of gold and
ornamented with the coat of arms.

Her prayer was finished, or it might be that her thoughts had taken
another turn; she arose and walked slowly towards the large window which
overlooked the garden. She fixed her eyes upon the beautiful blue sky; her
countenance was bright, as though a sweet hope filled her heart, and a
rosy hue suffused her cheeks.

An old man at this moment entered the room. Heavy moustaches shaded his
lips, and a long beard fell upon his breast. There was something grave and
severe in his imposing appearance and even in his dress; for although his
doublet was of gold cloth, his whole body was enveloped in a long cloak,
whose dark color was relieved by a lining of white fur.

"Good morning, Mary," he said, as he approached the young girl.

"May the blessing of God always be with you, dear father," she replied.
"Come, see how lovely the sky is, and how brightly the sun shines."

"It is charming weather; we might almost imagine ourselves in the month of
May."

"It is the eve of May, father." And with a joyous smile she drew her