Iduna might probably wish to retire, and instantly a discreet matron,
followed by six most beautiful girls, each bearing a fragrant torch of
cinnamon mind roses, advanced and offered to conduct the Lady Iduna to
her apartments.

The matron and her company of maidens conducted the daughter of
Hunniades down a long gallery, which led to a suite of the prettiest
chambers in the world. The first was an antechamber, painted like a
bower, but filled with the music of living birds; the second, which was
much larger, was entirely covered with Venetian mirrors, and resting on
a bright Persian carpet were many couches of crimson velvet, covered
with a variety of sumptuous dresses; the third room was a bath, made in
the semblance of a gigantic shell. Its roof was of transparent
alabaster, glowing with shadowy light.



CHAPTER 17


A flourish of trumpets announced the return of the Lady Iduna and the
Prince of Athens, magnificently attired, came forward with a smile, and
led her, with a compliment on her resuming the dress of her sex, if not
of her country, to the banquet. Iduna was not uninfluenced by that
excitement which is insensibly produced by a sudden change of scene and
circumstances, and especially by an unexpected transition from
hardship, peril, and suffering, to luxury, security, and enjoyment.
Their spirits were elevated and gay: she smiled upon Nicaeus with a
cheerful sympathy. They feasted, they listened to sweet music, they
talked over their late adventures, and, animated by their own