The streets were deserted; it was plain the entire population was assembled on one point.
The blinds were closed, and the breeze penetrated into the houses under the hangings, which cast long, black shades between their places of issue and the walls.

Suddenly, at the turning of a street, chants struck the ears of the newly arrived travelers.

A crowd in holiday garb appeared through the vapors of incense which mounted to the heavens in blue fleeces, and clouds of rose-leaves fluttered as high as the first stories.

Above all heads were to be seen the cross and banners, the sacred symbols of religion.

Then, beneath these crosses and banners, as if protected by them, walked a whole world of young girls clothed in white, crowned with corn-flowers.