The ceiling was painted blue and flecked with golden stars, whilst the
walls were hung with deep blue tapestries on which was figured in grey and
brownish red a scene which, I was subsequently to learn, represented the
metamorphosis of Actaeon. At the moment I did not look too closely. The
figures of Diana in her bath with her plump attendant nymphs caused me
quickly to withdraw my bashful eyes.
A good-sized table stood in the middle of the floor, bearing, upon a broad
strip of embroidered white napery, sparkling crystal and silver, vessels of
wine and platters of early fruits. About it sat a very noble company of
some half-dozen men and two very resplendent women. One of these was
slight and little, very dark and vivacious with eyes full of a malicious
humour. The other, of very noble proportions, of a fine, willowy height,
with coiled ropes of hair of a colour such as I had never dreamed could be
found upon human being. It was ruddy and glowed like metal. Her face and
neck--and of the latter there was a very considerable display--were of the
warm pale tint of old ivory. She had large, low-lidded eyes, which lent
her face a languid air. Her brow was low and broad, and her lips of a most
startling red against the pallor of the rest.
She rose instantly upon my entrance, and came towards me with a slow smile,
holding out her hand, and murmuring words of most courteous welcome.
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