nnot look upon the men
who are about to pluck, and perhaps to crush and destroy, the two
sweetest roses of my garden. I now take my leave. I shall always act a
mother's part by you,--but, only three times is it allowed me to become
visible to the wives of Ryno and Idallan; at the moments of their
greatest happiness, of their deepest misery, and of their untimely
deaths. Preserve the same purity of soul which I have so carefully
nurtured, so that in your last sad hour I may kiss the dews of death
from your foreheads, and conduct your liberated spirits to the elysian
fields of Walhalla.'

A soft and heavenly light overspread Hiorba's countenance, the wrinkles
of age disappeared, and golden locks surrounded her clear forehead like
a halo. Azure and purple wings unfolded from her shoulders, a robe of
light enveloped her tall, majestic form, and on an amber cloud she
floated away from the sisters, who watched her disappearance with
speechless awe.

The tuneful Immo now fluttered through the castle gate with Aliande's
veil. The draw-bridge fell, and the two knights, who had closely
followed her, leaped from their horses, bounded up the steps, and threw
themselves at the feet of the maidens; whilst Immo, perched upon the
highest castle tower, sweetly warbled forth the bridal song.

CHAPTER VII.

A crystal lamp, suspended from the arched ceiling of a lofty chamber,
shed a soft moonlight over the silken tapestry of the bridal bed where
Ryno was slumbering upon the bosom of the happy Aliande. The beauteous
bride was watching the peaceful slumber of her beloved partner with
mingled and undefinable feelings of joy and sorrow, when she suddenly
heard a rustling of the drapery, and immediately the well known form of
the sorceress stood before her.

'You are happy, Aliande?' she asked.

'Unspeakably!' murmured Aliande, hiding her blushing cheek in the bosom
of her faithful foster-mother.

'Does your heart suggest no wish yet ungratified?'

'Only one!' timidly answered the lovely bride.

'Yet one?' rejoined the astonished Hiorba. 'Thus it is with poor
mortals. Upon the highest pinnacle of earthly happiness they are still
tormented by insatiable aspirations. Confide your secret wish to me, my
daughter.'

'During the bridal supper, as my husband was giving a rapid sketch of
his knightly adventures, and painting the charms of the various damsels
he had saved, in glowing colors, I began to