Lights appeared between some pillars beyond the portico.
Montoni sent forward his servant, and then disembarked with his
family. They found Mons. and Madame Quesnel, with a few friends,
seated on sofas in the portico, enjoying the cool breeze of the
night, and eating fruits and ices, while some of their servants at a
little distance, on the river's bank, were performing a simple
serenade. Emily was now accustomed to the way of living in this warm
country, and was not surprised to find Mons. and Madame Quesnel in
their portico, two hours after midnight.
The usual salutations being over, the company seated themselves in
the portico, and refreshments were brought them from the adjoining
hall, where a banquet was spread, and servants attended. When the
bustle of this meeting had subsided, and Emily had recovered from the
little flutter into which it had thrown her spirits, she was struck
with the singular beauty of the hall, so perfectly accommodated to
the luxuries of the season. It was of white marble, and the roof,
rising into an open cupola, was supported by columns of the same
material.
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