"I fear," said Nicaeus, "that my friend Justinian will scarcely have
returned, but we are old comrades, and he desired me to act as his
Seneschal. For your sake I am sorry, Iduna, for I feel convinced that
he would please you."

"It is, indeed, a fair castle," replied Iduna, "and none but a true
knight deserves such a noble residence."

While she spoke the commander of the escort sounded his bugle, and they
commenced the ascent of the steep, a winding road, cut through a thick
wood of ever-green shrubs. The gradual and easy ascent soon brought
them to a portal flanked with towers, which admitted them into the
outworks of the fortification. Here they found several soldiers on
guard, and the commander again sounding his bugle, the gates of the
castle opened, and the Seneschal, attended by a suite of many
domestics, advanced and welcomed Nicaeus and Iduna. The Prince of
Athens dismounting, assisted his fair companion from the litter, and
leading her by the band, and preceded by the Seneschal, entered the
castle.

They passed through a magnificent hall, hung with choice armour, and
ascending a staircase, of Pentelic marble, were ushered into a suite of
lofty chambers, lined with Oriental tapestry, and furnished with many
costly couches and cabinets. While they admired a spectacle so
different to anything they had recently beheld or experienced, the
Seneschal, followed by a number of slaves in splendid attire, advanced
and offered them rare and choice refreshments, coffee and
confectionery, sherbets and spiced wines. When they had partaken of
this elegant cheer, Nicaeus intimated to the Seneschal that the Lady