urst of sorrow interrupted her. With one accord
her servants swayed mournfully, and with sobs and cries, cast themselves
at her feet.

She looked upon them with love and compassion. What could she do for
them, these faithful friends and servants, whom she must leave if she
followed her dear Prince? Go she must, but what could she say to comfort
them? A thrill of pain went through her heart, tempering her exceeding
joy in her new-found happiness.

Prince Ember came to her help. "The light and gladness of the Land of
Fire is forbidden to none who are true and faithful," he proclaimed.
"Let all, then, who love their mistress, follow her to her new home, if
it is their wish."

At these words, so comfort-bringing, the Shadow Witch turned upon her
Prince a glance of tenderest gratitude. The Shadows, hearing them, were
lifted at once from deep grief to boundless rejoicing. They rose to
their feet, their grey robes all a-flutter. "Ah, generous Prince," they
cried, "we follow, follow--happy indeed to be her faithful servants
still."

All but Black Shadow. She alone had given no cry of grief, she alone had
shown no sign of joy. She had prostrated herself with the rest at the
feet of the Shadow Witch, and had bowed her head, but merely to conceal
the anger which she felt at the sight of her mistress safe returned. No
sound passed her lips now. She was glad to hear of the coming departure,
but that gladness, also, she would restrain. Until her mistress had
gone, she would keep her own counsel, hide her own purposes, so that she
might fulfil them in her own time and in her own way.

She had not long to wait, for Prince Ember's voice, clear and gracious,
rose once more. "Let us not tarry. My bright kingdom awaits its Prince,
who has been long absent. Its good fairies will rejoice to welcome not
him alone, but his bride and her devoted followers."

So saying he took the hand of the Shadow Witch, and together they left
the Garden of Shadows, and set out for the Land of Fire. Behind them
trooped the Shadows, eager to behold for themselves that beauteous
fairyland which was henceforth to be their home. But Black Shadow was
not among them. As soon as Prince Ember had ceased to speak, she had
slipped quietly away.

The Shadow Witch had noticed her absence and presently, turning to see
what had become of her, saw a dark figure hurrying toward the Wizard's
Cave. It was Black Shadow. A smile of understanding dawned upon the face
of t