horrible flies, centipedes, snails, and other noisome, slimy, and indescribable monstrosities that were crawling all about his body and feeding on his decaying features. The name of this fourth page was Death!

   'The King and Queen!' announced the pages.

   Pluto, during the night, had prepared Proserpine for the worst, and had endeavoured to persuade her that his love would ever compensate for all annoyances. She was in excellent spirits and in very good humour; therefore, though she could with difficulty stifle a scream when she recognised the Furies, she received the congratulations of the Parcæ with much cordiality.

   'I have the pleasure, Proserpine, of presenting you to my family,' said Pluto.

   'Who, I am sure, hope to make Hades agreeable to your Majesty,' rejoined Clotho. The Furies uttered a suppressed sound between a murmur and a growl.

   'I have ordered the chariot,' said Pluto. 'I propose to take the Queen a ride, and show her some of our lions.'

   'She will, I am sure, be delighted,' said Lachesis.

   'I long to see Ixion,' said Proserpine.

   'The wretch!' shrieked Tisiphone.

   'I cannot help thinking that he has been very unfairly treated,' said Proserpine.

   'What!' squeaked Megæra. 'The ravisher!'

   'Ay! it is all very well,' replied Proserpine; 'but, for my part, if we knew the truth of that affair——-'

   'Is it possible that your Majesty can speak in such a tone of levity of such an offender?' shrieked Tisiphone.

   'Is it possible?' moaned Alecto.

   'Ah! you have heard only one side of the question; but for my part, knowing as much of Juno as I do——-'

   'The Queen of Heaven!' observed Atropos, with an intimidating glance.

   'The Queen of Fiddlestick!' said Proserpine; 'as great a flirt as ever existed, with all her prudish looks.'

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