The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss — page 150: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

ee tS ee takin —— -_ ee cpises = - — = ———- i al o~ww of fae ey ~ o . tie - ad _—~ i? anothage ce wer" ea - i. - « ae x @ .°@ - . ~~ e i ee a ae at 3 he Se 5 143 THE BRONZE STATUE. duction to the ‘ terrestrial paradise,’ as | were escorted to the ante-room, in the crone had denominated it. which the water-clock stood in a recess For several days did they wander | and the silver bell was suspended in the about Prague and its vicinity, in the! illuminated lantern: then, at the mo- hope of meeting this ancient dame once more, and persuading her to conduct them back to the scene of pleasure. But in that anticipation they were disap- pointed ; the crone re-appeared not be- fore their eyes! It was verging towards sunset on the 15th of August, the date of that memor- able night on which Sir Ernest de Col- mar fought as the champion of Satanais, that the two pages were walking to- gether upon the ramparts, when they suddenly attracted the notice of a lady of fine form and majestic bearing, who was hastening in the direction of the southern gate. She was closely veiled, but her rich attire, her queen-like gait, and the two well-dressed female de- pendants who followed her, denoted that she was a person of quality and consideration. Lionel and Konrad stood aside to make room for her; and she was about to pass them, when an ejaculation of mingled pleasure and surprise burst from her lips; and stopping short, she raised her veil, thus revealing the grandly handsome countenance of the lady who had presided over the festival, and was indeed the mistress of the mansion at which it had taken place. The youths instantaneously recog- nized her; and, doffing their caps, they expressed the joy which they experi- enced at meeting her again, and the hope which they cherished of being permitted to visit her dwelling once more. With captivating affability did the lady assure them their desire should be gratified that very evening ; and re- placing her veil over her countenance, she bade them accompany her. To that picturesque cemetery which has already been mentioned more than once, did the party now proceed; and on arriving at the little chapel on the outskirt of the burial ground, horses were found in readiness. Konrad and Lionel had to submit to the process of disguise and blindfolding by means of the ecclesiastical gowns and hoods ; and after an hour’s ride, they reached their destination. As on the former occa- sion, they were conducted to the toi- lette-chamber, where they bathed in tepid founts of rose-water and then as- sumed a rich and elegant apparel cho- sen from a well-furnished wardrobe. —.——$ a — ment when the clepsydra marked the magic hour and the tinkling chime sent forth its musical sound, the massive portals unfolded their gilded wings and the pages entered a second time amidst the roseate scene of pleasure. There was the same blaze of female loveliness which on the former occa- sion had burst in such overpowerin splendor upon the vision of the ravish-— ed youths; there was the same con- | gress of unrivalled charms; and there also was the same gorgeous magnifi- cence of the saloon. A glance amidst the throng of ladies gave Lionel and Konrad the welcome assurance that the ebject of their visit was indeed there; and the mental comparison which they each momen- tarily made between that fair creature and the portrait in the royal dwelling, placed beyond any possibility of doubt the fact that she was none other than the Princess Elizabetha of Bohemia. Amongst the gay gallants and hand- some cavaliers who were now present, the two pages beheld not the fine tall man who had worn the gold chain of a marquis, and who was the constant companion of the mistress of the man- sion on the previous occasion of their visit to this saloon of luxury, elegance, and pleasure. It also struck the youths that there was a partial shade of me- lancholy upon the countenance of their brilliant hostess, as if she regretted the absence of her noble friend, whoever he might be. And now, to the joy of Lionel, the mistress of the mansion presented him to the Princess Elizabetha, while Kon- rad became the cavalier of the same young lady to whom his attentions were devoted on the former occasion. Seating himself by the side of the Princess, who, occupied a voluptuous ottoman, Lionel said, ‘ Doubtless you do not recognise me again, fair lady ?” ‘ Yes, gentle cavalier, I had not for- gotten you,’ she responded, in a soft voice which was naturally melancholy and plaintive in tone. ‘But how hap- pens it that you have become a second time an inmate of this mansion ?’ ‘ Lady,’ said the young page, flinging a rapid glance around and assuring him- self that he could speak without the tear of being overheard by others, ‘I A little before midnight, the youths | had a motive—a very particular mo- comicbooks.com.