Page:The Great Secret.djvu/191

Rh "You are out of them, my friend," answered his guide. "To desire a thing with us is to accomplish it."

"Upon my word, so I am," said the astonished Philip, as he surveyed his nude form in the large mirror. "Well, here goes for a plunge in this fragrant fluid. A bath, after all, is not one of the least pleasures in life."

Imenus and the young men assisted him with his toilet. After his wash they anointed him with perfumed oils and rubbed him down carefully, he submitting with the best grace in the world to their manipulations; then they combed and brushed out his dark hair, which he had worn rather long, it being naturally curly and thick, and, after dressing him, led him to the mirror to survey himself.

He had entered that chamber an Englishman—he now stood smiling at the reflection of a young Atalantian. Yes, he had to own that he did like the change both for ease and appearance. He had not considered before how much better the human feet looks in sandals than in boots, if they are not deformed. His were shapely feet, with full toes and good nails, and as they were now carefully trimmed and clean he regarded them with pardonable pride, and hoped Adela would also like the change.

"Come, let us be first in the wedding-chamber, before your bride arrives, for the guests are already assembled," said Imenus, leading the way out.

"Where are my my old clothes?" asked Philip, looking about him for these articles.

"Dissolved, until you require them again," answered Imenus, with a smile.

"You don't require to carry much luggage, I see."