ht, and listen more closely to
these strains?"

"Have patience." replied the Sage. "The light and the music come from
the planet Venus. Thither I am directing our course. In a few moments
we shall arrive."

Even as he spoke the light grew brighter, the music of the invisible
choir swelled to a louder strain, and before the King of the Hours
had time to express his rapture, the pair had alighted in a scene of
veritable enchantment. Fairy-like structures of crystal, sparkling
with all the hues of the rainbow, rose on every side. Spires and domes
of the most fantastic but graceful design seemed to soar into the
clear and perfect air. All were bathed in a rosy glow, the source
of which was hidden. Spacious walks paved with huge blocks of opal
divided the rows of palaces. Along them grew tall and slender trees
of a curious and delicate foliage. Birds of Paradise, King Fishers
and doves flitted from branch to branch. The broadest of these avenues
ended in a sweeping flight of steps of alabaster which led to a vast
and perfectly proportioned hall, the roof of which was supported on
columns of pure jewels, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

A throng of maidens, in classical attire and wearing wreaths of roses
on their heads, made their way along this avenue to where _Mr. Punch_
and his companion were standing. Their leader, a fair and lovely girl
of seventeen, advanced to the Wise One and addressed him.

"Sire," she sang in a low and gracious voice, "Our Queen has sent me
to say that she waits for your coming. She holds her Court in yonder
hall, and thither I am bidden to guide you. Is it your pleasure to
come at once?"

_Mr. Punch_ signified his assent, the maiden took him by the hand,
and beckoning to Father TIME to follow, they walked slowly towards the
Royal Hall and mounted the steps. A double gate of wrought gold opened
as they reached the top, and passing through it, they found themselves
in the Court of Queen CALLISTA. A marvellous sight met their eyes. The
Queen sat on a raised throne in the midst of a throng of attendants.
She was of surpassing beauty. Her deep-blue eyes were set like jewels
beneath a broad low forehead on which a light crown of pearls and
diamonds rested. Her garments were of a soft gauzy material that half
concealed and half revealed the beautiful lines of her bust and limbs.
In one hand she held a spray of myrtle, the other rested lovingly
on the head of the magnificent hound who sat