Page:Memoirs of Baron Hyde de Neuville; outlaw, exile, ambassador; (IA memoirsofbaronhy01hyde).pdf/268

228 deeply impressed by any building as by the Cathedral of Seville. The vaults rising until lost from sight, the immense columns, forty-two feet in circumference, yet preserving all their elegance of proportion, formed a majestic and striking whole.

If the processions had scandalized us, we were touched beyond all power of expression, by the way in which the ceremonies of Holy Week were carried out in this magnificent Cathedral.

I remember well the emotion of Mme. de Noailles as we entered, on the evening of Good Friday. The Sanctuary alone was lighted, casting reflections under the dark vaults, the multitude of the faithful, kneeling, or prostrate, in silent prayer, only broken by the mournful chant; all this, carried the soul away to a sweet sadness, and called forth those serious thoughts which remind us of the greatness of God and our own nothingness. As we left the Church, we had one of those conversations the influence of which remain through life; we forgot Paris, its pomps, the clamour of the world, and talked only of the happiness which belongs to virtue, to doing good, to retirement, and to pure and lasting affections. We exchanged confidences which were a proof of our mutual esteem and trust; and I received from Madame de Noailles the promise of inviolable friendship. . ..

At last, we were obliged to leave the gentle ‘Dolores,’ as she was fond of calling herself when in Spain. We made our way back to Cadiz, while she passed on to Cordova. . ..

I had expected to embark immediately upon our return; but a violent wind had cast several vessels upon the coast, and our American frigate was among the number; another fortnight was needed for repairs.

Early in April, M. de Chateaubriand landed at Cadiz, on his return from the Holy Land. I went to him, at once, as I had promised Dolores; and the memory of the charming woman who had brought us together, was the first bond of our friendship.