As soon as she came to the island all pain and misery vanished from it. Joy reigned. Banquets were held, songs were sung, gay dances were danced. It was as if every day were a feast day.
Time passed. Many changes came to the island, but Euphemia herself remained always young, always beautiful.
One day two priests from the outside world visited the island. They saw the magnificent palaces, the beautiful gardens. Two tame lions followed them about. They were as gentle as if they had been dogs.
"We are in the celestial regions," said one priest to the other.
"Let us stay here forever," said the other priest. "It is indeed the Paradise of which we have dreamed."
The two priests had come in a tiny launch from a large boat.
"We should return and tell our friends about this celestial region," they agreed. "To-morrow we will all explore this wonderful country."
It was almost dark when the two priests reached their ship by the little launch. They reported all the things they had heard and seen in the new land.
The next morning, however, the island had entirely disappeared. The water stretched before their gaze with an unbroken rippling blue surface.
"What has become of our beautiful island," the good priests asked in amazement.