This he placed on the mantel.

Even with this additional light, the other end of the salon remained in semi-darkness.

Only the dim outline of the grand staircase could be seen.
Over the mantel the portrait of a woman stood out clearly and definitely.

It represented Madame la Marquise at twenty-two, when Marie de Medicis had commanded the young Rubens to paint the portrait of one of the few women who had volunteered to share her exile.

Madame lived to be only twenty-four, happily.
"Jehan, light the chandelier," said the marquis.