This was Yolanda's parlor.

The floor, like that of the bedroom, was covered with a Damascus rug.

The windows were closed by glass of crystal purity, and the furniture was richer than any I had seen in the emperor's palace.
Yolanda led me to a table, pointed to a chair for me, and drew up one for herself.

At that moment a lady entered, whom Yolanda ran to meet.
The princess took the lady's hand and led her to me:-- "Sir Karl, this is my mother.

As you already know, she is my stepmother, but I forget that in the love I bear her, and in the sweet love she gives to me." I bent my knee before the duchess, who gave me her hand to kiss, saying:-- "The princess has often spoken to me of you, Sir Karl.