.

THE PRINCESS.
Making a circuit of the castle, I came again to the open gates, crossed the ravine-like moat, and found myself in a paved court, planted at regular intervals with towering trees like poplars.

In the centre was one taller than the rest, whose branches, near the top, spread a little and gave it some resemblance to a palm.

Between their great stems I got glimpses of the palace, which was of a style strange to me, but suggested Indian origin.

It was long and low, with lofty towers at the corners, and one huge dome in the middle, rising from the roof to half the height of the towers.