The courtyard is shaded by orange trees covered with bloom, and the heavy odour of neroli pervades the place.

Many of the last year's fruit have been left upon the trees for ornament, and hang in bright yellow clusters out of reach.

A couple of widgeon sport upon the tank.

All round the courtyard are rooms, the doors and windows of which are jealously closed, but as we pass we hear whispered conversations behind them, and titters of suppressed merriment." "The interior resembles the halls of the Alhambra.

A priceless carpet, surrounded by felt edgings, two inches thick and a yard wide, appears like a lovely but subdued picture artfully set in a sombre frame.