re night.'

'Alas!' exclaimed Proserpine, 'is not this night?'

'You are not unhappy, my Proserpine?'

'Beloved of my heart, I have given up everything for you! I do not
repent, but I am thinking of my mother.'

'Time will pacify the Lady Ceres. What is done cannot be undone. In the
winter, when a residence among us is even desirable, I should not be
surprised were she to pay us a visit.'

'Her prejudices are so strong,' murmured the bride. 'Oh my Pluto! I hope
your family will be kind to me.'

'Who could be unkind to Proserpine? Ours is a very domestic circle. I
can assure you that everything is so well ordered among us that I have
no recollection of a domestic broil.'

'But marriage is such a revolution in a bachelor's establishment,'
replied Proserpine, despondingly. 'To tell the truth, too, I am half
frightened at the thought of the Furies. I have heard that their tempers
are so violent.'

'They mean well; their feelings are strong, but their hearts are in the
right place. I flatter myself you will like my nieces, the Parcae. They
are accomplished, and favourites among the men.'

'Indeed!'

'Oh! quite irresistible.'

'My heart misgives me. I wish you had at least paid them the compliment
of apprising them of our marriage.'

'Cheer up. For myself, I have none but pleasant anticipations. I long
to be at home once more by my own fireside, and patting my faithful
Cerberus.'

'I think I shall like Cerberus; I am fond of dogs.'

'I am sure you will. He is the most faithful creature in the world.'

'Is he very fierce?'

'Not if he takes a fancy to you; and who can help taking a fancy to
Proserpine?'

'Ah! my Pluto, you are in love.'

'Is this Hades?' inquired Proserpine.

An avenue of colossal bulls, sculptured in basalt and breathing
living flame, led to gates of brass, adorned with friezes of rubies,
representing the wars and discomfiture of the Titans. A crimson cloud
concealed the height of the immense portals, and on either side hovered
o'er the extending walls of the city; a watch-tower or a battlement
occasionally flashing forth, and forcing their forms through the lurid
obscurity.

'Queen of Hades! welcome to your capital!' exclaimed Pluto.

The monarch rose in his car and whirled a javelin at the gates. There
was an awful clang, and then a still more terrible growl.

'My faithful Cerberus!' exclaimed the King.

The portals flew open, and revealed the gigantic form of the celebrated