'Beloved of my heart, I have given up everything for you! I do not repent, but I am thinking of my mother.'

   'Time will pacify the Lady Ceres. What is done cannot be undone. In the winter, when a residence among us is even desirable, I should not be surprised were she to pay us a visit.'

   'Her prejudices are so strong,' murmured the bride. 'Oh my Pluto! I hope your family will be kind to me.'

   'Who could be unkind to Proserpine? Ours is a very domestic circle. I can assure you that everything is so well ordered among us that I have no recollection of a domestic broil.'

   'But marriage is such a revolution in a bachelor's establishment,' replied Proserpine, despondingly. 'To tell the truth, too, I am half frightened at the thought of the Furies. I have heard that their tempers are so violent.'

   'They mean well; their feelings are strong, but their hearts are in the right place. I flatter myself you will like my nieces, the Parcæ. They are accomplished, and favourites among the men.'

   'Indeed!'

   'Oh! quite irresistible.'

   'My heart misgives me. I wish you had at least paid them the compliment of apprising them of our marriage.'

   'Cheer up. For myself, I have none but pleasant anticipations. I long to be at home once more by my own fireside, and patting my faithful Cerberus.'

   'I think I shall like Cerberus; I am fond of dogs.'

   'I am sure you will. He is the most faithful creature in the world.'

   'Is he very fierce?'

   'Not if he takes a fancy to you; and who can help taking a fancy to Proserpine?'

   'Ah! my Pluto, you are in love.'

   'Is this Hades?' inquired Proserpine.

   An avenue of colossal bulls, sculptured in basalt and breathing living flame, led to gates of brass, adorned with friezes of rubies, representing the wars and discomfiture of the Titans. A crimson cloud concealed the height of the immense portals, and on either side hovered o'er the extending walls of the city; a watch-tower or a battlement occasionally flashing forth, and forcing their 

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