Through the fire (5)

Through the fire (5)

" Shall I see the Princess ? " asked Jack eagerly.

" Most likely she’ll be in the palace garden. "

They stopped in front of the gate, and the fire-fairy told Jack he could go in.

It was the queerest palace and garden.

Jack now saw that what he had at first supposed to be precious stones were were nothing but different coloured fires, spouting out all  over the palace.

There was blue fire, and red fire, and green fire, and yellow fire, shining against the palace walls just like jewels.

At first Jack thought that the garden was full of beautiful flowers, but when he drew near he saw that they were fireworks in the forms of flowers. There was every sort of Catherine-wheel turning round as fast as possible, throwing offs parks; and every now and then a brilliant rocket went up into the air and fell in shining stars.

A group of ladies came slowly down the path. In there midst walked the Princess.
Her long, bright, golden hair fell almost to her feet.
Her face was very pale with a very sad expression.   

She wore a shining, flame-coloured dress with a long train, and one pale blue and silver Catherine-wheel fixed in her hair.

Jack, seeing her so unhappy, burst out;
" Oh, poor Princess ! "

(5/15)