FAIRYLAND. 87

crystals and shining mica and precious stones
that adorned the cavern, at first dazzled Mona’s
eyes, and she started from her couch. Her
next glance fell on the friendly faces of the
gnomes, and, so accustomed was she to think
lovingly of the fairy-folk, that Fairyland had
always seemed near to her, and she was not at
all startled to find herself there. The wel-
coming words of the gnomes would have re-
assured her if she had been at all apprehen-
sive, and she sank back upon her soft
couch, soothed by loving words and fragrant
odors, and allowed herself to be gently borne
onward.

Through grottos was the little maid borne,
where clear streams of water flowed over shin-
ing white sand, and in which brilliant gold and
silver fishes sported. Then the wondering
child passed through beautiful gardens, from
whose rocky sides grew luxuriant ferns, while
above her head hung spreading vines and blos-
soming boughs, where bright-plumaged birds
flitted filling the air with sweet melody.

Sometimes through long and narrow pas-
sages was the little maid carried, but from
every nook and corner kindly faces peeped out,