The Cardinal and Donna Serafina stood side by side near the bed.

Pierre also was present, as well as Don Vigilio.

It was Victorine who sewed the lovers up in the white silk shroud, which seemed like a bridal robe, the gay pure robe of their union.

Then two servants came forward and helped Pierre and Don Vigilio to lay the bodies in the first coffin, of pine wood lined with pink satin.

It was scarcely broader than an ordinary coffin, so young and slim were the lovers and so tightly were they clasped in their last embrace.