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The Story of Childe Charity.
107

and the moon shining through the shutterless window; but an hour before daybreak there came a glare of lights, and a sound of far-off bugles. The window opened, and in marched a troop of little men clothed in crimson and gold, and bearing every man a torch, till the room looked bright as day. They marched up with great reverence to the dog, where he lay on the straw, and the most richly clothed among them said—

“‘Royal prince, we have prepared the banquet hall. What will your highness please that we do next?’

“‘Ye have done well,’ said the dog. ‘Now prepare the feast, and see that all things be in our first fashion: for the princess and I mean to bring a stranger who never feasted in our halls before.’

“‘Your highness’s commands shall be obeyed,’ said the little man, making another reverence; and he and his company passed out of the window. By and by there was another glare of lights, and a sound like far-off flutes. The window opened, and there came in a company of little ladies clad in rose-coloured velvet, and carrying each a crystal lamp. They also walked with great reverence up to the dog, and the gayest among them said—

“‘Royal prince, we have prepared the tapestry. What will your highness please that we do next?’

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