Page:Legends of Rubezahl, and Other Tales (1845).djvu/111

in the basket, giving them the forms of the young girls, her wonted attendants in the castle of her father. And as, after completing her court, two turnips still remained, she gave to one the figure of a cat, as soft, as flowing-haired, as caressing as ever came from far Angora, and fashioned the other into the prettiest little lap-dog, the most frisking, amusing little pet, that lady could desire. And now in possession of all she needed, she arranged her court, and appointed to her attendants their respective posts; and never was princess better served than she. All her wishes were anticipated, her slightest gesture or look was instantly understood. Several weeks passed on in undisturbed enjoyment. Dancing, singing, music, an ever varying round of entertainments succeeded each other in the harem of the Gnome. But after some time the Princess began to observe that the complexion of her attendants was gradually losing its brilliancy. The great mirror of the marble saloon first led her to observe that she alone continued as fresh and bright as a new-blown rose, while her beloved Brinhilda, and her other women, were more like faded flowers, nearly expiring from drought; yet they all assured her they were in perfect health. Assuredly it was not from want of living well that they looked thus pale and exhausted, for the table of the Gnome was set out with equal profusion and refinement. But not the less did the