THE MARKET GARDENER AND THE PALACK OF TRUTH. 3L

“No, you shall take the lantern, and go on in front. I will
follow with Cowslip. We have not very far to go; the palace is only
just round the next corner. Now, don’t talk any more, Clover; do
exactly as I tell you.”

Clover walked on, just as he was bid. Charity directed him to
hold the lantern in such a way that she saw each step of the road.
Cowslip lay like a dead child in her arms, and she was extremely
anxious to get her to the palace as soon as possible.

Presently they came to iron gates. The moment the heht of the
lantern fell across the gates, they opened wide of their own accord,
and Charity desired Clover to walk up the broad steep path which was
cut in the solid rock. At the top of the path were several high steps,
and standing on the top of the steps, each of them holding a lantern,
and with smiles of welcome on their faces, stood two other sisters, who
were dressed in white from their necks to their ankles.

“Welcome, Charity,” they exclaimed. Then seeing that she
carried a child in her arms, they both ran down to meet her, and helped
her to bring Cowslip into the palace.

Poor Clover never could forget the joy and delight which came
- over him when he saw the three sisters bending over his little sister,
and giving her the healing medicine. After some patience they suc-
ceeded in getting the child into a sound and healthy sleep. When
she really slept, she was carried into a sweet little room, in which
was a white bed, a deep, comfortable arm-chair covered all over with
white, white walls, a white marble floor, and white furniture. There
was not a scrap of colour in the peaceful, pretty, soothing room—all
was whiteness, all was peace.

Cowslip was laid upon the bed, and Charity with the utmost
care took off her travel-stained clothes, and put a little white frilled
night-dress on her.

“ Now she will do,” she said; “in the morning she will feel weak,
but will be quite herself again.”

“And you are sure she is out of danger?” asked Clover.

“Yes, my boy, the antidote has saved her. But you don’t look
well yourself—is anything the matter?”