chandeliers almost insupportably brilliant by means of reflection.

In the midst of this subterranean apartment stood a large table, covered
with flagons, empty wine flasks, and drinking-cups; but the revelers had
retired to rest--and the marquis and Stephano were alone in that
banqueting-hall.

"Follow me, my lord," said the bandit-captain; "and I will conduct you
to a place where you will find as dainty a couch as even a nobleman so
accustomed to luxury as your lordship need not despise."

Thus speaking Stephano opened an iron door at the end of the hall, and
led the way along a narrow and low corridor, lighted by lamps placed in
niches at short intervals. At the end of this corridor he knocked at
another door, which was opened in a few moments by a man who had
evidently been aroused from his slumber.

"I bring a guest, Lomellino," said Verrina. "See that his lordship be
well cared for."

Stephano then retraced his way along the corridor, and Lomellino closed
and bolted the iron door.

But no pen can describe the astonishment of the marquis when he found
himself in a spacious room, heaped all around with immense riches.
Massive plate, splendid chandeliers, gorgeous suits of armor and martial
weapons incrusted with gold or set with precious stones, chalices and
dishes of silver, bags of money piled in heaps, an immense quantity of
jewelry spread upon shelves, and an infinite assortment of the richest
wearing apparel--all these, suddenly bursting upon the young nobleman's
view by the light of a lamp suspended to the roof, produced an effect at
once brilliant and astounding.

When Lomellino addressed him with a request to follow whither he should
lead, it seemed as if some rude voice were suddenly awaking him from a
delicious dream--save that the cause of his pleasure and wonder was
still present. Then, ashamed at having allowed himself to be so
attracted by the spectacle of boundless wealth around him, he followed
Lomellino to an alcove at the further end of the caverned room, and the
entrance of which was covered by a purple velvet curtain, richly fringed
with gold.

Within were two beds, having a screen between them. These couches were
of the most comfortable description, and such as in those times were not
usually seen elsewhere than in the dwellings of the wealthy. Near each
bed stood a toilet-table and wash-stand, with ewers of massive silver
and towels of fine linen; and to the walls hung two large
mirro