In the drawing-room the magnificent bridal presents were displayed—­coronets, necklaces, earrings, brooches, bracelets, rings, of pearls, diamonds, opals, emeralds, sapphires, and amethysts; jewel caskets, dressing cases, work boxes, and writing desks, of ormolu, of malachite, of pearl, and of ivory, of silver, and of gold; illuminated prayer-books and Bibles, with antique covers and clasps set with precious stones; tea and dinner sets of solid gold; camel’s hair and Cashmere shawls and scarfs; sets of lace in Honiton, Brussels, Valencia.  Irish point and old point—­on to an endless list of the most splendid offerings.

“The wealth of Ormus and of Ind”

seemed to load the tables in costly gifts to the banker’s daughter, and marquis’ bride.

In the bride’s own luxurious dressing-room, the elegant bridal costume was displayed.  It consisted of a fine point-lace dress over a trained-skirt of rich white satin, a full-length vail of priceless cardinal point-lace; white kid boots, embroidered with small pearls; white kid gloves, trimmed at the wrists with lace; wreath and bouquet of orange flowers; necklace and pendant earrings and bracelets of rich Oriental pearls, set with diamonds.  These jewels were the imaginary gift of the mad duke to the bride-elect of his son, and were paid for, as has been already explained, by the bride’s own father.  A sentiment of tender reverence for the unfortunate old duke had inspired Salome to select these jewels from all the others that had been lavished upon her, to wear on her wedding day.

To the credit of the good banker’s delicacy and discretion let it be said, that not even Salome knew but that this elegant gift had been given by the duke in reality as it was in intention.

The Castle was now full of guests, friends of the bride and of her father’s family.  The eight young ladies who were to attend her to the altar, had arrived early in the afternoon, each chaperoned by her mother, aunt, or some matronly friend.  These had all been shown to their separate apartments.

They assembled again at the seven o’clock dinner in the family dining-room, and afterwards made a little tour of inspection through the rooms, looking with approval and admiration upon the sumptuous wedding-breakfast table, set in the great dining-room, and with surprise and enthusiasm at the splendid wedding presents displayed in the drawing-room.  Finally, after a social cup of tea, they separated and retired to their several rooms, that they might be up in good time the next morning.

When Salome entered her own bed-chamber, she found the old housekeeper, Girzie Ross, awaiting her.

“I took the liberty, me leddy, to come to see ye, gin ye hae ony commands for me the night,” said the dame, courtesying.

“No, Mrs. Ross, I have no orders to give.  All is done, as I understand.  If there be anything left undone, you will use you own discretion about it.  I can thoroughly trust you,” said Salome.