Chapter 53

“Oh, my dear,” said Gyneth, and caught her breath. Foreground there was none. One stood staring, as may stare the high gods upon this pretty document we call the world. Two thousand feet below, lay the Lake of Lecco, more blue and more resplendent than any jewel: beyond, rose up the mountains—the very hatchment of might, majesty and dominion, their immemorial heads powdered with snow: over all hung the cloudless heaven. The air was quick with sunshine: the firmament was gay: Lecco was smiling in its sleep. The girl…