“She cannot be spoiled. Nothing can spoil her,” said the lady earnestly. “But now come in and rest and refresh yourself before returning, Mr. Palmer.” “Thank you, ma’am, but I haven’t time,” replied John, with a how; and resisting all the lady’s entreaties, he took leave of her and of his daughter, and retraced his steps to the boat, followed by two boys whom Emolyn had sent to bring up her young companion’s trunk. “Come on, my lads, you will have to step into the boat. There, each of you take hold of the handles at each end and lift it out. There! All right. Now go on!” said John Palmer cheerfully. And having seen the boys start with the trunk, he re-entered his boat and rowed rapidly for home, feeling content because Em. was happy. CHAPTER XXVI A FAIRY BOWER Marble walled and crystal windowed, Vailed with silken drapery, Dressed with ornaments of silver, Interlaid with gems and gold; Filled with carvings from cathedrals, Rescued in the times of old; Eloquent with books and pictures, All that luxury can afford; Warm with statues that Pygmalion Might have fashioned and adored, In the island’s groves and grottoes, Lovely are the light and gloom, Fountains sparkle in the grotto, And exotics breathe perfume. MACKAY. “Come, my darling, I wish to show you something,” said the Lady of Edengarden, as she took the hand of Emolyn Palmer and led her out of the front door and down the marble steps to the first terrace, which was still green and fresh, though all around was touched with frost. Then she turned her around, and they stood facing the beautiful windows glistening in the morning sun like alabaster and rainbows. “Look,” said the lady, pointing to one high, airy white tower with many windows, whose summit seemed to be almost up among the clouds. “Oh, I have often gazed at that tower, dear lady! How elegant it is!” exclaimed Em. “Look at the top,” said the lady. “Oh, how lovely, with its crystal windows shaded with rose-colored silk and opening upon marble balconies. It is like a chamber in Paradise surely. I have often gazed at it while on my solitary visits to the island, and thought it was too beautiful, aerial and ideal ever to be used, and often wondered if any one ever lived in it! The white tower is the most elegant part of the palace, and that aerial chamber in the clouds the most beautiful part of the tower.” “It has never been occupied. It is a virgin bower. But come in and I will take you at once to your apartment,” murmured Emolyn, as she drew her young companion’s arm within her own and conducted her into the hall and up the fairy flight of stairs leading to the upper floors.