rother," she replied.

Prince Ember, near to her, though unseen, listening to her dauntless
words, loved her yet more for her high courage and for her sorrowful
beauty.

Still smiling scornfully, the Wizard turned away. The Imps knowing that
he was now ready to depart, raised their lanterns. Their master touched
the wall. It opened wide, and in an instant master and slaves were gone,
and the walls met silently and grimly together behind them. Beyond its
barrier their retreating footsteps grew fainter and yet fainter until
soon they could no longer be heard.

Alone, as she believed herself now to be, in the imprisoning darkness,
the Shadow Witch let fall her head and sighed deeply. "Ah, that the time
may not be long," she murmured. "Ah, that this prince might hasten his
coming, for I am very weary, even though I hope."

Then from the darkness near her came a voice. "Princess of the Shadows,"
it breathed, "I, Prince Ember am here."

At the words her heart leapt within her breast. She raised her head
quickly, thinking to pierce the blackness that surrounded her and behold
the one who spoke. As she did so the gloom melted, and in its place a
soft warm glow flooded all her prison. By its rich light she saw before
her a glorious figure, clad all in deepest rose--Prince Ember, freed from
his dark disguise. The radiant brightness of his ruddy garments made
warmth and light about him. His eyes, ardent and glowing, were bent
upon her, filled with a tenderness of sympathy and compassion, with a
fulness of love, that struck to her soul. His hands were stretched to
her, his spirit drew her.

[Illustration: She saw before her a glorious figure, Prince Ember.]

A cry of wonder broke from the lips of the Shadow Witch. With her large
eyes fixed upon him, sorrow fled from her face, and in its stead came
joy where joy had never dwelt before. How had he come to her? she asked
herself, to her in this dark prison? How had he pierced the thickness of
those cruel walls? Why should his eyes rest with love upon her, the grey
Shadow Witch? And yet it was true--he was here, this glorious prince--come
to save her!

Her face dropped suddenly to her quivering hands, lest it should betray
to him too plainly how her heart went out to him, in love and gratitude.
Radiance, that first bright prince, had awaked her to keenest longings
for a nobler life, a truer magic. But he who stood before her now gave
this, and more--gave love, brought happines