CHAPTER IX.

THE COUNTRY OF THE DARK MEN.

hall’ opened into an immense saloon, which was very
lofty, and was lit by many coloured lamps.

“We are in a most awful plight,’ Primrose whis-
pered to herself. ‘‘ There is nothing at all for it but for
me to be brave and not to part with my hat, whatever
happens.”

The feast was spread on a long low table in the middle
of this room, and several other children were also there
waiting to partake of it. They all looked pretty, and
eager, and happy. They were all beautifully dressed, and at a little
distance might have been taken for white-winged fairies. The four
lovely sisters glided about, and smiled and bade them welcome, and
the only heavy heart present was poor little Primrose’s; and the
only ugly object, the only blot on all this beauty, was the queer little
brown hat.

It comforted Primrose for a moment to see that Silver-wings
was looking at her, but this beautiful sister did not do anything
for Primrose besides bestowing upon her a quick glance, which
might have been taken for either approval or disapproval. On the
contrary, she seemed anxious to keep away from the little girl, and
busied herself at the other end of the table. There were a good
many servants, neatly and prettily dressed, standing about the room,
and amongst them Primrose noticed the queer ugly little ferryman,
Fungus. When the children sat at the table he brought the little
girl over some crystal cakes and asked her to help herself.

An marble stairs ended in a wide and long hall. This
Soren, \fl