ht until he was compelled to do so in his own defence. I
fear that Idallan's violence, which did not spare even his beloved
brother-in-arms, will also rend my heart and prepare many sad days and
tearful nights for me. Oh that I were in possession of a charm which,
like David's harp, would allay the demon of anger! What then could be
wanting to my happiness?'

'Immo!' cried Hiorba, with a complacent smile, opening the window. In
came the delicate bird, bearing about its neck a radiant diamond chain
to which a small ivory flute was attached. 'Take this flute, my gentle
Daura,' said the sorceress; 'pass this chain about your neck, and let
your faithful mother's gift remain always upon your bosom. When
Idallan's wild passions begin to kindle, when his inconsiderate bursts
of anger threaten to wound the peace of my gentle daughter, then will
the soothing tones of this instrument soften his rage and shed balm
upon his mind.'

With glad surprise Daura extended her fair hand for the talisman, and
Hiorba vanished.

CHAPTER IX.

A year had passed from the stream of time into the ocean of eternity
since the marriage of the two sisters, when Hiorba arose out of the
rocks in the oak forest between the two palaces. The proud edifices yet
shone in all their original splendor, and their majestic walls cast
long shadows over the vale below; but the rock upon which the sorceress
was standing had changed its appearance. Instead of being bare, as
formerly, it was now shaded by tall cedars, lofty pines, and trembling
poplars, and encircled with blooming rose-hedges, A gilded dome,
supported by nine Corinthian pillars of alabaster, adorned the summit.
The sorceress inquisitively examined the temple, and with surprise and
pleasure encountered her own statue crowned with fresh cypress and
faded roses. Tears of joyful emotion filled Hiorba's eyes, and her
first impulse was to fly immediately to her foster-daughters, that she
might, invisible to them, impress a kiss of gratitude upon their
unconscious foreheads; but while hesitating which of the happy brides
she should first visit, she discerned two female forms approaching from
opposite directions. Discovering that they were her two daughters, she
wrapped herself in impenetrable clouds, that she might be a secret
witness of their interview. Their appearance gave her no pleasure.
Their pale cheeks were not lighted by the sun of matrimonial
peace,--their