LONDON:
PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED.
STAMFORD STREET AND CHARING CROSS.
CONTENTS.
| [CHAPTER I.] | |
| AT THE GARE D'ORLÉANS. | |
On Calais quay—At the Custom-house—A lady of the past—Ungallantexaminer—Better to reign than serve—Paris—Vanity Fair—Sowing andreaping—Laughing through life—At the Hôtel Chatham—A pleasantpicture—In maiden meditation—M. Pascal is wise in his generation—Thesecrets of the Seine—Notre Dame—Ile St. Louis—A mediævalatmosphere—Victor Hugo—Ghosts of the Hôtel Lambert—H. C. again—Hislittle comedy—M. the Inspector—Outraged ladies—"En voiture,messieurs!"—Mystery not cleared—The Orléanais—La Vendée—Garden ofFrance—A dilemma—Polite Chef de Gare—Crossing the Garonne—Land ofcorn and wine | [—1] |
| [CHAPTER II.] | |
| A NARBONNE HOSTESS. | |
Carcassonne—In feudal times—Simon de Montfort—Canal du Midi—L'âged'or et le Grand Monarque—A modern Golden Fleece—One of earth's fairscenes—Choice of evils—M. le Chef yields—Narbonne—A woman ofparts—The course of true love runs smooth—Diner de contrat—Honeyversus the lune de miel—Madame's philosophy—L'Allée desSoupirs—An unfinished cathedral—At the gloaming hour—Mystery anddevotion—The Hôtel de Ville—A domestic drama—High festival andchampagne—The next morning—H. C. repentant—Madame at herpost—Ambrosial breakfast—"Il faut payer pour ses plaisirs"—Dramaticexit—Perpignan—Home of the kings of Majorca—Elne—"Adieu, ma chèreFrance!"—Over the frontier—Gerona—Crowded platform—What H. C.thought—Unpoetical incident—From the sublime to the ridiculous | [—012] |
| [CHAPTER III.] | |
| BLACK COFFEE—AND A CONFESSION. | |
Continued uproar—H. C. disillusioned—A dark night—Not like anotherCæsar—More crowds—A demon scene—Fair time—Glorious days of thepast—In marble halls and labyrinthine passages—Our excellent host—Hissubstantial partner—Contented minds—Picturesque court—Songlessnightingales—Conscription—H. C.'s modesty—Our host appreciative butpersonal—Bears the torch of genius—A mistake—Below the salt—Host'sfair daughters—Catalonian women—The Silent Enigma—Remarkablepriest—Good intentions—Lecture on blackcoffee—Confessions—Benjamin's portions—A gifted nature | [—27] |
| [CHAPTER IV.] | |
| A NIGHT VISION. | |
Wrong turnings—H. C.'s gifts and graces—Out at night—The arcades ofGerona—At the fair—Ancient outlines—Demons at work—In the dry bed ofthe river—Roasting chestnuts—Mediæval outlines—In thevortex—Clairvoyantes and lion-tamers—Clown's despair—Desertedstreets—Vision of the night—Haunted staircase—Dark and dangerous—Asmall grievance—The reeds by the river—Cry of the watchmen—Hare andhounds—Fair Rosamund—Jacob's ladder—New rendering to oldproverbs—Cathedral by night—H. C. oblivious—Scent fails—Return toearth—Romantic story—Last of a long line—El Sereno!—The witchinghour—H. C. unserenaded—Next morning—Grey skies—A falseprophet—Magic picture—Cathedral by day—Mediæval dreams | [—41] |
| [CHAPTER V.] | |
| GERONA THE BEAUTIFUL. | |
A Gerona señora—Grace and charm—Lord of creation—Morninggreeting—Arcades and ancient houses—Conscription—Gerona adiscovery—Streets of steps—Ancient eaves and rare ironwork—Old-worldcorner—Desecrated church—Gothic cloisters—Ghosts of the past—Visionsof to-day—Soldiers interested—"Happy as kings"—Lingerings—Colonelseeks explanation—No lover of antiquity—More conscription—Dramaticscene—Pedro to the rescue—Mother and son—Sad story—Strong andmerciful—Pedro grateful—Restricted interests—Colonel becomesimpenetrable again | [—58] |
| [CHAPTER VI.] | |
| ANSELMO THE PRIEST. | |
Beauties of age—Apostles' Doorway—How the old bishops kept out oftemptation—Interior of cathedral—Its vast nave—Days ofCharlemagne—And of the Moors—A giant dwarfed—Rare choir—Surlypriest—And a more kindly—Our showman—Dazzling treasures—FatherAnselmo—Romantic story—Heaven or the world?—Doubts—The gentleRosalie decides—Sister Anastasia—Told in the sacristy—Aheart-confession—Anselmo's mysticism—Heresy—Charms ofantiquity—Scene of his triumph—Celestial vision—Church of SanPedro—Pagan interior—Rare cloisters—Desecrated church—Singularscene—Chiaroscuro—Miguel the carpenter—His opinions—Daily life areligion—Anselmo improves his opportunity—"A reflected light"—Ruinedcitadel—War of succession—Alvarez and Marshall—Gerona in decadence—Arevelation—Dreamland—Midday vision | [—72] |
| [CHAPTER VII.] | |
| A DAY OF ENCOUNTERS. | |
"Can a prophet come out of Galilee?"—The unexpected happens—Under theprobe—Wise reservation—Born to command—Contrasts—Nothing new underthe sun—The señora prepares for the fair—Grievance not very deepseated—Bewitching appearance—Señora dramatic—Ernesto—Marriage alottery—Every cloud its silver lining—Gerona en fête—Delormais'mission—Deceptive appearances—Evils of conscription—Ernesto'sambition—Les beaux jours de la vie—Rosalie—A fair picture—Strangesimilarity—Heavenwards—Anastasia or Rosalie—Her dreams andvisions—Modern Paul and Virginia—Eternal possession—A Geronasaint—The better part—More heresy—Fénélon—One creed, oneworship—Not peace but a sword—Not dead to the world—Angel ofmercy—H. C. mistaken—Earthly idyll | [—99] |
| [CHAPTER VIII.] | |
| MOTHER AND SON. | |
Demons at work—In the crowd—Ernesto and his mother—Roastedchestnuts—Instrument of torture—New school of anatomy—Rhine-stones ordiamonds?—Happy mother—Honest confession—Danger of edgedtools—Cayenne lozenges for the monkeys—Joseph—Earlycompliments—Ernesto pleads in vain—Down by the river—Music of thereeds—Rich prospect—Faust—Singers of the world—Joseph takestickets—Gerona keeps late hours—Its little great world—Between theacts—Successful evening—In the dark night—On the bridge—Silence andsolitude—Astral bodies—Joseph turns Job'scomforter—Magnetism—Delormais psychological—Alone in thestreets—Saluting the Church militant—Haunted staircase again—Sighsand rustlings—H. C. retires—"Drink to me only with thineeyes"—Delormais' challenge—Leads the way—Illumination—Coffeeequipage—"Only the truth is painful"—Lost in reverie | [—114] |
| [CHAPTER IX.] | |
| DELORMAIS. | |
Magnetism—Past life—Impulsive nature—First impressions—Perfumedairs—A gentle spirit—Haunted groves—Blue waters of the Levant—Greatdevotion—A rose-blossom—Back to the angels—Special Providence—FairProvence—Charmed days—Excursions—Isles of Greece—Ossa andPelion—City of the violet crown—Spinning-jennies have something toanswer for—Olympus—Ægina—Groves of the Sacred Plain—Narrowescapes—Pleasures of home-coming—Rainbow atmosphere—Orange and lemongroves—The nightingales—Impressionable childhood—Fresh plans—TheAbbé Rivière—Rare faculty—Domestic chaplain—Debt ofgratitude—Treasure-house of strength Given to hospitality—First greatsorrow—Passing away—Resolve to travel—"I can no more"—The old Adamdies hard—Chance decides | [—130] |
| [CHAPTER X.] | |
| DELORMAIS' ROMANCE. | |
Rome—Count Albert—Happy months—Sweets ofcompanionship—Egypt—Strange things—Quiet weeks—Sinai—Freedom of thedesert—Crossing the Red Sea—Mount Serbal—Convent of St. Catherine—Inthe Valley of the Saint—Tomb of Sheikh Saleh—Pools ofSolomon—Jerusalem the Golden—Bethel—Lebanon—Home again—Freshscenes—Algeria—Hanging gardens of the Sahel—Mount Bubor and itsglories—Rash act—At the twilight hour—Earthly paradise—FairEve—Fervent love—Arouya—Nature's revenge—Not to last—Eternalrequiem of the sea—In the backwoods—Hunting wolves—Prairies ofCalifornia—Honolulu—Active volcanoes—Lake of fire—Rare birds andwild-flowers—Worship of Peleus—An eruption—Mighty upheaval—Coast ofLabrador—Shooting bears | [—143] |
| [CHAPTER XI.] | |
| MONSEIGNEUR. | |
Great conflict—Returning to Paris—Count Albert married—Marriagesdeclined—Love buried in the grave of Arouya—Frivolities—Napoleon atthe Tuileries—Illness—Doctors' errors—Days of horror—Vowregistered—Between life and death—Victory—Home again—Abbé'sobjections—Resolve strengthened—Death of the Abbé—Taking vows—Lifeof energy and action—Rapid sketch—Sympathies—Allordained—"Monseigneur"—"Mon ami"—Cry of the watchmen—Candles wax dimand blue—Wandering in dreams—False prophet—H. C. rises with thelark—Beauty of Gerona—Pathetic scene—Colonel administersconsolation—Widow's heart sings for joy—In the cloistersagain—Good-bye—In the cathedral—Anselmo—Sunshine overall—Miguel—On the ruined citadel—Anselmo's signal—A glory departs | [—154] |
| [CHAPTER XII.] | |
| A MINISTERING SPIRIT. | |
Sweet illusions—Everything seen and done—True devotion—In thevortex—Sunshine and blue skies—Less demon-like pit—Lights andshadows—Arcades lose their gloom—Rosalie—Charm of Anselmo—Romancenot dead—H. C. in ecstasy—Escorting an angel—Cathedral steps—SanFiliu—A lovely spot—Ancient house—Mullions and latticedwindows—Passing away—Rosalie's ministrations—Resignation—Rosalie'sfarewell—"Consuelo"—Taken from the evil to come—The doorclosed—Ernesto's world topsy-turvy—Ernesto turns business-like—Thecatapult again—Up the broad staircase—Not the ghostly hour—Madame inher bureau—Posting ledger—Balance on right side—Madamephilosophises—Shrieks to the rescue—"My dear daughter"—Our host andthe nightingales—Waiting for next year's leaves—The SeñoritaCostello—Delormais on the wing—Another vigil—Promisegiven—Departure—Inspector quails—H. C. collapses—The susceptibleage—Lady Maria alters her will—Possession nine-tenths of the law | [—168] |
| [CHAPTER XIII.] | |
| A WORLD'S WONDER. | |
Barcelona—H. C.'s anxiety—Mutual salutes—Oldimpressions—Disappointment—Familiar cries andscenes—Flower-sellers—Perpetual summer—Commercial element—Manchesterof Spain—Surrounding country—Where care comes not—Barcelonita—Thequays—A land of corn and wine—Relaxing air—Lovely ladies—Ancientelement conspicuous by its absence—Historical past—Great in the MiddleAges—Wise and powerful—Commerce of the world—Wealth andlearning—Waxes voluptuous—Ferdinand and Isabella—Diplomatic but notgrateful—Brave and courageous—Fell before Peterborough—Napoleon'streachery—Republican people—Prosperous once more—Ecclesiasticaltreasures—Matchless cathedral—Inspiration—Influence of theMoors—Work of Majorcan architect—Dream-world—Imposing scene | [—184] |
| [CHAPTER XIV.] | |
| IN THE CLOISTERS OF SAN PABLO. | |
In the cloisters—Sacred geese—Bishop's palace—House of theInquisition—Striking quadrangles—Ajimez windows—A rarecloister—Desecration—Library—Rare MSS.—Polite librarian—Romanticatmosphere—Santa Maria del Mar—Cloisters of Santa Anna—Sister ofMercy—San Pablo del Campo—More dream cloisters—Communing with ghostsand shadows—Spring and winter—Constant visitor—Centenarian—Chiefarchitect—Cathedrals of Catalonia—Barbarous town-council—Hard fightand victory—Failing vision—Emblems of death—Laid aside—Wholesomelessons—Placing the keystone—Finis—Resurgam—Charmedhour—Possessing the soul in patience—City of Refuge | [—203] |
| [CHAPTER XV.] | |
| MONTSERRAT. | |
Early rising—Imp of darkness—Death warrant—The men who fail—Rangesof Montserrat—Sabadell—Labour and romance—TheLlobregat—Monistrol—Summer resort—Sleeping village—Emptyletter-bags—Ascending—Splendid view—Romantic element—Charms ofantiquity—Human interests—Mons Serratus—A man of letters—Solitude àdeux—Fellow-travellers—Substantiallady-merchant—Resignation—Military policeman—"Nameless here forevermore"—Round man in square hole—Romantic history—Cherchez lafemme—Woman a divinity—Good name the best inheritance—No fightingagainst the stars—Fascinations of astrology—Love and fortune—Too goodto last—Taste for pleasure—Ruin—Sad end—Truth reassertsitself—Fortune smiles again—Ceylon—Philosophical in misfortune—Awindfall—Approaching Montserrat—Paradise of the monks—Romance andbeauty—New order of things—Gipsy encampment | [—214] |
| [CHAPTER XVI.] | |
| A HIDDEN GENIUS. | |
Monk's face—Superfluous virtue—"Welcome to Montserrat"—Meanadvantage—Exacting but not mercenary—Another Miguel—Missingkeys—Singular monk—Hospederia—Uncertainty—Monk's idea ofluxury—Rare prospect—Haunted by silence—Father Salvadorprivileged—Monk sees ghosts—Under Miguel's escort—In thechurch—Departed glory—The black image—Gothic and Normanoutlines—Franciscan monk or ghost?—Vision of the past—Days ofpersecution—Sensible image—Great community—Harmony of thespheres—Sad cypresses—Life of a hermit—Monk's story—Loving theworld—Penitence—Plucked from the burning—Talent developed—A worldapart—False interest—Salvador—Temptation and a compromise—Salvadorextemporises—"All the magic of the hour"—Salvador's belief—Waitingfor manifestations. | [—227] |
| [CHAPTER XVII.] | |
| SALVADOR THE MONK. | |
Gipsies—Picturesque scene—Love passages—H. C. invited to festiveboard—Saved by Lady Maria's astral visitation—The fortune-teller—H.C. yields to persuasion—Fate foretold—Warnings—Photographsolicited—Darkness and mystery—Night scene—Gipsies depart—Weirdexperiences—Troubled dreams—Mysterious sounds—Ghost appears—H. C.sleeps the sleep of the just—Egyptian darkness—In the coldmorning—Salvador keeps his word—Breakfast by candle-light—Romanticscene—Salvador turns to the world—Agreeable companion—Musician'snature—Miguel and the mule—Leaving the world behind—Darknessflies—St. Michael's chapel—Sunrise and glory—Marvellous scene—Magicatmosphere—Salvador's ecstasy—Consents to take luncheon—Heavenlystrains—"Not farewell"—Departs in solitary sadness—Last of the funnymonk | [—249] |
| [CHAPTER XVIII.] | |
| A STUDY IN GREY. | |
Manresa—Tropical deluge—Rash judgment—Catalan hills andvalleys—Striking approach—Taking time by the forelock—Primitiveinn—Strange assembly—Unpleasant alternative—Sebastien—Manresa undera cloud—Wonderful outlines—Disappointing church—Sebastien leads theway—Old-world streets—Picturesque and pathetic—Popularcharacter—"What would you, señor?"—Sebastien's Biblical knowledge atfault—Lesson deferred—A revelation—La Seo—Church cold andlifeless—Cave of Ignatius Loyola—Hermitage of St. Dismas—JuanChanones—Fasting and penance—Visions and revelations—Spiritualwarfare—Eve of the Annunciation—Exchanging dresses—Knight turnsmonk—Juan Pascual—Loyola comes to Manresa—Fanaticism—Vale ofParadise—"Spiritual Exercises"—Founding the Jesuit Order—Dying toself—The fair Anita—In the convent chapel—Two novices—Vision ofangels—The White Ladies—Agonising moment—Another Romeo andJuliet—Back to the hotel—Sebastien disconsolate—"To-morrow the sunwill shine"—Building castles in the air—A prophecy fulfilled | [—263] |
| [CHAPTER XIX.] | |
| LERIDA. | |
Picturesque country—Approaching Lerida—Rambling inn—Remarkableduenna—Toothless and voiceless—Smiles upon H. C.—Nearlyexpires—Civilised chef—A procession—Lerida Dragon—City of thedead—Night study—Charging dead walls—A night encounter—Armeddemon—Wise people—Watchman proves an old friend—No promotion—Lockedout—Rousing the echoes—Night porter appears on the scene—Also ElSereno—Apologetic and repentant—The charming Rose—Portercongratulates himself—Cloudless morning—H. C. confronted by theDragon—In the hands of the Philistines—A Lerida fine art—Boot-cleanerin Ordinary—Remarkable character—H. C. hilarious—Steals a march | [—285] |
| [CHAPTER XX.] | |
| THE STORY OF A LIFE. | |
Lerida by daylight—Second city in Catalonia—Past history—Days of theGoths—And Moors—Becomes a bishopric—Troublous times—Bravepeople—Striking cathedral—Splendid outlines—Desecration—The newcathedral—Senseless tyranny—One of the most interesting oftowns—Crowded market-place—Picturesque arcades and ancientgateways—Wine-pressers—Good offer refused—Anotherrevelation—Wonderful streets—Amongst the immortals—Our Boot-cleanerin Ordinary again—Thereby hangs a tale—His story—Blind wife—Modestrequest—Nerissa—Charming room—Little queen in thearm-chair—Faultless picture—Renouncements but no regrets—"All a newworld"—Time to pass out of life—Back to the quiet streets—H. C.contemplative—Proposes emigration to Salt Lake City—Lerida glorifiedby its idyll | [—296] |
| [CHAPTER XXI.] | |
| THE END OF AN IDYLL. | |
Days of chivalry not over—In the evening light—Night portergrateful—Dragon in full force—Combative and revengeful—Equal to theoccasion—Gall turns to sweetness when H. C. appears—Last night inLerida—Bane of our host's life—Mysterious disappearance—Monastery ofSigena—Devout ladies—Returning at night—Place empty anddeserted—Birds flown with keys—Quite a commotion—"The señor ispleased to joke"—Was murder committed?—Mysteries explained—Probablydown the well—Drag for skeletons—Host's horror—"We drink thewater"—A tragedy—Out in the quiet night—Discords—Lerida café—Createa sensation—Polite captain—Offer declined—Regrets—Finalcrash—Paradise or Lerida—Deserted market-place—Trees whisper theirsecrets—El Sereno at the witching hour—Hard upon the angels—Not a bedof roses—Alphonse—End of a long life—Until the dawn—Acolyte andpriest—"We must all come to it, señor"—El Sereno disappears for thelast time—Daybreak—In presence of death—Alone, butresigned—Surpassing loveliness—Sacred atmosphere | [—313] |
| [CHAPTER XXII.] | |
| A SAD HISTORY. | |
Broad plains of Aragon—Wonderful tones—Approaching Zaragoza—Celestialvision—Distance lends enchantment—Commonplace people—The ancientmodernised—Disillusion followed by delight—Almost a small Paris—Cafésand their merits—Not socially attractive—Friendly equality—Mixture ofclasses—Inheritance of the past—Interesting streets—Arcades andgables—Lively scenes—People in costume—Picture of Old Spain—Ancientpalaces—One especially romantic—The world well lost—Fair Lucia—Wherelove might reign for ever—Paradise not for this world—Doomed—The lastdawn—Inconsolable—Seeking death—Found on the battlefield—A dayvision—Few rivals—In the new cathedral—Startling episode—Askingalms—Young and fair—Uncomfortable moment—Terrible story—Fatalchains—"And after?"—How minister to a mind diseased?—Sunshineclouded—Burden of life—Any way of escape?—Suggestions of pastcenturies—The mighty fallen | [—329] |
| [CHAPTER XXIII.] | |
| IN ZARAGOZA. | |
Bygone days—Sumptuous roosting—Old exchange—Traders of taste—Gloryof Aragon—Cathedral of La Seo—Modernised exterior—Interior charms andmesmerises—Next to Barcelona—Magnifice effect—Parish church—Moorishceiling—Tomb of Bernardo de Aragon—The old priest—Waxesenthusiastic—Supernatural effect—Statuette of BenedictXIII.—Mysterious chiaroscuro—One exception—Alonza theWarrior—Moorish tiles—Bishop's palace—Frugal meal—Trace of oldZaragoza—Fifteenth century house—Juanita—Streets of the city—CæsareaAugusta—Worship of the Virgin—Alonzo the Moor—Determinedresistance—Days of struggle—Falling—Return to prosperity—Fair maidof Zaragoza—The Aljaferia—Ancient palace of the Moorish kings—Injuredby Suchet—Salon of Santa Isabel—Spanish café—Four generations—Lovelyvoice—Lamartine's Le Lac—Recognised—Reading between the lines—Outin the night air—An inspiration—Night vision of El Pilar—In the farfuture | [—343] |
| [CHAPTER XXIV.] | |
| THE CANON'S HOSPITALITY. | |
El Pilar by day—In the old cathedral—The canon reproachful—Equal tothe occasion—No pressure needed—Un diner maigre—Dream of fortyyears—True to time—Juanita—Fruits of long service—ExploringJuanita's domains—House of magic—"Surely not a fast-day"—Artisticdreams—Who can legislate after death?—Canon's abstinence—Juanitawithdraws—Our opportunity—Canon earnest and sympathetic—Eugenie deColmar—Canon's surprise—An old friend—Truth stranger thanfiction—"You will forget the old priest"—Ingratitude not one of oursins—Arivederci—Canon's letter—End of Eugenie's story—En route forTarragona—Landlord turns up at Lerida—Missing keys—Skeletons floatedout to Panama—Domestic drama—Dragon again to thefront—Tarragona—Matchless coast scene—Civilised inn—Militaryelement—Haunted house—Mystery unsolved—Distinct elements—Roman andother remains—Dream of the past—Green pastures and sunny vineyards | [—357] |
| [CHAPTER XXV.] | |
| QUASIMODO. | |
Tarragona by night—Cathedral—Moonlight vision—Dream-fabric—Desertedstreets—Ghostly form approaches—Quilp or Quasimodo?—Redeemingqualities—Pale spiritual face—Open sesame—Approaching theapparition—Question and answer—Invitation accepted—Prisoners—TheShadow—Under the cold moonlight—Enter cathedral—Vast interior—Gloomand silence—Fantastic effects—Enigma solved—Strange proceeding—Noinspiration—Why Quasimodo turned night into day—Weird moonlightscene—Soft sweet sounds—Schumann's Träumerei—Spellbound—Themagician—Witching hour—Cathedral ghosts—An eternity of music—Varyingmoods—Returning to earth—Quasimodo's rapture—Travellingmoonbeams—Night grows old—Sky full of music—Lost to sight—Dreamshaunted by Quasimodo—New day | [—372] |
| [CHAPTER XXVI.] | |
| IN THE DAYS OF THE ROMANS. | |
Charms of Tarragona—Roman traces—Cyclopean remains—Augustus closesTemple of Janus—Great past—House of Pontius Pilate—View fromramparts—Feluccas with white sails set—Life a paradise—Citywalls—Cathedral outlines—Lively market-place—Remarkableexterior—Dream-world—West doorways—Internal effect—In thecloisters—Proud sacristan—Man of taste and learning—Delighted withour enthusiasm—Great concession—Appealing to the soul—SeñorAncora—Human or angelic?—In the cloister garden—Sacristan's domestictroubles—Silent ecclesiastic—Sad history—Church of SanPablo—Challenge invited—Future genius—Rare picture—Roman aqueduct—Amodern Cæsar—Reminiscences—Rich country—Where the best wines aremade—Aqueduct—El puente del diablo—Giddy heights—Lonely valley—H.C. sentimental—Rosalie and Fair Costello—Romanticsituation—Quarrelsome Reus—Masters of the world—Our driver turnsumpire—Battle averted—Men of Reus—Whatever is, is wrong—Driver'sphilosophy—Dream of the centuries | [—389] |
| [CHAPTER XXVII.] | |
| LORETTA. | |
Our ubiquitous host—Curious mixture of nations—Francisco—Hisenthusiasm carries the point—French lessons—Englishprejudice—Landlord's lament—Days of fair Provence—Franciscodetermines to be in time—Presidio—Tomb of the Scipios—Fishing forsardines—Early visit to cathedral—Still earlier sacristan—Francisco'sdelight—Freshness of early morning—Reus—Bark worse than bite—Whereheadaches come from—An evil deed—Valley of the Francoli—Moorishremains—Montblanch—The graceful hills of Spain—Espluga—Franciscoequal to occasion—Beseiged—Donkeys versus carriage—Interesting oldtown—Decadence—Singular woman—Loretta's escort—Strangestory—Unconscious charm—What happened one Sunday evening—Caro—"Theright man never came"—Comes now—How she was betrothed—Primitiveconveyance—Making the best of it—Wine-pressers—Loving cup—Nectar ofthe gods—Fair exchange—Rough drive—Scene of Loretta's adventures | [—405] |
| [CHAPTER XXVIII.] | |
| THE RUINS OF POBLET. | |
A dream-world—Ruins—Chapel of St. George—Archways and Gothicwindows—Atmosphere of the Middle Ages—Convent doorway—Summons but noresponse—Door opens at last—Comfortable looking woman—Readyinvention—Confusion worse confounded—True version—Francisco painfullydirect—Guardian gets worst of it—Picturesque decay—Gothiccloisters—Visions of beauty—Rare wilderness—King Martin theHumble—Bacchanalian days—When the monks quaffed Malvoisie—Simplegrandeur of the church—Philip Duke of Wharton—Cistercianmonastery—History of Poblet the monk—Monastery becomescelebrated—Tombs of the kings of Aragon—Guardian sceptical—Paradiseor wilderness—Monks all-powerful—Escorial of Aragon—The greattraveller—Changing for the worst—Upholding the kingly power—Timerolls on—Downfall—Attacked and destroyed—Infuriated mob—Fictitioustreasures—Fiendish act—Massacre—Ruined monastery—Blood-redsunset—Superstition—End of 1835 | [—418] |
| [CHAPTER XXIX.] | |
| LORENZO. | |
Day visions—All passes away—End of the feast—Francisco gathers up thefragments—Ghosts of the past—Outside the monastery—Oasis in adesert—After the vintage—Francisco gleans—Guilty conscience—Customof country—Dessert—Primitive watering-place—Off to the fair—Groansand lamentations—Sagacious animal—Cause of sorrows—Rage andanger—Donkey listens and understands—A hard life—Washing aluxury—Charity bestowed—Deserted settlement—Quaint interior—Back tothe monastery—Invidious comparisons—A promise—Good-bye toPoblet—Troubled sea again—Suffering driver—Atonement for sins—Earnsparadise—Wine-pressers again—Rich stores—Good Samaritans—Quaint oldtown—Bygone prosperity—Lorenzo—Marriage made in heaven—Houseinspected—On the bridge—At the station—Kindly offer—Glorioussunset—Loretta's good-bye—"What shall it be?"—Flying moments—As thetrain rolls off. | [—430] |
| [CHAPTER XXX.] | |
| THE GARDEN OF SPAIN. | |
Charms of Tarragona—Dream of the past—Quasimodo comes not—Of anotherworld—Host's offer—Francisco inconsolable—A mixed sorrow—No moreholidays—List of grievances—Fair scene—Luxuriance of theSouth—Hospitalet—Pilgrims of the Middle Ages—Amposta—Centre of lostcenturies—Historical past—Here worked St. Paul—Ourfellow-travellers—Undertones—Enter old priest—Drawsconclusions—Love's young dream—Impressions and appearances—Not alwaysa priest—Fool's paradise—Youth and age—Awaking to realities—Drivenout of paradise—Was it a judgment?—Calmness returns—Judging inmercy—Nameless grave—"Writ in water"—Withdrawing from theworld—Entering the Church—Busy life—Romances of the Confessional—"ToEve in Paradise"—Tortosa—Garden of Spain—Vinaroz—Wise mermen—Cradleof history and romance—Gibraltar of the West—a raceapart—Benicarlo—Flourishing vineyards—"If the English only knew"—Everecognises priest—"I am that charming daughter"—Lovely cousinengaged—Count Pedro de la Torre—Mutualrecognitions—Congratulations—Breaking news to H. C.—Despair—"To Adamin Hades"—Gallant priest—Saved from temptation | [—447] |
| [CHAPTER XXXI.] | |
| LOVE'S YOUNG DREAM. | |
First impressions—Devoted to pleasure—Peace-loving—Climate makes gayand lively—New element—Few traces of the past—Old palaces—Stealsinto the affections—City of the Cid—Ecclesiasticalattractions—Archbishopric—University—Homer must nodsometimes—Comparative repose—De Nevada carries us off—Admirablehost—Conversational—Grave and gay—Mercy, not sacrifice—Library—AtPuzol—Exacting a promise—The hour sounds—Count Pedroappears—Fragrant coffee—Served by magic—Specially preparedtemptation—Perverting facts—Land flowing with milk andhoney—Inquiring mind—Mighty man of valour—Cid likened toCromwell—Retribution—Ibn Jehaf the murderer—Reign of terror—Thefaithful Ximena—Cid's death-blow—Priest turnsschoolmaster—"Beware!"—Earthly paradise—Land of consolation—Systemof irrigation—Famous council—Poetical Granada—No appeal—Apostles'Gate-way—Earth's fascinations—Picturesque peasants—Prettywomen—Countess Pedro shakes her head—Leave-taking—Next morning—Quietactivity—Market-day—Splendours of flower-market—Lonja deSeda—Vanishing dream—Audiencia—San Salvador—Antiquity yields tocomfort—Convent of San Domingo—Miserere—Impressive ceremony—City ofFlowers—Without the walls—Famous river—Change of scene | [—458] |
| [CHAPTER XXXII.] | |
| OLD ACQUAINTANCES. | |
Port and harbour—Sunday and fresh air—In the market-place—De Nevadaprotests—A curse of the country—In the days gone by—On thebreakwater—Invaded tramcar—De Nevada confirmed—Another crusadeneeded—Plaza de Toros—In Sunday dress—Domestic interiors—When theplay was o'er—Bull-ring at night—Fitful dreams—Fever—Maître d'hôtelprescribes—Magic effect—Depart for Saguntum—Before the days ofRome—Primitive town—Days of the Greeks—Attacked by Hannibal—Rebuiltby the Romans—Absent guardian—The hunchback—Reappears withcustodian—Doors open—Moorish fortress—Fathomless cisterns—Sadprocession—Weeping mourners—Key of Valencia—Miguella—Time heals allwounds—Proposes coffee—Proud and pleased—Scenes that remain—InBarcelona—Drawing to a close—Sorrow and regret—Many experiences—OurEspluga friends—Loretta's gratitude—In the Calle de Fernando—A lastfavour—Glories of Spain—Eastern benediction | [—481] |
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
| Interior Of Zaragoza Cathedral | [Frontispiece] |
| Pedro | [23] |
| The Boulevard: Gerona | [31] |
| Arcades: Gerona | [42] |
| View Of Gerona From The Stone Bridge | [43] |
| Banks Of The Oñar: Gerona | [47] |
| Apostles' Doorway, Cathedral: Gerona | [51] |
| A Fragment Outside The Walls Of Gerona | [59] |
| Streets In Gerona | [61], [101], [103], [123] |
| Entrance To Military Cloisters: Gerona | [65] |
| Military Cloisters: Gerona | [67] |
| Waiting For The Verdict | [69] |
| Cathedral Cloisters: Gerona | [75], [109] |
| Interior Of Cathedral: Gerona | [79] |
| Cloisters Of San Pedro: Gerona | [81], [97] |
| Apostles' Doorway And Bishop's Palace: Gerona | [83] |
| Church Of San Pedro: Gerona | [85] |
| Doorway Of San Pedro: Gerona | [89] |
| Desecrated Church: Gerona | [93] |
| Outside The Walls: Gerona | [95] |
| Old Houses On The River: Gerona | [119], [173] |
| San Filiu, From Without The Walls: Gerona | [163] |
| A Gerona Patio | [169] |
| Market Place: Gerona | [177] |
| The Rambla: Barcelona | [187] |
| Interior Of Coro, Gerona Cathedral | [191] |
| Pulpit And Stalls, Barcelona Cathedral | [195] |
| Twilight In Barcelona Cathedral | [199] |
| Small Cloister Or Patio: Barcelona | [205] |
| Cloisters Of Santa Anna: Barcelona | [207] |
| Cloisters Of San Pablo: Barcelona | [209] |
| Monistrol | [217] |
| Church Of Montserrat | [231], [239] |
| Cloisters Of Montserrat | [235] |
| Salvador The Monk | [241] |
| Valley Of Montserrat | [251] |
| A Few Of The Gipsies At Montserrat | [255] |
| Mons Serratus In Cloudland | [259] |
| Manresa | [267] |
| Manresa From The River: Morning | [269] |
| Manresa From The Hill-side: Evening | [273] |
| Arcades: Lerida | [291] |
| Lerida Mules | [299] |
| Lerida | [301] |
| Wine-pressers: Lerida | [303] |
| Old Gateways: Lerida | [309] |
| Entrance To Poblet | [319] |
| Old Cathedral: Lerida | [323] |
| Fair Lucia's House: Zaragoza | [333], [337] |
| Bridge And Cathedral Of El Pilar: Zaragoza | [339] |
| An Old Nook In Zaragoza | [345] |
| North Wall Of Cathedral: Zaragoza | [347] |
| Tower Of La Seo: Zaragoza | [351] |
| Interior Of Cathedral, Showing Coro And Organ: Zaragoza | [359] |
| South-west Exterior Of Cathedral: Tarragona | [373] |
| East End Of Cathedral, Showing Norman Apse: Tarragona | [377] |
| Interior Of Cathedral: Tarragona | [381] |
| Cloisters: Tarragona | [385], [393] |
| San Pablo: Tarragona | [397] |
| An Old Nook In Tarragona | [399] |
| Roman Aqueduct, Near Tarragona | [401] |
| On Our Way To Poblet | [415] |
| Entrance To Cloisters: Poblet | [421] |
| Monks' Burial Ground: Poblet | [425] |
| Ruins Of Poblet | [427], [441] |
| Cloisters Of Poblet | [431] |
| Poblet, From The Vineyard | [435] |
| Ancient Gateway: Valencia | [459] |
| A Street In Valencia | [461] |
| Renaissance Tower: Valencia | [469] |
| Market Place, Valencia | [473] |
| Lonja De Seda: Valencia | [475] |
| Salon De Cortes: Audiencia | [477] |
| Ruins Of Saguntum | [487] |
| Barcelona | [491] |
| Courtyard Of Audiencia: Barcelona | [495] |
| Know ye the land of the cedar and vine, |
| Where the flowers ever blossom, the beams ever shine; |
| Where the light wings of Zephyr, oppress'd with perfume, |
| Wax faint o'er the gardens of Gúl[A] in her bloom; |
| Where the citron and olive are fairest of fruit, |
| And the voice of the nightingale never is mute; |
| Where the tints of the earth, and the hues of the sky, |
| In colour though varied, in beauty may vie, |
| And the purple of ocean is deepest in dye; |
| Where the virgins are soft as the roses they twine, |
| And all, save the spirit of man, is divine? |
| BYRON. |