Once you have crowded with the caravans and traders through the gates,--for my town is busy,--you are at once in the ringing streets.

I think my architect in that took Aigues Mortes for his model.

Outside you have the flat, silent plain, across which the merchants creep in long trailing lines, within the noise of markets, the tramp of horses' hoofs, the talk of men and women, and, if you listen hard, the whispers, too, of lovers.

Oh, my city's populous! There are quiet alleys with windows opening onto them, where on summer nights you may see a young girl's face with the moonlight on it like a glory, and in the shadow of the wall beneath, the cloaked figure of a youth.

Well, I have a notion--" and then he broke off abruptly.