midnight
She approached , leaning lightly on the arm of the old Chevalier Mancini , who , true to his creeds of gallantry , had accepted with alacrity the post of paternal protector to the bride on this occasion ; and I could not well wonder at the universal admiration that broke in suppressed murmurs from all assembled , as this most fair masterpiece of the devil 's creation paced slowly and gracefully up the aisle . She wore a dress of clinging white velvet made with the greatest simplicity -- a lace veil , priceless in value and fine as gossamer , draped her from head to foot -- the jewels I had given her flashed about her like scintillating points of light , in her hair , at her waist , on her breast and uncovered arms . Being as she deemed herself , a widow , she had no bride-maids ; her train was held up by a handsome boy clad in the purple and gold costume of a sixteenth century page -- he was the youngest son of the Duke di Marina . Two tiny girls of five and six years of age went before , strewing white roses and lilies , and stepping daintily backward as though in attendance on a queen ; they looked like two fairies who had slipped out of a midnight dream , in their little loose gowns of gold-colored plush , with wreaths of meadow daffodils on their tumbled curly hair . They had been well trained by Nina herself , for on arrival at the altar they stood demurely , one on each side of her , the pretty page occupying his place behind , and still holding up the end of the velvet train with a charming air of hauteur and self-complacency . The whole cortege was a picture in its way , as Nina had meant it to be : she was fond of artistic effects . She smiled languishingly upon me as she reached the altar , and sunk on her knees beside me in prayer .