k their places on
the chairs.

When all were seated the music recommenced. Then out of a side door came
about fifty mannikins carrying large cakes on silver dishes, which they
set down on the long table, and having cut them up handed them round to
the guests. Others poured red or golden wine from the vases into the
goblets. Everybody ate and drank, and chatted and laughed
between-whiles.

Among the golden dishes on the golden table where Peter and Mary sat,
was one which held a cake which had a particularly inviting smell. Mary
cut a piece off and put it on to Peter's golden plate. Then, from a
beautiful golden goblet, she poured ruby-coloured wine into their
crystal glasses.

Peter ate and drank with great relish, and soon disposed of the cake and
wine.

[Illustration]

"I should like to have some of that beautiful fruit, too, if I may,"
said he. And as he spoke Mary filled his plate with grapes, apples, and
pears.

"Eat away, Peter!" said she, laughing till her white teeth shone through
her lips. "Don't be afraid of emptying the dish. There is plenty more
fruit if we want it."

"I should like to take some home to Mamma," said Peter, biting into an
apple. "May I, Mary?"

Mary nodded kindly, and handed him a golden dish full of sweetmeats,
saying, "Put as many of these into your pocket as you like." And he
filled his pockets accordingly.

Peter felt as happy as a king. His head was quite turned. He shouted
aloud for joy, and swung his legs backwards and forwards as he sat on
his golden chair.

"But I say, Mary," said he, laughing, "we shall go on playing together
the same as ever, sha'n't we? I shall bring my leaden soldiers, and
you'll bring your dolls again, won't you?"

But at this moment Mary seized his arm, and whispered in a frightened
voice--"Hush, Peter, hush! Don't you hear?"

The music had suddenly ceased, and with it all the talking and laughing
at the long table, and in the silence the sound of the church clock
could be distinctly heard. _It struck one._

At one stroke--the lights went out, a blast of wind blew through the
banqueting-room, and then all was as still as death.

* * * * *

LEFT ALONE IN THE DARK--MOTHER--THE PARSNIP-MAN BY DAYLIGHT--THREE
POUNDS.

Peter sat in his chair, as if petrified with terror, Mary still holding
fast by his arm.

"Quick, quick!" she cried, breathlessly. "We must get away from here."
Then she let his arm go, and hu