t work together. One held a distaff, from
which the second spun; and the third wielded an enormous pair of
adamantine shears, with which she perpetually severed the labours of her
sisters. Tall were they in stature and beautiful in form. Very fair;
an expression of haughty serenity pervaded their majestic countenances.
Their three companions, however, though apparently of the same sex, were
of a different character. If women can ever be ugly, certainly
these three ladies might put in a valid claim to that epithet. Their
complexions were dark and withered, and their eyes, though bright, were
bloodshot. Scantily clothed in black garments, not unstained with gore,
their wan and offensive forms were but slightly veiled. Their hands were
talons; their feet cloven; and serpents were wreathed round their brows
instead of hair. Their restless and agitated carriage afforded also not
less striking contrast to the polished and aristocratic demeanour of
their companions. They paced the chamber with hurried and unequal steps,
and wild and uncouth gestures; waving, with a reckless ferocity, burning
torches and whips of scorpions. It is hardly necessary to add that these
were the Furies, and that the conversation which I am about to report
was carried on with the Fates.

'A thousand serpents!' shrieked Tisiphone. 'I will never believe it.'

'Racks and flames!' squeaked Megaera. 'It is impossible.'

'Eternal torture!' moaned Alecto. ''Tis a lie.'

'Not Jupiter himself should convince us!' the Furies joined in infernal
chorus.

''Tis nevertheless true,'calmly observed the beautiful Clotho.

'You will soon have the honour of being presented to her,' added the
serene Lachesis.

'And whatever we may feel,' observed the considerate Atropos, 'I think,
my dear girls, you had better restrain yourselves.'

'And what sort of thing is she?' inquired Tisiphone, with a shriek.

'I have heard that she is lovely,' answered Clotho. 'Indeed, it is
impossible to account for the affair in any other way.'

''Tis neither possible to account for nor to justify it,' squeaked
Megaera.

'Is there, indeed, a Queen in Hell?' moaned Alecto.

'We shall hold no more drawing-rooms,' said Lachesis.

'We will never attend hers,' said the Furies.

'You must,' replied the Fates.

'I have no doubt she will give herself airs,' shrieked Tisiphone.

'We must remember where she has been brought up, and be considerate,'
replied Lachesis.

'I dare say you