— 10 — THE EVENING BEFORE
THE CORONATIONThe orange marble pillars glowing in the light of a hundred lamps gave the chamber a dazzling brightness; the windows were screened by scarlet silk curtains, and crystal bowls of purple flowers stood on the serpentine floor. On a low gilt couch against the wall sat Theirry, his gold armour half concealed by a violet and ermine mantle; round his close dark hair was a wreath of red roses, and the long pearls in his ears glimmered with his movements.
Opposite him on a throne supported by basalt lions was Michael II., robed in gold and silver tissues under a dalmatica of orange and crimson brocade.
“It is done,” he said in a low eager voice, “and tomorrow I crown you in St. Peter’s church; Theirry, it is done.”
“Truly our fortunes are marvellous,” an
