Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 43.djvu/356

 Upon reaching the largest room a regal feast was spread. Here, too, small woodland intricacies and miniature trees were in each nook and niche. The rich luster of the banquet-room, so filled with perfume and brilliancy, with mirrors on the walls, making twin pictures of all this loveliness, utterly bewildered the young bride. Then the groom reassuringly pressed her hand and told her that this feast had been prepared for her and her attendants. Happiness stole over her, and her rosy cheeks seemed to absorb the delight of her lover as he gazed upon her. Joy and gladness pervaded the guests, and the youthful bride tasted with delight the dainty dishes set before her.

Then, suddenly, a war cry resounded through the halls, and clearly could be heard the neighing of excited steeds and the



clash of drawn swords. The bride sprang up in terror, and her trembling maidens surrounded her as they beheld a full-armed knight, with threatening aspect, ride toward her. She turned quickly to her bridegrombridegroom [sic] for protection—but where was he? She shrieked, but nothing but the shriek and its echo were heard. Where was the gorgeous palace with all its new-born delights? All had vanished. The stately music and the soft-voiced lutes had ceased. A deadly silence, that seemed like a horrid presence, was all that remained. Bridegroom and friends, paintings and