New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-01

against the marble steps Of the palace and two
heralds In scarlet and gold sounded blast upon
Down. the wide and gleaming staircase came the
Nerisss the only one to land 50 far. saw that she
was young and very beautiful, with golden hair
Her robes were OF palest amber. embroidered
with silver and on the ven flowing from her hair
Her. beauty made Nerissa marvs-that and, the
she knew she had never seen the queen before.
taaD sEa stood heSit h the queen SMILED then
blue eyes for a moment but still Nerissa did not
1t was only when the young knight sprang on
S DIg gi+ ana me queen Win low cIy OF JOY took
stood Ciolconda's victims had not all been within
The queer, kissed her baby again and again.
then she smiled down into Nerissa's wiStful face.
Dear child how can thank your she said.
softly; you and the little count am your old
with it's tUrrets and cleaning windOws-'is the
doyecote and these'-indicating her retnue-
the doves We were all under the wicked fairy's
spell, but the moment you found the charm the
ehlldI my darling; safe and well! can never
She welcomed them ALL and led the way up the
marble staircase accompanied by the little Princess
Right at the end OF the procession bedraggled
and wretched. came Fantastic. humble minded at
last. shrinking from the gaze even Of the serving
men who roared with laugher at the sight of her.
, rldors with your dragged raiment. This is
shhe SeTe od pP Of 5 IN %
treated thus, and by serving-men!
She stamped her foot.
5 nsOep T yaTIetsr she cried The king. my father
But they only leaned against the wall and shook
with laughter, gliding at her all the more
claimed King Of the Sweeps. I suppose; ha! ha!
Get out Of this. the kitchen is where beggars are
From where she stood Fantastiea could see a
portion OF the great dining hall where the queen
Rich viands smoked upon the board wonderful
bears heads and one the largest Of all borne by
the stoutest serving man in the palace. had upon it
| q
There We're great foamy masses of whipped
every fantastic form. sparkling wines and iced
drinks and hot possets that made poor. shivering.
miserable Fantastica feel colder than before just
She leaned against the wall and hid her face. no
longer noticing the mirth OF the serving-men-
For the first time in her life Fantasdca knew
She raised her head and looked again into the
dining hall. She could see the queen great
elevated throne smiling graciOUsly upon her guests,
hand Otho as the most honored guests
Fantastica uttered low moan. and again shut
From her, place beside the queen Nerissa heard
the cry. and looked through the doorway ,,,
| figure, and started up in her place.
then paused. for the eyes Of the assemblage were
upon her,
kindly What distresses your
Nerissa again glanced at Fantastica's bowed head
''Fantastica the heiress apparent OF Gnomeland.
wesps in The hall your majesty May she enter
The queen looked perplexed.
What brings her here?" she asked. From what
have heard she must be a headstrong. unruly and
/ most ENJOYABLE girl"
Nerssa's cousin sprang TO his feet.
Pardon your majesty he interpOsed more
than that, she is assassin. Only a short time
since did the wicked girl attempt TO murder my
/ cousin. Nerissa
The queens face grew pale with horror; but
/ Nerissa forgot her shyness and spoke In clear
/ distinct voice.
II am SUI she is sorry. your majesty; she looks
/ very grieveC. and cold and miserabrds We are
all so happyl''-she glanced down the long lines h
! Of peaceful faCes-"sO happy and fortunate thaI
not one OF can wish TO see an unhappy face IN
/ your realms to-day
/ Reading her answer IN the queens eyes, she
/ slipped from her place and ran to FantaStlca
/ putting her arms round her
/ You to come and make merry, 100 she
/ said. "The queen wishes IT,
/ And poor, miserable FautastiCa, really sorteneC
| and ashamed. satisfied her hunger and became
/ Changed girl from that hour. Her father, mother
/ and brothers grew 10 love her dearly. and wheT
/ she mounted the throne GuOmeland had never pos
/ sessed a better queen. In the realm that might
there was general Observation-Disclosures, bOnhres. anC
/ illuminate lions such the world had never before
I seen But better than all. In the estimation Of
I Serissa and Ohio was the grand march OF th'
! comets as they darted across the sky, performing
| gyrations too marvellous TO relate.
I Their old friend, the champion was beside NINA
| self with JOY He nodded TO them as ne performed
| wild flights OF fancy.