"A word of command came from the lips of each mermaid, then a wild, spasmodic splash of the dolphins' tails, followed by a quick, forward motion of the boat, and they were away on their journey.
"They sped rapidly along, and the children could not help marvelling, as they sank into the soft-cushioned seats of the boat. Seeming to notice their appreciation of its beauty, the Queen said:
"'This barque, my darlings, though not nearly so large as the one on which the dolls from the village embarked, is much more swift, and is never used by anyone except myself and Santa Claus.'
"While she was speaking, the Island of Dreams came into full view. The ride was simply delightful. The dolphins lunged forward at such a rapid pace that a cool, soft breeze sprang up and fanned them. As they journeyed rapidly toward the island, they glanced up occasionally to admire its charming outlines.
"The entire shore of the island seemed lined with tall, weeping willow trees, the long arms of which, with longer tendrils, hung everywhere far down to the ground, as if they, too, had partaken of the drowsy influence of the place and were half asleep. Not a breath of air stirred across the broad island to disturb their slumbering repose.
"As they drew near the shore, the children noticed that the surface of the lake was covered with broad leaves of water-lilies, that grew upward from deep down in the tide and held their yellow and white blossoms aloft to be admired. These water-lilies were so plentiful, that the dolphins had some difficulty in working the boat through them to the shore.
"Arthur and his sister sat very still. They were watching the graceful motions of the two laboring dolphins, when suddenly the very Heavens seemed to open far above them, and a bright light overspread the entire surface of the lake. Instantly the dolphins ceased from their labor. The sound of rushing wings seemed to come from high in the air; and, looking upward, they were amazed to behold the open sky filled with sweet-voiced angels, who, as they came down from Heaven on fluttering pinions, sang to the delighted children the following song of welcome.
"Looking upward they were amazed to behold the open sky filled with sweet-voiced angels."
THE ISLAND OF DREAMS.