The result of this
sensible regulation was that in the hottest days of summer the city was
kept cool and shady by the rich foliage branching out everywhere, and
in some parts running into broad avenues and groves of great thickness
and beauty. The Marquis de Lutera's garden had an additional charm in a
beautiful alley of orange trees, and the fragrance wafted into his room
from the delicious blossoms would have refreshed and charmed anyone
less troubled, worried and feverish, than he was at the time. But this
morning the very sunshine annoyed him;--never a great lover of Nature,
the trees and flowers forming the outlook on which his heavy eyes
rested were almost an affront. The tranquil beauty of an ever renewed
and renewing Nature is always particularly offensive to an uneasy
conscience and an exhausted mind.
The sound of wheels grinding along the outer drive brought a faint
gleam of satisfaction on his brooding features, and he turned sharply
round, as the door of the library was thrown open to admit Jost, whose
appearance, despite his jaunty manner, betokened evident confusion and
alarm.
"Good-morning, Mr. Jost!" said the Marquis stiffly, as his confidential
man ushered in the visitor,--then when the servant had retired and
closed the door, he added quickly--"Now what does this mean?"
Jost dropped into a chair, and pulling out a handkerchief wiped the
perspiration from his brow.
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