46 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [r.

Presently the road turned to the right, and’
gradually bore round towards a huge mass of buildings
which the sisters perceived in the distance, and which
the Giant informed them with a gracious air was the
castle which he used as a palace, and in which he
would take care that they were provided with apart-
ments suitable to their rank. Not deeming that
moment a fitting opportunity for entering further
upon the business which had brought them there, the
sisters merely bowed their thanks for the proffered
hospitality which they would have given their ears to
have declined if possible.

The procession advanced nearer and nearer to
the palace, and at length reached it. The carriage
drove into an enormous court-yard, paved with
iron, over which it rumbled up to a vast gate which
was thrown open as one of the attendants touched
a huge bell which sent forth a deafening peal. The
Giant now descended, and assisted the trembling
Princesses to do the same, which they accordingly did,
Pettina keeping Pincher safe under her arm. Inside
the gate was a smaller yard, which the Giant crossed,
and opened a door on the further side, opposite which
was a flight of handsome stone steps leading into a
spacious corridor. From the latter folding doors
openedinto a magnificent drawing-room, into which the
Giant conducted his guests, and prayed them to make
themselves at home, whilst he went to give orders for
the preparation of the apartments which they would
occupy. Just before he left the room, however, he
turned to Pettina, and observed somewhat moodily,

‘T don’t allow dogs in my drawing-room.’