What was Irene's surprise to see the loveliest room she had ever seen in her life! It was large and lofty, and dome-shaped.

From the centre hung a lamp as round as a ball, shining as if with the brightest moonlight, which made everything visible in the room, though not so clearly that the princess could tell what many of the things were.

A large oval bed stood in the middle, with a coverlid of rose colour, and velvet curtains all round it of a lovely pale blue.

The walls were also blue--spangled all over with what looked like stars of silver.
The old lady left her and, going to a strange-looking cabinet, opened it and took out a curious silver casket.

Then she sat down on a low chair and, calling Irene, made her kneel before her while she looked at her hand.