it had taken place so
gradually that they scarcely noticed it, which only intensified the
marvellous change which was to follow.

CHAPTER III

THE GOLDEN PAVILION

Christine and Ridgwell never forgot the sight that met their eyes when
the strange transformation took place. It was dazzling in its beauty
and it was some seconds before they could realise the full wonder of
it. The dimness of the light changed to the most exquisite
illuminations imaginable.

Christine and Ridgwell realised that the party was to take place in a
gorgeous golden pavilion.

The fountains, which had slid to either end of the pavilion, shot up
brilliant globes of changing light which hovered in the air like tiny
coloured air balls, whilst the tops of the fountains spraying a golden
mist, were echoed again in the lustrous glow of walls and roof.

From the pearly dome whose outline was only faintly suggested overhead,
and upon every side, hung myriad stacks of flowers, which now and again
fell in fragrant jewelled showers upon the children, just as soon as
each blossom had grown into perfection.

Upon a golden dais at one end were King Richard and King Charles clad
in glittering silver armour, with Queen Boadicea arrayed in purple, in
the centre; whilst St. George stood beside them in shining golden
splendour.

Ridgwell and Christine stood beside the Pleasant-Faced Lion upon
another dais immediately facing the royal personages. The Lion was no
longer a dull, copper green hue; his whole body had changed to the
colour of burnished gold and his great mane shone like a sun.

Forty children dressed in the vermilion and black of Beef-eaters from
the Tower with halberts in their hands, lined the way up the shallow
golden steps to each dais, twenty upon either side.

The Lion gave his last orders for the ceremony--

"Gamble, Grin, Grub, and Carry-on-Merry, sound the Merry Fanfare on
your silver trumpets!"

The four little lions gaily arrayed in scarlet and gold advanced into
the centre of the great space and executed a remarkable fanfare, which
without being entirely a march, or wholly a waltz, was nevertheless
delightful to listen to.

Immediately a procession of the most lovely children entered, dressed
in every brilliant costume imaginable.

The delicious fragrance of the scented golden mist, diffused from the
two fountains, filled the air as the happy and beautiful children, boys
and girls, danced into the pavilion. They a