g
rapidly along, and shunning all approach or speech, made the only
haunters of the dismal streets, till the sun sunk, lurid and yellow,
behind the hills, and Darkness closed around the noiseless pathway of
the Pestilence.

Chapter 6.III. The Flowers Amidst the Tombs.

Adrian found that the Becchino had taken care that famine should not
forestall the plague; the banquet of the dead was removed, and
fresh viands and wines of all kinds,--for there was plenty then in
Florence!--spread the table. He partook of the refreshment, though but
sparingly, and shrinking from repose in beds beneath whose gorgeous
hangings Death had been so lately busy, carefully closed door and
window, wrapped himself in his mantle, and found his resting-place on
the cushions of the chamber in which he had supped. Fatigue cast him
into an unquiet slumber, from which he was suddenly awakened by the
roll of a cart below, and the jingle of bells. He listened, as the cart
proceeded slowly from door to door, and at length its sound died away in
the distance.--He slept no more that night!

The sun had not long risen ere he renewed his labours; and it was yet
early when, just as he passed a church, two ladies richly dressed came
from the porch, and seemed through their vizards to regard the young
Cavalier with earnest attention. The gaze arrested him also, when one of
the ladies said, "Fair sir, you are overbold: you wear no mask; neither
do you smell to flowers."

"Lady, I wear no mask, for I would be seen: I search these miserable
places for one in whose life I live."

"He is young, comely, evidently noble, and the plague hath not touched
him: he will serve our purpose well," whispered one of the ladies to the
other.

"You echo my own thoughts," returned her companion; and then turning to
Adrian, she said, "You seek one you are not wedded to, if you seek so
fondly?"

"It is true."

"Young and fair, with dark hair and neck of snow; I will conduct you to
her."

"Signor!"

"Follow us!"

"Know you who I am, and whom I seek?"

"Yes."

"Can you in truth tell me aught of Irene?"

"I can: follow me."

"To her?"

"Yes, yes: follow us!"

The ladies moved on as if impatient of further parley. Amazed, doubtful,
and, as if in a dream, Adrian followed them. Their dress, manner, and
the pure Tuscan of the one who had addressed him, indicated them of
birth and station; but all else was a riddle which he could not solve.

They arrived at o