Some entered into warm discussions, others even laid wagers.

But the majority were of the species who, all the world over, look on at the world and at everything that goes on in it and merely scratch their noses.

In the front ranks, close to the bearded civic-guards, stood a young noble, in warlike array, who had certainly put his whole wardrobe on his back, leaving only his torn shirt and old shoes at his quarters.

Two chains, one above the other, hung around his neck.

He stood beside his mistress, Usisya, and glanced about incessantly to see that no one soiled her silk gown.