Stephen Archer, and Other Tales

  CHAPTER III. VESPER.

  Behind the castle the hill rose abruptly; the north-eastern tower,indeed, was in contact with the rock, and communicated with theinterior of it. For in the rock was a series of chambers, known onlyto Watho and the one servant whom she trusted, called Falca. Someformer owner had constructed these chambers after the tomb of anEgyptian king, and probably with the same design, for in the centre ofone of them stood what could only be a sarcophagus, but that andothers were walled off. The sides and roofs of them were carved in lowrelief, and curiously painted. Here the witch lodged the blind lady,whose name was Vesper. Her eyes were black, with long black lashes;her skin had a look of darkened silver, but was of purest tint andgrain; her hair was black and fine and straight-flowing; her featureswere exquisitely formed, and if less beautiful yet more lovely fromsadness; she always looked as if she wanted to lie down and not riseagain. She did not know she was lodged in a tomb, though now and thenshe wondered she never touched a window. There were many couches,covered with richest silk, and soft as her own cheek, for her to lieupon; and the carpets were so thick, she might have cast herself downanywhere--as befitted a tomb. The place was dry and warm, andcunningly pierced for air, so that it was always fresh, and lackedonly sunlight. There the witch fed her upon milk, and wine dark as acarbuncle, and pomegranates, and purple grapes, and birds that dwellin marshy places; and she played to her mournful tunes, and causedwailful violins to attend her, and told her sad tales, thus holdingher ever in an atmosphere of sweet sorrow.