approvingly, as was his wont.

When, in conclusion, Prince Ember made known that he had won the love of
the Shadow Witch, and that she had consented to become his Princess,
King Red Flame was greatly pleased that the Prince had found so fair a
mate and gave command that the wedding should take place forthwith.

In haste, then, the wedding feast was prepared. Dame Grey Smoke herself
saw to it that it lacked no splendor that fairy hands or fairy skill
could devise. The Wise One gave sage advice and from his treasure chest
brought gifts, ancient and rare. The Fire Fairies vied with one
another in their loving task of making all things ready, and among them
moved the Shadows, their faces reflecting the joy of their mistress,
their hearts filled with wonder and delight at the beauty and goodness
of this new fairyland into which they had come to dwell. The Fire
Fairies showed them every kindness, so that they might feel at home in a
country where all things were strange to them.

So, in the Palace of Burning Coals, Prince Ember and the Shadow Witch
were married, and King Red Flame himself gave the bride away.

When the wedding feast with its splendors was ended, the Prince led his
bride home to his Palace of Good Cheer.

[Illustration: The Prince led his bride home to his Palace of Good
Cheer.]

His own fairies stood to welcome them. On the high golden gate that
overarched the entrance to his dominions three great marriage torches
were set, that lifted their quenchless flames upward with pure and
golden light.

As Prince Ember advanced with the Shadow Witch through that bright gate,
she became transformed, for all grey forsook her trailing robes forever
and left them robes of glory, robes of rose and amethyst and richest
scarlet in their changing hues. The garments of her attendant Shadows
changed, also, and became a soft reflection of the fuller loveliness of
her own.

They came on through the shining avenue, amid the welcoming shouts of
the Ember Fairies and reached the Palace of Good Cheer. From every
turret flaming banners floated, from every window ruddy light beamed
out.

At its wide open door Prince Ember bent and kissed his bride tenderly.
"Enter, dear Shadow Witch," he whispered low. "Enter, and crown my life
with the priceless treasure of your love."

Her face alight with happiness, she passed in with him. She had come at
last, with her beloved Prince, to the fairyland of good magic--to the
land of he