240 SL'NSET ]'^R(.')AI STE. MARGL'EKITE. 



spent the time until sunset on the northern slope which 

 is covered with Ferula. The fiery ball disappeared in 

 radiance behind the Esterel mountains. On the high hills 

 to the north-east long streaks of mist were floating; thev 

 filled the hollows of the vallevs, then ascended to the 

 snOAN of the Alps, turned violet and rose coloured, then 

 disappeared, leaving no trace. Now the chain of giant 

 peaks stood out sharp against the blue sky. Soon the^^ 

 too, blushed ros\'-red, then kindled to purple which gradu- 

 alh' died awav, and linallv became a dead white. The 

 last glow of da\-light still Hngered on the deep, its smooth 

 surface showing those laint rellections peculiar to old 

 X'enetian mirrors: then it began to change colour and 

 var\- in tint like opal, 'f'he purple, vanishing from the 

 hills, spread over the evening sk\- and soon covered the 

 sea. AhsteriousK" moanuig, its rudd^' waves now lapped 

 the rock\- shore. The sk\' o\er the Alps assumed a pale 

 green tint and then it became dark. Innumerable stars 

 appeared in the heavens and countless lights dickered 

 along the coast. We stepped into the boat again and 

 glided away softly over the water. A fresh breeze fanned 

 our faces, and we rejoiced to inhale the invigorating air. 

 We hardl}' exchanged a word and onh" broke the silence 

 when we had landed at the Croisette. 



CHAPTER V. 



Cannes was under the jurisdiction of the Abbots of 

 Lerin. They had received the place from William of 

 Gruetta, a son of Redouard, Count of ^Vntibes. In the 

 vear 1080 Abbot Adalbert commenced the biiildin" of 



