They were following the stone parapet surmounted by a hedge of boxwood, which entirely hides the ugliness of the buildings on the quay.
One felt the presence of the river by the milky atmosphere which in misty days seems to rest on the water.

The sky was clear.

The lights of the city were mingled with the stars.

At the south shone the three golden nails of the Orion belt.

Dechartre continued: "Last year, at Venice, every morning as I went out of my house, I saw at her door, raised by three steps above the canal, a charming girl, with small head, neck round and strong, and graceful hips.