“Have patience.” replied the Sage.  “The light and the music come from the planet Venus.  Thither I am directing our course.  In a few moments we shall arrive.”

Even as he spoke the light grew brighter, the music of the invisible choir swelled to a louder strain, and before the King of the Hours had time to express his rapture, the pair had alighted in a scene of veritable enchantment.  Fairy-like structures of crystal, sparkling with all the hues of the rainbow, rose on every side.  Spires and domes of the most fantastic but graceful design seemed to soar into the clear and perfect air.  All were bathed in a rosy glow, the source of which was hidden.  Spacious walks paved with huge blocks of opal divided the rows of palaces.  Along them grew tall and slender trees of a curious and delicate foliage.  Birds of Paradise, King Fishers and doves flitted from branch to branch.  The broadest of these avenues ended in a sweeping flight of steps of alabaster which led to a vast and perfectly proportioned hall, the roof of which was supported on columns of pure jewels, diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds.

A throng of maidens, in classical attire and wearing wreaths of roses on their heads, made their way along this avenue to where Mr. Punch and his companion were standing.  Their leader, a fair and lovely girl of seventeen, advanced to the Wise One and addressed him.

“Sire,” she sang in a low and gracious voice, “Our Queen has sent me to say that she waits for your coming.  She holds her Court in yonder hall, and thither I am bidden to guide you.  Is it your pleasure to come at once?”

Mr. Punch signified his assent, the maiden took him by the hand, and beckoning to Father TIME to follow, they walked slowly towards the Royal Hall and mounted the steps.  A double gate of wrought gold opened as they reached the top, and passing through it, they found themselves in the Court of Queen CALLISTA.  A marvellous sight met their eyes.  The Queen sat on a raised throne in the midst of a throng of attendants.  She was of surpassing beauty.  Her deep-blue eyes were set like jewels beneath a broad low forehead on which a light crown of pearls and diamonds rested.  Her garments were of a soft gauzy material that half concealed and half revealed the beautiful lines of her bust and limbs.  In one hand she held a spray of myrtle, the other rested lovingly on the head of the magnificent hound who sat beside her, looking trustfully into her face.  The great hall was filled with beautiful women grouped together here and there, some seated and some standing.  They were all talking.  Suddenly the Queen raised her hand and commanded silence.  She then rose and thus addressed the two visitors:—­

“You have come from below to the Realm of Women.  Here we abide as you behold us.  Age and decay hold aloof from us, and we order our lives with wisdom and modesty.  Speak, if you have aught to ask.”