Page:The Writings of Prosper Merimee-Volume 5.djvu/25

Rh had just come in. It contained a lady in black, a gentleman, and a woman dressed in the Lithuanian peasant costume, but so taU and strong-looking that at first I took her for a man in disguise. She stepped out first; two other women, not less robust in appearance, were al- ready standing on the steps. The gentleman leant over the lady dressed in black, and, to my great surprise, xinbuckled a broad leather belt which held her to her seat in the carriage. I no- ticed that this lady had long white hair, very much dishevelled, and that her large, wide- opened eyes were vacant in expression. She looked like a waxen figure. After having untied her, her companion spoke to her very respect- fully, hat in hand; but she appeared not to pay the slightest attention to him. He then turned to the servants and made a slight sign with his head. Immediately the three women took hold of the lady in black, lifted her out as though she were a feather, and carried her into the Castle, in spite of her efforts to cling to the carriage. The scene was witnessed by several of the house servants, who did not appear to think it anything extraordinary.

The gentleman who had directed the proceedings drew out his watch, and asked how soon dinner would be ready.