Page:Ethel Churchill 3.pdf/175

Rh her imagination from a child, in her uncle's collection. It was called "The Enchantress;" but the real name, for it was obviously a portrait, and that of the artist, had long since been forgotten. The style of costume was peculiar and striking; but it suited the present as much as it had done the former wearer. The robe was of black velvet, fitting tight to the shape, with large, loose, hanging sleeves, lined with scarlet silk. Round the waist was a rope of pearls, from which hung large tassels; and the deep border was of various colours, forming an Etruscan pattern of small strange characters. There were no ornaments on the neck and arms; indeed, Lady Marchmont had used up the principal of hers to form the curious head-dress of the picture. The hair was formed into one thick braid, which went round and round the head: amid the folds of this was wound a serpent of precious stones, whose head, formed of rubies and diamonds, rose out of the knot behind, and made a sort of crest. Two little wings, about the size of a butterfly's,