THE WHITH PALACE. 143

ready, and I am also waiting. Come with me through this field;
come, both of you.”

Amethyst took a hand of each little girl as she spoke. She led
them through the garden into a wide open sort of plain, where the air
blew fresh, and where both children could not only hear the singing of
many birds, but the sweet sound of distant and lovely music.

“Welcome ! for the prize is won ;
Toil and travel now are done,”

sang some voices very far away.

Primrose now for the first time noticed that the four sisters,
Amethyst, Iris, Asphodel, and Amaranth, had changed their dresses,
and were wearing strange and dazzling colours. It was impossible for
the little girl to know exactly what they had on, only each sister as
she walked seemed to shine with a wonderful light. Their fair faces
looked unearthly in loveliness, their long golden hair floated back from
their white brows, and for the first time Primrose noticed that the
sisters wore wings. As the four floated about they resembled the
different hues of the rainbow.

“ Now, my children,” said Iris, “the moment has come when we
are to be given the great honour of taking you two little girls away to
the country of the King. Put your hand on my shoulder, Primrose ;
just lay it firmly there, dear, and fear nothing. Martha, come to my
other side ; put your little trembling hand here. Jf you are afraid,
look at Primrose; see what courage shines in her eyes. Now that is
right. Amethyst, come here; Primrose, put your other arm round
Amethyst’s neck. Martha, give your hand to Asphodel; Amaranth
too will help to bear us up.”

Iris stopped speaking. She began gently to move her wings;
Asphodel moved hers, Amethyst and Amaranth did likewise. ‘he
children soon found themselves floating softly through the air. The
four sisters bore them lightly upwards, until, looking down, Primrose
saw the White Palace and the garden where the wonderful violets
grew looking like mere specks in the distance. Then a wonderful air
fanned her cheeks and a great strength was given her, she found that