202 THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 
After passing the Register Room, the ceiling 
eradually becomes broken and rugged, studded 
here and there with unfinished stalactites. 
The next point of interest reached is the 
Gothic Chapel. This is a large room, the 
ceiling of which appears to be supported by 
gigantic stalactites, which extend to the floor. 
These stony icicles become large enough to form 
ribbed pillars and fair Gothic arches. When a 
number of lamps are hung upon these columns, 
this room presents a beautiful appearance. 
We are informed that a romantic marriage 
once took place in this chapel, which family in- 
terference prevented occurring on the earth. It 
is said that the fair lady, whose lover was op- 
posed by her parents, in a rash moment prom- 
ised them that she would never marry her be- 
trothed on the face of the earth. Afterward, 
repenting her promise, but being unable to re- 
tract, and unwilling to violate it, she fulfilled her 
vow to her parents, as well'as to her lover, by 
marrying him under the earth. This is but an- 
other illustration of the proverbially ingenious 
management of woman. 
Two of the stalactites in this chapel are called 
the Pillars of Hercules, which are said to be 
thirty feet in circumference; and we are told 
