He found a place where the leaves were thinner than elsewhere, and carefully pressing them apart looked through the opening.

Beyond was a clear space, well shaded and furnished with comfortable settles, tables and chairs.

It adjoined a wing of the dwelling, which stood but a few paces away and was evidently occupied by the women of the household.

The old Duchessa, her face still like a death mask but her eyes glittering with the brightness of a serpent's, sat enthroned within a large chair in the center of a family group.

It was her sharp voice that had first aroused the American's attention.
Opposite her sat the Duke, his thin face wearing an expression of gloom and dissatisfaction.