Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/202

212 golden fruit shone upon the trees. Two groups of ladies were seated here; taking their coffee-breakfast. A very pretty, young girl, with a fresh, life-enjoying exterior, and the loveliest teeth, dressed in white silk, with a lace vail and splendid jewels, went from one of these groups to to the other, embracing and being embraced—it was for the last time, for she is “the bride of Christ,” and will this day be consecrated to the Holy One, and not embrace an earthly being more. She wishes to appear gay and contented, but there is a feverish, nervous vivacity in her manners. The elder nuns, in their white caps and neckerchiefs, which are very becoming, and also with white tunics over their black dresses, trip affably backwards and forwards through the room, making their various arrangements. They are all pale, but still their countenances are bright, and the expression good and peaceful.

We proceed to the little convent church, where the candles are now being lighted, and the Cardinal who is to celebrate the consecration is performing the toilet before the altar. He is an old man, with a long, pale countenance, and handsome features, but as if cut out of stone. The church fills by degrees, and the crowd becomes great in front of the altar. Presently, a procession is seen slowly advancing through the dense mass of people, toward the chancel, headed by two of the papal guard, who clear the way. Now come two young girls, in white silk dresses, with lace vails and jewels—she whom I saw in the refectory, and her sister, somewhat younger, I was told, but paler and more serious. They are followed by their godmothers and protectresses, elegant ladies,