CHAPTER V. THE crystal folding-doors of the conservatory were closed, and over them, on this occasion, hung a rich curtain, that the effect of the interior might not be marred by anticipation. Within, a light framework ceiling, of an elegant trellis-pattern, had been erected, and gracefully depending from it, and gloriously interweaving, was a magnificent mass of tropical creepers of every imaginable hue and splendour: ver milion bells, golden chalices, amethystine vases shone amidst the dark, glossy, green foliage, illumined from above by a superb cluster of immense lamps, whose resplendence, imitative of sunlight, streamed down through the interstices of the leafage. So artistically had this artificial, yet celestial flower-canopy been formed, so gloriously did the mock suns infuse life into the blooms, and bathe them in brilliance, and so deliciously did various delicate perfumes mingle in the luxuriously warm air, that the illusion was perfect, and few would have wished to destroy it, by grave reflection, or hyper-criticism. Between the various groups of living plants and shrubs which, as usual, almost filled the conservatory, sumptuous ottomans and couches had been placed; and near one of these, upon which Lady Ida reclined, stood a perfectly new and richly-gilded harp. "I have a favour to ask of you, my dear Geraldine," she said, in a softer voice than ordinary, “it is, that you will play me that wild, beautiful air I heard you trying a few days since. I want to hear it here, and on this harp, which is a superior one. You will not refuse me." Pray excuse me, dear Lady Ida, I am, as you know, but an indifferent performer, and a nervous one besides," and she glanced at Lord Derrington. "Oh, never mind my brother, he is the most indulgent of music lovers-passionately and blindly fond of it." As Geraldine bent over the harp and awaked its glorious tones, her friend whis pered : "Just improvise a few words on any subject you choose it will only be in character." Geraldine paused, blushing deeply. "I cannot-I'm certain I cannot !" she replied, looking distressed. "You can. I'm confident you can," responded Lady Ida, with an encouraging smile, "only think so, and set boldly to work. I shall consider it a real kindness if you will but try.” A painful distrust of her own powers disturbed Geraldine, and her cheek slightly paled as she endeavoured to think. A few seconds she remained silent-then she raised her head proudly, her cheek flushed, her eyes beamed with inspiration, and she swept the rich-toned strings until the fairy palace of flowers was filled with glorious harmonies unspeakably wild and beautiful-unearthly in their solemnity. And her voice rose sweetly and clearly, breathing a passionate enthusiasm, a fervent patriotism in every utterance. "Night frowned on Italy!—the stern, sad night, Where Tiber moaned, and shadows of the past Beckoned the silent futures-powers that lie By destiny in mystic slumber cast! That awful, glorious, and mysterious band Time-linked and indivisible-that sway The earth with fire, with fetter, and with brand, With gifts of peace, by fame's expectant day! |