cleaved the earth for the purpose of bringing forth the granite,
marble, gold, iron and other materials required for the edifice. The
lightning played and the thunder rolled incessantly, earthquakes
followed each other in quick succession, the winds howled, and the
subterranean waters rushed and roared most fearfully. All nature
appeared to lie in convulsions, as if it were a wicked invasion of her
rights that immortal hands should perform the work of mortals.
Powerless and insensible lay Aliande and Daura within the circle.
Terrible flames burst from the crevices of the earth, giving fearful
tokens of the subterranean labors of the gnomes. Hiorba stood amid the
general uproar, calmly directing the raging elements, which never for a
moment disturbed so much as one of the silver hairs of her head.

CHAPTER VI.

The nine times nine moments had expired; the subterranean flames were
extinguished, and the bright sun shone upon a magnificent palace
encompassed by high walls, while its rays were brilliantly reflected by
the metal roof. The gilded summits of its seven towers flashed in the
sunlight like the seven stars. Hiorba viewed the labor of her
mysterious agents with satisfaction, and then awoke the damsels with a
touch of her wand. They looked around with astonishment upon the new
world in which they found themselves. They had fallen asleep among
ruins, upon damp moss overgrown with thorns and nettles, and now awoke
upon soft couches of velvet and gold, in the balcony of a splendid
edifice. The building was of granite, faced with marble, uniting the
strength of the Gothic with the lightness and beauty of the Grecian
style. Masterpieces of Grecian sculpture adorned every nook, step, and
landing-place,--while the magnificent pleasure-garden, with all its
fountains, cascades, lakes, temples, shaded walks, islands and
obelisks, extended down the mountain slope. It was some time before
they were convinced that it was not all a dream.

The damsels embraced their kind foster-mother, while tears of affection
and gratitude eloquently spoke their thanks. 'Enough,' said Hiorba,
withdrawing herself from their embraces; 'you know not, as yet, whether
I deserve your thanks. That will be discovered hereafter, when the
roses and thorns of this life shall have been weighed and balanced by
the immortal gods. I must be brief, for already do I hear the
approaching steeds of Ryno and Idallan, and I ca