A Day with the Sea Urchins. 41

In the centre of the hall rose a dome, looking up into
which was like looking up to the blue summer sky from
the bottom of a narrow shaft or dry well, so intensely .
and duskily blue was it. From this dome seemed to
come the wonderful light which filled the place. How it
really came, or from whence, I could not tell, it was like
a luminous cascade of soft iridescent light.

It seenied to me that no further decoration could be
needed, but the Urchins thought otherwise, for they were
_ rapidly weaving long rainbow-hued garlands which they
linked from pillar to pillar. Next a throne was carried
in, which was carved throughout from mother-of-pearl,
and which shimmered and shone in such a dazzling
manner, that 1 could scarcely look at it, standing as it
did immediately beneath the great dome. Then variously
coloured seaweed was arranged in patterns on the floor
for some distance round the throne, till it looked like
the most gorgeous Turkey carpet ever seen, When
this was’ finished the banquet was spread. All this
time shoals of Sea Urchins had been pouring in from
different directions, for the news of the Queen’s intended
visit had spread far and wide; and as fast as they came
they fell to work in a most business-like manner to
arrange the feast.

Of what this was composed I do not pretend to say.
- I. can only assure you, that I never before saw things
that looked so good to eat, the dishes were all of mother-