And on the instant his whole expression changed.

The amused scorn was swept from his countenance, and in its place there sat now a look of wonder that was almost awe.
Standing there, on the edge of the clearing, in which he lay, he beheld a woman.

He had a vague impression of a slender, shapely height, a fleeting vision of a robe of white damask, a camorra of green velvet, and a choicely wrought girdle of gold.

But it was the glory of her peerless face that caught and held his glance in such ecstatic awe; the miracle of her eyes, which, riveted on his, returned his glance with one of mild surprise.

A child she almost seemed, despite her height and womanly proportions, so fresh and youthful was her countenance.
Raised on his elbow, he lay there for a spell, and gazed and gazed, his mind running on visions which godly men have had of saints from Paradise.
At last the spell was broken by Peppino's voice, addressing her, his back servilely bent.