It was illuminated by means of blue and yellow globes which encompassed it with a gaudy splendour; and despite all his piety M.de Guersaint could not help finding these decorations in execrable taste.
"There!" exclaimed Marie, "a good place would be near those shrubs yonder." She was pointing to a shrubbery near the pilgrims' shelter-house; and the spot was indeed an excellent one for their purpose, as it enabled them to see the procession come down by the gradient way on the left, and watch it as it passed between the lawns to the new bridge and back again.
Moreover, a delightful freshness prevailed there by reason of the vicinity of the Gave.

There was nobody there as yet, and one could enjoy deep peacefulness in the dense shade which fell from the big plane-trees bordering the path.
In his impatience to see the first tapers reappear as soon as they should have passed behind the Basilica, M.de Guersaint had risen on tiptoe.

"I see nothing as yet," he muttered, "so whatever the regulations may be I shall sit on the grass for a moment.

I've no strength left in my legs." Then, growing anxious about his daughter, he inquired: "Shall I cover you up?
It is very cool here." "Oh, no! I'm not cold, father!" answered Marie; "I feel so happy.

It is long since I breathed such sweet air.