It might have been even now a military stronghold, and it was evident that there were traditions of precision and obedience within its walls which would have done credit to any barracks.

The dominant temper of the master made itself felt at every turn, and the servants moved quickly and silently about their duties.
There was something intensely attractive to Corona in the air of strength that pervaded the place, and Giovanni had never seemed to her so manly and so much in his element as under the grey walls of his ancestral home.
The place, too, was associated in history with so many events,--the two men, Leone and Giovanni Saracinesca, stood there beside her, where their ancestors of the same names had stood nearly a thousand years before, their strong dark faces having the same characteristics that for centuries had marked their race, features familiar to Romans by countless statues and pictures, as the stones of Rome themselves--but for a detail of dress, it seemed to Corona as though she had been suddenly transported back to the thirteenth century.

The idea fascinated her.

The two men led her up the broad stone staircase, and ushered her and Sister Gabrielle into the apartments of state which had been prepared for them.
"We have done our best," said the Prince, "but it is long since we have entertained ladies at Saracinesca." "It is magnificent!" exclaimed Corona, as she entered the ante-chamber.
The walls were hung from end to end with priceless tapestries, and the stone floor was covered with long eastern carpets.

Corona paused.
"You must show us all over the castle by-and-by," she said.
"Giovanni will show you everything," answered the Prince.