pa to her
new territories, and all eyes looked out upon it. The armor of the
warlike retainers of the house of Visinara sparkled in the sun, and the
more peaceful servitors were attired with a gorgeousness that would
have done honor to an Eastern clime. The old Prince of Della Ripa, than
whom one more fierce and brave never existed in all Italy, had that
morning given his daughter's hand to Giovanni of Visinara; and as she
neared the castle that was henceforth to be her home, every point from
which a view of the procession could be obtained was seized upon.

"By my patron saint, but it is a goodly sight!" exclaimed one of a group
of maidens, gathered at a window beneath which the bridal cavalcade was
prancing. "Only look at Master Pietro, the seneschal."

"And at the steel points of the halberds,--how they shine in the crimson
of the setting sun."

"Nay, rather look at these lovely dames that follow--the Lady Adelaide's
tire-women. By the sacred relics! if her beauty exceed that of her
maidens, it must be rare to look upon. See the gold and purple of their
palfreys' horsecloths waving in the air."

"Hist! hist! it is the Count of Visinara in his emblazoned carriage! How
haughtily he sits; but the Visinara is a haughty race. And--yes--see--by
his side--oh, how lovely! Signora Montani, look! That face might win a
kingdom."

Gina Montani, who stood in the corner of the lattice, shielded from view
by its massive frame, may possibly have heard, but she answered not.

"Say what you will of his pride, he is the handsomest man that ever
lived," exclaimed a damsel, enthusiastically. "Look at him as he sits
there now--he rides bareheaded, his plumed cap resting on his
knee--where will you find such a face and form as that!"

"What is _she_ like?" interrupted an old duenna, snappishly, who,
standing behind, could not as yet obtain a view of the coveted sight;
"we know enough of his looks, let us hear something of hers. But you
girls are ever the same: if a troop of sister angels came down from
heaven, headed by the Virgin Mother herself, and a graceless cavalier
appeared at the other side, you would turn your backs to the angels and
your eyes upon Beatrice. Is she as handsome as the young Lady Beatrice,
the count's sister, who married away a year agone?"

"Oh, mother, she is not like her. Beatrice of Visinara had a warm
countenance, with eyes black as the darkest night, and brilliant as a
diamond aigrette."

"And are th