202 THE MAMMOTH CAVE. 



After passing the Register Room, the ceiling 

 gradually 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 tlie 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 



