Night fell, and I had not so much as a candle.

I began to long for some society, and stole down to the court.

It was now plunged in the blue of the first darkness; but the recess was redly lighted by the fire.

The wood had been piled high, and was crowned by a shock of flames, which the draught of the chimney brandished to and fro.

In this strong and shaken brightness the Senora continued pacing from wall to wall with disconnected gestures, clasping her hands, stretching forth her arms, throwing back her head as in appeal to heaven.