The greeting that delighted him she could not hear, the sweet chimes
from that same tower, which floated down the stream, when he doffed
his cap, crossed himself, and clasped his hands in devout
thanksgiving.
It was a wonderful scene of bustle; where vessels of all kinds
thronged together were drawn up to the wharf, the beautiful tall
painted ships of Venice and Genoa pre-eminent among the stoutly-built
Netherlanders and the English traders. Shouts in all languages were
heard, and Grisell looked round in wonder and bewilderment as to how
the helpless and precious charge on the deck was ever to be safely
landed.
Lambert, however, was truly at home and equal to the occasion. He
secured some of the men who came round the vessel in barges
clamouring for employment, and--Grisell scarce knew how--Leonard on
his bed was lifted down, and laid in the bottom of the barge. The
big bundles and cases were committed to the care of another barge, to
follow close after theirs, and on they went under, one after another,
the numerous high-peaked bridges to which Bruges owes its name, while
tall sharp-gabled houses, walls, or sometimes pleasant green gardens,
bounded the margins, with a narrow foot-way between. The houses had
often pavement leading by stone steps to the river, and stone steps
up to the door, which was under the deep projecting eaves running
along the front of the house--a stoop, as the Low Countries called
it.
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