When the ceremony was over, they returned in the same manner, and were treated with the same complimentary services: that the hearts of all might rejoice, the bride and bridegroom distributed money as they passed along.
The dinner far exceeded in sumptuousness all that imagination can conceive. In the different recesses of this noble apartment, artificial fountains were playing the most odoriferous waters. The most luxuriant fruit-trees, standing in vases of gold, invited the guests to pluck the delicious fruits they bore.
The sight that astonished Mrs. Blue Beard and her sister.
In the evening, the company were introduced to a ball room. But so resplendent was this saloon, that on entering it, the eye was subdued by its incomparable radiance.
Transparencies, executed by the most eminent painters, charmed the attentive mind on every side; and the intervening spaces were filled up with variegated lamps, all of which were hung upon the surface of reflecting glass; while from the centre of the ceiling, a chandelier, suspended by a chain of gold, diffused the splendor of five hundred wax-lights. Here, also, were fountains of aromatic waters, and groves of exotic fruit-trees.
In this apartment, which seemed to realize the fabled stories of enchantment, dancing, and every other description of amusement, was continued, until folding windows opened, as if of their own accord, and disclosed a covered path through the most delightful part of the gardens, to a room in which supper was prepared: this path was entirely illuminated by splendid lamps; and the most brilliant fireworks were unremittingly discharged by artists engaged for the purpose.
Blue Beard comes home.