So far as her figure could be seen, while seated, it
appeared slight and delicate, without fragility, girlishly immature,
yet not lean in form. The small head, supported by a slender,
snow-white neck, was a marvel of grace and elegance, instantly
recalling the bust of Clytie in the British Museum. One involuntarily
looked for the sunflower from whose calyx it really ought to bloom.
The brow was narrow and dazzlingly fair, the nose uncommonly delicate,
slightly arched at the root, with mobile nostrils, so delicate that one
might believe them transparent; the mouth not very small, but
exquisitely shaped, with thin lips, curving obstinately, which curled
sometimes sternly, sometimes scornfully, sometimes bitterly, but could
also smile with infinite sweetness and charm; the chin round and
statuesque, the cheeks neither plump nor hollow, with a delightful play
of tender lights and soft, almost imperceptible shadows over their
bright surfaces. But the most remarkable characteristics of this head
were the large blue eyes, deep as the sea, beneath long lashes and
nobly-formed brows, and the luxuriant, almost golden-red hair, whose
silken wealth of naturally waving locks rested above the brow in two
bands, like the gleaming wings of some bright-hued tropical bird, while
the light of the candles, shining on the braids, struck out strange,
satiny, metallic reflections, and a powdery, glimmering sparkle, as
though the hair was dusted with gold or ruby powder.
Pages:
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238