her again upon her knee, took off her cloak and night-gown. Then she
carried her to the side of the room. Irene wondered what she was going
to do with her, but asked no questions--only starting a little when she
found that she was going to lay her in the large silver bath; for as she
looked into it, again she saw no bottom, but the stars shining miles
away as it seemed in a great blue gulf. Her hands closed involuntarily
on the beautiful arms that held her, and that was all.
The lady pressed her once more to her bosom, saying--
"Do not be afraid, my child."
"No, grandmother," answered the princess, with a little gasp; and the
next instant she sank in the clear cool water.
When she opened her eyes, she saw nothing but a strange lovely blue
over
and beneath and all about her. The lady and the beautiful room had
vanished from her sight, and she seemed utterly alone. But instead of
being afraid, she felt more than happy--perfectly blissful. And from
somewhere came the voice of the lady, singing a strange sweet song, of
which she could distinguish every word; but of the sense she had only a
Madhuri Noah
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