The Gnomes of the Saline Mountains: A Fantastic Narrative

s at the supper tables in the dining room, escorted by elegantly garbed gentlemen; some of them in full evening dress, others again in black cutaway. The clatter of knives and forks had alrea

tic successes, with frightful execution, as an introduction to the interes

dy alike, pale and haggard, with restless eyes, made his appearance in the borrowed clothes which hung loosely about his emaciated form, tossing back his long lock

oom was crowded and he had to go on, whether he wan

eyes. A shiver shook his emaciated frame, his face

tes before and Mr. Ogden entered with

he still wore some of the lilies in the marvelous golden hair, which was now fastened with a gold comb into a plain Greek knot. She was all aglow with excitement. The triumph o

glance of curiosity upon the famished face of the entertainer. Their eyes met-and for a few seconds sank into each others' like sharp daggers. A red ting

a great excitement was noticeable among all the guests sitting around the small tables. Several gentlemen had left their seats, rushed towards the place where the poor enterta

o behold. He murmured something about the gnomes that nobody could understand, staring with hatred in his

rmured once more, pressing his bloodless lips tightly toget

nighted intelligence and made him cry with terror and shame. The con

es, as if sudden madness had seized on him, and then tried to curse her, but not an

, ended his life's drama; his eyes cl

now what to do. Mr. Ogden was the first one who had presence

ng that someone might lift the veil and show the audience the ugliness of her real self. A feeling of restlessness rushed upon

man, asking what he could do for him. The poor man pointed to a letter in hi

f death began to close in upon him. The blood streamed out incessant