"Clorinda, by God!" said one of the older men to his crony who stood near him.

"And crowned with roses! The vixen makes them look as if they were built of rubies in every leaf." At the top of the great staircase there stood a gentleman, who had indeed paused a moment, spellbound, as he saw her coming.

He was a man of unusual height and of a majestic mien; he wore a fair periwig, which added to his tallness; his laces and embroiderings were marvels of art and richness, and his breast blazed with orders.

Strangely, she did not seem to see him; but when she reached the landing, and her face was turned so that he beheld the full blaze of its beauty, 'twas so great a wonder and revelation to him that he gave a start.

The next moment almost, one of the red roses of her crown broke loose from its fastenings and fell at his very feet.