dy, mind, and spirit, in their utmost
development. Such is the faith of Atvatabar."

"And such a faith," I replied, "with such a deity as your holiness,
must profoundly sway the hearts of your people."

The goddess was a woman of intuition. Almost before I was aware of it
myself she evidently discovered a sentiment underlying my words. She
paused a moment, and before I could question her further regarding the
peculiar creed of Atvatabar, said: "We will discuss these things more
fully hereafter."

At a signal from the goddess the trumpets rang a blast announcing the
audience at an end. With the summons music uttered a divine throbbing
throughout the chamber, while the singers marched and sang gloriously
in the cloisters.

As I sat, my soul swimming in a sea of ecstasy born of the blessed
environment, I felt possessed of splendors and powers hitherto unknown
and unfelt. A thrill of joy made hearts tremble beneath the crystal
dome. It was a new lesson in art's mysterious peace.

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE GARDEN OF TANJE.

A series of banquets and other entertainments followed each other
during our stay at the palace of Tanje. The goddess had held frequent
interviews with the professors and myself regarding the external
sphere, and had examined our maps and charts with the greatest
curiosity.

His majesty did not take nearly so much interest in our revelations as
the goddess, being inert and prosaic in character.

[Illustration: The Lilasure.]

On the morning of the fourth day of our stay at the palace of Tanje I
received a visit from the grand chamberlain Cleperelyum, with a
command from the goddess to meet her in her boudoir. Cleperelyum led
me to the sacred apartment, which, when I entered, was vacant. The
walls were models of decorative architecture, the panels being filled
with silk tapestry of a pale yellow-green hue, the mouldings being
ivory-white. The panelled frieze was filled with figures in violet and
gold, and sea-green upholstery covered couch and divan, while the
draperies were silks of cream and blue. It was a luxurious retreat.
The carpet was a silk rug, soft as a bed of rose leaves, with a broad
border in tones of green, violet and white.

Presently the goddess entered with a winning smile on her features.
She was arrayed in a dress of soft violet silk, that, apparently, had
no other garment beneath, so perfect was the revelation of her figure.
Beneath the figure it fell to the ground in a