From thence they
intended to get down to Genoa to continue their pilgrimage. It was not
such an easy matter, in those few years ago, as it is now to hire a
motor, but one was promised to them at last--and off they started.
Halcyone took the greatest interest in everything in that quaint and
grand old town. Her keen judgment and that faculty she possessed of
always seeing everything from the simplest standpoint of truth made her
an ideal companion to wander with on this journey of cultured ease.
"How strong a place this seems, Cheiron," she said, after two days of
their sight-seeing. "All the spirits at the zenith of Genoa's greatness
were strong--nothing weak or ascetic. They must have been filled with
gratitude to God for giving them this beautiful life, those old patrons
of decoration. There is nothing cheap or hurried; it is all an
appreciation of the magnificence due to their noble station and their
pride of race. For the _Guelphist_ of them seems to have been an
aristocrat and an autocrat in his personal _menage_. Is it not so,
Master?"
"I dare say," agreed Cheiron.
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