to come to them, and embarrassed by the new daylight, I wandered to
and fro in the labyrinths of that stony ant-heap until I chanced upon
a curtained doorway which admitted to a long chamber, high-roofed,
ample in proportions, with colonnades on either side separated from
the main aisle by rows of flowery figures and emblematic scroll-work,
meaning I knew not what. Above those pillars ran a gallery with many
windows looking out over the ruined city. While at the further end of
the chamber stood three broad steps leading to a dais. As I entered, the
whole place was full of bustling girls, their yellow garments like a bed
of flowers in the sunlight trickling through the casements, and all intent
on the spreading of a feast on long tables ranged up and down the hall.
The morning light streamed in on the white cloths. It glittered on the
glass and the gold they were putting on the trestles, and gave resplendent
depths of colour to the ribbon bands round the pillars. All were so busy
no one noticed me standing in the twilight by the door, but presently,
laying a hand on a worker's shoulder, I asked who they banqueted for,
and why such unwonted preparation?

"It is the marriage-feast tonight, stranger, and a marvel you did not
know it. You, too, are to be wed."

"I had not heard of it, damsel; a paternal forethought of your Government,
I suppose? Have you any idea who the lady is?"

"How should I know?" she answered laughingly. "That is the secret
of the urn. Meanwhile, we have set you a place at the table-head near
Princess Heru, and tonight you dip and have your chance like all of them;
may luck send you a rosy bride, and save her from Ar-hap."

"Ay, now I remember; An told me of this before; Ar-hap is the sovereign