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12 around it. In the midst was a nearly finished bust, and the sculptor might well direct the eye to mark the spiritual expression it wore in the purple shadows of evening; so pale, so pure, yet so tender. Another moment, and that transparent cheek would surely redden into blushes. The hair fell in curls over the face, and was gathered up behind in a knot, from which hung some rich ringlets. These, however, did not conceal the haughty turn of the head, erect like that of a young Semiramis. The features were somewhat less regular than is usual with an Italian face, but their expression in the marble was full of sweetness.

Over the other window an odoriferous creeping-plant had been carefully trained, and the slender leaves and clusters of pale blue flowers were like a fretted arabesque on the clear and amber-hued air. A few books were ranged on one side; a lute leant against the other, near which was a frame half hidden by a piece of unfinished embroidery. In the centre was a small table, and on it was placed a vase filled with roses.

The two cousins were resting on the window-seat. The family likeness between them was slight, though it might be traced in the Greek