She wore a
string of glass beads round her lovely neck. We ordered two bottles of
wine to drink her health, and, while we were drinking it, the rotunda
was lighted up from a dozen directions with changing Bengal fire. The
ladies looked even handsomer, the glass lamps dark green in the gleam,
the fire-borne balloons rose, the orchestra played, the women smiled at
the homage of their friends and lovers--all on the venerable Mausoleum
of Augustus.
V
I made the acquaintance that evening of a young and exceedingly engaging
Frenchman, who was to become my intimate friend and my travelling
companion. He attracted me from the first by his refined, reserved, and
yet cordial manner.
Although only thirty-five years of age, Georges Noufflard had travelled
and seen surprisingly much. He was now in Italy for the second time,
knew France and Germany, had travelled through Mexico and the United
States, had visited Syria, Egypt, Tunis, and Algiers to the last oasis.
When the conversation touched upon Art and Music, he expressed himself
in a manner that revealed keen perception, unusual knowledge, and a very
individual taste.
The following morning, when we met on the Corso, he placed himself at my
disposal, if he could be of use to me; there was nothing he had arranged
to do. He asked where I was thinking of going; as he knew Rome and its
neighbourhood as well as I knew my mother's drawing-room, I placed
myself in his hands.
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