Exquisite screens closed all entrances except the outside, where thick bronze slabs were fastened by heavy bolts and chains. Admission was sought by striking these plates with a mallet of inlaid bronze. A cloudless, moonlight sky added much to the fairy-like effect of the night scene. Between the banners were silken lanterns gay in coloring, shade and decoration, and these twinkled like spheres of many-colored fire. The brilliant blaze of light on the signal-towers, the innumerable rockets, showering gold, silver or rainbow balls in profusion, or long, forked arrows, made the night a memorable one. Setos, the inventor of pyrotechnics, outdid himself, and the whole population were in attendance to witness and enjoy the display. Not a housetop in Tlamco but answered the pretty code of greetings arranged from the battlements of Iaqua. By these means Kerœcia was enabled to thank each regiment, guild, clan and family taking part in her triumphant entry early in the day. When the high-priestess opened her door the next morning, she found the passage barred by big-faced velvet pansies, crisp, fresh and still moist with dew. “To whose thoughtfulness am I debtor?” she asked of one of the armed guardians pacing the hallway before the door. “To Orondo. And he begs that thou wilt accept his escort for a visit to the gardens, at such hour as best suits thy pleasure and comfort.” “It will please me to see him at once,” she answered. Alcyesta, Suravia and Mineola were examining the rare basket filled with flowers which Yermah had sent with a kindly message. “The daffodils show his regard; the ferns, his sincerity; and the violets, his extreme modesty,” they said, with giggling laughter, betraying the tension of nerves still animating them. They were agog with expectation, and when told of the projected visit to the peerless gardens they entered into the arrangement with all the zest and abandon of curious girlhood. “From the roses on thy cheeks, I am justified in the inference that troops of good entities have guarded thy slumbers,” said Orondo, when the women came into the vestibule where he was awaiting them. “I can only hope that the same blessed oblivion has been thy portion,” responded Kerœcia. “Rahula, Ildiko and Alcamayn join us at the sun-dial, presently. They are intent upon a natal observance which, by thy leave we shall witness.” Palanquins were their mode of conveyance. “Alcyesta, Suravia and Mineola, look at the answer to our signals of last night,” exclaimed Kerœcia. “Oh! see the rose garlands on the obelisks, and the beautiful flowers everywhere!” As she said this, a delegation of school children strewed her pathway with wall-flowers. “Fidelity in adversity! How considerate and kind thou art!”