THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER. 23

inwards, and showed not only Godfather Drosselmayer, but
something more! °
In the midst of a green meadow, decorated with flowers,
stood a magnificent country-seat, with numerous windows,
all made of real glass, in front, and two gilt towers on the
wings. At the same moment the jingling of bells was heard
from within—the doors and windows opened—and the rooms
inside were discovered lighted up by wax-tapers half an inch
high. In those rooms were several little gentlemen and
ladies, all walking about: the gentlemen splendidly dressed
in laced coats, and silk waistcoats and breeches, each with a
sword. by his side,
and a hat under
his arm; the ladies
gorgeously attired
in brocades, their
hair dressed in the
eS SSI Ses. style of the eigh-
teenth century, and each one holding a fan in her hand,
-wherewith they all fanned themselves as if overcome by the
heat. In the central drawing-room, which actually seemed
to be on fire, so splendid was the lustre of the crystal
chandelier, filled with wax candles, a number of children
were dancing to the jingling
music; the boysall in round
jackets, and the girls all in
short frocks. At the same
time a gentleman, clad in a
furred cloak, appeared at
the window of an adjoining
chamber, made signs, and
then disappeared again ; 37a
while Godfather Drossel- ===
mayer himself, with his drab
frock-coat, the patch on his eye, and the glass wig—so like
the original, although only three inches high, that the puppet

  
   

 

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