f 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 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 enjoyment, they became more
sanguine as to the fate of Iskander.

"In two or three days we shall know more," said Nicaeus. "In the
meantime, rest is absolutely necessary to you. It is only now that you
will begin to be sensible of the exertion you have made. If Iskander be
at Croia, he has already informed your father of your escape; if he
have not arrived, I have arranged that a courier shall be dispatched
to Hunniades from that city. Do not be anxious. Try to be happy. I
am myself sanguine that you will find all well. Come, pledge me your
father's health, fair lady, in this goblet of Tenedos!"

"How know I that at this moment he may not be at the point of death,"
replied Iduna. "When I am absent