The town was one of the least frequented of Flanders;
and Sidonia, who was then a youth, scarcely of twenty summers, was on
his rambling way to Frankfort, where he then resided.
'It is not the soldiers,' said the Flemish maiden in attendance, and who
was dressed in one of those pretty black silk jackets that seem to
blend so well with the sombre yet picturesque dwellings of the Spanish
Netherlands. 'It is not the soldiers, sir; it is only the Baroni
family.'
'And who are the Baroni family?'
'They are Italians, sir, and have been here this week past, giving some
representations.'
'Of what kind?'
'I hardly know, sir, only I have heard that they are very beautiful.
There is tumbling, I know for certain; and there was the Plagues of
Egypt; but I believe it changes every night.'
'And you have not yet seen them?'
'Oh no, sir, it is not for such as me; the second places are half a
franc!'
'And what is your name?' said Sidonia.
'Therese; at your service, sir.'
'You shall go and see the Baroni family to-night, Therese, if your
mistress will let you.'
'I am sure she would if you would ask her, sir,' said Therese, looking
down and colouring with delight. The little jacket seemed very agitated.
'Here they come!' said Sidonia, looking out of the window on the great
square.
Pages:
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455
456
457
458
459
460
461
462