IN BRIEF AUTHORITY

 BY F. ANSTEY

AUTHOR OF "VICE VERSÂ, " "A FALLEN IDOL, " "THE PARIAH, " "THE GIANT'SROBE, " "LYRE AND LANCET, " "THE BRASS BOTTLE, " "THE TALKING HORSE ANDOTHER TALES, " "SALTED ALMONDS, " ETC. 

LONDONSMITH, ELDER & CO. , 15 WATERLOO PLACE1915

[All rights reserved]

Printed by BALLANTYNE, HANSON & CO. At the Ballantyne Press, Edinburgh

ToPeggy

AUTHOR'S NOTE

It may be as well to mention here that the whole of this book wasplanned, and at least three-fourths of it actually written, in thosehappy days, which now seem so pathetically distant, when we were stillat peace--days when, to all but a very few, so hideous a calamity as aWorld-War seemed a danger that had passed for the present, and mightnever recur; when even those few could hardly have foreseen that Englandwould be so soon compelled to fight for her very existence against themost efficient and deadly foe it has ever been her lot to encounter. 

But, as the central idea of this story happens to be inseparablyconnected with certain characters and incidents of German origin, I haveleft them unaltered--partly because it would have been difficult, if notimpossible, to substitute any others, but mainly because I cannot bringmyself to believe that the nursery friends of our youth could ever beregarded as enemies. 

F. ANSTEY. 

_September 1915. _

CONTENTS

I. "THE SKIRTS OF HAPPY CHANCE"

II. RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS

III. FINE FEATHERS

IV. CROWNED HEADS

V. DIGNITY UNDER DIFFICULTIES

VI. CARES OF STATE

VII. A GAME THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND

VIII. "A STEED THAT KNOWS HIS RIDER"

IX. THE PLEASURES OF THE TABLE

X. THE BLONDE BEAST

XI. A WAY OUT

XII. UNWELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS

XIII. WHAT THE PIGEON SAID

XIV. BAG AND BAGGAGE

XV. "RIVEN WITH VAIN ENDEAVOUR"

XVI. "A CLOUD THAT'S DRAGONISH"

XVII. THE REWARD OF VALOUR

XVIII. A PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENT

XIX. SERVANTS OF THE QUEEN

XX. AT THE END OF HER TETHER

XXI. "WHOSE LIGHTS ARE FLED, WHOSE GARLANDS DEAD"

XXII. SQUARING ACCOUNTS

EPILOGUE

IN BRIEF AUTHORITY

CHAPTER I

"THE SKIRTS OF HAPPY CHANCE"

On a certain afternoon in March Mrs. Sidney Stimpson (or rather Mrs. Sidney Wibberley-Stimpson, as a recent legacy from a distant relativehad provided her with an excuse for styling herself) was sitting alonein her drawing-room at "Inglegarth, " Gablehurst. 

"Inglegarth" was the name she had chosen for the house on coming to livethere some years before. What it exactly meant she could not haveexplained, but it sounded distinguished and out of the common, withoutbeing reprehensibly eccentric. Hence the choice. 

Some one, she was aware, had just entered the carriage-drive, and afterhaving rung, was now standing under the white "Queen Anne" porch;Mitchell, the rosy-cheeked and still half-trained parlour-maid, wasaudible in the act of "answering the door. "

It being neither a First nor a Third Friday, Mrs. Stimpson was not, strictly speaking, "at home" except to very intimate friends, though shemade a point of being always presentable enough to see any afternooncaller. On this occasion she was engaged in no more absorbing occupationthan the study of one of the less expensive Society journals, and, having already read all that was of real interest in its columns, shewas inclined to welcome a distraction. 

"If you please, m'm, " said Mitchell, entering, "there's a lady wishes toknow if she could see you for a minute or two. "

"Did you ask her to state her business, Mitchell?. .. No? Then you shouldhave. Called for a subscription to something, I expect. Tell her I amparticularly engaged. I suppose she didn't give any name?"

"Oh yes, m'm. She give her name--Lady 'Arriet Elmslie, it was. "

"Then why on earth didn't you say so before, " cried the justlyexasperated Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "instead of leaving her ladyship onthe door-mat all this time? Really, Mitchell, you are _too_ trying! Goand show her in at once--and be careful to say 'my lady. ' And bring uptea for two as soon as you can--the _silver_ tea-pot, mind!"

It might have been inferred from her manner that she and Lady Harrietwere on terms of closest friendship, but this was not exactly the case. Mrs. Stimpson had indeed known her for a considerable time, but only bysight, and she had long ceased to consider a visit from Lady Harriet aseven a possible event. Now it had actually happened, and, providentially, on an afternoon when Mitchell's cap and apron could defyinspection. But if it was the first time that an Earl's daughter hadcrossed Mrs. Stimpson's threshold, she was not at all the woman to allowthe fact to deprive her of her self-possession. 

A title had no terror for _her_. Before her marriage, when she was MissSelina Prinsley, she had acted as hostess for her father, the greatfinancier and company promoter, who had entertained lavishly up to thedate of his third and final failure. Her circle then had included manywho could boast of knighthoods, and even baronetcies!

And, though Lady Harriet was something of a personage at Gablehurst, andconfined her acquaintance to her own particular set, there was nothingformidable or even imposing in her appearance. She was the widow of aColonel Elmslie, and apparently left with only moderate means, judgingfrom the almost poky house on the farther side of the Common, which sheshared with an unmarried female cousin of about her own age. 

So, when she was shown in, looking quite ordinary, and even a littleshy, Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson rose to receive her with perfect ease, being supported by the consciousness that she was by far the morehandsomely dressed of the two. In fact her greeting was so gracious asto be rather overpowering. 

"Interrupting me? Not in the very _least_, dear Lady Harriet! Only toodelighted, I'm sure!. .. Now _do_ take off your boa, and come nearer thefire. You'll find this _quite_ a comfy chair, I think. Tea will bebrought in presently. .. . Oh, you really _must_, after trapesing all thatway across the Common. I can't _tell_ you how pleased I am to see you. I've so often wished to make your acquaintance, but I couldn't take thefirst step, could I? _So_ nice of you to break the ice!"

Lady Harriet submitted to these rather effusive attentions resignedlyenough. She could hardly interrupt her hostess's flow of conversationwithout rudeness, while she had already begun to suspect that Mrs. Stimpson might form an entertaining study. 

But her chief reason, after all, was that the prospect of tea had itsattractions. Accordingly she attempted no further explanations of hervisit just then, and was content to observe Mrs. Stimpson, while sherippled on complacently. 

She saw a matron who might be about fifty, with abundant pale auburnhair, piled up, and framing her face in a sort of half aureole. The eyeswere small and hazel green; the nose narrow and pointed, the wide, full-lipped mouth, which wore just then a lusciously ingratiating smile, showed white but prominent teeth. The complexion was of a uniformoatmealy tint, and, though Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson was neither tall norslim, she seemed to have taken some pains to preserve a waist. 

"Most fortunate I happened to be at home, " she was saying. "And if youhad called on one of my _regular_ days, I shouldn't have had the chanceof a _real_ talk with you. As it is, we shall be quite _tęte-ā-tęte_. .. . Ah, here _is_ tea--you must tell me if you like it weak, dear LadyHarriet, and I shall remember the _next_ time you come. Yes, you find meall alone this afternoon. My eldest daughter, Edna, has gone to alecture at her Mutual Improvement Society, on a German Philosophercalled Nitchy, or some such name. She's so bookish and well-read, takessuch an interest in all the latest movements--runs up to town for_matinées_ of intellectual dramas--_quite_ the modern type of girl. Butnot a blue-stocking--she's joined a Tango Class lately, and dances mostbeautifully, I'm told--just the figure for it. We got up a littleCostume Ball here this winter--perhaps you may have heard of it?--Ah, well, my Edna was generally admitted to be the _belle_ of the evening. Aperfect Juliet, everybody said. I went as her mother--Lady Capulet, youknow. I _did_ think of going as Queen Elizabeth at one time. I've sooften been told that if I ever went to a Fancy Dress Ball, I ought to goas her--or at all events as _one_ of our English Queens. But, however, Ididn't. Mr. Stimpson went as a Venetian Doge, but I do _not_ considermyself that it was at all suitable to him. "

She did not say all this without a motive. She knew that a localHistorical Pageant was being arranged for the coming Summer, and thatLady Harriet was on the Committee. Also she had heard that, afterrehearsals had begun, some of the principal performers had resignedtheir parts, and the Committee had some difficulty in findingsubstitutes. 

It had struck her as not at all unlikely that her visitor had calledwith a view to ascertaining whether the services of any of the Stimpsonhousehold would be available. If she had, it was, of course verygratifying. If she had merely come in a neighbourly way, there was noharm in directing her attention to the family qualifications for aPageant performance. 

Her hearer, without betraying any sign of the mirth she inwardly felt, meekly agreed that Mrs. Stimpson was undoubtedly well fitted toimpersonate a Queen, and that the costume of a Venetian Doge was rathera trying one, after which her hostess proceeded: "Perhaps you are right, dear Lady Harriet, but the worst of it was that my boy Clarence, whowould have made such a handsome Romeo, insisted on going as a _Pierrot_!Very likely you have seen Clarence?. .. Oh, you would certainly havenoticed him if you had--always so well turned out. He's got quite a goodpost as Secretary to an Insurance Co. , in the City: they think sohighly of him there--take his advice on everything--in fact, hepractically _is_ the Company! And only twenty-two! It's _such_ a relief, because there _was_ a time when it really seemed as if he'd never settledown to any regular work. Nothing would induce him to enter my husband'sbusiness--for I must tell you, Lady Harriet, we _are_ in business. Sauces, pickles, condiments of every sort and description--_wholesale_, you know, _not_ retail, so I hope you aren't _too_ dreadfully shocked!"

Lady Harriet remarked that she saw nothing to be shocked at--several ofher relations and friends were in business of various kinds, which gaveMrs. Wibberley-Stimpson the opening she required. "Society has changedits views so _much_ lately, has it not?" she said. "Why, the youngestpartner in Mr. Wibberley-Stimpson's firm is a younger son of the Earl ofFallowfields--Mr. Chervil Thistleton, and an Honourable, of _course_! Idaresay you are acquainted with him?. .. Not? Quite a charming youngman--married a Miss Succory, a connection of the Restharrows, and such asweet girl! You may have met her?. .. Oh, I thought--but I really hardlyknow her _myself_ yet, " (which was Mrs. Stimpson's method of disguisingthe fact that she had never met either of them in her life). "When hecame into the warehouse he was perfectly amazed at the immense varietyin pickles and sauces--it was quite a revelation to him. Only he can't_touch_ pickles of any kind, which is a pity, because it prevents himfrom taking the interest he might in the business. .. . Just _one_ ofthese hot cakes, dear Lady Harriet--you're making such a wretchedtea!. .. I should like you to see my youngest child, Ruby. She's gone outto tea with some little friends of hers, but she may be back before yougo. So much admired--such lovely colouring! But just a _little_difficult to manage. Governess after governess have I had, and none ofthem could do anything with her. My present one, however, she seems tohave taken to. Miss Heritage, her name is--at least she was adopted as ababy by a rich widow of that name, and brought up in every luxury. ButMrs. Heritage died without making a will, and it seems she'd muddledaway most of her money, and there were claims on what she left, so thepoor girl had to turn out, and earn her own living. Such a sad littlestory, is it not? I felt it was really a charity to engage her. I'm notsure that I can keep her much longer, though. She's far too good-lookingfor a governess, and there's always a danger with a marriageable youngman in the house, but fortunately Clarence has too much sense andprinciple to marry out of his own rank. I do think that's _such_ amistake, don't you, dear Lady Harriet? Look at the Duke of Mountravail'sheir, the young Marquis of Muscombe--married only last month at aregistry office to a girl who was in the chorus at the Vivacity! I hearshe comes of quite a respectable family, and all that, " admitted Mrs. Stimpson, who derived her information from her Society journals. "Butstill, can you _wonder_ at the poor Duke and Duchess being upset by it?I've no doubt you are constantly coming across similar instances inSmart Society. "

Lady Harriet disclaimed all acquaintanceship with Smart Society, whichMrs. Stimpson protested she could not believe. "I am sure you have the_entrée_ into _any_ set, Lady Harriet, even the smartest! Which remindsme. _Have_ you heard anything more about that mysterious disappearanceof the Dowager Duchess of Gleneagle's diamonds during her journey fromthe North last week? A tiara, _and_ a dog-collar, I was told. Professional thieves, I suppose, but don't you think the Duchess'smaid?--Oh, _really_? I made _sure_ you would be a friend of theDuchess's--but, of course, Society is so much larger than it used tobe!"

"You are a far better authority than I can pretend to be about it, " LadyHarriet owned smilingly; "and really you've given me so much interestinginformation that I had nearly forgotten what I came to see you about. It's--well, I wanted to ask----"

"I think I can _guess_, Lady Harriet, " put in Mrs. Stimpson, as hervisitor paused for a second. "I've heard of your difficulties aboutgetting players for the Pageant, and I'm sure I, and indeed _all_ thefamily, would feel only too honoured. "

"It's most kind of you, " Lady Harriet interrupted, rising, "but--butthat isn't why I've troubled you. It's only that I'm thinking ofengaging Jane Saunders as house-parlourmaid, and she tells me she was inyour service, so I called to ask about her character, don't you know. "

For a moment Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson wished she had been lessprecipitate, but she soon recognised that no real harm had been done. "Saunders?" she said, "yes, she left me last month. Do sit down again, dear Lady Harriet, and I'll give you all the information I possibly can. Well, when that girl first came, she had everything to learn. It wasquite evident she'd never been in service before with gentlefolks. Actually brought in letters in her _fingers_, Lady Harriet, and knockedat sitting-room doors! And _no_ notion of cleaning silver, and I like tosee mine come up to table without a speck! However, after being with mefor a while, she improved, and I can conscientiously say that she becamequite competent in time. That is, for a household like _ours_, you know, where things are done in quite an unpretentious style. "

"I don't think we are at all pretentious people either, " said LadyHarriet, rising once more. "And now, Mrs. Stimpson, you have told me allI wanted to know, so I must tear myself away. "

"Must you _really_ be going? Well, Lady Harriet, I've _so_ much enjoyedour little chat. There are so few persons in a semi-suburbanneighbourhood like this, with whom one can have anything in common. So Ishall hope to see more of you in future. And if, " she added, afterringing for Mitchell, "I _should_ find I've forgotten anything I oughtto have told you about Saunders, I can easily pop in some morning. " LadyHarriet hastened to assure her that she must not think of giving herselfthis trouble--after which she took her leave. 

"Rather an amusing experience in its way, " she was thinking. "Somethingto tell Joan when I get back. But oh! _what_ an appalling woman! She'ssettled _one_ thing, though. It will be quite impossible to take JaneSaunders _now_. A pity--because I rather liked the girl's looks!"

Meanwhile the happily unconscious Mrs. Stimpson had settled down in herchair again with the conviction that she had made a distinctlyfavourable impression. She allowed her eyes to wander complacently roundthe room, which, with its big bay window looking on the semi-circulargravel sweep, and its glazed door by the fireplace leading through asmall conservatory, gay with begonias, asters, and petunias to thegarden beyond, was not merely large, by Gablehurst standards, butundeniably pleasant. She regarded its various features--the whitechimney-piece and over-mantel with Adam decorations in _Cartonpierre_, the silk fire-screen printed with Japanese photographs, thecottage-grand, on which stood a tall trumpet vase filled with branchesof imitation peach blossom, the _étagčres_ ("Louis Quinze style")containing china which could not be told from genuine Dresden at adistance, the gaily patterned chintz on the couches and chairs, thewater-colour sketches of Venice, and coloured terra-cotta plaquesembossed on high relief with views of the Forum and St. Peter's at Romeon the walls, and numerous "nick-nacks"--an alabaster model of theLeaning Tower of Pisa, a wood carving of the Lion of Lucerne, and groupsof bears from Berne--all of which were not only souvenirs of herwedding-journey, but witnesses to Continental travel and generalculture. 

She could see nothing that was not in the most correct taste, as LadyHarriet must have observed for herself, together with the hammeredcopper gong, the oak chest, and the china bowl for cards in the hall. Strange that Saunders should have been the humble means of bringingabout so unexpected a meeting, but Providence chose its own instruments, and now the seed was sown, Mrs. Stimpson felt she could rely on herselffor the harvest. 

And so she took up the latest number of _The Upper Circle_, and read, tothe accompaniment of alternate duologues and soliloquies by thrushes andblackbirds in the garden, until gradually she drifted into a blissfuldream of being at a garden-party at Lady Harriet's and entreated, notmerely by her hostess, but Royalty itself, to accept the _rôle_ ofQueen at the County Pageant!

She was in the act of doing this gracefully, when the vision wasabruptly ended by the entrance of her elder daughter. Edna was by nomeans bad-looking, in spite of her light eyelashes and eyebrows, and thefact that the _pince-nez_ she wore compressed her small nose in anunbecoming ridge. Her eyes were larger than her mother's, though of thesame colour, and her hair was of a deeper shade of auburn. Her costumewas of a kind that may be described as the floppily artistic. 

"I never heard you come in, my dear, " said her mother. "Did you enjoyyour lecture?"

"Quite; I took pages and pages of notes. Nietzsche's _Gospel of theSuperman_ is certainly most striking. "

"And _what_ is his Gospel exactly?"

"Oh, well, he teaches that the ideal man ought to rise superior toconventional prejudices, and have the courage to do as he thinks rightwithout deferring to ordinary ideas. To be strong in willing what hewants--all that sort of thing, you know. "

"Dear me!" said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson dubiously. "But, if everybodyacted like that, would it be quite--er--nice?"

"There's no fear of any of the men in Gablehurst being Supermen, at allevents!" said Edna. "They're all perfect slaves to convention! But thelecturer explained the Nietzschean theories in such a way that he madeus feel there was a great deal to be said for them. .. . No tea, thanks. Ihad mine at the Fletchers. It looks, " she added, with a glance at thetea-cups, "as if you had been entertaining some one, Mother--who wasit?"

"Only Lady Harriet, " replied Mrs. Stimpson, with elaborate carelessness. 

"_What_ Lady Harriet?" was the intentionally provoking query. 

"Really, Edna, one would think there were dozens of them! _The_ LadyHarriet: Lady Harriet Elmslie, of course. "

"Oh, " said Edna. "And what did _she_ want?"

"Well, she _came_ to ask after Saunders' character, but she stayed totea, and we really struck up quite an intimate friendship, discussingone thing and another. She's so quiet and unassuming, Edna--absolutelyno _hauteur_. I'm sure you will like her. I told her about you all, andshe seemed _so_ interested. Quite between ourselves, I shouldn't be atall surprised if she got us invited to take part in the Pageant--she'son the Committee, you know. "

"If I _was_ invited, Mother, I'm not at all sure I shouldn't refuse. "

"You must please yourself about that, my dear, " said Mrs. Stimpson, who, perhaps, felt but little anxiety as to the result. "_I_ shall certainlyaccept if the part is at all suitable. "

She might have said more, if Ruby had not suddenly burst into the room. Ruby was certainly the flower of the family--an extremely engaging youngperson of about ten, whose mischievous golden-brown eyes had long andcurling lashes, and whose vivacious face was set off by a thick mane ofdeepest Titian red. 

"Oh, Mummy, " she announced breathlessly, "I've got invitations fornearly all my animals while we're away at Eastbourne! Mucius Scævola'sthe most popular--everybody asked him, but I think he'll feel _most_ athome with Daisy Williams. Vivian and Ada Porter will simply love tohave Numa Pompilius, but nobody seems to want Tarquinius Superbus, so Ishall turn him out in the garden, and he must catch worms for himself. "

"Dearest child, " said her mother, "what are these new animals of yourswith the extraordinary names?"

"They're the same old animals, Mums. I've rechristened them since Ibegan Roman History with Miss Heritage. Mucius Scævola's the Salamander, because they're indifferent to fire, like he was--though Miss Heritagesays it wouldn't be kind to try with Mucius. Numa Pompilius is theBlind-worm--he used to be Kaa--and the Toad has changed from Nobbles toTarquinius Superbus. "

"I can't understand how you can keep such unpleasant pets as reptiles, "said Edna. 

"Because I like them, " said Ruby simply. "And Bobby Williams haspromised, as soon as it gets warmer, to come out on the Common with meand catch lizards. _Won't_ it be lovely?"

"I hope you won't put one of them down anybody's neck, then, as you didto Tommy Fletcher. "

"That was Mucius, " Ruby admitted cheerfully. "But I didn't mean him togo so far down. And he was very good--he didn't bite Tommy anywhere. "

"Little ladies don't play such tricks, " said her Mother. "I hope MissHeritage doesn't encourage your liking for these horrid creatures?"

"Oh, she doesn't mind, so long as I don't take them out of the aquarium, but she hates touching them herself. "

"Did she come in with you?" her mother inquired, and was told that MissHeritage had done so, and had gone upstairs, whereupon Ruby was orderedto go and take off her things, and stay quietly in the schoolroom tillit was time to come down. 

"I don't know if you noticed it, Mother, " Edna began, as soon as Rubyhad consented to leave them, "but Miss Heritage had a letter by theafternoon post which seemed to upset her. I went rather out of my way toask her if she had had bad news of any kind, but she did not thinkproper to take me into her confidence. Perhaps she might be more openwith _you_. "

"My dear, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, with much dignity, "I take nointerest whatever in Miss Heritage's private correspondence. "

"Nor I, " declared Edna. "I only thought that if she is in anytrouble--She's so secretive, you know, Mums. I've tried more than onceto get her to tell me what cosmetic she uses for her hands--and shenever will own to using any at all!"

"I'm sure, Edna, you've no reason to be ashamed of your hands. "

"Oh, they look all right just now, " said Edna, examining themdispassionately. "But they _will_ turn lobster colour at the mostinconvenient times. Hers never do--and it _does_ seem so unfair, considering--" She broke off here, as Daphne Heritage entered. 

"Well, Miss Heritage?" said Mrs. Stimpson, as the girl hesitated onseeing Edna. "Did you wish to speak to me?"

"I did rather want your advice about something, " said Daphne, who had apaper, and a small leather case in her hands; "I thought I might findyou alone. It doesn't matter--it will do quite well another time. "

"Don't let _me_ prevent you, Miss Heritage, " said Edna. "If you don'twish to speak to Mother before me, I've no desire to remain. I was justgoing up to change in any case. "

She went out with a slightly huffy air, which was not entirely due tobaffled curiosity, for she admired Daphne enough to resent being quietlykept at a distance. 

"It's about this, " explained Daphne, after Edna had made her exit--"abill that has just been sent on to me. " She gave the paper to Mrs. Stimpson as she spoke. "I don't know quite what to do about it. "

She looked very young and inexperienced as she stood there, a slimgirlish figure with masses of burnished hair the colour of ripe corn, braided and coiled as closely as possible round her small head, butthere was no trace of timidity or subservience in her manner. In theslight form, with the milk-white skin, delicate profile and exquisitehands, there was a distinction that struck her employer as quiteabsurdly out of keeping with her position. 

"The only thing to do about a bill, my dear, " said Mrs. Stimpson, "is topay it. But nearly thirty pounds is a large sum for you to owe yourmilliner. "

"It's for things Mother--my adopted mother, you know--ordered for me. Stéphanie was always told to send in the account to her. But this seemsto have been overlooked, and the executors have sent it on to me. Only Ican't pay it myself--unless you wouldn't mind advancing me the money outof my salary. "

"I couldn't possibly. You forget that it would represent over a year'ssalary, and it's by no means certain that you will be with me so long. "

"I was afraid you wouldn't, " said Daphne, with a little droop at thecorners of her extremely pretty mouth. "So I brought this to show you. "She held out the leather case. "It's the only jewellery I've got. Itbelonged to my father, I believe; he and my real mother both died when Iwas a baby, you know--and I never meant to part with it. But now I'mafraid I must--that is, if you think any jeweller would give as much asthirty pounds for it. "

Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson opened the case, which was much more modern thanthe kind of badge or pendant it contained. This was a fairly large ovalstone of a milky green, deeply engraved with strangely formed lettersinterlaced in a cypher, and surrounded by a border of dark blue gemswhich Mrs. Stimpson decided instantly must be Cabochon star sapphires ofquite exceptional quality. The gold chain attached to it was antique andof fine and curious workmanship. 

She was convinced that the pendant must be worth considerably more thanthirty pounds, though she was no doubt right in telling Daphne that nojeweller would offer so much for an ornament that was quite out offashion. "Besides, " she said, "I don't like the idea of any governess ofmine going about offering jewellery for sale. Have Edna or Ruby seen youwearing this thing?" she asked with apparent irrelevance. 

It appeared they had not; Daphne had never worn it herself, and she hadonly remembered its existence that afternoon, and found it hidden awayat the back of her wardrobe. 

"Well, " said Mrs. Stimpson, "it is most unpleasant to me to see a younggirl like you owing all this money to her milliner. "

"It isn't very pleasant for _me_, " said Daphne ruefully; "but if youwon't advance the money, and I can't or mustn't sell the pendant, Idon't very well see how I can help it. "

"I'll tell you what I'll do, " said Mrs. Stimpson. "I really _oughtn't_to--and under ordinary circumstances I couldn't afford it, but, as ithappens, a great-uncle of mine left me a small legacy not long ago, andI haven't spent quite all of it yet. So I don't mind buying this forthirty pounds myself. "

"Will you really?" cried Daphne. "How angelic of you!"

"I think it is, " said Mrs. Stimpson; "but I feel myself responsible foryou, to some extent. So I'll write you a cheque for the thirty pounds, and you can send it off to this milliner person at once. " She went tothe writing-table and filled up the cheque. "There, " she said, handingit to Daphne, "put it in an envelope and direct it at once--you'll finda stamp in that box, and it can go by the next post. "

"By the way, my dear, " she added, as she was leaving the room, "Ineedn't tell you that _I_ shall not breathe a word to a soul of ourlittle transaction, and I should advise you, in your own interests, tokeep it entirely to yourself. "

"I was quite wrong about Mrs. Stimpson, " Daphne told herselfreproachfully, after she had slipped the letter containing bill andcheque into the letter-box in the hall. "She _can_ be kind sometimes, and I've been a little beast to see only the comic side of her! Idaresay she won't even _wear_ that pendant. "

But Mrs. Stimpson had every intention of wearing it that same evening. It is not often that one has the opportunity of doing a kindness andsecuring a real bargain at a single stroke; and she knew enough aboutjewels to be fully aware that, if the ornament was a trifleold-fashioned, she had not done at all badly over her purchase. 

"It really suits me very well, " she thought, as, after putting the lasttouches to her evening demi-toilette, she fastened the pendant round herneck. "Even better than I expected. It was lucky Miss Heritage came to_me_. A jeweller would have been sure to cheat her, poor child!"

And she went down to the drawing-room feeling serenely satisfied withherself. 

CHAPTER II

RUSHING TO CONCLUSIONS

Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she sat in the drawing-room, where thecurtains had been drawn and the lamps lighted, was occupied with aproject which she was anxious to impart to her husband as soon as hereturned. Some time before a dull rumble from the valley had informedher that his usual train was approaching Gablehurst station, and now sheheard the click of the front gate, the crunch of his well-known step onthe gravel, and the opening of the hall door. 

"I want to speak to you for a moment, Sidney, " she said, opening thedrawing-room door. "Come in here before you go up to dress. " (Mrs. Stimpson insisted on his dressing for dinner. It was customary in allreally good society, and also it would prevent him from feeling awkwardin evening clothes--which it never did. )

"Very well, my dear, " he said, entering. "Any news with you?" which washis invariable question. 

Mr. Stimpson was short and inclined to be stout. What remained of hishair was auburn and separated in the middle by a wide parting; he hadclose-cut whiskers of a lighter red, which met in his moustache, and ifhis eyes had been narrow, instead of round and filmy like a seal's, andhis mouth had been firm, and not loose and slightly open, he would nothave been at all a bad caricature of his Majesty King Henry the Eighth. 

"Nothing--except, but I'll tell you about that afterwards. Sit down, do, and don't fidget. .. . Well, I've been thinking, Sidney, that we reallyought to ask the Chevril Thistletons to a quiet little dinner. Not tomeet any of our _usual_ set, of course! We could have the dear Rector, who, if he _is_ Low Church, is very well connected--and Lady HarrietElmslie. "

Mr. Stimpson showed no enthusiasm at the suggestion. "Lady Elmslie, Selina!" he cried. "But we don't _know_ her ladyship!"

"I do wish you would learn to use titles correctly, Sidney! Lady_Harriet_ Elmslie--not Lady _Elmslie_! And you shouldn't speak of her, except to servants, as 'her ladyship'; that's only done by inferiors. "

"Well, my love, whatever may be the correct way of speaking of her, thefact remains that we haven't the honour of her acquaintance. "

"That's just where you're mistaken! We _have_, or at least _I_ have;"and she described how she had come to enjoy that privilege. 

"Well, " he admitted at the conclusion, "she certainly seems to have madeherself exceedingly affable, but it doesn't follow that she'd come anddine, even if we asked her. "

"She would if it was to meet the Thistletons. "

"Perhaps so, my love, but--er--we don't know that _they_ would come. "

"Of course they would, if they knew we were expecting Lady Harriet. Forgoodness' sake, Sidney, don't swing your foot like that--you know Ican't bear it. All _you_ have to do is to find out from Mr. Thistletonwhat evenings the week after next would be most convenient, and _I'll_undertake the rest!"

"I--I really couldn't do that, Selina. I'm a proud man, in my way, and Idon't care about exposing myself unnecessarily to a rebuff. "

"Why should you be rebuffed? After all, he's only a junior partner!"

"True, my love, but that doesn't make him less stand-offish. He may be_in_ the business, but he's not _of_ it. I doubt myself whether even oldCramphorn would venture to invite him to dinner, and if he did, I'd beta tidy sum that the Honourable Mr. Chevril Thistleton----"

"Mr. --_not_ the Honourable _Mr. _ Thistleton, Sidney, " corrected hiswife, who had studied all such _minutiæ_ in a handbook written by a ladyof unimpeachable authority. "The term is _never_ employed in ordinaryconversation, or on visiting cards. But, if you won't show a properspirit, I shall write myself to Mrs. Thistleton and propose one or twodates. "

"It would be no good, my love, " said Mr. Stimpson, brought to bay, "because, if you _must_ know, I--er--_did_ approach the subject withThistleton--and--well, his manner was not sufficiently encouraging toinduce me to try it again. Not so fond of being made to feel as if I wasno better than one of our own clerks. I get quite enough of _that_ fromold Cramphorn!"

"You should _assert_ yourself more, Sidney, if you want people torespect you. "

"I'm always asserting myself--but old Cramphorn never listens! Just goeson his own way. Won't hear of any changes--what was good enough when thefirm started a hundred years ago is good enough for _him_--now I'm allfor _new_ ideas myself--Progress and so forth!"

"That's what has kept us back, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson; "we shouldhave been in a far better set here than we're ever likely to be now ifyou hadn't given yourself out as a violent Radical, when it's well knownthat all best Gablehurst people are Conservatives, and several who arenot really entitled to be anything of the kind. As it is, I suppose Imust be content to pass my life in this suburban hole and mix with nonebut second-rate people. But I certainly cannot expect Lady Harriet tocome here and meet them, so there's an end of it. If she imagines I'veno desire to pursue her acquaintance, it can't be helped, that's all!And now you had better go up and dress. "

The whole family were assembled by the time Mr. Stimpsonre-appeared--his wife was in her armchair by the standard lamp. Edna wasat the writing-table revising her notes of the afternoon's lecture, andClarence was seated close by, while Ruby was whispering earnestly toDaphne on one of the chintz couches. 

"All of you down before me, eh?" said the head of the family after theusual salutations had been exchanged. "But I went up long aftereverybody else. And not late after all--I've taught myself to dress inwell under ten minutes, you see!"

"Wish he'd taught himself not to wear a white tie with a dinner jacket!"grumbled Clarence to Edna in an undertone. 

"Couldn't you _tell_ him about it?" she replied. 

"I could--but what'd be the good? He'd only turn up next time in atail-coat and a black bow!" said Clarence gloomily. "The poor oldgovernor's one of the people who never learn----!"

Clarence's own type was that for which the latest term is "knut. " He wasaccepted both by his family, his intimates, and himself as an infallibleguide on things in general. When consulted as to matters on which hehappened to be entirely ignorant, and these were not a few--he hadformed the habit of preserving a pregnant silence, as of one who couldsay a good deal on the subject if he were at liberty to speak. And thisin itself denoted a certain degree of intelligence. 

In appearance he was well built, though only of average height. He hadsmall green eyes like his mother's; his light sandy hair had a naturalripple, and his pale face expressed nothing beyond an assuredconsciousness of his own superiority. And yet he was not without acertain sense of humour in matters which did not immediately concernhimself, though, owing to particular circumstances, it was just thendistinctly in abeyance. 

"What time do you get back from the City to-morrow afternoon, my boy?"his father asked. 

"Not going up at all, Pater, " said Clarence. "Told them I shouldn't. " Hewas thinking that after dinner would be quite time enough to break thenews that, on receiving a severe wigging for general slackness, he hadlost his temper, and offered to resign his post--an offer that had beenaccepted with disconcerting alacrity. 

"Ah, Sidney, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "_Clarence_ knows how toassert himself, you see!"

"I merely asked, " Mr. Stimpson explained, "because I'm taking a Saturdayoff myself, and I thought we could have a round or two of golftogether, eh, my boy?"

"I don't mind going round with you before lunch, " said Clarence. "Engaged for the afternoon; but, if you'll take _my_ advice, Governor, you'd better practise a bit longer with the Pro before you attempt to_play_. No good trying to run till you can walk, don't you know, what?"(He had learnt to terminate his sentences with "what" as a kind of smartshibboleth. ) "Hullo, Mater!" he broke off suddenly, as he noticed thependant on her ample bosom, "where did you get that thing? Out of acracker?"

"Certainly not, Clarence; I am not in the habit of wearing cheapjewellery. And this cost a considerable sum, though I daresay it isworth what I paid for it. "

"Did you go much of a mucker for it, Mater?"

"If I did, Clarence, I was well able to do so, thanks to dear old UncleWibberley's legacy. "

"I must say, Mother, " said Edna, "it's far the most artistic thing I'veever known you buy. "

"It isn't _everybody's_ taste, " remarked Mr. Stimpson, "but I should saymyself that it wasn't a bad investment. Where did you come across it, mylove?"

"My dear Sidney, " replied Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson with much majesty, "asI purchased it with my own money, where I came across it, and what Ipaid for it are surely matters that only concern myself. "

Daphne, who could hardly avoid hearing this conversation, was impressedby the tact and delicacy it displayed. It never occurred to her thatMrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's reticence might be inspired by other motivesthan a generous desire to spare her feelings. "She really is quite adecent sort!" she told herself. 

Clarence had not been unobservant of her--indeed it would not be toomuch to say that he had been acutely conscious all the time of MissHeritage's presence. 

Ever since she had become a member of the household he had alternatedbetween the desire to impress her and the dread of becoming entangled inthe toils of an artful little enchantress. It was true that since herarrival in the family she had made no effort whatever to enchant him;indeed, she had treated him with easy indifference--but this, hisexperience of her sex and the world told him, was probably assumed. Shecould hardly help knowing that he was something of a "catch" from herpoint of view, and scheming to ensnare him. 

Perhaps Clarence, with his now dubious prospects, felt himself ratherless of a catch than usual; perhaps it occurred to him that beingmoderately ensnared would be pleasantly exciting, since he would alwaysknow when to stop. At all events, he lounged gracefully toward the sofa, on which she and Ruby were sitting: "I say, Miss Heritage, " he began, "you mustn't let my Kiddie sister bore you like this. She's beenwhispering away in your ear for the last ten minutes. "

Daphne denied that she was being bored. 

"Of _course_ she isn't!" said Ruby; "I was finishing the story I begantelling her when we were walking home. We'd got to where Daphne firstmeets the Fairy Prince. "

"Then it's all about Miss Heritage, is it?"

"I call the heroine 'Daphne' in my story, after her--but, of course, sheisn't Miss Heritage _really_. "

"You don't seem to think it very likely that Miss Heritage will evercome across a Fairy Prince, eh!" commented Clarence, and wondered thenext moment whether he mightn't have said something to commit himself. 

"I hope not, " said Ruby, slipping her hand affectionately throughDaphne's arm, "because then she'd leave me, and I should never see heragain!"

"I shouldn't worry about it just yet, darling, " said Daphne, smiling. "Fairy Princes are only to be found in their own country--and it's along way from here to Fairyland. "

Clarence was noticing, not for the first time, that her full face wasshaped like a shield, also that two fascinating little creases came init when she smiled, and her pretty grey eyes had a soft sparkle in them. "I must be jolly careful, " he told himself. 

"I should prefer, Miss Heritage, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, who hadoverheard the last sentence, "that Ruby was not encouraged to fill herhead with Fairy tales. I don't think them good for her. "

"Oh, come, Mater!" protested Clarence, unable to resist the _rôle_ ofChampion. "Where on earth is the harm of them. "

"Surely, Clarence, " Edna put in instructively, "there is _this_harm--they give such an utterly false impression of what life really_is_! That's why I've never been able to take any interest in them. "

"More likely, " said Clarence, "because you've got no imagination. "

"If I hadn't, " retorted Edna, "I should hardly have got through thePoetry I have. Most of Browning and Alfred Austin, and all Ella WheelerWilcox! It's only the lowest degree of imagination that invents thingsthat couldn't possibly have happened!"

"They may have left off, Edna, but they happened _once_, " declared Ruby. "I know there _used_ to be Fairyland somewhere, with Kings and Queensand Fairy Godmothers and enchanted castles and magicians and Ogres andDragons and things in it. And Miss Heritage believes it, too--_don't_you, Miss Heritage, dear?"

"I'm much mistaken in Miss Heritage, my dear, " said Mr. Stimpsongallantly, "if her head isn't too well screwed on (if she'll allow me tosay so) to believe in any such stuff. All very well for the Nursery, youknow, but not to be taken seriously, or . .. Why, what's that? Mostextraordinary noise! Seems to come from outside, overhead. "

They could all hear a strange kind of flapping whirr in the air, it grewnearer and louder and then suddenly ceased. 

"Aeroplane, " pronounced Clarence, drawing the window curtains andlooking out. "Miles away by now, though. Terrific pace they travel at. Too dark to see anything. "

He returned to the hearthrug, and the moment afterwards, the silenceoutside was broken by a shrill, clear call which seemed to come fromsilver trumpets. 

"Very odd, " said Mr. Stimpson, "some one seems to be playing trumpets onthe gravel-sweep!"

"If it's one of those travelling German bands, " said his wife, "you'dbetter send them away at once, Sidney. "

But, whoever they were, they had already entered the hall, for almostimmediately the drawing-room door was thrown open and two personswearing tabards and gaily plumed hats entered and sounded anotherblast. 

"'Pon my word, you know, " gasped Mr. Stimpson, "this is really----"

The heralds stepped back as a third person entered. He was wearing arich suit of some long-departed period, and, with his furrowed face anddeep-set eyes, he rather resembled an elderly mastiff, though he did notconvey the same impression of profound wisdom. He gazed round the roomas though he himself were as bewildered as its other occupants, who werespeechless with amazement. Then his eye fell on Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, and he hesitated no longer, but, advancing towards her chair, sank withsome difficulty on one knee, seized her hand, and kissed it with everysign of deep respect. 

"Heaven be praised!" he cried in a voice that faltered with emotion, "Ihave at last found the Queen we have so long sought in vain!" He spokewith some sort of foreign accent, but they all understood him perfectly. As he knelt they heard a loud crack which seemed to come from betweenhis shoulders. 

"Braces given way, " whispered Clarence to Edna; "silly old ass to gokneeling in 'em!"

"Really, sir, " said Mr. Stimpson, "this is most extraordinarybehaviour. "

"You don't understand, Sidney, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, who hadrecovered from her first alarm and was now in a gratified flutter;"remember what I told you about Lady Harriet and the Pageant! Pray, getup, sir, " she added to the stranger, "I haven't the advantage of knowingyour name. "

"I am the Court Chamberlain, " he said, "and my name is Treuherz vonEisenbänden. "

It was unknown to Mrs. Stimpson, but she concluded that he was someAnglo-German commercial magnate, who would naturally be invited to jointhe Committee for any such patriotic purpose as a Pageant. 

As to the excessive ceremony of his manner, that was either the properform for the occasion, or, what was more likely, Mr. Troitz, or whateverhis name was, having come fresh from a dress rehearsal, could not divesthimself as yet of his assumed character. The important point was thather interview with Lady Harriet had borne fruit already, and in theshape of a pressing invitation to play the distinguished part of"Queen!" The advantages thus offered for obtaining a social footingamongst county people made it easy to overlook any triflingeccentricities where the intention was so obviously serious. "Well, Mr. Troitz, " she said graciously, "since the Committee have been kind enoughto ask me, I shall be very pleased to be your Queen. "

"And if I may say so, Sir, " said her husband, "there are few ladies inthe vicinity who would prove more competent. In fact----"

"That will do, Sidney, " said his wife; "if Lady Harriet and theCommittee did not consider me competent to be the Queen they would nothave asked me. " And Mr. Stimpson said no more. 

"Pardon, " Mr. Treuherz said, looking at him with solemn surprise, "but--who is _this_?"

"This is my husband, Mr. Troitz--let me introduce him. "

"Your husband. Then, he will be the King!"

"The King?" cried Mr. Stimpson, "why, really, I'm not sure that would bealtogether in my line. "

"Nonsense, Sidney. Of _course_ you will be the King if they want you!And this is my son, Clarence, Mr. Troitz. My daughters, Edna and Ruby. "

"A Crown Prince!" cried Treuherz, and bent low to each in turn. "Andtwo--no, I mistake--_three_ Princesses! Ah, it is too much for mealtogether!"

It was almost too much for Ruby, who giggled helplessly, while evenDaphne had to bite her lip rather hard for a moment. 

"The other young lady, " corrected Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "is merely mydaughter Ruby's governess--Miss Heritage. But if you like to find aplace for her as one of my ladies of honour or something, I have noobjection to her accepting a part, " she added, reflecting that MissHeritage's manners and appearance would add to the family importance, while it would be a comfort to have an attendant who could not giveherself such airs as might a girl belonging to a county family. 

"Naturally, " said Treuherz, inclining himself again. "Any member of yourMajesty's household you desire to bring. "

"Very well; I suppose, Miss Heritage, you have no objection? Then youwill accompany us, please. And now, Mr. Troitz, about when shall we bewanted?"

"When?" he replied. "But now! At once. Already I have the car waiting!"

"Now?" exclaimed Clarence; "rum time to rehearse--what?"

"Who said anything about rehearsing, Clarence?" said his motherimpatiently. "It's necessary for them to see us and talk over thearrangements. It's not likely to take long. "

"But it'll do later, my love, " put in Mr. Stimpson, who did not like theidea of turning out without his dinner. "Fact is, Mr. Troitz, we werejust about to sit down to dinner. Why not keep the car waiting a bit andjoin us? No ceremony, you know--just as you _are_!"

"Sire, I regret that it is impossible, " he said. "I have undertaken toconvey you with all possible speed. If we delay I cannot answer for whatmay happen. "

"You hear what Mr. Troitz says, Sidney, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, alarmed at the idea of another being chosen in her absence. "What _does_it matter if we do dine a little late? Children, we must go and put onour things at once--your warmest cloaks, mind--we're sure to find itcold motoring. Sidney and Clarence, you had better get your coats on--weshall be down directly. "

Mr. Treuherz and the heralds stood at attention in the hall. WhileClarence and his father struggled into their great-coats, neither ofthem in a very good temper, Mr. Stimpson being annoyed at postponing hisdinner for what he called "tomfoolery, " and Clarence secretly sulkybecause his parent could not be induced to see the propriety of going upto change his tie. 

"I haven't _yet_ made out, Mother, " said Edna, as they came downstairs, "exactly where we're going to--or what we're expected to do when we getthere. "

"It will either be The Hermitage--Lady Harriet's, you know--or Mr. Troitz's country house, wherever _that_ is. And, of course, theCommittee require to know what times will suit us for rehearsing. "

"I wish you'd settle it all without _me_, " complained Edna. "I'd muchrather stay at home, and run over my lecture notes. .. . Well, if I mustcome, I shall bring my note-book with me in case I'm bored. " And she raninto the drawing-room, and came back with the note-book, rather as anemblem of her own intellectual superiority than with any intention ofreferring to it. However, as will be found later, the manuscript provedto be of some service in the future. 

Daphne and Ruby were the last to join the party in the hall, Ruby wildlyexcited at the unexpected jaunt and the prospects of not going to bedtill ever so late, and Daphne, though a little doubtful whether Mrs. Stimpson was quite justified in bringing her, inclined to welcome almostany change from the evening _routine_ of "Inglegarth. " And then, afterMrs. Stimpson had given some hurried instructions to the hopelesslymystified Mitchell, the whole family issued out of the Queen Anne porch, and were conducted by Treuherz, who, to their intense confusion, insisted on walking backwards to the car, while the heralds performedanother flourish on their silver trumpets. It was pitch-dark when theyhad got to the asphalt pavement outside their gates, but they could justmake out the contours of the car in the light that streamed across thehedge to the stained glass front-door. 

"Jolly queer-looking car, " said Clarence. It was certainly unusuallylarge, and seemed to have somewhat fantastic lines and decorations. 

"Oh, never mind about the car!" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, who wasinside it already, a vague, bundled-up shape in the gloom. "It's part ofthe Pageant, of course! Get in, Clarence, get in! We're late as it is!and if there's a thing I detest, it's keeping people waiting!"

"All right, Mater!" said Clarence, clambering in. "I can't make out whatthe dickens they've done with the bonnet--but we seem to be moving, what?"

Slowly the car had begun to glide along the road. Mr. Treuherz wasseated in front, probably at the steering-wheel, though none wasvisible. The heralds sat in the rear, and the car was of such a sizethat there was abundant room for the family in the centre. Some yardsahead they heard a curious dry rustle and clatter, and could distinguisha confused grey mass of forms that seemed to be clearing the way forthem, though whether they were human beings it was not possible to telltill they passed a lighted street-lamp. 

"Why, goodness gracious!" exclaimed Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "they looklike--like _ostriches_!"

She was mistaken here, because they were merely storks, but, before shecould identify them more correctly, they all suddenly rose in the airwith a whirr like that of a hundred spinning looms--and the car rosewith them. 

"Stop!" screamed Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "Sidney, tell Mr. Troitz tostop! I _insist_ on knowing where we are being taken to!"

Treuherz glanced over his shoulder. "Where should I conduct yourMajesties, " he said, "but to your own Kingdom of Märchenland?"

Mrs. Stimpson and her husband would no doubt have protested, demandedexplanations, insisted upon being put down at once, had they been able;but, whether it was that the car had some peculiarly soporific tendency, or whether it was merely the sudden swift rush through the upper air, atorpor had already fallen on the whole Stimpson family. It was evenquestionable if they remained long enough awake to hear theirdestination. 

Daphne, for some reason, did not fall asleep till later. She lay back inher luxuriously cushioned seat, watching the birds as they flew, spreadout in a wide fan against the dusky blue evening sky. Gablehurst, withits scattered lights, artistic villa-residences, and prosaic railwaystation--its valley and common and wooded hills, were far below and soonleft behind at an ever increasing distance. But she did not feel in theleast afraid. It was odd, but, after the first surprise, she had lostall sense of strangeness in a situation so foreign to all her previousexperience. 

"So we're being taken to Märchenland, " she was thinking. "That's thesame as Fairyland, practically. At least it's where all the things theycall Fairy stories really happened, and--_why_ I can't imagine--but Mr. And Mrs. Stimpson have been chosen King and Queen! And the poor dearthings have no idea of it yet! Oh, I wonder" (and here, no doubt, thelittle creases came into her cheeks again, for she laughed softly toherself), "I _wonder_ what they'll say or do when they find out!" Andwhile Daphne was still wondering, her eyelids closed gently, and she, too, was sleeping soundly. 

CHAPTER III

FINE FEATHERS

Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson was the first of her party to recoverconsciousness. When she did, she was greatly surprised to find that itwas broad daylight, and that she was lying on a grassy slope, behindwhich was a forest of huge pines. Close beside her were the recumbentforms of her husband and family, which led her to the natural conclusionthat the car must have met with an accident. 

"Sidney!" she cried, shaking him by the shoulder. "Speak to me!You're--you're not _seriously_ hurt, are you?"

"Eh, what?" he replied sleepily, and evidently imagining that he wascomfortably in bed at home; "all right, my dear, all right! I'll get upand bring in the tea-tray presently. Lots of time. .. . Why, hullo!" heexclaimed, after being shaken once more, as he sat up and rubbed hiseyes. "How do we all come to be _here_?"

The others were awake by this time. "And now we're here, " put inClarence, "where _are_ we, eh, Mater?"

"It is no use asking _me_, Clarence. I know no more than you do. Thelast thing I remember was our all getting into the car to go and see thePageant Committee. I've a vague recollection of ostriches--but no, Imust have been dreaming _them_. However, the car seems to have upsetsomehow, only I don't see it about anywhere. "

"No, " said Mr. Stimpson, "or old Thingumagig, or those fellows with thetrumpets either. "

"Dumped us down here, and gone off with the car, " said Clarence. "Looksas if we'd been the victims of a practical joke, what?"

"They would never dare to do that!" said his Mother. "I expect they havemissed their way in the dark. Very careless of them. I don't know whatLady Harriet and the Committee will think of me. They'll probably asksomebody else to take the part of Queen before we can get there--for I'msure we must be a good hundred miles away from Gablehurst!"

"The Baron said that he was taking us to Märchenland, Mrs. Stimpson, "said Daphne; "and I'm _almost_ sure that that is where we really are. "

"And where may Märchenland be?" inquired Mrs. Stimpson sharply. "I neverheard of it myself. "

"Well, " said Daphne, "it's another name for--for Fairyland, you know. "

"Fairyland indeed!" replied Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson with someirritation. "You will find it difficult to persuade me to believe that Iam in _Fairyland_, Miss Heritage! To begin with, there is no such place, and if there was, perhaps you will kindly tell me how we could possiblyhave got to it?"

"Through the air, " explained Daphne patiently. "That car was drawn by_storks_, you see--not ostriches. "

"When you have _quite_ woke up, Miss Heritage, " said Mrs. Stimpson, "youwill realise what nonsense you are talking. "

"Whatever this place is, " said Clarence, "it don't look English, somehow, to _me_. I mean to say--that town over there--what?" Hepointed across the wide plain to a cluster of towers, spires, gables, and pinnacles which glittered and gleamed faintly through the shimmeringmorning haze. 

"It certainly has rather a Continental appearance, " observed his father. 

"If it has, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "it is only some buildings orscenery or something they have run up for the Pageant. So we haven'tbeen taken in the wrong direction after all. "

"_I_ believe, Mummy, " chirped Ruby, "Miss Heritage is right, and this_is_ Fairyland. "

"Don't be so ridiculous, child! You'll believe next that we came here ina car drawn by flying storks, I suppose!"

"D'you know, Mater, " said Clarence, "I'm not so sure we mayn't have. What I mean is--there's some sort of flying machine coming along now. Igrant you it isn't drawn by storks, but they're _birds_ anyhow, andthere seems to be some one in the car too. "

"Nothing of the kind!" declared Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson obstinately. "Atleast one may fancy one sees anything with the sun in our eyes as it is. Well, upon my word!" she added, still incredulously, as an iridescentshell-shaped chariot attached to a team of snow-white doves _volplaned_down from a dizzy height to a spot only a few yards away, "I reallycould not have--who, and what can this old person be?"

The occupant of the chariot had already got out of it, and was slowlycoming towards them, supporting herself on a black crutch-handled staff. As she drew nearer they could see that she was a woman of great age. Shewore a large ruff, a laced stomacher, wide quilted petticoats, and apointed hat with a broad brim. Her expression was severe, but notunkindly, while she evidently considered herself a personage of someimportance. 

"She looks exactly like the Fairy Godmother in the pictures, " whisperedRuby. 

"Whoever she may be, " said her Mother, scrambling to her feet with morehaste than dignity, "I suppose I shall have to go and speak to her, as Ipresume I am the person she has come to meet. "

However, it was Daphne who was addressed by the new-comer. 

"The Court Chamberlain, Baron Treuherz von Eisenbänden, has brought methe glad tidings of your arrival, my child, " she said in a high crackedvoice, "and, as the high official Court Godmother to the Royal Family, Ifelt that I should be the first to bid you welcome. "

This was more than Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson could be expected to standwithout a protest. 

"Pardon me, " she said, throwing back her cloak as though she were inneed of air, "pardon me, Madam, but I think you are mistaking mydaughter's governess for _me_. I am Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson!"

The old lady turned sharply, and as her eyes fell on the matron'sindignant face and heaving bosom, she instantly became deferential andalmost apologetic. "You must forgive me, my dear, " she said, "for notrecognising you before. But at my age--I may tell you I am nearing theend of my second century--one is apt to forget the flight of Time. Or itmay be that Time in your world flies more quickly than in ours. I didnot stay to hear more from the Baron than that he had succeeded infinding our Queen, and, to be quite plain with you, I was unprepared tofind you so mature. "

Then, thought Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson confusedly, she _had_ been broughthere for the Pageant after all. But what very odd people seemed to begetting it up!

"Baron--whatever his name is, appeared to be quite satisfied that I wassuited to the part, " she said coldly. "Of course, if you require someoneyounger----"

"There can be no manner of doubt, my dear, that you are the Queen wehave been seeking, so the mere fact that you are rather older than someof us expected is of no importance whatever. "

"Thank you, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "I do not consider myselfmore than middle-aged, and have generally been taken for younger than Iam, Mrs. ----, I haven't the pleasure of knowing your name. "

"Here they call me the Fairy Vogelflug; in the neighbouring Kingdom ofClairdelune my name is Voldoiseau. I have officiated as Court Godmotherto the reigning Royal families in both countries for many generations. "

"I _thought_ you were a Fairy Godmother!" cried Ruby; "and I'm sureyou're a _good_ Fairy, and can do all sorts of wonderful things. "

"I used to, my child, in my younger days, but my powers are not whatthey were, and I seldom exercise them now, because it exhausts me tooseverely to do so. Once there were several of us Court Godmothers, but Iam the only one left, and my health is so poor that I can do little formy God-children but give them moral teaching and wise counsel. However, such good offices as I can still render shall be entirely at yourservice. "

"You are very kind, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, resenting the other'sair of patronage, "but all my children are already provided withGod-parents. As you tell me you are a Fairy, " she continued, "I supposeI must accept your word for it--but it will take a great deal more thanthat to make me believe that we are in Fairyland. "

"I thought, " said the Fairy, "you already knew that the name of thiscountry is Märchenland. "

It should be said here once for all that the Wibberley-Stimpsons foundno difficulty in understanding, or making themselves perfectlyintelligible to any Märchenlanders, although they always had a curiousfeeling that they were conversing in a foreign language. 

"Whatever the country is called, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpsonaggressively, "I should like some explanation of that Baron Troitz'sconduct in entrapping us into coming here. I was distinctly given tounderstand that I had been chosen to be the Queen at our local Pageant, and that we were being taken to talk over the arrangements with theCommittee. Now he has gone off in the most ungentlemanly way, and leftus stranded and helpless here!"

"You must have misunderstood the good Baron, " said the Fairy Vogelflug;"and he is far too loyal to desert you. He has merely hastened on toEswareinmal, the city whose walls and towers you see yonder, to preparefor your reception. As you probably know, he has devoted himself withthe most untiring zeal to his mission of seeking you out and restoringyou to your inheritance. "

"He never said a word about that to me--not a word. If I am reallyentitled to any property in this country, I should be glad to knowwhere it is situated, and what is its exact value. "

"Then, " said the Fairy, "I may inform you that you are entitled, as thedaughter of your late Father--our long-lost and much-lamented PrinceChrysopras--to no less a possession than the Crown of Märchenland. "

"You--you don't _say_ so!" gasped Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "The Crownof--Sidney, did you hear _that_. "

"It's some mistake, my dear, " he said. "Must be! . .. My wife's father, Ma'am, though in some respects--a--a remarkable character, was never aPrince--at least that _I've_ heard of. "

"It doesn't at all follow, Sidney, " said his wife in a nettled tone, "that anything you don't happen to have heard of is not a fact. Therealways _was_ a mystery about poor dear Papa's origin. He was mostreticent about it--even with me. And I know it was rumoured thatPrinsley was not his real name. So it would not surprise me in the leastif Mrs. Fogleplug turned out to be right, though I cannot say till shegives us further particulars. "

"I will do so most willingly, " said the Fairy. "But as it will take mesome time to relate them, I should strongly advise you all to sit down. "

They seated themselves round her in a semicircle, and presently shebegan:

"You must know, " she said, "that our mighty and gracious Sovereign, thelate King Smaragd, was twice wedded. By his first wife he had an onlyson, Prince Chrysopras, a gallant and goodly prince, beloved not only byhis father, but by the whole nation. Well, after mourning his first wifefor a longer period than is customary, King Smaragd took to himselfanother, who was much younger than himself, besides being marvellouslybeautiful. "

"And of course she hated the poor Prince, " said Ruby. "Stepmothersalways do in the stories. "

"I have not said she hated him, " said the Court Godmother, who did notlike her points to be anticipated. "On the contrary, she treated himwith every mark of affection, and was constantly bestowing on him giftsof the costliest description. One day she presented him with a wondrousmechanical horse, fiercer and more mettlesome than even the steeds thatare born in Märchenland. "

"Motor-bike, what, " suggested Clarence sapiently. 

"A mechanical horse is what I _said_, " repeated the Fairy, "resemblingothers in shape and beauty, but made of metal. Prince Chrysopras, beinga skilful and fearless horseman----"

"Indeed he was!" put in Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "He used to rideregularly in the Row, almost to the last. On 'Joggles, ' such a dearbrown fat cob. He was one of what I believe was known as 'The LiverBrigade' . .. A fact which for some reason I can't pretend to fathomseems to be causing you amusement, Miss Heritage. "

Daphne, whose sense of humour was occasionally an inconvenience to her, had certainly found the notion of a Fairy Prince in the Liver Brigade alittle too much for her gravity. However, she attributed her lapse tothe name of the horse. 

"It was the name they gave it at the Livery Stables, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "And I really cannot see myself--but we areinterrupting this good lady here. "

"You are, " said the Fairy. "I was about to say that Prince Chrysopraswas greatly delighted by his Royal Stepmother's gift, and at once leapton the back of the strange steed. "

"What I call asking for trouble, " commented Clarence. 

"_I_ know what happened!" Ruby struck in eagerly. "It flew right up intothe air with him, and poor Grandpapa fell off. "

"If he had, none of you would be here at the moment, " said the Fairy. "Don't be in such a hurry, my child. He was much too good a rider tofall off. But the horse flew up and up with him till both could nolonger be seen. The remains of the steed were found long afterwards on amountain top. But nothing more was ever seen of the Prince, who wassupposed to have perished in one of our lakes. "

"Then he must have fallen off after all, " insisted Ruby. 

"No, no, Ruby, " said her mother, with a sense that, where the credit ofher family was concerned, nothing was too improbable for belief; "thehorse flew with him to England, or _somewhere_ in Europe--or else hecouldn't have met your dear grandmother, whom none of you ever saw, forshe died long before you were born. And I expect that, after he got off, the horse flew back again, and was just able to get to Märchenlandbefore the machinery broke down. And dear Papa very naturally would notcare for people to know that he had got there by such peculiar means, which accounts for my never having heard of it before. "

"Exactly, " said the Fairy Vogelflug; "but King Smaragd only knew thathis son was lost to him, and when he discovered that the horse wasenchanted, and that his Queen had bribed the Hereditary Grand Magicianto construct it, his anger knew no bounds. "

"Enough to annoy anybody, " said Mr. Wibberley-Stimpson. "I shouldcertainly----"

"He ordered, " the Fairy went on, without appearing to feel any interestin what Mr. Stimpson would have done in similar circumstances, "both theQueen and the Grand Magician to be enclosed in a barrel, the inside ofwhich had been set with sharp nails, and rolled down into the lake fromthe top of the mountain. "

"I should say myself, " remarked Mr. Stimpson, "that that was going alittle too far. But he certainly had great provocation. "

"He also commanded that all wizards and enchanters should renounce theirpractices for ever, and adopt some other calling, or be banished fromthe Country. "

"There, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson approvingly, "I think he was _so_right. I would never encourage any of those clairvoyant people myself. And did he marry a third wife at all?"

"Not if he was wise!" said Clarence. 

"No, although it grieved him sorely that he had no heir to succeed him. But towards the end of his days, he dreamed repeatedly that his son wasyet living. He beheld him in these visions a wanderer in some far-offland, earning his bread as a musician, for in Music he had rare skill. "

"I fancy he must have given it up when he took to Finance, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "though he kept his taste for it. I well rememberhis buying a beautiful orchestrion which used to be in the PictureGallery. "

"Well, " pursued the Fairy, "in further dreams it was revealed to theKing that his son was married to one, who, though not of his own race orrank, was both gently born and very fair to see. "

"Pollentine was the maiden name of your Grandmother on _my_ side, mydears, " explained Mrs. Stimpson to her family. "She must have beengood-looking as a girl, judging by a daguerrotype I had of her. Herfather was a highly distinguished Auctioneer and Estate Agent in EastCroydon, as I daresay was also revealed in the King's dream. "

"Of that I can say nothing, " replied the Court Godmother; "but I knowthat further visions showed him his son as a widower with an onlydaughter, and later still that he was no longer living. And so much wasthe King impressed that he caused a search to be made for thisgrand-daughter of his in every country that is known to us. Even when helay on his death-bed he did not give up hope that she would be found, and so he left his Kingdom in charge of his trusted favourite MarshalFederhelm as Regent, with strict injunctions to continue seeking for themissing Queen. "

"And how, " inquired Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "did the Marshal manage tofind me out?"

"It was not he. He soon convinced himself that all further endeavourswere useless. No, it is to the devotion of our worthy Court Chamberlain, the Baron Treuherz von Eisenbänden, that your discovery is owing. He hadgrieved so deeply to see Märchenland without a Sovereign that, after theexample of 'Faithful John, ' the founder of his family, he had placediron hoops round his chest to keep his heart from breaking. "

"We heard 'em go, " said Clarence; "thought it was only his braces. "

"At length, " continued the Fairy, "the Baron went in secret to Xuriel, the Astrologer Royal, and induced him to consult the stars. Which Xurieldid, and by much study and intricate calculation he succeeded inascertaining the exact spot in the other world where the Queen would bediscovered, and even the means by which she might be recognised. "

"Ah, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "I shall begin to believe inAstronomy after this. But even now I don't _quite_ understand how BaronTroitz got to 'Inglegarth. '"

"That was by _my_ assistance. I placed my travelling car at his service, with the wise storks that fly straight to any place to which they aredirected, even though they may never have heard of it before. Happilyfor Märchenland, Xuriel's calculations have proved correct, except thathe did not foresee that the Baron would bring back two Sovereignsinstead of one. "

"What--is the Gov'nor going to be King?" inquired Clarence. "My hat!"

"That would be ridiculous, Clarence, " said his mother, "when your Fatherhasn't a drop of Royal blood in his veins! He can't even rank as PrinceConsort!"

"Not so, my dear, not so, " corrected the Fairy, "by the custom ofMärchenland, anyone who weds the Sovereign shares the throne, and yourhusband will be as truly the King of this Country as you will be itsQueen. "

"Oh, is _that_ the rule?" said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, not bestpleased. "Well, Sidney, I trust you will show yourself equal to yourposition, that is all. "

"I trust so, my love, " he replied uneasily. "It--it's come on me atrather short notice. However!"

"If Daddy and Mums are King and Queen, " asked Ruby, "will Edna and me bePrincesses?"

"Undoubtedly you will, " said the Court Godmother. 

"Then Clarence will be a Prince. So you see, Miss Heritage, dear, you_have_ met a Prince after all!"

"Shut up, Kiddie!" said the new Crown Prince in some confusion. 

"And what will Miss Heritage be, Mummy?"

"Miss Heritage will be what she was before, my dear--your governess. "

"But I shan't want one any more--we're in Fairyland now--and FairyPrincesses haven't got to do lessons. Oh, Mums, couldn't you make MissHeritage a Princess too? Do!"

"Why not?" said the Fairy, glancing at Daphne, whose colour had risenslightly. "Anybody might very well take her to be one as it is. "

"Miss Heritage, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "has, I am sure, too muchgood sense to expect a title of any kind. She will continue to be mydaughter's instructress, and I may possibly find a place for her asMistress of the Robes or something; but it's much too early to sayanything definite at--Really, Edna, " she broke off suddenly, "how youcan sit there calmly reading as if nothing had happened!"

"I was merely running through my lecture-notes again, Mother, " saidEdna. "If I _am_ a Princess, " she added, for the benefit of the CourtGodmother, "that is no reason why I shouldn't go on cultivating mymind. "

"Now you're a Princess, my dear, " replied her mother, "it doesn'tsignify to anybody whether your mind is cultivated or not. "

"It signifies a great deal to _me_, mother, " said Edna, and resumed thestudy of her notes with an air of conscious merit. 

"I must say _one_ thing, Mrs. Fogleplug, " Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpsonproceeded; "it would have been more considerate if I had been givenproper notice, and a reasonable time to prepare for such a completechange as this. I do feel _that_. "

She did; it was a great deprivation to her to have lost the opportunityof mentioning casually to her Gablehurst friends--and Lady Harrietespecially--that she would shortly be leaving them to occupy a throne. 

"Precisely my own feeling, " said Mr. Stimpson, thinking regretfully howthe news would have made that confounded fellow Thistleton sit up, andof the sensation it might have produced in the train to the City. "Itis, to say the least of it, unfortunate that I had no time tocommunicate with the other members of my firm. "

"And there's Clarence, too!" said his fond mother. "His Company will bequite helpless without him!"

"They may be in a bit of a hole at first, " he admitted, thankful nowthat he had said nothing about his resignation, or the readiness withwhich it had been accepted. "Still, no fellow is indispensable. What?"

The Fairy explained that haste had been unavoidable, as it might havebeen injurious to the storks if they had remained longer in a climate towhich they were unaccustomed. 

"But why send storks to fetch us at all?" demanded Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "Why not some more modern conveyance?. .. There theyare again with the car--coming back for us, I expect. .. . Yes, I can makeout Baron Troitz and the trumpeters--and there seems to be a gentlemanin armour with them. "

"The Regent, Marshal Federhelm, " said the Fairy. "He is coming to offerhis congratulations. "

"Is he?" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, scrambling to her feet again insome dismay. "A Regent! I--I wish I knew the proper way of addressinghim!"

The storks by this time had brought the car to ground, and were nowstanding about on one leg with folded wings and an air of detachment. The Marshal alighted and advanced slowly towards the Stimpsons while theheralds sounded their trumpets. 

He made a formidable and warrior-like figure in his golden half-armourof a kind unknown to antiquarians, and great jack-boots of gildedleather. He was tall, and the towering mass of waving feathers thatcrowned his helmet made him look taller still. His vizor was raised, showing a swarthy, hook-nosed face, with quick, restless eyes like alizard's, a fierce moustache, and a bristling beard that spread out in astiff black fan. 

"_You_ had better speak to him, Sidney, " whispered his wife, overcome bysudden panic; "I really can't. "

"Er--" began Mr. Stimpson nervously, "I believe I have the pleasure ofaddressing the Regent. We--we're the new King and Queen, you know, andthese are the other members of the family. "

The Marshal seemed a little taken aback at first, but he promptlyrecovered himself, and bending so low that his feathers brushed Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's nose, he placed in her hand a small velvet-coveredbaton studded with gold stars. 

"Oh, thank you very much, I'm sure, " she said. "It's quite charming. Hasit got an address or anything inside it?"

"The symbol of my authority, your Majesty, " he said, with soldierlycurtness. "I have long desired to surrender it to hands more worthy togovern than mine. "

"Very handsome of you to say so, " replied Mr. Stimpson; "but I daresayyou aren't altogether sorry to get out of it, eh?"

"It is too lofty a position, Sire, for a rough, simple warrior likemyself, " he said. "Nothing but a sense of duty to my country would havemade me accept the Regency at all. "

"I am sure, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "we shall find you havecarried on the Kingdom for us as satisfactorily as possible. "

"The people appeared to think so, your Majesty. But I am forgetting thechief purpose I am here for. I have the honour to announce that theprocession will shortly be on its way to escort your Majesties to yourCoronation, which is to take place this morning in the great church ofEswareinmal. "

"_Coronation!_" Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson almost screamed. "Before we haveso much as had our breakfast! And in these things we are wearing now! Inever heard of anything so preposterous!"

"I don't care much myself, " said Mr. Stimpson, "about being crowned onan empty--without having had something to eat--if it's only an egg. "

"If they're going to crown the Guv'nor in a dinner-jacket and whitetie, " Clarence muttered to Edna, "we shall never hear the last of it, that's all!"

"There is nothing to make a fuss about, my dear, " said the CourtGodmother to Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as though she were addressing afroward child; "look behind you, and you will see that everything youmay require is already provided. "

They looked and saw two velvet Marquees, one striped in broad bands ofapple-green and mazarine blue, the other in pale rose and cream, which aparty of attendants had just finished putting up. "In those pavilions, "continued the Fairy, "you will find not only food prepared for you, butrobes such as are fitting for a Coronation. You will have plenty of timeboth to eat and change your dress before the procession can possiblyarrive. "

"She's not likely to have got our measurements right, " grumbled Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson to her eldest daughter, as they moved towards therose-and-cream Pavilion. "I should have much preferred to be fitted by aCourt dressmaker. Such a mistake to rush things like this! I rather likethat Marshal, Edna; there's something very gentlemanly andstraightforward about him, though I can't see why he shouldn't wear aproper uniform instead of that absurd armour. "

"Shan't be sorry to get some breakfast, my boy, " Mr. Stimpson remarked, as he and Clarence were making for the other marquee; "I feel a bitpeckish after being so long in the night air. "

"I should like a tub first, Guv'nor. "

"I'm afraid, " said Mr. Stimpson, "that's expecting too much in theseparts. "

However, on entering, they discovered, in addition to the delicacies andgorgeous costumes laid out for them, two great crystal baths filled withsteaming water which exhaled a subtle but delicious perfume. 

"Doing us proud, eh, Guv'nor?" was Clarence's comment on the generalluxuriousness; and his father admitted that "everything seemed to havebeen done regardless of expense. "

While the male and female members of the Royal Party were enjoying theprivacy of their respective tents, the Marshal outside was expressinghis sentiments to the Court Chamberlain with much vigour and freedom. 

"Well, Baron, " he began, "this is a great service you have doneMärchenland, and I hope you are feeling proud of yourself!"

"Oh, as for that, Marshal, " modestly replied the ingenuous Baron, "Ihave done no more than my duty. "

"The devil take you and your duty, " growled the Marshal. "Why, in thename of all the fiends, couldn't you have left things as they were?"

"But, Marshal, " the Baron protested, "when our learned Astrologer Royaldiscovered the whereabouts of our lawful Queen, you were loudest inapproval of my expedition!"

"How could I oppose, after you had been gabbling and cackling about itto the whole Court, and it had even reached the ears of the people?Besides, I was given to understand that this daughter of Chrysopras'swas a mere girl. If she _had_ been--But what have you brought us?--amiddle-aged matron with a husband and family!"

"I own it was not what I had expected, " said the Baron; "but since itwas so, what could I do but bring them all?"

"Do? Left them where they were, of course--come back and said that thatlittle fool of a Xuriel had made a miscalculation, as he generallydoes!"

"I should have been a traitor had I thus denied my Queen. For, as youhave seen, she bears on her breast the very jewel of her father thePrince, even as the stars foretold. "

"Undoubtedly she is his daughter, " the Marshal admitted reluctantly. Itnever occurred to him for a moment--nor would it occur to any of hiscountrymen--that the pendant was anything but absolutely conclusiveproof of Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's right to the throne. Märchenlandnotions of what constitutes legal evidence have always been and remainelementary. 

"But it's pretty plain, " he went on, "that the young fool must have madea most unworthy marriage to have begotten one so utterly lacking in allqueenliness and dignity. "

"She will soon acquire both, " the Court Chamberlain affirmed stoutly, "as she becomes more accustomed to her position. "

"She may, " declared the Marshal, "when a frog grows feathers. And thisconsort of hers! _Is_ he a fit Monarch for Märchenland? Even _you_, Baron, can hardly say that for him! I may not have been beloved asRegent, but at least I have made my authority respected. But what dosuch a couple as this know about ruling a country? They'll make ahopeless hash of it!"

"Without guidance, perhaps, " the Baron admitted; "but they will have theinestimable advantage, Marshal, of our experience and advice. "

"Ha!" said the Marshal. "So they will--so they will! I was forgettingthat!"

"No doubt they will submit to our guidance, " went on the Baron, "andthus we shall be able to save them from any dangerous indiscretions. "

"Just so, " agreed the Marshal, with the flicker of a smile. 

The Court Chamberlain, at all events, spoke in all sincerity. Hishereditary instinct alone would have been enough to ensure his loyaltyto his new Sovereigns, whatever he might think of them in private. Andthey were his own "finds, " which gave them an added value in hisestimation, as will easily be understood by any collector ofcuriosities. 

CHAPTER IV

CROWNED HEADS

"'Pon my word, my love, " Mr. Stimpson exclaimed, as his wife cameout of her pavilion in her Coronation Robes and chain, attendedby the Court Godmother, "I should hardly have known you! You lookmajestic!--abso-lute-ly majestic!"

"I wish I could say the same of _you_, Sidney, " she replied; "but, as Ihave told you more than once, legs like yours never ought to be seenexcept in trousers. .. . Considering my own and my daughter's robes areready-made, Mrs. Fogleplug, they might be worse. As for MissHeritage's--well, I should have thought myself that something simplerwould have been more appropriate. "

Daphne was naturally much less sumptuously dressed than the Members ofthe Royal family, but still, in her quaint double-peaked head-dress, fantastically slashed bodice, and long hanging sleeves, with her brighthair, too, waving loosely over her temples, its rich masses confined atthe back by a network of pearls, she was dainty and bewitching enough toattract more than her due share of attention--Clarence's she attractedat once, while he was sustained by an agreeable conviction that hisbe-jewelled doublet, silken hose, white plumed velvet hat, and azuremantle set off his figure to unusual advantage. 

"Tophole, Miss Heritage!" he said, strolling up with graceful languor. "I'm not joking--you really _are_, you know! Wish _my_ kit suited mehalf as well! Can't help feeling a most awful ass in it, what?"

"Really?" she said carelessly. "How unpleasant for you! But perhaps ifyou left off thinking about it----!"

"Oh, I don't say it's so bad as all _that_!"

"I didn't suppose it _was_, quite. "

Now this was not by any means the sort of deferential tribute he hadcounted upon, and he was a little ruffled by her failure to respond. 

"Didn't you, " he replied distantly, if somewhat lamely. "You'll excuseme mentioning it, Miss Heritage, as it's only in your own interests, butI believe it's considered the proper thing when you're addressed by--byRoyalty, don't you know, to throw in a 'Your Royal Highness'occasionally. Of course, Court Etiquette and that may be all tosh, but Ididn't make it, and all I mean to say is--it won't do to let it slide. "

"Your Royal Highness will not have to rebuke me a second time, " saidDaphne, sinking to the ground in a curtsey which it is to be feared waswilfully exaggerated. "I'm afraid, sir, " she added, as the two littlecreases in her cheeks made themselves visible, "that wasn't as low as itought to have been, but your Royal Highness must make allowances for mywant of experience. "

"Oh, you'll soon get into it, " he said, "with practice. "

"And I shall have plenty of that, your Royal Highness. "

Was she trying to pull his leg? he thought, as he moved away, anddecided that she was most unlikely to venture on such presumption. No, it had been necessary to remind her of the deference due to him, and shewould not forget the lesson in future. Perhaps he might unbendoccasionally in private, but, on second thoughts, that would be moredangerous than ever now. 

Ruby had seized Daphne and was embracing her in a burst of violentaffection. "Oh, Miss Heritage, darling, " she cried, "you do look such aduck in that dress--doesn't she, Mummy?"

"I see no resemblance, my dear, " said her mother coldly, "between MissHeritage and any description of poultry. And, as the procession will behere in another minute, you had better take your place quietly by me. .. . Really, Ruby, " she added in an undertone, as the child obeyed, "you mustremember you're a Princess now. It isn't at all proper for you to beseen pawing your governess about in public. "

"I _wasn't_ pawing her about, Mums!" protested Ruby; "only hugging her. And if I mayn't do that, I don't want to be a Princess at all!"

By this time the procession had arrived. It was headed by a band ofknights in resplendent but rather extravagant armour, carrying lanceswith streaming pennons. After them rode the Courtiers on gailycaparisoned steeds, followed by a bevy of Maids of Honour oncream-coloured palfreys. A company of soldiers came next, some of whombore heavy matchlocks of an ancient period, and the rest pikes andhalberds. However, they marched with as proud and confident a step asthough their weapons were of the very latest pattern--which very likelythey thought they were. Following them was a State Coach, a huge, cumbrous vehicle with unglazed windows; it seemed to be of pure gold, and was drawn by sixteen milk-white horses in blue trappings. 

After the procession had halted, the Court Chamberlain formallypresented the members of the Royal Household, whose mere titles soundedimpressively on the ear of their new Mistress. There were Prince Tapfervon Schneiderleinheimer and Prince Hansmeinigel; Baron Müllerbürschen, Baron von Bohnenranken, and Count von Daumerlingstamm; PrincessRapunzelhauser, Princess Goldernenfingerleinigen, and PrincessFlachspinnenlosburg; Baroness Belohnte von Haulemännerschen, BaronessKluge Bauerngrosstochterheimer, and Countess Gänsehirten am Brunnen, andmany others scarcely less distinguished. Never before had Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson been in such aristocratic company, and for the momentshe entirely forgot how immeasurably she was now their social superior. She had held her own triumphantly with Lady Harriet, but that wasdifferent. There was only one of _her_--and that one a quite ordinaryand insignificant personality compared with these imposingly splendidlords and ladies-in-waiting. 

Mrs. Stimpson intended to be graciously cordial, but somehow her mannerwas dangerously near being obsequious. "Most _honoured_, I'm sure, Prince!" she found herself repeating, as she ducked instinctively. "Sovery kind of you to come, Baron!. .. It's more than delightful to meetyou, dear Princess--I didn't quite catch your name!. .. _Such_ aprivilege to make your acquaintance, Countess!"

She hoped they would take this as condescension on her part, and theywere undeniably surprised by their Sovereign's excessive affability. 

"Well, " said Mr. Stimpson, as these amenities became exhausted and heperceived that no one was taking any notice of him, "what about making astart, hey, Mr. Marshal?"

"If your Majesties and the Princess will deign to enter the coach, wecan set forth at once, " was the reply. 

"Get in, children, get in!" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "You andRuby, Edna, must sit with your backs to the horses, and there will beplenty of room for Clarence between you. "

"With all respect, Sir, " said the Marshal, as Clarence was preparing toget in. "It is the custom on such an occasion as this for the CrownPrince to ride on the right of the Coach. I have arranged that a horseshall be at your Royal Highness's service. "

"Thanks awfully, " said Clarence, as he glanced at a spirited chestnutmare which two squires were endeavouring with some difficulty to soothe, "but--er--I think I'd rather drive. " He was reflecting, as he took hisseat in the coach, that he would really have to take a few ridinglessons shortly, in private. 

"Isn't Miss Heritage coming with us, Mummy?" called Ruby from thewindow. 

"In the State Coach, my dear! Of course not!"

"But why not, Mater?" protested Clarence. "There's lots of room. "

"Because I could not think of allowing it, Clarence. Perhaps Mrs. Fogleplug will be kind enough to give her a lift in--in her ownconveyance. "

"Unfortunately, " replied the Court Godmother, "my car will not hold morethan one person. "

"Well, Miss Heritage must find her way to the Palace, then! There's nonecessity for her to be present at the Coronation. "

"Surely, my dear, " said the Fairy, "you would not deprive her of such aprivilege! I will have another saddle placed on that mare so that thisfair maid of yours may ride with your other ladies in waiting. "

"Of course, Mrs. Fogleplug, if you're _bent_ on Miss Heritage making apublic exhibition of herself, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "I havenothing to say. I don't suppose she has ever been on a horse in herlife!"

"Oh, but I have, Ma'am!" Daphne pleaded eagerly. "I've ridden ever sinceI was a child. And I'd love to ride that mare, if I may!"

"Oh, very _well_, Miss Heritage, ve-ry well. But remember, if you breakyour neck, _I_ shall not accept any responsibility, " which Daphne tookas a permission. As soon as Mr. And Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson had takentheir seats, the sixteen milk-white horses began to pull and strain tilleventually the great coach was on the way. 

"Mummy, " cried Ruby a little later, "I can see Miss Heritage! She'sriding close behind. And oh, she _does_ look so sweet on horseback!"

"Put your head in, --do, child!" said her mother sharply. "Whatever willthe people think if they see a Princess hanging half out of the windowlike that!"

Ruby sat down rather sullenly. Clarence would have liked to put his ownhead out if it had been consistent with his dignity as a Prince. As itwas, he could only hope that Daphne would come to no harm. "Really!"continued Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "what with one's governess ridingbehind one's coach, and those two ridiculous bird-cars probably flappingoverhead, this is _quite_ unlike any Coronation Procession _I_ everheard of!"

"More like a bally Circus, " remarked Clarence. "Only wants a couple ofclowns with bladders on horseback and a performing elephant. "

"_I_ consider, " said his mother, "that a State procession should havemore solemnity about it. .. . How horribly this coach jolts! It _can't_have any springs!. .. There you are again, Edna, buried in thatnote-book! you might show a little interest in what is going on!"

"I'm sorry, mother, but it all seems to mean so little to me. "

"Then all I can say is--good gracious, _what_ a lurch! I quite thoughtwe were over!--all _I_ can say is that it's unnatural to be soabstracted as you are. We're getting close to Eswar--whatever they callit. If you look round you will see the walls and towers. "

Edna adapted her _pince-nez_ and turned perfunctorily for a moment. "_Quite_ quaint!" she said, and resumed her reading. 

"Picturesque, _I_ should call it, " corrected her mother. "Sidney, doesn't it put you in mind of dear lovely Lucerne?"

"Very much so, my love, " he replied, "or--er--Venice" (neither of whichcities, as a matter of fact, did Eswareinmal resemble in the least). "Hullo! what are we stopping for _now_, eh?"

It seemed they had arrived at the principal gates of the Capital, wherethe Burgomaster and other civic dignitaries were assembled to welcomeand to do them homage, which they did with every sign of respect andloyalty. As Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson felt unequal to the efforts ofresponding, that duty devolved on her husband, who presented himself atthe window of the coach, and made what the reporters, had any beenpresent, would no doubt have described as "a few gracious andappropriate remarks. "

"You needn't have said that about 'doing our best to give satisfaction, 'Sidney!" complained his wife after the coach had thundered over thedrawbridge, and was lumbering under the massive archway into a narrowand crowded street, "for all the world as if we had been a butler andhousekeeper applying for a situation!"

"It _was_ a little unfortunate, perhaps, my dear, " he admitted; "but itis so difficult to know what to say when one has to speak impromptu. "

"It ought to be easy enough to know what _not_ to say, " she retorted. "Dear me, what hosts of people!" she went on, as her irritation mergedinto complacency. "And _how_ pleased they all seem to see us! But nodoubt, after a bachelor Regent, a whole Royal family--I love to seetheir happy smiling faces!"

"Grinning mugs would be nearer the mark, Mater, " said Clarence; "neversaw such a chuckle-headed lot of bumpkins in my life!"

"I will thank you to remember, Clarence, " she replied, "that they are myloyal subjects, and will be _yours_ at some time to come. "

"I can _wait_ for 'em, " he said; "and if they're so jolly loyal, whyain't they cheering more?"

Slowly the golden coach progressed through winding streets of gabled orstep-roofed houses with toppling overhanging stories, then along oneside of a great square, packed with people in costume, the womenrecalling to Mrs. Stimpson's mind, quite inappropriately, the waitressesat the Rigi Kulm hotel on a Sunday. Then, through more narrow streets, to a smaller square, where it stopped at some steps leading to the hugeWest portal of a magnificent buttressed Church. 

"All change here--for the Coronation!" said Clarence. "I'd better nipout first, eh, Mater?"

"Your father and I get out first, naturally, Clarence, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, and descended majestically, Mr. Stimpson followingwith somewhat less effect owing to an attack of cramp in his left leg. Four small pages stepped forward in pairs to carry Mr. And Mrs. Stimpson's trains, which they found a distinct convenience, and, hand inhand, they passed through the great, elaborately niched and statueddoorway into the nave. The interior was thronged by all the notables ofMärchenland, including the venerable President of the Council and hisCouncillors. Above, the light struck in shafts through the paintedwindows of the clerestory, tinging the haze of incense fumes with faintcolours. On the high altar twinkled innumerable tapers. "_Roman!_ as Isuspected!" whispered Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson on seeing them, andsniffing the scented atmosphere. (She had attended St. John's atGablehurst, because the vicar, although Evangelical, was well-known tobe of good family. ) Under a crimson canopy in the choir were two goldenchairs which they understood they were expected to sit upon, andoccupied accordingly. A mitred and coped ecclesiastic, who appeared tobe some kind of Bishop, then shepherded them benevolently through aseries of mystic rites that, besides being hopelessly unintelligible, seemed unreasonably protracted. However, they reached the climax atlast, and amidst the tumultuous acclamations of the spectators thepreviously anointed heads of King Sidney and Queen Selina, as they musthenceforth be described, received their respective crowns. 

"Ha, well, " remarked King Sidney, when he and the rest of the Royalfamily were once more in the coach, and on their way towards the palacethat was to be their future home, "we got through it most successfullyon the whole. Perhaps the Bishop was a little too lavish with theanointing part of the ceremony. Still, taken altogether, it was--ah--avery solemnising affair. "

"It would have been more so, Sidney, " said the Queen, "if you hadn'tkept on dropping your sceptre and tripping over your train. I don'twonder the Bishop got flustered. But I do wish we could have had itproperly done by the dear Archbishop of Canterbury!"

"Bit out of his diocese, Märchenland, what?" said the Crown Prince. 

"I'm aware of that, Clarence; and, of course, we're legally crowned, whoever did it. .. . Sidney, it's only just struck me, but I'm sure weought to be bowing. Bow, children, all of you--take the time from me. Sidney, why aren't _you_ bowing?"

"I can't, my love. It's difficult enough to keep my crown on as it is!"

"You can hold it on with one hand, can't you? You simply _must_ bow ifyou don't want to be unpopular! So must _you_, children. Keep _on_ withit!"

"Give us a rest, Mater, " said Prince Clarence, after they had beennodding like Chinese mandarins for some minutes. "My neck's beginning towilt already!"

Queen Selina herself was not sorry to stop. "It's certainly veryfatiguing at first, " she admitted; "we must practise it together inprivate. .. . Was that old Mrs. Fogleplug's dove-chariot that passed usjust now? I'm afraid I shall have to put her in her place. She's ratherinclined to forget herself--not only addressed me as 'my dear, ' butactually attempted to kiss me after the Coronation!"

"So she did _me_!" said the Princess Royal, "but I hope I showed that Ithought she was taking a liberty. "

"She's a very worthy, well-meaning old creature, no doubt, " remarked theQueen; "still, a Fairy Godmother in these days is really _rather_--Ishall have to get her to retire--on a pension. "

"She'll stick on, " said Prince Clarence, "you see if she don't. Means toboss the whole show. "

"I shall soon let her see that I intend to be mistress in my ownKingdom, " said the Queen. "I could wish, I must say, that it was just alittle more up to date! Everything so dreadfully behind the times! Ihaven't seen a shop yet with a plate-glass front, and not a singlepillar-box!"

"Poor sort of place for Suffragettes, what?" observed Clarence. 

"Frivolity apart, Clarence, " remarked the Queen, "I can see already thatthere is much to be done here before the country can be called reallycivilised. We must set ourselves to raise the standard by introducingmodern ideas--enlighten people's minds, and all the rest of it. And youmust do _your_ share, Sidney, as I shall do mine. "

"Certainly, " said the King; "I'm agreeable. All for progress myself. Always have been. .. . I fancy that must be our Palace up there. A trulypalatial residence--replete, I've no doubt, with every convenience wecan require. "

The State Coach, after making a leisurely circuit of the two sides ofthe principal square, was now beginning the ascent of the steep zigzagroad to the Palace, which stood on the terraced height of the plateauthat commanded the city. The party in the coach caught glimpses of itsmassive but ornate towers with fantastic spires and turrets, and itsgreat arched and columned wings of rose-tinted marble. As it was ratherlarger than Windsor Castle, King Sidney's commendation was fairlyjustified. 

But Queen Selina's mind was occupied in computing the probable number ofrooms, and the maids that would be required to "do" them, while shewondered aloud whether they could possibly afford to keep such a placeup. 

"Depend upon it, my dear, " said the King, "the--ah--State will providean ample allowance for all our expenses. I must go into that as soon asan opportunity occurs, and find out exactly what our income will be. "

Little more was said after this, as the great coach creaked and groanedslowly up the winding road, and then rolled through the golden gatesinto the courtyard of the Palace. 

On the steps of the chief entrance were Marshal Federhelm, Baron vonEisenbänden, and the Court Godmother, who, with the rest of the Royalhousehold, had hastened on ahead to receive them. The Marshal usheredthem into the Hall of Entrance, which was immense and cool. There theyfound the ladies and gentlemen-in-waiting drawn up in curtseying andbowing ranks. The colours of their gay costumes would have beendazzling, had they not been somewhat toned down by the subdued lightfrom the windows, which were paned with transparent agate set intracery of a flamboyant type. At the back rose a colossal staircase ofjasper. On either side were lofty doors leading to vestibules, corridors, and reception halls. 

Judged by Gablehurst standards, the general effect of the interior washardly 'home-y' or cosy enough to be perfectly satisfactory, as QueenSelina seemed to feel, for the only comment she made was: "_No_ chinapunch-bowl for visiting-cards, I see!"

"I say, " the Crown Prince inquired of the Marshal, "who's the smallsportsman in the extinguisher hat?" he referred to an unassuming littleman with long, lint-coloured hair and pale, prominent eyes, whoseshiftiness was only partly concealed by large horn spectacles. He woreblack and crimson robes embroidered in gold with Zodiacal signs. "Lookslike the Editor of Old Moore's Almanack. "

"That, Sir, " replied the Marshal, "is the learned Xuriel, our AstrologerRoyal. Will your Majesties permit me to present him?" And, the Royalassent being given, he went across to fetch the sage. 

"Xuriel, my friend, " he said in his ear, with a slightly ironicalintonation, "the august Sovereigns who owe their discovery to yourlearning and research are naturally anxious to express theiracknowledgements. So come along and be presented, and perhaps you willproduce a better impression if you can manage to look a little less likea hare with the ear-ache. "

It was not, however, the prospect of being presented to Royalty that wasdisturbing the Astrologer Royal, but an unpleasant suspicion that theex-Regent was, for some reason or other, a little annoyed with him. 

"Your Majesties will be interested to hear, " explained the Marshal, after making the presentation, "that Master Xuriel was at one timenoted for his skill as a magician. "

"My studies in Magic were never carried very far, your Majesties, "protested the Astrologer, wriggling uncomfortably. "I--I did very littleat it. And, even before it was decreed that all enchanters and sorcerersshould either leave the Kingdom or take up some other profession, I haddiscovered that astrology was my true vocation. "

"And you were right, " said the Marshal heartily, "as results have shown. And doubtless there is no truth in the rumour that you still retain someproficiency in the Black Art. "

"Absolutely none, your Majesties!" the Astrologer Royal declared. "Whatsmall skill I ever possessed, I have already forgotten; all my magicspells have long since been discarded. "

"So I should hope, " said Queen Selina severely. "Mr. Wibber--I mean, hisMajesty and I are, of course, no believers in Magic, but we aredetermined not to allow any superstitions practices here in future--arewe not, Sidney?"

"Certainly, my dear, certainly. Most undesirable. Of course, we don'tobject to ordinary conjuring--anything harmless of that sort. But takemy advice, Sir, and stick to Astrology for the future--much moregentlemanly pursuit!"

The Astrologer Royal promised to observe this recommendation, and justthen the Court Chamberlain announced that a meal had been prepared forthe Royal Family in the King's Parlour, to which he offered to conductthem at once. And, as the lengthy business of the Coronation had giventhem all excellent appetites, they readily welcomed the proposal. 

Princess Ruby, catching sight of Daphne in one of the groups, had beggedthat she might be included, which the Queen reluctantly granted as anexceptional indulgence. 

Daphne would gladly have excused herself had that been possible; she wasbecoming painfully conscious of finding Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson as aQueen irresistibly ludicrous. Once already that morning she had onlyjust escaped detection, and she was horribly afraid now that somethingmight happen which would lead her to betray herself by unseemlylaughter. She could only pray inwardly that it would not, as shefollowed with Ruby to the King's Parlour. 

This was a lofty hall with windows opening on to the terrace; the wallswere composed of great slabs of malachite, and twisted columns of thesame supported a ceiling of elaborately carved pink jade. At one end wasa dais, where a table was spread with what King Sidney referred tosomewhat disappointedly as "a cold snack, " though he did it amplejustice nevertheless. 

The Marshal sat on his right hand; at his back stood the CourtChamberlain, while chubby-faced little pages served cakes of bread onbended knee, and filled the golden goblets with Märchenland's choicestwines, which the King considered "a trifle on the sour side. " The RoyalHousehold looked on from a distance--to the exquisite discomfort of theQueen. 

"I really can't enjoy my food, Sidney, " she complained in an undertone, "with every mouthful I take watched by all those members of thenobility!"

Suddenly she coloured with annoyance as she found she was beingaddressed in a gruff, strangled voice from a quarter it was difficult atfirst to locate. "Mr. Troitz, " she demanded, "_who_ is thatill-mannered person who seems to be trying to talk to Me with his mouthfull?"

"The voice, your Majesty, " he replied in the most matter-of-fact tone, "appears to proceed from the boar's head. "

"How dare you try to impose on me by such a story? It's that wretchedlittle astrologer man. Ventriloquism and Conjuring always go together, and I'll be bound he's underneath the table now!. .. Well, " she said, after she had satisfied herself by looking, "if he's not there, he'ssomewhere in the room!"

The Court Chamberlain assured her that the Astrologer Royal was not onlyabsent, but incapable of such a liberty; it really _was_ the boar's headthat had spoken, as animals in Märchenland would on rare occasions--evenafter suffering decapitation. 

"There was Falada, Mummy, " cried Ruby eagerly. "Don't you remember? Thehorse that talked poetry after its head had been cut off and nailed overthe arch! Miss Heritage can tell you all about it. "

But Miss Heritage could not--she was far too deeply engaged in wrestlingwith an inward demon of unholy mirth that threatened at any moment togain the mastery. 

The head began again. But whatever felicitations, predictions, orwarning it was striving to utter were rendered practically inarticulateby a large lemon that had been unfeelingly inserted between its jaws. 

"Have the boar's head removed at once, Mr. Troitz, " ordered QueenSelina. "I cannot and will not have it interrupting the conversationlike this. It couldn't happen at all in any _civilised_ country. Why, we shall have the cold tongue beginning next, I suppose!. .. "

It was here that poor Daphne's demon got the upper hand. 

"You seem slightly hysterical, Miss Heritage, " remarked the Queen. "Horse-exercise evidently has a very bad effect on your nerves, and Imust forbid you to ride in future. "

Thus was Daphne punished for her breach of etiquette. But Queen Selinahad no suspicion, even then, of its real extent. She was incapable ofconceiving that she could possibly seem ridiculous to one so infinitelyher inferior. 

CHAPTER V

DIGNITY UNDER DIFFICULTIES

The luncheon, after the removal of the too loquacious boar's head, proceeded, to Daphne's intense relief, without any further incident, andat its conclusion Queen Selina suggested a move to the terrace. One sideof it faced the City far below; another the slope of the road leadingimmediately to the Courtyard, while from the third side steps descendedby lower terraces to the Palace Gardens, which were apparentlyboundless. Beyond them, however, was a neglected region of groves andthickets, a sort of Wilderness, which stretched from the Gardenboundaries to the edge of a plateau below which lay a wild valley, witha chain of wilder peaks and crags forming the horizon. But none of theCourt had ever cared to explore the Wilderness, if they were even awareof its existence, so no more need be said of it at present. 

The Royal Family leaned upon the parapet of the terrace, whence they hada bird's-eye view of the big square immediately below, and thepicturesquely irregular buildings, above whose gabled red roofs grimwatch-towers and quaint spires or cupolas rose here and there. Down inthe square swarms of tiny figures were clustering round the publicfountains, which spouted jets that, as they flashed in the afternoonsun, were seen to be of a purple hue. 

"Must be wine, " remarked the Crown Prince. "If it's the same tap we hadat lunch, the poor devils have my sympathy!"

"I think, Sidney, " said the Queen, "that we ought all to go for a drivepresently--just round the principal streets. I'm sure the--a--populacewould appreciate it. "

"If you think it's expected of us, my love, " he said. "Otherwise--well, I should have rather liked to see a little more of the Palace; we don'teven know where our own bedrooms are to be yet. "

"The Guv'nor's right there, Mater!" said Prince Clarence. "We'd betterget settled down before we do anything else. "

"Perhaps we had, " Queen Selina allowed. "I'll get that good old Mrs. Fogleplug to take us round the house. " And after sending for the CourtGodmother, she started, accompanied by the family and several of herladies-in-waiting, on a tour of inspection. 

Possibly the suites of halls, each more magnificent than the last, theendless galleries and corridors, the walls decorated with sumptuous butbizarre hangings, the floors inlaid with marble and precious stoneswhich were probably priceless and certainly slippery--possibly all thesecontributed towards the upsetting of Queen Selina's equanimity, but hermanner was deplorably lacking in dignity and repose. She treated herladies, for instance, with a politeness that came nearer subserviencethan ever. It was: "_Pray_ go first, dear Princess Rapunzelhauser! After_you_, Baroness!. .. Please, Countess, I really couldn't _think_ ofpreceding you!" at every doorway, till Daphne, as she noted the elevatedeyebrows and covert smiles of the others, felt too much shame for herSovereign for any thought of amusement. 

However, the Queen showed more self-assertion in her treatment of theCourt Godmother, which was characterised by some _hauteur_. 

"And now, I suppose, Mrs. Fogleplug, we have seen _all_ the ReceptionRooms. We shall probably have to entertain on rather a large scale, butthey appear to be fairly suitable. What I have _not_ yet seen is a roomwhere I could receive ordinary callers. I have always made a practicesince I was first married of being 'at Home' on the first and thirdFridays, and though circumstances have altered, I intend to continueit. "

The Fairy, though she was rather at a loss to understand either thereason or the necessity for this, said that there was a chamber called"The Queen's Bower" which would probably meet Her Majesty'srequirements, and led the way to it accordingly. 

It was about sixty feet square, with a high vaulted roof of lapis-lazuliset with large diamond stars; the walls were decorated with hugefrescoes representing legends, many of which Princess Ruby recognised asfamiliar. 

"This will do, Mrs. Fogleplug, " pronounced the Queen. "At least itcan be _made_ to do, with a little re-arrangement. As it is, thereare none of the ordinary refinements, such as art-cushions, cake-and-bread-and-butter stand, occasional tables, and littlesilver knick-knacks, which a lady's boudoir of any pretensions toelegance should have. Just the trifles that express the owner, and--er--constitute Home. I must have all these provided before I canuse this as a sanctum. I should certainly have expected a Palace likethis to be furnished with more regard to comfort!"

"I should have expected a billiard-room or two, " said Prince Clarence;"but these Courtier chaps tell me they don't even know what billiardsare! Pretty sort of Palace this!"

"I think it's a perfectly lovely Palace!" Princess Ruby declared. "Ithasn't got a single piano in it anywhere! I know, because I've asked. "

"I'm sorry to hear it, my dear, " said her Mother, "because Iparticularly wished Miss Heritage to get you on with your music; and, ifthat is impossible, I shall have to consider whether I can keep her atall. "

"Oh, Mummy, you won't send her away? When you know I've never been goodwith anybody before, and never _shall_ be, either!"

Queen Selina was quite alive to the advantages of retaining Daphne'sservices. 

"Well, Ruby, " she said, "I shall allow Miss Heritage to stay on, as yourcompanion" (she had already seen her way to proposing a reduction ofsalary), "and she can make herself generally useful to me as well. "

Ruby went dancing back to Daphne. "You're not to be my governess anymore, Miss Heritage, dear, " she announced, "because I shan't require onenow. But I've got Mummy to let you stay on as companion. Aren't youglad?"

Daphne answered that she was--and she would certainly have been sorry toleave Märchenland quite so soon. 

"And now tell me, Mr. Chamberlain--Baron Troitz, I mean, " the Queen wassaying. "What time do you dine here?"

"Whenever your Majesties please, " was the reply. 

"All the same to us, " said the King affably. "No wish to put you _out_at all. "

"Then with your permission, Sire, the Banquet will be served an hourhence in the Banqueting Hall. "

"A banquet!" cried the Queen. "I would rather we dined quietly, withoutany fuss, on our first night here. "

"It is the night of your Majesties' Coronation, " the Court Chamberlainreminded her. "The Court would be deeply disappointed if so auspiciousan event were not celebrated in a befitting manner. "

"Oh, " said the Queen. "Then it will be full dress, I suppose--withcrowns?"

"I hope--not _crowns_, " put in King Sidney, who had taken the earliestopportunity of leaving his own in a corner. "A crown is such anuncomfortable thing to eat in. At least mine is. "

The Court Chamberlain gave it as his decision that crowns shouldcertainly be worn--at least through the earlier courses of the meal. 

"All you've got to do, Guv'nor, " said Clarence, "is to keep yours fromsplashing into the soup. A bit of elastic round your chin would do thatall right. "

"And I presume, " said the Queen, "we shall wear these robes we haveon?. .. Oh, we shall find a change of costume upstairs? Then, as there isnot too much time for dressing, I should like to see my room at once, Mrs. Fogleplug. "

"Sidney, " she panted a little later as, escorted by the Marshal andBaron, and followed by the Court Godmother and the ladies andlords-in-waiting, they were making the ascent of the grand staircase, "one of the _first_ things we must do here is to put in a lift. I reallycan't be expected to climb all these stairs several times a day!"

"They do take it out of one, my dear, " he admitted. "And a lift wouldcertainly be a great improvement. "

At the head of the staircase was a long tapestry-hung gallery in whichwere the doors opening into the suites of rooms prepared for Royalty. 

Queen Selina, on reaching hers, could not bring herself to allow herladies of the Bedchamber to assist at her toilet. "So _very_ kind ofyou, Princess, and you, too, my dear Baroness, " she protested, "but Icouldn't _think_ of troubling you--I couldn't indeed! I should feelquite ashamed to let you! I can manage perfectly well by myself--thatis, Miss Heritage will come in after she has attended to Princess Ruby, and do all I require, and then she can go on and help _you_, Edna. "

"Thank you, Mother, " said Edna, "but I should prefer having some one whois more accustomed to dressing hair. "

After putting Ruby into a robe of golden tissue and silken stockings andsatin shoes, which, being quite as splendid as those she had just laidaside, afforded the child intense satisfaction, Daphne went to QueenSelina's Tiring Chamber--a spacious apartment with hangings of strangecolours embroidered with Royal emblems. It was separated by a curtainedarch, through which a glimpse could be caught of the Royal Bedchamber, with the colossal and gorgeously canopied State bed. 

She found the Queen still in an early stage of her toilette and in ahighly fractious state of mind. 

"I expected you to be here before this, Miss Heritage, " she said. "I'vebeen waiting all this time for you to fasten me up the back, which Icouldn't possibly ask any of my Court ladies to do. .. . I'm sure _I_don't know what goes on next!. .. Oh, do you think the--er--stomacher_before_ the ruff?. .. Very well. .. . It's impossible to judge the effectin such a wretched light" (the chamber, it should be said, wasilluminated by a number of perfumed flambeaux stuck in elaboratelywrought silver sconces). "Even at 'Inglegarth' I had a pair of electriclights over my dressing-table! And how on earth any Queen can beexpected to dress at a shabby tarnished old cheval-glass like this ismore than _I_ can conceive!"

Upon which a thin but silvery voice immediately responded:

 "As dimly can I understand How _you_ are Queen of Märchenland!"

"Upon my word, Miss Heritage!" exclaimed Queen Selina, with an angryflush on her oatmeal-hued cheeks, "I am surprised at suchimpertinence--from _you_!"

"It--it wasn't me, Ma'am, " said Daphne, with an heroic effort to keepher countenance. 

"As it was certainly not myself, and you are the only other person inthe room, Miss Heritage, your denial is impudent as well as useless!"

Daphne could only point speechlessly to the mirror. 

"Really, Miss Heritage! This goes beyond all--what _next_!"

 "Reflected here there should have been A younger and far fairer Queen. "

continued the voice in a doggerel as devoid of polish as the mirroritself. 

"It _does_ appear to come from--but whoever heard of a looking-glasstalking?" said the mystified Queen. 

"Little Snow-white's Stepmother had a mirror that answered her, Ma'am, "said Daphne, "and she was a queen in Märchenland, I believe. Perhapsthis is the very one!"

It would, no doubt, have proceeded to make some even more unflatteringcomments if Daphne had not, with much presence of mind, turned its faceto the wall. How she knew that this would silence it she could not havesaid herself. But it certainly did. 

"I have no reason for believing that any such person as LittleSnow-white ever existed, " said Queen Selina; "but whoever that glassbelonged to, I will not have it here. I would have it smashed, if itwasn't unlucky. But it must be removed to the attics before I come uphere to undress. Really, I never knew such a country as this is! Boar'sheads trying to speak at luncheon, and mirrors making personal remarks, and everything so strange and unnatural! But you take it all as a matterof course, Miss Heritage; nothing seems to surprise _you_. "

"I think, Ma'am, " said Daphne, "because I've always known that, if Iever _did_ get to Märchenland, it would be very much like this. "

"Considering that you had no better means of knowing what it would belike than I had myself, " replied the Queen, "I can only ascribe that toaffectation. .. . Surely there must be more of the Crown jewellery than Ihave been given as yet?. .. Yes, there _may_ be something in thatchest. .. . Good gracious me! _What_ diamonds! I don't think the dearDuchess of Gleneagles herself can have anything to approach them!. .. Yes, you can put me on a _rivičre_, and two of the biggest ropes ofpearls. .. . It won't do to go down looking dowdy. Dear me, " she added, asshe took up the pendant she had bought from Daphne twenty-four hoursbefore, "to think of my giving so much money for this paltry thing! If Ihad known then what I do now, I should never have--but, of course, Idon't mean that I should think of going back on it. "

"I'm afraid, Ma'am, " said Daphne, "I couldn't pay it back now; I sentthe cheque last night. "

"I am quite content to bear the loss, Miss Heritage. And, by the way, you may not be aware of it, but it is hardly correct or usual, inspeaking to me, to call me 'Ma'am. '"

"I've always understood, Ma'am, " said Daphne, "that our own Queen--inEngland, I mean----"

"How the Queen of England may allow herself to be addressed is entirelyher own affair, " said Queen Selina handsomely; "I have nothing whateverto do with _that_. But I am Queen of Märchenland, Miss Heritage, and Ishall be obliged by your addressing me as 'Your Majesty' on _all_occasions. "

"Certainly, your Majesty, " said Daphne, executing a profound curtseywith a little smile that she was quite unable to repress. "I assure yourMajesty that your Majesty may rely on my addressing your Majesty as'Your Majesty' for the future, your Majesty. "

"That is better, Miss Heritage, much better--a little overdone, butstill--And now, " she added, "you had better go and see if Princess Ednawants any assistance. You need not trouble to change your own dress, as, of course, you will not sit down to dinner with us. "

"She's too priceless!" thought Daphne, when she was outside on thegallery, and could indulge her sense of humour in safety. "Still, Idon't think I _could_ stand her very long if it weren't for Ruby!"

"I say, Mater, " the Crown Prince called out a few minutes afterwardsoutside his Mother's door, "how much longer are you and the Guv'norgoing to be? All night?"

"You can come in, Clarence, " she said. "How soon your Father will beready, I can't say. I finished _my_ dressing hours ago. "

King Sidney, following her example, had declined the good offices of hisgentlemen, and there were sounds from his dressing-room on the fartherside of the Bedchamber which indicated that he was in some difficultiesin consequence. 

"My aunt!" exclaimed Clarence as he saw his Mother fully arrayed. "You've got 'em all on _this_ time, Mater, and no mistake! So've you, Guv'nor, " he added, as King Sidney joined them with rather a sheepishair. "Only--are you sure you've got yours on _right_? I mean tosay--that ruff looks a bit cock-eyed. "

"It's given me more trouble than any white tie, my boy--but it must doas it is. "

"Ah, I got that bristly-haired chap--what's his name--Hansmeinigel--toput on mine for me. Didn't any of yours give you a hand?"

"They offered to--most kindly, " said King Sidney, "but--well, I didn'taltogether relish letting them dress me. "

"They'd have made a jolly sight neater job of it than you have--keepstill a jiff till I've tucked this tape in. There--that's more like it. And I say, you and the Mater had better hurry--you're keeping the wholeCourt waiting for you!"

"Why didn't you tell us before?" said the Queen in a violent flurry. "Where--where _are_ the Court?"

"All drawn up in the Hall at the foot of the big staircase. They can'tmake a move till you come down, and lead the way in to dinner, youknow!"

"I--I'd rather not descend all those steps in public, " objected theKing. "Confoundedly slippery. Er--couldn't we go by the backstairs, mylove?"

"And find ourselves in our own kitchen!" said the Queen. "Certainly not, Sidney! The grand staircase is the only dignified way down, and you hadbetter give me your arm at once. "

"Very well, my dear, very well. But I'm pretty sure I shall slip. "

"You must _not_ slip, Sidney! Neither of us must slip. If we did, itwould produce a very bad impression. Still, it will be safer if we godown one by one, and hold on to the banisters. "

"No, I say, " cried the Crown Prince, "you can't do that--might as wellcrawl down on all fours! Buck up, both of you. Try and throw a littleswank into it!"

Their Majesties accomplished the descent amidst the congratulatory blareof the silver trumpets without actual mishap. But there was nothing inthe bearing of either Sovereign that could justly be described by theterm "swank, " and indeed, if any fault could be found, it would havebeen in quite the opposite direction. 

Of the banquet itself little need be said here. The numerous courseswere appetising and admirably served, while, to the Queen's relief, noneof the dishes showed any desire to take part in the conversation. 

The members of the Court did more than look on this time, beingentertained, with other guests, amongst whom were the President andCouncil, at cross tables below the principal one on the dais. 

Clarence, seated with his family, the Ex-Regent, and the Court Godmotherat the high table, wished more than once that he could have sat byDaphne, whom he could see at no great distance. He noted her perfectease, and the pretty graciousness with which she received the attentionswhich her neighbours seemed only too anxious to press upon her. 

"Anyone would think she'd lived with swells all her life, " he thought. "She may have, for anything I know!" But, of course, even if she had, the fact did not make her his equal now. 

Towards the close of the feast King Sidney, who had long since disposedof his crown underneath his chair, considered that the occasion demandeda speech. His effort might have been a greater success if he hadabstained from jocularity, which was not by any means his _forte_. It ispossible that a far happier sample of British humour would have failedto set Märchenland tables in a roar, but his hearers were either unawarethat he intended to be humorous, or sensible that his purpose had notbeen achieved, for they listened in puzzled but depressed silence, whilethe effect of his facetiousness on Daphne was to render her hot and coldby turns. 

The banquet over, the Court Chamberlain deferentially informed the RoyalParty that they were expected to lead the procession to the Ball Room. 

Clarence, who had unfortunately come away from "Inglegarth" without hiscigarette-case, was longing to smoke, and hung behind for that purpose. But on applying to the Marshal, he was told that only common soldiersever smoked in Märchenland. With some trouble a highly flavoured pipe, atinder-box, and a pouch containing a dried herb that appeared to be thelocal substitute for tobacco were procured for him. However, a veryshort experience convinced him that duty required him to put in anappearance at the State Ball. 

The Ball Room was a long, lofty hall, lit by thousands of candles set ingreat golden hoops; the light they gave being multiplied almost toinfinity by the fact that the walls and ceiling were lined withelaborately engraved looking-glass, which, fortunately perhaps for theQueen, was dumb. When he entered, the musicians were already fiddling, piping, and fluting in a gallery high up at one end facing a raisedplatform, where his father and mother, looking extremely hot anduncomfortable, were seated on gorgeous chairs. A stately measure wasbeing performed, which might have been a _gavotte_ or minuet or _pavane_for anything he could say; all he knew was that the figures were quiteunfamiliar to him. 

But Daphne seemed to have learnt them--or had they come to her byinstinct?--for she was dancing in one of the sets. He watched herlissome form as she moved through the intricate evolutions till he beganto envy the Count von Daumerlingstamm, her elegant but undersizedpartner. However, he flattered himself that he would have no difficultyin cutting out little Daumerlingstamm. 

It seemed to him that that dance would never be over, but the moment itwas, he made his way to Daphne with an air that showed he was fullyaware of the distinction he was conferring. "Enjoying yourself, MissHeritage?" he said. "Don't know what that last dance was--but not much'vim' about it, if you ask _me_. Tell you what--I'll get those fiddlerfellows up there to play something a bit livelier, and you and I'llshow this crowd a two-step, what?"

"This is a great honour, your Royal Highness, " said Daphne, aftersinking demurely in the regulation curtsey. "But I must not accept ituntil I have her Majesty's permission. " ("Which I'm quite sure she won'tgive!" she thought to herself with much satisfaction. )

"Oh, I say--what rot! The Mater won't mind! And if she does----!"

"It would be very disagreeable for me, your Royal Highness!"

"Oh, well, " he said, "I'll go and ask her. "

As Daphne had anticipated, Queen Selina's refusal was most emphatic. "You ought to know, Clarence, that it's utterly out of the question!"she said. "And I'm surprised at Miss Heritage having the presumption toexpect it. "

"She didn't, Mater. She said I'd better ask you first. "

"Then it seems she has a better sense of her position than you have ofyours, Clarence. I'm told you have been seen walking about with adisgusting pipe in your mouth, and that several people were remarking onit. Now you are actually proposing to make yourself conspicuous bydancing at a State Ball with your sister's companion! I have alwayscredited you with being a man of the world--but if _this_ is the way youare going on----!"

He felt the sting of so unwonted a rebuke. "I daresay you're right, Mater, " he acknowledged. "I'll be more careful after this. "

"I hope you will, I'm sure. As Crown Prince you mustn't _think_ of anypartner under the rank of Baroness. Ask one of the Princesses first, oryou'll give _more_ offence. "

"Right-oh!" was all he said, and, feeling that it would be awkward tomake any explanation or excuses to Daphne, he solved the difficulty byavoiding her for the rest of the evening. 

Princess Goldernenfingerleinigen, a prepossessing but not veryforthcoming damsel, enjoyed the distinction of being commanded by theCrown Prince as his first partner. 

He had had no experience in conversing with Princesses, and she did notexert herself either to put him more at his ease or prevent him fromlosing himself frequently in the mazes of the dance. Once or twice hewas oppressed by a painful suspicion that he had seen her making alittle grimace of self-pity at the Countess Gänsehirtin. But elaboratelyengraved mirrors are not very trustworthy, and he might have beenmistaken. Still, he was thankful when the dance, in which he wasconscious of having done himself so little credit, came to an end. 

"Edna, old girl, " he remarked subsequently to the Princess Royal, "Icall this a rotten ball. Can't stick dancing with any more of thesePrincesses!"

Princess Edna, it appeared, had been no more favourably impressed by theCourtiers. 

"They've simply _no_ conversation, " she complained, "and no ideas aboutany serious subjects!"

"No, _I_'ve noticed that, " he said; "and they think they're the onlypeople who can dance! I tell you what--you and I'll show 'em how we dothe Tango. That'll make 'em open their eyes!"

It did. As has already been said, both he and Edna, as persons who couldnot afford to be out of the movement, had taken lessons that winter inthe recent importation from dubious Argentine dancing-saloons. Theydanced it now with conscientious care, Prince Clarence exhibiting asmuch _abandon_ as a man could who was dancing with his sister. 

But the Court were not sufficiently enlightened to appreciate theperformance. They evidently considered it not only uncouth andundignified, but more than a little improper, and their general attitudeconveyed that the couple were committing one of those temporaryindiscretions which it was not only etiquette but charity to pass overin silence. 

"Capital!" said King Sidney, clapping his hands at the conclusion. "Uncommonly well they dance together, eh, my dear--never seen them do itbefore. "

"And you will never see them do it again, Sidney, " replied the Queen;"for I'm much mistaken if they haven't broken up the Ball!"

She was not very far wrong, for although, after some minutes ofawestruck silence, dancing was resumed, it was carried on with arestraint and gloom that soon decided the Royal Family to retire fromthe Ball Room. 

The Queen forbore from expressing her sentiments just then either to herson or daughter, with the latter of whom, indeed, she seldom, if ever, ventured to find fault. But she felt that her first evening in thePalace had not been a brilliant success. 

This feeling impelled her to be more ingratiating than ever to herladies of the Bedchamber, whose services in disrobing her she wascompelled to accept, though under protest. 

"So _much_ obliged!" she said, as they finally withdrew with glacialceremony. "Quite ashamed to have troubled you, really! Good-night, dearPrincess, _good_-night. We shall breakfast at 8. 30. But _en famille_, you know--quite _en famille_--so don't _dream_ of coming down!"

"I hope, Sidney, " she began later, as he joined her in the RoyalBedchamber, "I hope you have treated the gentlemen who undressed youwith proper consideration. It is _so_ important. .. . Good gracious!What's that you've got on? A night-cap?"

"Those--er--noblemen seemed to consider it the correct thing, my love, and they've put me on this night-gown, too. "

"I see they have. Embroidered all over with impossible animals. You looka perfect _sight_ in it!"

"I'm told they're--er--hippogriffs, my dear, the--ah--Royal Crest oremblem or something. I should have much preferred pyjamas myself. But itseems they are not procurable here. "

"Everything in this country is in a disgracefully backward state!"declared the Queen; "and I can see I shall have hard work to bring it upto my ideas of what is proper. I shall _begin_ by putting that old Mrs. Fogleplug in her proper place. "

"I should be careful, my dear, " advised King Sidney. "After all, youknow, she's by way of being a Fairy. "

"So she _says_! But, Fairy or no Fairy, she's much too familiar. And ifshe cannot conform to my rules, she will have to go, that's all. "

"Well, my dear, I daresay when you put it to her like that, " began theKing, who had by this time succeeded in clambering into the immense bed, and whose head was already buried in an enormous pillow. "As I wassaying, " he continued hazily, "put it to her in--in that way, and--and--no doubt . .. Very probably . .. No reason to suppose . .. Any. .. . " But here his voice sank into an unintelligible murmur, until itrose presently into his first, but not by any means last, snore in thecharacter of monarch. 

CHAPTER VI

CARES OF STATE

Queen Selina was as good as her word. The first thing after breakfastthe next morning she retired to her Bower, and sent a summons to theCourt Godmother, desiring her immediate attendance. King Sidney wasengaged in interviewing the Lord Treasurer on the subject of the Royalrevenue. The Crown Prince and Princess Edna were strolling on theterrace, and Daphne had discovered the board and pieces of a gamesomething between Chess and Halma, the rules of which she and PrincessRuby were learning under the instruction of the Countess vonHaulemännerschen. So that the Queen, having taken care not to disturbany of her ladies-in-waiting, could count upon being able to dealfaithfully with the obnoxious old Fairy without fear of interruption. 

"Well, my dear, " began the latter, as soon as she appeared, "I hope youpassed a comfortable night?"

"I don't know when I passed a _more_ uncomfortable one, Mrs. Fogleplug. That is _one_ of the things I wished to speak to you about. After beingaccustomed as I have to a spring mattress, all those great feather bedsmade it simply impossible to get a wink of sleep!"

"That, " said the Fairy, "is one of the penalties of being of the bloodRoyal. An ancestress of yours slept in that very bed, my dear, ages ago, before even _I_ can remember--or I should rather say she _tried_ tosleep, but could not, owing to a pea that had somehow got under thelowest feather-bed of all. It was certainly very careless if the pea hasnever been removed. "

"It would also show, Mrs. Fogleplug, that during all those ages the bedcan never have been properly aired. I should have thought it would havebeen _your_ business to see to that. "

"Then you would be entirely mistaken, my dear, for it is not. And, as Inotice that you find a difficulty in pronouncing my name correctly, Imay suggest that it would be simpler in future to call me by my propertitle, which is, 'High Court Godmother, ' or 'Court Godmother, ' if youprefer it. "

"And while we are on the subject of titles, " said Queen Selina, "_I_ maymention that it is customary to address a Queen as 'Your Majesty, ' andnot as 'my dear. '"

"It has always been my habit with Sovereigns, and I have never heard itobjected to till now. "

"Well, _I_ object to it. But--and this is what I sent for youabout--there are other matters I object to even more. I intend toregulate my household on a thoroughly modern and English system, and Icannot have any member of it careering about in the air in outlandishcars drawn by birds. If you _must_ have a conveyance you must be contentwith a brougham or a victoria, for I shall insist on your putting downboth those bird-cars. "

"You seem to forget that, but for one of them, you would never have comeinto your Kingdom!"

"That may or may not be. At any rate there is no further necessity forthem, and--well, it just comes to this, Madam, either they go or youdo. "

The old Fairy's eyes smouldered with anger, and her nut-cracker mouthand chin champed for a few seconds before she replied. 

"I have occupied rooms in this Palace--when not at the Palace ofClairdelune--for over a century and a half, and I have no intention ofgiving them up. I shall also continue to use the vehicles which I findmost convenient. "

"Oh?" said the Queen, "will you? We shall _see_ about that!"

"We shall, " the Court Godmother retorted. "I don't think you quiterealise yet whom you have to deal with. I may be getting on in years, but both here and at Clairdelune I am accustomed to being treated withmore deference and respect than you seem disposed to pay me. You see, they know that, although I have not used the full powers I possess as aFairy for many years past, I have not lost them altogether. I might seefit to employ them once more--on any person who was rash enough to incurmy displeasure. And ingratitude and pride are the failings which Ialways made it my particular business to correct. You would find it moreto your advantage to be on good terms with me. " There was no mistakingthe veiled threat, and Queen Selina no longer doubted the Fairy'sabilities to carry it out. She was worsted, and her only course was togive in gracefully. 

"My _dear_ Court Godmother!" she cried, "you _quite_ misunderstood me!I'd no wish to interfere with any of your habits--not in the veryslightest degree. All I _meant_ was that, perhaps, at your age, a moreordinary carriage than your present ones might be--er--_safer_, youknow!"

"I am quite capable of looking after my own safety, thank you. But, though you are our beloved Prince's daughter, you have been brought upin ignorance of the ways of this country, so I am the more willing tooverlook treatment to which I feel sure I shall not have to draw yourattention again. And now, as we quite understand one another, my dear, we will say no more about it. By the way, I hear you haven't sent forany of your ladies-in-waiting this morning. How is that?"

"I--I didn't quite like to, Court Godmother. We're--well, hardlyintimate as yet. They are so reserved and distant--especially thatPrincess Rapunzelhauser. But, of course, she comes of a very highfamily. "

"She is descended from the famous Rapunzel, whose story is no doubtfamiliar to you. .. . No? Well, her father was a poor cottager who wascaught by an old witch stealing radishes from her garden. She let himoff on condition that he gave up to her the child his wife wasexpecting. Rapunzel was the child, and in due time was claimed by thewitch, who shut her up in a lofty tower. However, she had the mostwonderful hair, so long that when she let it down from the top window ittouched the ground, and so thick that the Prince whom she subsequentlymarried was able to climb up by it, and make love to her. "

"Now you mention it, I have some faint recollection--and so PrincessRapunzelhauser is descended from _her_! Well, that would accountfor--but Princess Goldenenfinger--something, now, she _does_ look as ifshe had _some_ good blood in _her_ veins. "

"The best in Märchenland. An ancestor of hers was King of one of thesmaller Kingdoms into which the country was divided in those days. Oneday when out hunting he found a woodcutter's daughter living all alonein a hollow tree, and fell violently in love with her. "

"A _woodcutter's_ daughter? Dear me! Then, of course, marriage was outof the question. "

"Not at all! they were married and had children. Unfortunately there wasan estrangement between the King and Queen later as she was accused ofhaving murdered them, and condemned to be burnt to death. "

"It only shows what a mistake it is to marry beneath one. "

"_This_ marriage ended happily. It was discovered, just in time, thatthe children were alive after all. "

"Still, " said the Queen, "it is _not_ a pleasant thing to have happenedin _any_ family. I should like to hear something about the pedigrees ofmy other ladies-in-waiting. "

The Court Godmother was quite ready to give her all the information shecould. Princess Flachspinnenlosburg, it appeared, traced her descentfrom the incorrigibly lazy daughter of a poor and not over scrupulousmother; Baroness Belohnte von Haulemännerschen from similarly humblefolk, whose daughter was servant of all work to seven dwarfs, andafterwards married the King of one of the petty states before mentioned;Baroness von Bauerngrosstochterheimer's ancestor was a peasant; CountessGänsehirten am Brunnen's ancestress a goose-girl--and so on through theentire list. Queen Selina then became curious as to the origin of thegentlemen of her Court, and found that many of their forbears weresullied by the taint of Trade. The founders of both Prince Tapfer vonSchneiderleinberg's and Count Daumerlingenstamm's houses were tailors;Baron von Bohnenranken derived his title from a speculator who, after aremarkably unsuccessful venture in cattle, had made a colossal coup inbeans. As for Prince Hansmeinigel, his pretensions to high descent wereeven more questionable--at least, if it was actually the fact, as theFairy stated, that the first of his progenitors was not only the son ofa poor father, but also suffered the additional social disadvantage ofbeing a hedgehog from the waist upwards; added to which he seemed tohave cherished an eccentric passion for playing the bagpipes whileriding on a cock. It is true that, after his marriage with a Princess, he became a less impossible member of Society--still, as the Queen veryrightly felt, there are some things which can never be altogether liveddown. 

"I'm much obliged to you for telling me all this, Court Godmother, " shesaid, at the end; "_most_ interesting, I'm sure. And so useful to knowwho everybody really _is_!"

It was something of a disillusion to find that her Court was so largelycomposed of _parvenus_, but, on the other hand, it enabled her to faceher ladies-in-waiting in future without any distressing sense ofinferiority. 

She was on the point of summoning them when the King suddenly burst intoher bower. "Selina, my love, " he began, with suppressed excitement, "ifyou'll tell this good woman to go, I've something to say to you. "

"Oblige me, Sidney, " replied the Queen, "by not alluding to the HighCourt Godmother again as a good woman; we may consider ourselves veryfortunate that she is doing us the honour of residing under our roof, and you will be good enough to show her proper respect. "

"Oh, sorry, I'm sure; I thought you said--but if _that's_ how it is, Iapologise for interrupting you. "

"I have said all I have to say, " said the Court Godmother, "so there isno need for me to remain any longer. " And with that she hobbled out ofthe room. 

"I suppose you got your way about those--ah--bird-chariots, my dear?" heasked, "as you don't seem to have sacked her!"

"She seemed so upset at the idea of giving them up that I said she mightkeep them. I shall certainly not 'sack' her, as you call it. Now I'vecome to know her better, I find she is a good, faithful old soul who ismuch too useful to part with, and you must be very careful to be civilto her in future. What was it you wanted to say to me?"

"The Lord Treasurer and I have been going into our private resources, "he said. "I thought perhaps you might like to come with me to myCounting-house and--and have a look at 'em, my dear. "

She was only too eager to do so. "Tell me, Sidney, " she gasped, as theyhurried through various corridors to the wing in which the King'sCounting-house was situated. "Shall we--shall we have enough to live ondecently?"

"I don't know what _you_ will think, " he replied, with an irrepressiblechuckle, "but I should call it affluence myself--positive affluence, mylove!"

They arrived at a heavily clamped door, where the Marshal, theTreasurer, and Prince Clarence and Princess Edna were waiting for them. "Two steps down, " said King Sidney after unlocking the door. 

"And here we _are_!" he cried triumphantly, as they entered. 

The Counting-house was a huge barrel-roofed chamber lighted from windowsprotected by elaborate scroll-work bars. Upon shelves all round thewalls, and piled in heaps on the floor, were sacks, "Every blessed one, "explained the King, "chock full of gold ducats! What do you think of_that_, eh, my love?"

"I think, Sidney, " she replied, "that _I_ am the person who should havethe key. "

"There's one for each of us, " he said. "Here's yours. And on that tablethere you'll find purses laid out, and a little gold shovel to fill themwith. I've filled mine. Whenever our funds are running low, you see, we've only to come down here and help ourselves. "

"Good biz!" said the Crown Prince, beginning to fill one of the purses. "I shall fill my pockets as well--save another journey, what?"

"Some of us do not possess pockets, Clarence, " said his mother. "And Imust make it a rule that no one is to take out more than a purseful at atime, and only after satisfying me that the money is required for somelegitimate purpose. "

"I don't think such precautions are at all necessary, my dear, " saidKing Sidney. "Marshal Federhelm seems to have put by a good deal whilehe was Regent. And besides, there's plenty more where _this_ comes from, you know!"

"And where _does_ it come from?" inquired the Queen. 

"Why, the Treasurer tells me, we've a mine of our own inthe Golden Mountains a few miles from here--a mine that ispractically--ah--inexhaustible. I rather thought of driving overto see it some day. "

"Let's all go!" said the Crown Prince. "Why not this afternoon? It'll besomething to do!"

Queen Selina was pleased to approve the suggestion. "We certainly oughtto show that we are interested in industrial concerns, " she said. "Allthe _best_ Sovereigns do. I can't help wishing, though, that poor dearPapa could have come with us. He knew so much about gold mines. "

"Just as well for us he can't, " said Clarence, "because _he'd_ be theBoss, then! I say, I've got an idea. Why not take one of those sacks inthe coach with us and chuck money out of the window to the crowd, what?"

"Look too much as if we were out for a beanfeast, my boy, " objected hisfather. 

"And what's the matter with a beanfeast? Believe me, it will make usjolly popular and be a lot better fun than just bowing to theblighters. "

"And far less fatiguing, " said Edna. 

"There's something in what Clarence says, " said the Queen. "It _would_increase our popularity--and that is so important. Of course weshouldn't make a _practice_ of it, but we can quite afford it, just foronce--what do you think, Mr. Marshal?"

The Marshal thought it was an excellent notion. 

The Golden Mountains were not much more than a couple of leagues fromEswareinmal, and the roads being tolerably good, a lighter vehicle thanthe State Coach and six sturdy horses accomplished the journey in verygood time. In the streets they passed through and at various villagesalong the valley, crowds had collected, and the enthusiasm with whichthey scrambled for the coins that were showered from the carriagewindows proved how fully they appreciated the benefits of an establishedMonarchy. 

"Don't throw any more now, children, " counselled Queen Selina as theyneared the mine. "We must keep some for the dear miners. Sidney, be sureto ask some questions about the machinery, and whether they're all happyand comfortable. And do it tactfully, because I've always heard minersare such a very independent and intelligent class. "

Perhaps even so short a residence in Märchenland as theirs might haveprepared the Royal party for the unusual. But it was an undeniable shockto them all to find, on arrival at the mine, not only that the method ofworking was primitive to the last degree, but that it was entirelyconducted by diminutive beings who were unmistakable Yellow Gnomes. Theinterior of the mine resounded with the blows of pickaxes, but theinevitable trumpeters had no sooner announced that the Sovereigns hadleft their coach than all work was suspended. The miners swarmed up fromtheir tunnellings, literally tumbling over one another in their haste tobehold the countenances of Royalty. 

"They seem--ah--a remarkable lively lot, " observed King Sidney as someof the Gnomes turned somersaults and Catherine wheels around theirvisitors, while the more retiring stood unassumingly in the backgroundon their heads. "A bit undersized, and, judging from their complexions, I should say the work had affected their livers. But it _may_ only bedue to the gold-dust. "

"They don't seem to realise a bit who we _are_!" complained QueenSelina. "Sidney, _did_ you see that? One of the little wretches hasjust taken a flying leap over my very head!"

The Baron, who had followed in another coach, explained that thesedemonstrations were merely intended to express loyal delight. 

"Oh, if you _say_ so, Baron, " she said. "But anyone might easily mistakeit for impertinence. If it was not hopeless to expect an intelligentanswer from people who seem unable to stay right side up for a singlemoment, I should like to know what wages they receive and what they liveon. "

The Court Chamberlain informed her that the Gnomes got no wages andrequired little in the way of food, their favourite diet, he believed, being earth. 

"Revolting!" was her comment. "No wonder they look so unwell! Still, their living cannot cost much, so I should think, Sidney, if we gavethe--er--foreman a gold piece to be divided amongst them, that would beamply sufficient. "

King Sidney thereupon presented a ducat to the most important-lookingGnome, who immediately let it drop indifferently. 

"Wonder why he did that?" said the King. "Doesn't he think it's enough?"

"Knows too much about how it's made, I expect, " said Clarence. "Like thechap at the Marmalade factory. "

"Well, it's a pity to waste it, " said his father, picking up the coin. "I should like to see them at work before we go. "

His wish having been conveyed to the Head Gnome, the whole band rushed, yelping and screeching, back into the galleries, seized their picks, andbegan hacking at the gold which gleamed in veins of incredible richnessthrough the rocky walls and roof of the caves. But perhaps their effortswould have been more effective if they had not been quite so apt to getin one another's way. 

The visitors then inspected the furnace where the ore was melted, andthe Mint where it was stamped into big fat coins. These were put up insacks for transmission to the Royal Treasury, but, as a fresh batch hadbeen delivered only recently, the supply in hand at the Mint was notvery large just then. 

"I _did_ like those Gnomes!" said Princess Ruby on the way home. "Didn't_you_, Mummy?"

"I should have liked them better, my dear, if they had been more likefellow-Christians. Sidney, I shall _insist_ on their wearing somecivilised costume. "

"By all means, my love, if we continue to employ them. But I ratherthink it would be better to get rid of them altogether. "

"Get _rid_ of them, Sidney? What in the world _for_?"

"Well, you see, my dear, at the last General Election I took a somewhatprominent part in denouncing the Conservatives for employing Chineselabour in the South African mines. It would be very awkward if people atGablehurst found out that our entire income was derivedfrom--er--'Yellow Slavery. '"

"Stuff and nonsense, Sidney! Who do you suppose is likely to _tell_them?"

"You never know how things get about, " he said uneasily. "And, as aconsistent Radical, it--it goes against my conscience. "

"Conscience, indeed! My dear good Sidney, if you go and get rid of thoseGnomes, who seem perfectly happy and contented, there'll be no one todig the gold!"

"We could hire full-grown white labourers, my dear. Of course at aliving wage, but, as they would work more systematically, they wouldobtain a far larger output, so we should make a handsome profit by thechange. "

"Ah, when you put it like _that_, Sidney, it makes all the difference. Icould see for myself that those hideous little horrors weren't takingtheir work seriously. "

"There's to be a State Council to-morrow morning, " said the King. "Itwould be a good opportunity to inform them that we do not intend tocountenance slavery any longer. "

"That ought to have an excellent effect, " Queen Selina replied. "Ishouldn't wonder if it made us more popular than ever. .. . Why, we'reback in the city already!. .. How delighted the dear people seem to seeus!. .. Yes, Children, you can empty the sack. The love of one's subjectsis well worth the money--and it's not as if we were ever likely to missit!"

The next morning after breakfast the King and Queen held their firstState Council, Prince Clarence, of whose business capacity both hisparents had a great opinion, being given a seat at the board. Therewere, it appeared, various measures on the _agenda_ which, as thePresident explained, were of the highest political importance, beingconcerned with the settlement of such matters as the precise number ofcherries that were to be strung on a stick and sold for a groschen atold women's fruit-stalls; the dimensions of the piece of jam that ahuckster should be permitted to put in his porridge; whether thewatchmen's horns really needed new mouthpieces, and, if so, whetherthese should be of ivory or bone. Questions which had to be given thefullest consideration and debated at prodigious length before theSovereigns could be asked to affix their signatures and seals to thedecrees. 

Clarence fidgeted with undisguised impatience, and King Sidney was morethan once under the necessity of raising the golden hand at the end ofhis sceptre to his lips in order to conceal an irrepressible yawn. Butat last the state business was disposed of, and the King was able tointroduce his own. It was clear from the vehement wagging of theCouncillors' white beards while he was announcing the Royal intention toemancipate all Gnomes at present in the Gold mine, that they regardedthe new departure with no great favour. The President himself, althoughhe admitted that it concerned the Sovereigns more closely than any otherperson, pointed out certain objections which he begged their Majestiesto ponder. And Councillor after Councillor rose and protested againstthe scheme with the utmost solemnity and prolixity. 

Queen Selina, who was now far more eager than the King to have the minereorganised on a more paying principle, would have answered the criticsherself, if Clarence had not induced her to leave the reply in hishands. 

"Well, " he said, rising, "have you all done? No other gentleman wish tohear himself talk?. .. All right then. Now I'll have _my_ little say. Ofcourse, what the venerable old Father Christmas in the chair told youwas perfectly correct. If we choose to set these little beggars free, it's no business of anybody but ourselves. The Guv'nor--that is to say, his Majesty--was merely _telling_ you about it--not asking what youthought about it. Sorry if you don't approve, but we shall get over itin time. And really, your objections, if you won't mind my saying so, are absolutely footling. All they amount to is--because Gold Mines herealways _have_ been worked by gangs of Yellow Gnomes, therefore they mustbe for all time. Now that's just the kind of fine old crusted pig-headedConservativism that's kept this the stick-in-the-mud Country it is! Lookat the sort of business you've been wasting our time in jawing aboutto-day--why, in the country We came from, a Rural District Council wouldhave settled it all in five minutes if they thought it worth botheringabout at all. Street lanterns and watchmen's horns and old women'ssweet-stalls indeed! If you could only walk through--I won't say one ofour Cities, that might be too much of a shock for you--but through anordinary suburb such as we lived in, and saw how things were done_there_, it would open your eyes a bit, I can tell you! You've beenmarking time all these centuries while other Kingdoms have been makingprogress. I'll tell you about some of the things we've learnt to do anduse, just as an ordinary matter of course--and you haven't so much asheard of. "

Here he gave them a vivid description of the chief inventions anddiscoveries of the last eighty years, from the steam-engine to theaeroplane, which latter, he declared, put their sixty-stork-power carcompletely in the shade. 

"If it is the fact, " said the President, "that the inhabitants of yourRoyal Highness's Country can work such marvels, you must be evenmightier magicians than were they whom our late King so wiselysuppressed. "

"You're wrong there, old bird!" said Clarence cheerfully; "no Magicabout it whatever. All done by brains and enterprise, but--and this iswhat I am trying to knock into your heads--if we'd been governed by aset of stuffy old fossils like yourselves--if you'll allow me theexpression--we should never have got a blessed thing so much asstarted!"

Many, if not most of the Council were sceptical as to the possibility ofsuch inventions as Clarence had described, but the good old Baronassured them that, even during the short time he was in England, andalthough it was night, he had witnessed many of them with his own eyes, thanks to the powerful illuminants which made darkness almost as lightas day. He exhorted his hearers to count themselves fortunate in havinggained Sovereigns who possessed such wondrous powers, since theirfaithful subjects would assuredly now enjoy the benefits of them. 

"Aye, " said the ex-Regent--though possibly not in such good faith as theBaron. "We shall indeed have reason to congratulate ourselves if hisRoyal Highness will graciously teach us how to construct one of thesefire-and-smoke-breathing engines that draw a line of waggons along roadsof iron, or even a mast that will send messages through a thousandleagues of air. "

"You don't want _much_, do you, dear old boy?" said Clarence. "You don'tsuppose I can show you how to build a railway train when you haven't gotany of the bally materials or appliances, do you?"

"Your Royal Highness has but to name them, and they shall be procured. "

"They're not to be got here, " replied Clarence. "If I tried to tell youwhat they were, you wouldn't be any the wiser!" He spoke nothing but thetruth, for he had but the sketchiest acquaintance with the compositionof any kind of machinery. 

"Perhaps His Majesty, " suggested the Marshal, who had long ago takenKing Sidney's measure, "is better able to instruct us in these mightysecrets?"

"H'm, well, to tell you the truth, " confessed the King, "although I'vebeen in the habit of using railways, motors, electric light, telephones, and so forth constantly, I can't pretend to more than a general notionof how they work. Couldn't _make_ any of 'em, you know. Not _my_ line ofbusiness!"

"If that is indeed the case, " said the President, "we find it the moredifficult to understand why his Royal Highness should have reproached usfor an ignorance which is no greater than either his own or yourMajesty's. "

"I wasn't reproaching you, " said the Crown Prince, a little awkwardly, "I was only telling you how differently things are managed where _we_come from. But after all, that isn't the point, so we'll say no moreabout it. Let's get back to the Gnomes. One of you--I think it was thegentleman with the grey topknot--objected that there was no other usefulway of employing them, except in the mine. Well, of course, we'vethought all that out, " he declared, though, as a matter of fact, theidea had only just struck him. "We intend to set 'em to work at layingout a golf links, and when they've done that, we shall keep 'em on ascaddies. They're such nippy little devils that they ought to be jollyuseful. .. . Ah, naturally, you _wouldn't_ know what Golf is. Well, Golfhappens to be a thing I _do_ know something about. I can teach you_that_ right enough. It's simply the greatest game going, and you'll begrateful to me for introducing it. Don't worry, " he added, as some ofthe Council expressed dissent, "nobody's asking you to learn unless youlike. I shouldn't say myself that any of you--except perhaps theMarshal--was very likely to shape into a 'plus' man. I fancy _he's_ gotthe makings of a golfer in him, though, and, once I've got the courselaid out and given him a lesson or two, I bet you'll see he'll be askeen as mustard. "

Before the Council broke up, the ex-Regent undertook that, as soon asClarence had selected the ground, the Gnomes should be removed fromtheir present quarters, and placed under the Crown Prince's directions. 

"Never again, Sidney, " declared the Queen afterwards, "will you and Isit through one of those tiresome councils! We'll leave them to managetheir own silly business, and if there's anything that requires oursignatures, they can bring the papers to us, and we'll sign them in ourown rooms. If there should be any difficulty, we can always ask theMarshal--he's so very sympathetic and helpful. "

"Very, " said the King, "oh, very--that is, I half fancied now andthen--but I believe he means us well. Yes, on the whole, my dear, Ithink he's a person we can trust. "

"You needn't _think_ about it, Sidney, " she replied; "you can feelabsolutely _certain_ that there's _nothing_ that man wouldn't do forus!"

CHAPTER VII

A GAME THEY DID NOT UNDERSTAND

With regard to the Royal visit to the Gold Mine, it should be mentionedthat, on returning to the Palace, the Queen and Princess Ruby had metDaphne in one of the galleries. Ruby ran to her impulsively: "Oh, MissHeritage!" she cried, "we've had a ripping afternoon. Such fun throwingmoney to the people, and seeing them scramble for it! We saw the GoldMine. And all the darling little Gnomes! You _would_ have loved them! Ido wish you had come with us!"

"I fully intended to have arranged for you to do so, Miss Heritage, "said Queen Selina, with unwonted graciousness. "But with so much tothink of----! Do you happen to know where my other ladies-in-waitingare?. .. In the Tapestry Chamber? Then I must get you to show me to it, for I don't know my way yet about this immense house. .. . Through here?Yes, you will accompany me--in fact, I particularly desire you to bepresent. "

At her entrance the Maids of Honour all rose from their seats and madeobeisances which, but for the Court Godmother's revelations of theirancestries, would have occasioned their Sovereign agonies ofembarrassment. But she felt she could face them now without _mauvaisehonte_, and indeed with all the assurance of superiority. 

"You may sit down, _girls_, " she said, and although they found it hardto believe at first that they could be the persons thus addressed, theysat down. 

"And what are you all about?" she inquired. "Embroidery, is it? Thepattern seems rather large. .. . Oh, tapestry? I _see_. I prefer a bright, cheerful paper on the walls to any tapestry myself. Only collects dust. Now if you were to knit some warm woollen jerseys for those wretchedlittle Gnomes, who are really in _want_ of them, you would be doingsomething useful. But that wasn't what I--ah, to be sure, I remembernow. I looked in to tell you, girls, that I have appointed Miss Heritagehere as my First Lady-in-waiting. You will be careful to address her infuture as 'Lady Daphne, ' and treat her in all respects as your equal inrank. .. . I don't know why you should look so surprised. " (If they did, it was merely that any such recommendation should be thought necessary. )"Miss Heritage's parentage may, it is true, be obscure--but not more so, from all I have been told, than that of most of your own ancestresses. Indeed, I am much mistaken if she has not a better claim to beconsidered a lady than any of them. Not that I think mere birth of anyimportance myself, but I object to people giving themselves airs withoutsome real _ground_ for it. I am not alluding to Lady Daphne, whom I havealways found perfectly well-behaved and unpretentious. "

This was not perhaps the surest way of endearing Daphne to her newcompanions, but then Queen Selina was less concerned to effect that thanto make them pay for the excessive deference she had so mistakenly shownthem in the past. 

However, in their simplicity it had never occurred to them that they hadany cause to be ashamed of their descent, and so they never imaginedthat their Royal Mistress could insult them with it, and her shaftsmissed the target. 

Fortunately for Daphne, too, she was already the object of a secret_schwärmerei_ that left no room in their sentimental bosoms for jealousyor ill-feeling. 

But, not being aware of this as yet, she was rendered only unhappy bythis sudden rise in the Royal favour. Her one consolation was thecertainty that it would not be very long before she was again indisgrace. 

On the afternoon of the day on which the State Council had been held, the Crown Prince explored the surrounding country with a view toselecting a golf course. 

He found a district which was in every way suitable for his purpose--astretch of undulating land in a valley behind the plateau on which thePalace stood, abounding in natural hazards, and affording greatfacilities for artificial ones--in short, an ideal site for any links. He began laying it out the next morning. The Gnomes were brought out ofthe mine and conducted to the spot. The general idea was conveyed to aGnome who seemed, on the whole, less devoid of intelligence than hisfellows, and they all set to work with more activity than immediateresult. However, they seemed to take kindly to their new industry, andClarence was very well pleased with them. He had had no experience ingolf-architecture himself, but the nature of the ground was such that itrequired but little to turn it into a very sporting course indeed, and, if the Gnomes did not do much else, they constructed some remarkablycunning bunkers. 

While they were thus engaged he ordered several sets of clubs to bemade from rough designs of his own by a master artificer in Eswareinmal, who carried them out with considerable skill and fidelity. Theimplements he produced may not have been quite according to Clubstandards, but they were fairly serviceable. The balls seemed at firstlikely to be the main difficulty, but some were discovered on thetoy-stalls in the market square which, though not of rubber, werecomposed of a substance that proved an admirable substitute. They werecertainly open to one objection that, in ordinary circumstances, mighthave disqualified them--they cost considerably under a farthing each. But Clarence got over that by paying a ducat apiece for them. And then, as the work progressed but slowly, he was forced to wait with whatpatience he could until the links were ready for practising on. 

It does not take long for most people to get accustomed to anysurroundings, no matter how novel, and Queen Selina and her family soonbecame acclimatised. Now that her household had lost their terrors forher, she began to enjoy the sensation of being a Queen and inspiringreverence and awe wherever she went, though she could have wished to bethe ruler of a Kingdom that was not quite so _outré_ as Märchenland. However, she felt she must take it as it was, and in a short time shehad almost forgotten that there ever had been a period when she had notoccupied a throne. 

Princess Edna, though she frequently protested that her rank had nocharms for her, was ready enough to assert it on all occasions, andexercised authority over the unfortunate ladies-in-waiting to a degreethat might have rendered their lives a burden to them if they had beenable to take her as seriously as she did herself, which they were not. 

"Mother, " she remarked one day, "I've been quite shocked to find howappallingly ignorant our Maids of Honour are. Fancy, they've never heardof Shakespeare, or Ibsen, or Bernard Shaw, or--well, anybody!"

"My dear, " said the Queen, "what can you _expect_ from such a set ofgiggling, empty-headed minxes?"

"I know. Still, I feel it a duty to do what I can to improve theirminds. I shall bring down my note-book this afternoon. It's got all mynotes on those lectures on English Literature I attended last Autumn. Ithought I'd read them aloud to them. It would give them a very goodgeneral idea of the subject. Enough, at least, to enable them to talkabout it without exposing themselves. "

"I'm sure, Edna dear, it's most sweet of you to trouble about them. "

"Oh, since I have to live with a Court, I must try and raise it to amore intellectual level. "

And so that afternoon, while the ladies of the Court were engaged, underthe Queen's supervision, in knitting little woollen garments ofshattering hues for the unsuspecting Gnomes, the Princess Royal producedher note-book and read aloud extracts which gave an impressionistbird's-eye view of English Literature from the fourteenth to the closeof the nineteenth Century. 

No doubt the lecturer had given his audience credit for some previousacquaintance with the subject, and it may be that Princess Edna's methodof note-taking had been a trifle desultory; it was certain that theladies-in-waiting found a difficulty in assimilating the scraps ofliterary pemmican she dispensed to them. 

They received with polite but languid attention such items as that:"Shakespeare stands supreme among dramatists for consummate knowledge ofthe human heart"; that: "as _Ralph Roister Doister_ is the first purecomedy, so _The Vicar of Wakefield_ may be termed the first idyllicEnglish novel"; that: "while Byron possessed more intellect thanimagination, Shelley, on the contrary, was rather imaginative thanintellectual"; and even the statement that: "Browning's 'Ring and theBook' contains upwards of twenty-one thousand lines" left them unmoved. 

It is true they were more interested in hearing that it was: "after hehad come under the spell of Petrarch and Boccaccio that Chaucer producedhis wondrous Tales, " but it appeared their interest was due to someslight misapprehension. Daphne felt the fearful joy of suppressed mirthcombined with the danger of detection as she heard Edna explaining withlaborious patience that she had _not_ intended to convey that the Poethad been afflicted by a pair of enchanters with any caudal appendageswhatever. 

But the Princess Royal could not conceal her disgust when her finalextract, which was to the effect that: "during the closing decade of theNineteenth Century England became once more a 'nest of singing birds, 'as was apparent from the stream of fresh and melodious strains issuingfrom, among other sources, 'The Bodley Head, '" was greeted with a rippleof girlish laughter from her hearers. It seemed that thisincontrovertible statement of fact had somehow aroused reminiscences ofanother head which, if fresh, had not been precisely melodious on theluncheon board after the Coronation. 

Princess Edna waited with cold dignity until the last giggle was nolonger audible before announcing that she was willing to answer anyquestions they might wish to ask her. Upon which Baroness Kluge vonBauerngrosstochterheimer begged that they might be favoured with theoutline of one of the romances written by the Poet Shakespeare, who theyhad been informed by her was so unsurpassed as a story-teller. 

Now Edna was undoubtedly well versed in the Literature of her nativeland. She could not only have given with tolerable accuracy the namesand dates of the principal authors of each century, but a list of theirbest-known works, and an estimate of the rank assigned to them by moderncriticism. She had even, impelled by an almost morbid conscientiousness, consulted the works themselves, and could honestly assert that she hadread every single play of Shakespeare's all through, though her privatepreference was for a more advanced and psychological form of drama. 

And yet on this occasion she chose to parry the Baroness's veryreasonable request. "Shakespeare, " she said, in her most superior tone, "did not write romances. He wrote _plays_. "

"Will your Royal Highness please, " said the Baroness, "to tell us aboutone of _them_?"

For the life of her Edna could not just then summon up a clearrecollection of the plot of any Shakespearian comedy or tragedy--and itis quite possible that there are many persons as highly educated as shewho might be equally at a loss. 

"With so prolific a writer as Shakespeare, " she hedged, "it is difficultto single out any particular play. "

She was so plainly embarrassed that Daphne felt impelled to come to therescue. 

"I think, Ma'am, " she said, "they would like the story of _The Merchantof Venice_!"

"I should hardly call it suitable myself to such an audience as this, "replied Edna, who was possibly confusing it with _Othello_. "No, MissHeritage, I really think something less--less objectionable wouldbe--There's _As you like it_, now, _quite_ a pleasant play. I think Ican remember the outline of _that_. Let me see. Yes, it's about a girlcalled "Rosalind, " who dressed up as a boy and ran away into a forest, where she met Ferdinand--or was it Bassanio?--anyway, the name is of noconsequence. Well, and he carved her name on all the trees, and so theyfell in love, and in the end they were married, you know. "

As drama this appeared to strike the ladies-in-waiting as lacking inincident, and the Baroness von Haulemännerschen openly declared that anancestress of hers who also ran away into a forest had the far moreexciting experience of being poisoned by a jealous Queen and enclosed bydwarfs in a glass coffin. 

"Oh, very well!" said Edna; "if you are going to compare your own sillytraditions with works of genius, I give you up as hopeless!"

And this was the beginning and the end of the Princess Royal's attemptto infuse Culture into Court Circles. 

She had certainly failed signally to inspire her ladies with anyenthusiasm for English Literature, though, strangely enough, Daphnesucceeded later in giving them a more favourable impression of itsquality. 

Edna was, of course, incomparably more widely read, but then Daphneknew such authors as she had read well enough to be able to give a veryfull and clear account of her favourite books, and to repeat many of herbest loved poems from memory. 

It is quite possible that much of the pleasure her companions took inhearing her do so was due to her own personality. They were not, it mustbe confessed, a highly intellectual or cultivated set of young women, but one and all regarded Daphne with a whole-hearted adoration whichwould have given Princess Edna, had she condescended to notice it, alower opinion than ever of their intelligence. 

The links were at last in a sufficiently advanced stage for practice atthe first nine of the eighteen holes, and Clarence undertook to instructthe Marshal in the mysteries of the game. The Marshal, though slightlyhandicapped by insisting on playing in a breastplate and high boots, wasso much encouraged by the success which most beginners at golfexperience that he at once became an ardent votary. He tried to makeconverts of the Courtiers, but they preferred to keep an open mind andremain spectators for the present. 

Prince Tapfer von Schneiderleinberg indeed went so far as to say thatgolf seemed to him to be without the element of danger which all genuinesport should possess. He modified that opinion, it is true, afterincautiously standing close behind the Marshal when he was driving offfrom the tee, but it did not alter his prejudices against the game. 

King Sidney practised most assiduously in private, and found he improvedin his driving under Clarence's tuition. The Gnomes had been establishedin a kind of compound near the links, but their unfortunate tendency tobolt with the club-bags and purloin every ball they found ratherimpaired their usefulness as caddies. Marshal Federhelm treated his withregrettable inhumanity. 

There was still a good deal of "ground under repair" on the course, butthe day was drawing near when the links could be formally opened. TheMarshal was anxious to celebrate the occasion by challenging his RoyalMaster to play him a single, a challenge which was conveyed through theCrown Prince. 

"Well, what do _you_ think, my boy, " asked King Sidney. "Can I beathim?"

"I think you ought to, Guv'nor. He fancies himself at it--but he'spretty rotten. "

"In that case, you can tell him I accept, " said the King. 

But on the morning before the day, Clarence, after watching his parenttop and slice and foozle through a whole round without intermission, became less sanguine. 

"I tell you what it is, Guv'nor, " he said, frankly, "the Marshal's beenshaping a bit better these last few days, and it's my belief he can giveyou a stroke a hole and win easy. "

"After all, " said the King, "I'm not sure there isn't a certain loss ofdignity--playing with my own subject, don't you know. "

"It won't do to let him lick you, certainly, " agreed Clarence. 

"Quite so, my boy, quite so. I was thinking--I might be prevented bysudden business--I could go and sit with the Council, you know. "

"He'd only want you to fix another day for playing him. It's no use, Guv'nor, you can't get out of it now. Perhaps you'd do better if youplayed with a different sort of ball. I must see if I can't get you oneor two. "

And that evening he brought his father half a dozen. "They're speciallymarked, " he said, "so you can't make a mistake over them, and I fancyyou'll find they travel better than any of the Marshal's. "

"You've got those golf balls I gave you?" he asked the King at breakfastnext morning. "Mind you don't forget to take 'em. "

"I shan't forget, my boy. But what I'm most troubled about is myswing--there's something wrong with it, only I can't find out what. "

"I think it a great pity myself, " said Queen Selina, "that you everagreed to play this match at all. If you are beaten it will certainlylower your prestige. But I am sure the dear Marshal has too much tactnot to let you win. "

"Don't you worry, Mater, " said Clarence. "The Guv'nor's going to win onhis own, hands down!"

"I sincerely hope so. It will be a sad blow to the Throne if he does_not_. "

These remarks did not help much to steady King Sidney's nerves when hemet the Marshal on the links, where, as Monarch, he naturally had thehonour. A large crowd of onlookers from the Court had collected, and theplayers had decided to dispense with caddies under the circumstances. 

The first hole was only about a hundred and sixty yards; a deep gullylay between, and on either side of the approach were beds of tallrushes. 

King Sidney addressed his ball for some time in agonising indecisionbefore he finally drove off. A cloud of sand rose; the ball was nowhereto be seen, and, taught by experience, he looked behind for it. 

"Jolly good shot!" cried Clarence. "Right on the green!"

"Is it, my boy?" said the King. "I can't see it there myself. "

"No more can I, " Clarence owned, "but I bet you what you like you're onthe pretty, anyway. Your drive, Marshal. "

The Marshal smote a mighty blow, and his ball likewise vanished. Clarence was of opinion that it had gone over the boundary, but theMarshal was so certain that it was on the green that he declined tosearch for it. 

"Funny, " said Clarence disappointedly, as they neared the pin, "I don'tsee your ball anywhere, Pater. Nor yet the Marshal's. "

"I fancy mine isn't very far away, my boy, " said the King hopefully. 

One of the Courtiers who had gone to the hole, called out to say that hecould see a ball marked with a Royal Crown wedged in by the pin. 

"By George, Guv'nor!" cried Clarence, "you've holed it in one!"

"Ah, " said King Sidney, "I _thought_ I'd got the right direction. "

But the next moment both of them were depressed by the announcement thatthe Marshal's ball had also landed in the hole. The Courtier hadnaturally mentioned his Sovereign's achievement first, but there couldbe no possible doubt that the Marshal had succeeded in equalling it. 

To have holed out at a hundred and sixty yards is not by any means anunprecedented feat, but that two players should have done it insuccession was at least a rather remarkable coincidence. It was a severedisappointment to the King, who had serious doubts of his own ability torepeat such a performance. 

The next hole was a long one, some six hundred yards, over undulatingland with patches of bog; the green was on a hillock protected byartfully devised bunkers, and the approach was full of difficulties. 

The Marshal was given the honour, and, as before, none could follow theflight of his ball, though he declared with the greatest confidence thatit was straight for the green. King Sidney's drive did not look verypromising, but Clarence assured him that it was probably a longer onethan he thought. 

But neither player could locate his ball as they trudged on, and, thoughit seemed unlikely that either could have reached the green, they didnot stop to search on the way to it. Still, when they arrived there eachof them was obviously astonished by the discovery that the other hadholed out once more. Even had the distance been less, it seemed to themthat this was stretching the long arm of coincidence almost too far, butthey did not say so; in fact, they both thought it wiser to abstain fromany comment at all. The next hole was some three hundred and fiftyyards, with several extremely tricky hazards, but, contrary to allreasonable expectations, both King Sidney and the Marshal distinguishedthemselves by doing it in one. 

At this the King felt bound to make some comment. "Very even game this, Marshal, so far, " he said. 

"Very even indeed, Sire!" said the Marshal curtly, and turned aside tocurse under his breath. 

However, after they had played the fourth and fifth holes with preciselythe same result, King Sidney became suspicious. "Clarence, my boy, " hesaid, taking him aside. "It strikes me there's something rather oddabout his play. I can't understand it!"

"_I_ can, " said Clarence; "it's plain enough. Haven't you noticed he'sbeen using a mashie--the _same_ mashie every time? Well, he's bribed orbullied that pop-eyed little swine of an Astrologer to enchant it forhim--that's what _he's_ done!"

"What a confounded low, ungentlemanly trick!" spluttered King Sidney inhigh indignation. "Just when I was beginning to find my form at last, too! I shall decline to go on with the match. And what's more, when we_do_ get a Golf Club started, I'll have him blackballed for it!"

"I wouldn't make a row about it if I were you, " advised Clarence. 

"Not make a row? When he's taking an unfair advantage of me by usingthis infernal Magic?--which is unlawful, by Gad, don't you forget_that_! Why shouldn't I denounce such trickery?"

"Because, " said the Crown Prince, "he might say something disagreeableabout it being a case of Pot and Kettle, don't you know. "

"Let him!" cried the King. "Let him! I defy him to prove that I've hadanything done to _my_ clubs!"

"Not the clubs, " said Clarence; "it's those balls I gave you. I hadn'tmeant to tell you, but p'raps I'd better now. I paid that little sweepto put a spell on 'em. Of course I'd no idea he'd go and overdo it likethis. If he'd been anything of a Golfer he'd have known most of theseholes couldn't be done under three or four. And now he's given you bothaway, blast him!"

"It--it's _most_ unfortunate!" said King Sidney. "I--I don't quite seewhat to do about it. "

"Simple enough, " said his son, "pretend not to notice anything and playit out. "

"I suppose I must, my boy, I suppose I must. But I know I shan't play sowell after this--it's quite put me off my game!"

"No, it hasn't, Guv'nor. You'll play up all right, at least if Xurielknows his job. "

Xuriel apparently did know his job, for the King's ball continued to beas foozle-proof as the Marshal's mashie. 

It would be tedious to describe any further holes. When a bewitchedmashie is pitted against an enchanted ball, there can obviously be noneof the alternations and vicissitudes of Fortune which constitute thecharm of Golf. 

When they were at the turn, having halved every hole up to the ninth, the Marshal had had enough of it. "We are too well matched, Sire, " hesaid, "and to proceed would only be to waste your Majesty's time, whichis of far more value than my own. "

"H'm, well, perhaps we'd better call it a draw and have done with it, "said the King. 

The Court had witnessed the game without excitement or astonishment. They saw no particular reason why the balls should fail to reach thehole in one stroke, and did not care in the least whether they failed ornot. The only impressions they received were that Golf was toomonotonous and too easy a pastime to have any attractions for them, andthat nothing should induce them to indulge in it against suchinvincible champions as his Majesty and the Ex-Regent. 

"I must say, my boy, " said the King to his son, as they walked back tothe Palace together, "I wish you hadn't gone to that magician fellow. Itmakes it so very awkward for _me_. "

"It would have been a jolly sight more awkward if I hadn't. Just thinkof the licking you'd have had, what?"

"Yes, yes--but there's your Mother. She's so set against Magic of anykind. I really don't know what I'm to say to her. "

"Well, " said Clarence, "I should hope, Guv'nor, you wouldn't be such ajay as to say anything. "

"It might be only distressing her unnecessarily, " said the King. 

"Sidney!" exclaimed the Queen when they met, "I can see by your facethat you've been beaten after all!"

"Not at all, my love, not at all. Far from it!"

"Then you've won?"

"Well--er--not exactly _won_, my dear. We--we finished up all square. "

"Considering how long you've been learning, that's as bad as if you'dlost. Now, mind what I say, Sidney, you must never attempt to play golfagain after this. I cannot have you making yourself ridiculous!"

"I think you're right, my dear, " he said meekly. "In fact, I had alreadydecided to give it up. "

Clarence clung to his Golf as long as he could, but he found it drearywork going round the course alone. None of the Courtiers could beinduced to learn the game, and he felt a natural reluctance to take onthe Marshal as an antagonist, even if the latter had continued to bekeen. But he had conceived a strong distaste for the game, and it wasrumoured that there had been a stormy interview between him and theAstrologer Royal, who kept his bed for several days afterwards. 

And Clarence, as the Yellow Gnomes were impossible as caddies, had tocarry his own clubs, which he particularly detested. So in course oftime he ceased to visit the links, and thus deprived himself of his onlyform of open-air exercise. 

There was nothing much for him to do, except to lounge and loafaimlessly about the Palace, with a depressed suspicion that he was notinspiring the full amount of respect that was due to his position asCrown Prince. It would have been a distraction to make advances toDaphne, but, after his somewhat cavalier treatment of her at the Ball, he could not be sure how they would be received. Moreover, either by herown management or his Royal Mother's, he was never given a chance ofseeing her except in public. 

He found a resource in gambling with the gentlemen of the RoyalHousehold. They played for high stakes, but no higher, seeing that hecould replenish his purse as often as it was emptied, than he could wellafford. His visits to the sacks of gold in the King's Counting-housebecame more and more frequent, but he would have derived more enjoymentfrom cards if he had won occasionally. 

One afternoon when, the usual card-players being absent on some huntingexpedition, he was left to his own devices, he wandered forlornlythrough a suite of empty halls till he drifted out upon a balcony thatoverlooked the Palace gardens. 

And then, as he stepped through the window, his heart gave a suddenleap. At the corner of the balcony he had just recognised Daphne. Shewas quite alone, and he recognised that the opportunity, half-feared, half-desired, had come at last. 

CHAPTER VIII

"A STEED THAT KNOWS HIS RIDER"

Daphne turned and saw Prince Clarence almost immediately, and, aftermaking the prescribed curtsey, was about to retreat indoors when hestopped her. 

"I say, Lady Daphne, " he remonstrated, "don't run away like that!"

"Your Royal Highness will be good enough to excuse me, " she said; "Iought to be with Princess Ruby by this time. "

"_She's_ all right--trying to teach the Pages hockey in the EntranceCourt. And--look here, you needn't be so beastly formal--with _me_, youknow. "

"I may remind your Royal Highness that you desired me to observe thestrictest etiquette. "

"Did I? I only meant in public. Let's drop it just now, anyway. I'vebeen wanting to get a talk with you. You see, you're the only personhere I can really talk to; and if you only knew how awfully hipped anddepressed I'm feeling----"

"Are you?" she said. "I'm sorry. " And there was certainly pity in thesoft grey eyes which rested on him for a moment or two. 

"I give you my word, " he went on, "there are times when I almost wishmyself back at the office again. There were things to be done there, even if I didn't do 'em. Here there's nothing--except cards. Itwouldn't be so bad if the chaps here only knew Auction--I could hold myown at that. But you couldn't play bridge with the sort of packs they'vegot in this God-forsaken country. So they've taught me a bally game theycall 'Krebsgriff, ' and I've lost over two sacks of ducats at it already. Anyone would think after _that_ they'd treat me as a pal, but not a bitof it!"

"Perhaps, Sir, they're afraid of being rebuked for such presumption. "

"Perhaps, but I don't think it's that. They're polite enough and allthat, to my face, but they don't look _up_ to me, you know!"

"Why _should_ they?" Daphne thought, but all she said was, "That's verysad. "

"Isn't it?" he said; "they don't give me a chance to show what I _can_do. I could knock their silly heads off at golf, and they won't evenlearn! And now I can't get a game; and this afternoon, when _I_ wasfeeling inclined for cards, they all go off to the forest without a wordto me, hunting beastly boars and bears, and I'm left without a soul tospeak to. "

"They might have asked you to do them the honour of coming too, " saidDaphne. 

"I couldn't very well have gone if they had. You see, they hunt boarsand that on horseback here, and riding's a thing I've never gone infor. "

"It's not too late to begin, Sir. "

"Well, to tell you the truth, I did think at one time of taking a fewlessons. But I don't know. You see, it would get about, and--well, people would think it rather ridiculous. "

"I should have thought--" began Daphne; "no, I mustn't say any more. "

"Oh, go on, Lady Daphne, don't mind _me_! What would you have thought?"

"Well, " said Daphne boldly, "that nothing could be so ridiculous as aCrown Prince who can't sit a horse. "

"I daresay I could as well as any other fellow, if I tried. "

"No doubt, sir, but if you never _do_ try. "

"I would, if I thought you cared. "

"Of course I care, Prince Clarence, " said Daphne. "Naturally, I shouldlike to see you doing everything that other Princes do. You reallyaren't, so far, you know. I suppose I oughtn't to have said that--Icouldn't help it. "

"That's all right, " he said. "There's one thing, " he added, thinkingaloud, "if I _did_ learn to ride decently, you and I might go out ridingtogether, what?"

"It's rather early to talk about that, " said Daphne, "when you haven'teven begun to learn. "

"I know, but I _will_ begin. For _your_ sake. "

"No, Prince Clarence, for your own, " she replied, "though I shall beglad, too. And now, I mustn't stay here any longer. "

Why, he asked himself, after she had gone, was she so keen on hiscutting a figure at Court? The answer was obvious--he had interested andimpressed her more than he could have hoped. But that, he shrewdlyperceived, only made it more necessary for him to be wary. She wascertainly a most fascinating girl, but if she had any ambitious designson him, she would find that he was quite capable of taking care ofhimself. Still, she was right about his riding. Every Prince ought to beable to ride. It would not take him long to learn. And when he couldride he would go out hunting. She would think a lot more of him whenshe saw him returning in triumph with a few boars and bears as trophiesof the chase. 

Accordingly he took the earliest opportunity of mentioning to his familythat he intended to take lessons in horsemanship, which both the Kingand Queen considered an admirable idea. The Marshal was consulted, andthough he opposed it at first, on the ground that anything which mightaffect the succession to the throne was to be avoided, he gave way inthe end, and undertook to act himself as Clarence's riding master. Clarence was prudent enough to stipulate that none of his family shouldbe present while he was undergoing instruction, and the Court were notto be informed that he was having any lessons at all until he hadcompleted the course and become an accomplished equestrian. 

"Well, my boy, " said the King, when the Crown Prince entered the RoyalParlour after his private lessons in the Palace tiltyard. "Well, and howdid you get on, hey?"

"Never got on at all, " Clarence reluctantly admitted. "Not likely Ishould, when there wasn't a bally gee in the stables that would let mecome near him!"

"Clarence!" cried his mother, "you _don't_ mean to say you've been thereall this time without riding a single horse!"

"I'd have ridden 'em right enough, if they'd let me get on 'em--but theywouldn't. "

"And pray what was the Marshal about?" inquired the Queen. 

"Well, he was laughing most of the time; it's my belief he'd had 'em allgingered up beforehand. "

"I'm quite sure, Clarence, he would be incapable of such conduct asthat. Why _should_ he?"

"_I_ don't know, " he said. "But I won't have _him_ about again. I'll getsome one else to teach me. "

"But, my dear boy, nobody can teach you much if you can't even manage toget on a horse's back. You'll only get hurt if you try any more, and youwill be far wiser to give it up altogether. "

"Not much, Mater!" he declared; "I'm not so easily bested as all that. Now I've begun I mean to go on with it. "

And he went on; for, to do Clarence justice, want of pluck was not amonghis defects. But he was obliged to admit that the Marshal was not fairlyaccountable for the horses' behaviour, since they were quite asunmanageable when he was no longer there. 

They were spirited creatures, but perfectly docile until they caughtsight of Clarence, when they immediately became as vicious as the mostuntameable bronco. If he contrived occasionally to get hoisted into thesaddle, he never remained there long enough to put the Royal ChiefHuntsman's instructions into practice, and he began at last to haveserious doubts whether Nature had ever intended him to shine as ahorseman. 

He said nothing of these ignominious experiences to Daphne, partlybecause he never found an opportunity, though more from a fear of beinglaughed at. But he could not keep them from his family, and so Daphnecame to hear of his repeated failures through Princess Ruby. She did notlaugh at them, however; she was even a little touched. She thought moreof him for his attempts to follow her unlucky suggestion than if he hadnever attempted anything at all, and fully believed that if hepersevered he would conquer in the end. 

His Royal Mother was so perturbed and alarmed that at last she made aconfidant of the Court Godmother, who was about to depart on her annualvisit to the Court of Clairdelune. "He _will_ go on with it!" QueenSelina lamented, "and I _know_ he'll break his neck before long! It doesseem so strange that those horrible horses should behave like this withClarence and nobody else. When his poor dear Grandfather was such a goodrider, too! I can't think why they should, Court Godmother, can you?"

The Fairy Vogelflug thought privately that the reason was not very farto see. The horses of the Royal stud were, she knew, of an exceptionalaristocratic breed. Now poor Clarence, though of Royal blood on hismother's side, unfortunately had little of the air and appearance whichthese intelligent and observant animals probably connected with a truePrince. It was more than likely that they had failed to recognise thathe was a Prince at all, and so resented being called upon to carry him. 

But, though she could be out-spoken enough on occasion, she felt thatthis was hardly an explanation she could give to his mother. "Well, mydear, " she said, "it's very trying for you, of course. But I don't knowthat there's anything _I_ can do. "

"I--I thought perhaps, " said Queen Selina, with some natural hesitation, "that you, as a Fairy, might--er--know some quite simple little spellwhich----"

"As I have told you before, " interrupted the Fairy, "I make a point ofusing my knowledge of Magic as seldom as I can nowadays. I have myhealth to consider. And, in any case, I am acquainted with no spell formaking a Prince into a horseman. Princes in Märchenland, " she added, rather unkindly, "have never needed such aids. "

But, after all, she was anxious that this Royal family, whom she hadbeen largely responsible for importing, should do her as much credit aspossible, and so she applied herself to think of something that might beof help to the unfortunate Crown Prince. A means occurred to her atlength, but as she was by no means sure that it would be effectual, shewas careful not to commit herself. 

She did not even mention it till she was on the point of starting forClairdelune, and then, before she stepped into her dove-chariot, shesuddenly said to the Queen, _á propos_ of nothing in particular, "By theway, my dear, that jewel you were wearing when you first came--I haven'tseen you with it for a long while--how is that?"

"Well, you see, Court Godmother, my Crown jewels seem to suit me so muchbetter. "

"Then, if you don't want that pendant yourself, you had better give itto your son. "

"To Clarence?" cried the Queen. "Why, what use would it be to him?"

"It is a jewel which any Prince might be proud to wear, " said the Fairy;"and I should strongly advise you to see that he wears it. Not merelynow and then, but constantly. It may--mind, I don't say it _will_--butit _may_ bring him better luck than he has enjoyed as yet. "

"But really, Godmother, I can't quite believe that a thing--" began theQueen, when the Fairy cut her short unceremoniously. 

"I've no time to stay here arguing about it, " she said; "my doves willbe catching cold if they stand about any longer. By all means don't takemy advice if you don't believe in it; I merely thought you might find itworth trying--but you must please yourself. And now, with yourpermission, I'll take my leave of you. "

At a sign from her, the team of doves fluttered up in a snow-white cloudand winged their flight to the neighbouring Kingdom of Clairdelune, where she had another Royal Godson, Prince Mirliflor, in whose affairsshe took a keener interest than she could in Clarence's. 

"Old people have such queer ideas, " thought Queen Selina, as the chariotrapidly receded from sight. "As if that twopenny-halfpenny pendant ofMiss Heritage's could--but the Court Godmother will be annoyed if Idon't follow her advice--and it's best not to offend the old creature. I'll go up and see if it's still in my jewel case. "

It was, and she brought it down in time to intercept Clarence as he wasstarting in rather low spirits for another crowded hour of anything butglorious life in the Riding Court. 

"Clarence, my boy, " she said, "I want you to oblige me by wearing thisin future. "

"What--that thing you bought before we came away!" he replied. "I say, Mater, you _don't_ expect me to go about with a woman's pendant on mymanly bosom!"

"Your Godmother Vogelflug thinks it is quite a fit ornament for aPrince, " urged his mother, "and--and she as much as said that it wouldbring you good-luck. "

"Did she, though? Well, I could do with a bit of that for a change. " Andhe allowed her to fasten the chain round his neck. "By Gad, makes mefeel like a Good Forester or a Member of the Ancient Order of Buffaloesor something!" he remarked. 

"Never mind, " she said; "and it really doesn't look so very out ofplace. But remember, Clarence, if it's to do any good, you must wear it_always_. "

"Right-oh!" he said; "and now I'll go and take my usual morning toss, what?"

Half an hour later, he came into the Royal Parlour, where his familywere assembled, Daphne being with them. He looked round the circle witha satisfied air, and then said in a tone of studied carelessness, "Ifyou've nothing better to do just now, all of you, you may as well lookin at the Riding Court in a few minutes, and see how I'm getting on. I--er--should like Lady Daphne to come, too, and the whole Court. Tell'em to hurry up. You'll find me down there ready for you. " He was gonebefore they had recovered from their surprise. 

"Dear me, " said the King, "I'm not quite sure that it would be wise tohave the Court looking on just yet, eh, my dear?"

"I have every confidence in Clarence, " said the Queen. "He would nothave suggested that they should attend unless--but perhaps a smalleraudience, of just ourselves, might be less trying for him. "

So it was only the Royal family and Daphne that went down to the RidingCourt, where, to Queen Selina's alarm, some very formidable-lookingjumps had been put up. 

"He's never going to be rash enough to try to get over those!" she said. "Tell him he's not to run such risks. I can't allow him to!"

Just then Clarence cantered in on a high-spirited mare, over which heseemed to have complete control. He put her at obstacle after obstacle, and surmounted all of them with the greatest ease. To prove that he wasequally at home on any mount, he had several other horses brought in, and over each he showed the same mastery, and a seat with which Daphne, who was critical in such matters, could find no fault. 

"You young dog!" said his father, when the exhibition was over andClarence had dismounted. "So you've been taking us in all this time, pretending you couldn't stick on a horse for more than a few seconds, hey?"

"Oh, well, " he said modestly, "I didn't like to say too much. Fact is, it's only quite lately that I've felt what you might call at home on agee. "

The Stud grooms could have testified how very lately this was if theyhad thought proper to do so--which, of course, they did not. 

"It only shows what can be done with a little perseverance, " said QueenSelina. "Clarence, you will be able to ride through the City now!"

He managed to get Daphne to himself for a few minutes on the way back tothe Palace. 

"Well, Lady Daphne, " he began, "I've done what I could to please you, and I hope you are satisfied, what?"

"Indeed I am, Prince Clarence, " she said warmly, for he had risenseveral places in her esteem during the past hour. "And I congratulateyou most heartily. And now things will be ever so much pleasanter foryou, won't they?" As she spoke she noticed the pendant, which, ofcourse, she recognised immediately. 

"Ah, you're looking at this, " he said. "Daresay it strikes you as funnymy wearing it?"

"Not at all, Sir, " she replied; "it isn't really a woman's ornament. "She did not tell him how she knew it was not, for she had not forgottenher undertaking to say nothing about it. 

"Well, it was the Mater's, " he said. "She's made me promise to wear italways. Thinks it may bring me luck. "

"I hope it will, Prince Clarence, " she said, quite sincerely; and, asthe Queen happened to look back just then and summon her sharply to herside, that was all that passed between him and Daphne on that occasion. 

She was rather pleased than otherwise that he should be the possessor ofthe pendant. As has been said, she had never known her father, so therewere no tender associations attaching to it. And she had been a littleafraid that Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson had only bought it out ofconsideration for her. It was some relief that she had found a use forit. Daphne was, of course, quite unaware who her unknown father had beenor that the pendant was a badge of his princely rank; and both the Queenand her son had no suspicion of the truth. Nor did either of themconnect it with his suddenly acquired mastery of the whole art ofhorsemanship, Queen Selina believing that his reports of previousunsuccess had been intended to increase the surprise of his triumph, while Clarence naturally found it easy to persuade himself that he hadbeen learning more from his disheartening failures than he had beenconscious of at the time. He certainly did not hide his new talent in anapkin, but organised riding excursions of the lords and ladies of theRoyal household, at the head of which he made a very gay and gallantappearance on a prancing bay palfrey. Only there was one thorn in hisluxuriously padded saddle. He had hoped that he might have the pleasureof commanding Daphne to ride by his side on these excursions, but, though she accompanied them, it was never on horseback. Queen Selina, itseemed, had developed such a preference for her first lady-in-waiting'ssociety that she was always required to accompany her in the Royalcoach. 

Daphne would willingly have dispensed with this and other signs of themarked favour with which her Sovereign was overwhelming her just then. She had no illusions as to the motives. The Queen thought--mostmistakenly, as it happened--that making a favourite of Daphne was thesurest method of snubbing and annoying her other ladies-in-waiting, forwhom she had begun to conceive a hearty dislike. 

The dislike was certainly reciprocated. They resented their RoyalMistress's insolence as much as they despised her previousobsequiousness. They accepted the fact that she was their Queen, but, among themselves, they did not pretend any respect for her, as wasmanifest from their habit of referring to her in private as "MotherSchwellenposch!" Edna, who was scarcely more beloved, was known as"Princess Four-eyes, " in allusion to her _pince-nez_. Daphne found ithard at times to refrain from joining them in this irreverence, but, while she saw the Queen's and Edna's weak points as clearly as hercompanions--and indeed more clearly than any of them--her sense ofloyalty kept her silent. She might laugh when she was alone, andfrequently did, but that was a relief to her feelings for which she feltshe need not reproach herself very severely. Another reason for QueenSelina's insistence on Daphne's company in the coach was, as she wasfully aware, the desire to keep her at a safe distance from the CrownPrince--a needless precaution which had its amusing side for her. 

Still, she often longed to be on a horse instead of being shut up in agreat lumbering vehicle with the Queen and the Princess Royal, even ifPrincess Ruby's presence did something to make things less dull. On oneof these expeditions Queen Selina had once more provided herself with asack of gold from which she and the Princesses scattered _largesse_. 

"_You_ may throw a little if you like, Miss Heritage, " said the Queengraciously. (She reserved the title "Lady Daphne" for occasions when theCourt was present. )

"I'd rather not, your Majesty, " she replied. "I mean, " she explained, "it's not as if it was _my_ money. "

"I should have thought, " said Edna, "that that was all the more reasonfor throwing it away. " And as she spoke she flung a handful to a stoutold citizen, who glared with indignation--not at her, however, but atthe nimbler and needier persons who had grabbed most of the coins beforehe could stoop to pick them up. 

Daphne felt rather ashamed of these proceedings, which seemed to her notmerely undignified, but likely to demoralise the public. But she saidnothing. 

"We're not doing this out of _ostentation_, Miss Heritage, " explainedthe Queen, who seemed to have divined something of her sentiments. "It'spolicy. You may have noticed that we've not been nearly so well receivedlately. _Why_, I don't know, unless there's any ill-feeling about thosedetestable little Gnomes. "

There was a good deal. The Gnomes, having no employment on thegolf-links, had recently broken out of their compound and found theirway into Eswareinmal, where they made themselves very much at home. Theyquartered themselves on several of the householders, and, havingdiscovered that cooked food was more palatable than earth, they had nodiffidence in helping themselves. In other respects they wereinoffensive and inclined to be sociable, but, even in Märchenland, themost harmless and playful Yellow Gnome is not considered a desirableaddition to any respectable family. The citizens one and all regardedtheir visitors as intolerable nuisances for which they had to thanktheir Sovereigns. 

"It was his Majesty's idea to free them, " the Queen went on. "I wasalways in favour of keeping them in the mine, where they were out ofmischief. And they certainly mustn't be allowed to run about loose anylonger. They ought to learn some sort of discipline. Perhaps the bestthing would be to train them as Boy Scouts. .. . Have you caught cold, Miss Heritage? You seem troubled by a most distressing cough. "

King Sidney himself had begun to doubt whether the enfranchisement ofthe Yellow Gnomes was quite one of his happiest inspirations. SuchMärchenlanders as had been induced to enter the mine were demandingwages which left but a small margin for profit, especially when it wasconsidered that, if their methods of working were more systematic thantheir predecessors', they somehow got very much less gold. No sacks atall had been delivered of late, and the shelves of the RoyalCounting-house were beginning to look ominously bare. 

He forced himself to mention this to the Queen after the drive thatafternoon, and point out the necessity for being rather more economicalthan they had been hitherto. "I'm sure, Sidney, " she protested, "no onecan say _I_ am extravagant! It was absolutely necessary to have thewhole Palace done up--I had to order some new dresses, as I couldn't beexpected to wear ready-made robes in my position, and one or two tiarasand things from the Court Goldsmith, whose charges certainly weredisgracefully high. Then the household expenses come to several sacks aweek, try as I _may_ to keep them down!"

"I daresay, my love, I daresay--but I hear there was another sackemptied only this afternoon--and we really can't go on like this!"

"Then I shall have to give up driving out altogether, Sidney. You've noidea how unpopular you've made us all by releasing those wretched littleGnomes. The people object to having to associate with them--and I'm sureI don't wonder. You simply _must_ find some way of getting rid of them!"

"The Court Chamberlain tells me a certain number could be taken on thePalace Kitchens as extra scullions. "

"And we shall have them getting upstairs and running about all over thePalace!"

"Oh no, my dear; there will be strict orders against that. But, toreturn to our expenses, I'm afraid Clarence hasn't been as careful as hemight have been, and I shall have to speak to him very----"

"No, you will not, Sidney. I won't have you scolding Clarence just whenhe's doing so well--riding and going out hunting and making himself asocial leader. You can give him a hint to be less extravagant if youlike--but no more. But the _first_ thing you have to do, is to settlethe trouble about those Gnomes. You'd better ask the Marshal if _he_ cansuggest anything. "

The Marshal's solution was simple but practical. There was, it seemed, amarshy tract at a considerable distance from the capital which neededdraining and reclaiming--a work which the more able-bodied of the Gnomescould carry out under strict control. So the majority were deported tothe Märchenlands, the remainder being employed in the Royal Kitchens assupernumerary and highly incompetent scullions. 

Whether a damp climate would suit the Gnomes' constitutions was nota matter of general concern. Most of them had been supplied withjerseys, which, if they made them look more hideous little objectsthan ever, had been knitted expressly for them by the Queen and herladies-in-waiting--and what more could they possibly want?

The citizens of Eswareinmal witnessed the exodus of the gnomes withprofound relief, but without any outburst of gratitude to theirSovereign. It had somehow been allowed to transpire that they owed theirdeliverance entirely to the statesmanship of the ex-Regent. 

CHAPTER IX

THE PLEASURES OF THE TABLE

King Sidney's remonstrances to Clarence on his extravagances were put intoo mild a form to offend. "Perhaps I _have_ got through rather a lotlately, " the Crown Prince admitted. "Not that I spend much onmyself--precious little chance in a bally place like this. It mostlygoes in tips. You see, the peasants about here think anything under apurse of gold stingy. But it certainly struck me the last time I went tothe Counting-house that what sacks there were looked a bit flabby. Whendo you expect some more in?"

"The Lord Treasurer thinks one or two may be delivered in a week orso--but we shall want considerably more than that to pay our way, and Idon't see myself where it's to come from. "

"I suppose, " said Clarence, "it wouldn't quite do to have the gatesmelted down, or the thrones; but there's any amount of other goldfurniture knocking about--what's the matter with coining that?"

"It _did_ occur to me, " confessed King Sidney, "but the CourtChamberlain says they're only silver gilt, and that's no good _here_, you know. "

"Well, " said Clarence, "it's pretty clear that we shall all be in thecart if we can't find some way to raise the wind. "

A day or two later he burst into the Royal Parlour where his father wassitting disconsolately alone. "I've found it, Guv'nor, " he announcedtriumphantly. 

"Eh, my boy, found, what?"

"The way to raise the wind. I've been in to see little Pop-Eye--_you_know, the Astrologer Royal. "

"Xuriel? I haven't seen him since that--er--match I played with theMarshal. "

"I daresay not. The _Marshal_ saw him, though--and he hasn't been fit tobe seen in public since. Well, it seems he's been pottering away atMagic all this time on the quiet--and quite lately he's come upon an oldspell-book of his father's and tried some of the formulas in it. Andhe's turned out one little thing that's simply _it_. I bought it of himon the spot. I'll have it brought in here for you to see. "

When it was brought it was not much to look at, being just an ordinaryround table of the plainest design. 

"Ah, but you wait, " said Clarence. "Just say to it 'Little table, belaid. '"

"Really, my boy, " protested his father, who had evidently forgotten hisGrimm's Fairy Tales, "I can't bring myself to----"

"Try it, Guv'nor--and see what happens. "

"Oh well, it's all nonsense--all nonsense--but--er--'Little table belaid. '"

Instantly the table was covered with a snowy linen cloth and laid with adaintily prepared meal for one person, including a small flagon of wineand a knife and even a two-pronged fork. 

"Neat, isn't it?" remarked Clarence. "The little joker wouldn't partwith it at first--afraid of getting into more hot water about it. "

"I don't suppose for a moment the food's genuine, " said the King. "Well, " he pronounced, after trying it, "I'm bound to say it's quitetasty--really very tasty indeed. I think I'll have a little more--ate solittle at lunch. The wine isn't at all bad either--sort of Moselleflavour. It would be awkward if your mother were to come in just now, eh?"

"If you've done, " said Clarence, "all you've got to say is: 'Littletable, be cleared. '"

The King repeated the words, and the table became bare as before. 

"Highly ingenious, " he said; "but all the same, my boy, considering the_cuisine_ we have in the Palace already, it seems a waste of money tobuy it. "

"But there's money in it, Guv'nor--money enough to make us allmillionaires if we go the right way to work it! Listen to me. Xurielsays he could easily make any quantity of these tables--produce 'em inall styles and sizes, to dine any number, if you and the Mater will onlygive him a free hand. "

"I think you're forgetting, my boy, " said King Sidney with dignity, "that there is a law--a law which your mother and I think a very wiseand salutary one--against the practice of anything in the natureof--ah--Magic in our dominions. "

"Oh, I know _that_, " said Clarence. "But you can alter it easily enough, can't you?"

"No doubt we could. But why _should_ we?"

"Do you mean to say you don't see why? And you've been a business manall your life! Of course, we shouldn't give Xuriel such a concession asthis except on our own terms. He's willing to let us take two-thirds ofthe selling price of every table he sells. And they'll sell like hotcakes! Why, there won't be a family in all Märchenland that can affordto be without one. They'll pay any price we like to put on such anarticle as this. Just _think_ of it, Dad! No expenses--no risk--and abigger income than we could ever hope for from any bally mine. You_can't_ let a chance like that slip through your fingers!"

"I quite see the possibilities, my boy!" said the King; "and infact--but I can't decide one way or the other till I know what yourMother thinks of it. "

Queen Selina took an unexpectedly broad-minded view of the scheme assoon as she fully understood its advantages. 

"Of course, " she said, "nothing would induce me to encourage anyenterprise that was based on Sorcery. But the Astrologer Royal is fartoo respectable a little man to have anything to do with _that_. Andthese tables would be such a boon to so many hundreds! We cannot leavethat out of consideration. The dear people will be so grateful to us forallowing them to be placed within the reach of the humblest. I daresayMr. Xuriel would supply them on the hire system. And as for there beingany Magic about the process--if there _is_, it's quite harmless, andit's much more probable that it can be accounted for by purely naturalcauses which unscientific persons like ourselves can't be expected tounderstand. After all, who really _knows_?"

"And who really _cares_?" added Clarence, "so long as the tables sell. It's lucky the Guv'nor and I have had a business training. We shall beable to check Master Xuriel's accounts--he'll do us in the eye if hecan, I'll bet. We'd better start it as a private company. The PatentSelf-supplying Tables Co. , Limited. Under Royal Patronage, what?"

"I cannot have any in the Palace, " objected the Queen. "The _chefs_would make such a fuss if I did. And another thing, Clarence--it mustn'ton any account be known that _we_ take a share of the profits. A RoyalFamily has to be so very careful that its actions are notmisinterpreted. "

"We'll be sleeping partners, Mater, " said the Crown Prince, "and I don'tfancy Master Xuriel will be such a fool as to give us away. So far asthe Public'll know, we're interested in the venture on strictlyphilanthropic principles. "

"And that will be quite true, " added Queen Selina, "for I canconscientiously say that I wouldn't be connected with it if I didn'tfeel it was for the general advantage. "

Thus was the "Patent Self-supplying Tables Co. , Ltd. , " founded. A largedisused granary in the City was adapted as an Emporium, and theAstrologer Royal, after working day and night for a week, filled it withan extensive stock of dining-tables which were graduated to suit theneeds of every class of purchaser. 

As Clarence had predicted, they met with a ready sale, for, althoughMärchenlanders had a tradition of the existence of such tables, they hadnever expected to be able to procure one for themselves by cash payment. 

It was obvious to all that an article which simplified housekeeping byrendering both cook and kitchen fire superfluous was cheap at almost anyprice, and the demand was so great that Xuriel had to work harder thanever to keep pace with it. 

And everybody expressed the greatest satisfaction with the tables whendelivered--except, indeed, those citizens who earned their livelihood asprovision-dealers. They protested that they were being ruined by whatthey chose to call unfair competition, and even sent a deputation to thePalace to represent their grievances. 

"Show them into the Hall of Audience, " said King Sidney, when he wastold of their arrival, "and tell them I will be with them presently andhear anything they may have to say. "

After he had done so he addressed them in a paternal manner, but withsound common-sense. It was very unfortunate, he admitted, but it was oneof these cases where a small minority had to suffer for the benefit ofthe community at large. As a constitutional and democratic Monarch, hecould not interfere to restrict the production of articles thatincreased the comfort and well-being of the vast majority of his belovedsubjects. The deputation had his sincere sympathy, but he could do nomore than offer them his advice, which was to escape the starvation theyseemed--a little unnecessarily, if he might say so--to apprehend byimmediately investing their savings in these self-supplying tables. Headded that, from all he could hear, he thought it very probable that theprices would go up very shortly. 

The deputation then thanked him and withdrew. Such dealers as couldafford the outlay followed his advice, and very soon the sacks in theSovereign's Counting-house were fuller than ever, and all danger of aRoyal bankruptcy was happily at an end, while the Family had theadditional pleasure of finding themselves popular once more. 

Strictly speaking, the Astrologer Royal had not been authorised toemploy his occult skill in producing any objects but the self-supplyingdinner-tables, though it was rumoured that his industry was not entirelyconfined to these. He certainly sold the Crown Prince a sword with whichhe could face undismayed the fiercest of bears and boars, while the oldCourt Chamberlain bought a silk skull-cap that he found most useful onoccasions when he did not desire to attract attention. But, perhaps fromunwillingness to get Xuriel into trouble, neither of them made anymention of these purchases. 

Clarence should have been satisfied, for his feats in the saddle and hisdaring in the forest, where he slew every wild beast he encountered, hadrendered him a hero in the eyes of the populace, and even of the Court. And yet he was very far from being satisfied--for what was the good ofhis glory if it brought him no nearer Daphne? He hoped it was making animpression, but he could not be certain, because he never succeeded ingetting a moment alone with her. When she was not in attendance on hisMother she was either with Ruby or the ladies-in-waiting, or, worsestill, surrounded by courtiers who had not the tact to withdraw on hisappearance. And although she did not seem to show a preference for anyone in particular, that did not prevent him from being furiously jealousof them all. 

One afternoon Daphne received a message by one of the pages that she waswanted at once in the Hall of Audience by Princess Edna. But when sheobeyed the summons the only person she found in the hall was the CrownPrince in hunting costume, with high boots and a plumed hat. 

"It's all right, " he called out as she hesitated, "Edna will be heredirectly. .. . You look as if you didn't believe me. "

"I'm afraid I don't, your Royal Highness, " said Daphne. 

"Don't you? Well, you're right. It was not Edna that sent for you. Itwas me. "

"You might have sent for me in your own name, Prince Clarence. "

"I daresay! And then you'd have got out of coming! I've something Iparticularly want to say to you. And I say--_do_ sit down. It's likethis, " he proceeded, after Daphne had sat down on one of the benches, "Inever seem to see anything of you now--what with all those Courtierchaps always hanging about you. I wonder you let 'em. You wouldn't ifyou knew as much about 'em as _I_ do. Why, that fellow Hansmeinigel'sancestor was half a hedgehog--a beastly common ordinary hedgehog, byGad!--and as for young Bohnenranken----"

"Your Royal Highness may spare yourself the trouble of going on, " saidDaphne. "I know all about their descent already--from themselves. They're not in the least ashamed of their ancestors--indeed they're veryproud of them. "

"More than I should be if they were mine. Anyhow, there isn't one of 'emthat's fit for you to make a pal of. "

"You would have more right to say that, Prince Clarence, if I had evershown the slightest inclination to treat them as 'pals. '"

"You can look higher than bounders like them. And I must say I feel abit hurt, that you haven't taken more notice of all I've been doing toplease you. I mean, learning to ride as I've done, and leading an activelife, and all that. "

"I really thought your Royal Highness was doing it for your ownpleasure. But of course I've noticed the change, and if I've had anyshare in bringing it about, I'm very glad. "

"And is that all I'm to get by it? I want a lot more than that. I want_you_!"

"Don't be absurd, Prince Clarence, " said Daphne. "You know very well youwould never be allowed to marry _me_, even if _I_----"

"Oh, of course, I know that. But--but, you see, I--er--well, I wasn'tthinking of _marriage_ exactly. "

"Then, " said Daphne, with ominous quietness, "would your Royal Highnessbe good enough to explain what you _were_ thinking of exactly?"

"Well, " he said, "_my_ idea was something more in the nature of a--whatdo you call it?--a morganatic alliance. Of course even that would haveto be kept dark because of the Mater, but----"

Daphne rose. "Prince Clarence, " she said, "is it because I have beenyour sister's Governess that you think you have the right to insult melike this?"

"It isn't an insult, " he protested; "you don't understand. I assure youit's quite the usual thing in cases like ours. You'd be none the lessthought of--rather the other way about. So why take this narrow-minded, prudish view of it? I didn't expect it--from _you_, you know!"

"Probably, " said Daphne, "you don't expect to get your ears boxed--butyou will, if you dare to say any more. "

"Oh, do you think you'd better?" he asked. "I mean--smacking a CrownPrince's head--well, it's a jolly serious offence, you know--what?"

"I suppose, " she said scornfully, "you think I should deserve to be_executed_ for it. "

"It would make a good 'par' in the papers, " he replied, "if we had anypapers here. Something of this sort: 'The execution of Lady Daphne tookplace yesterday in the Market Square. There was no hitch, everything, including Lady Daphne's head, going off with the greatest _éclat_. TheCrown Prince was expected to be present, but was unavoidably detainedout hunting. '. .. Ah, you're laughing! You're not so very angry with meafter all!"

"I was, " said Daphne; "but, after all, you don't know any better, and itreally isn't worth while. Still, as it seems I can't expect anyconsideration from your Royal Highness, it will be impossible for me toremain in her Majesty's service. "

He began to realise at last how deeply he had offended her, and todesire a reconciliation on almost any terms. 

"No, I say, " he pleaded, "don't take it like that. I--I made a mistake. I'll never do it again. I swear I won't! _Now_ won't you stay?"

Daphne looked at him for a moment before she replied. "I wouldn't stay, Prince Clarence, " she said, "if I didn't believe you really are a littlesorry and ashamed of yourself. And I will only stay now on conditionthat you never try to speak to me again except in public. "

He had a sudden sense of what this would be to him--he might almost aswell lose her altogether. There was only one way of obtaining her fullforgiveness and the privilege of being alone with her as often as hewished. Of course he would have to pay pretty dearly for it--but, hangit, she was worth making some sacrifice for! He might be able to getround his people after all. .. . Yes, he'd take the plunge, whatever itcost him. 

"But--but look here, " he began desperately, "suppose--suppose I askyou"--he was on the point of adding, "to be my wife, " when the wordsdied on his lips as he saw that his mother had just entered the AudienceChamber. "Not now, " he broke off heartily, "some other time. "

Queen Selina regarded Daphne with cold displeasure for a moment or twobefore speaking. "I was not aware, Miss Heritage, " she said, "that yourduties required you to be in this part of the Palace at _any_ time. "

"I had a summons, your Majesty, " explained Daphne, "which I understoodwas from the Princess Royal, to come to her in the Hall of Audience, orI should not be here. "

"If her Royal Highness had required you at all, Miss Heritage, I thinkit more likely, on the whole, that she would have sent for you to myBower, where she has been sitting with me all the afternoon. But I willfind out if the message came from her. "

Daphne bit her lip. 

"It did not, your Majesty, " she said; "I know now that it was given tome--by mistake. "

"A mistake, Miss Heritage, which I trust will not happen again. And, asit is the hour when you should be in attendance on Princess Ruby, I willask you to go to her at once. "

"_She_ wasn't to blame, Mater, " said Clarence, after Daphne had left theHall. "It was all my fault. _I_ sent her that message. "

"It's very chivalrous of you, Clarence, to take the blame on yourself, "replied his Mother; "but don't imagine you can deceive _me_. I know verywell you are much too clever and wideawake to do anything socompromising. That girl is doing her best to entrap you into some rashpromise. I've suspected it for some time. "

"No, I don't think so, really, Mater. Just before you came in she wasasking me to promise not to speak to her again, except in public. "

"And didn't you see that was just her artful way of leading you on? Butof course you did! As if you could fail to see through such an obvioustrick as that. "

Now Clarence came to think of it, it _was_ pretty obvious. He shudderedto remember how very nearly he had been taken in by it. But theshrewdest man is liable to lose his head for the moment. Fortunately hehad recovered his in time. 

"Well, Mater, " he said, "I wasn't born yesterday, you know. I flattermyself I'm up to most moves on the board. And you may depend upon it ifshe's had any designs on me--mind you, I don't say she _has_--but _if_she has, she sees now that they'll never come to anything. She's givenme up as a hopeless proposition. "

This statement was inspired less by any personal conviction than by thedread that without such reassurance his anxious Mother might dismissDaphne on the spot. 

Queen Selina did not dismiss Daphne, whose powers of keeping Ruby amusedand the ladies-in-waiting in good humour were too valuable to bedispensed with unless it was absolutely necessary. But she was allowedto see in many ways that she had fallen from favour. One of these wasshe was no longer invited to take part in the daily drives, adeprivation which would alone have consoled her for much worsepenalties. 

And she was freed from any further importunities from the Crown Prince, who kept his side of the compact by maintaining a cold and loftydignity. Clarence intended this to convey that his eyes were at lastopen to her designs, and that it would be useless for her to seek tobeguile him any longer. But as Daphne was quite guiltless of any designsat all, she was merely grateful to him for leaving her in peace. 

Queen Selina generally left it to the Marshal to direct her excursions, and he always rode beside the Royal coach. One afternoon he hadconducted her and her eldest daughter by a road across a fertile plaindotted with pleasant villages and isolated farmhouses, towards theoutlying spurs of a range of mountains. 

On one of these spurs the Queen happened to notice a large castle, whosegrim-looking keep and towers were surrounded by a high and far-extendingwall, while at its rear rose a frowning black crag. 

"Tell me, Marshal, " she said, "whose place is that, and who livesthere?"

"That is Castle Drachenstolz, your Majesty, " he said. "It has belongedfor many centuries to a Count who chose, at some time during theprevious reign, to change the original family name to that of vonRubenfresser. It's present occupant is the last of the race, the youngCount Ruprecht. "

"Really!" said the Queen, "considering the Count is so near a neighbourof ours, he _might_ have had the civility to call, or at least leavecards, on us before now!"

"He would no doubt be happy to present himself at Court, Madam, if hewere not under strict orders never to go outside his Castle walls. "

"But why not?"

"His parents were accused, whether justly or not I cannot say, ofcertain malpractices, and the late King, your Majesty's graciousgrandfather, ordered them both to be put to death. Burnt alive, if Iremember rightly. This youth, being a mere infant at that period, wasallowed to live, but in semi-confinement within his ancestral walls, with a custodian (who is now removed), and a few old family retainers, who are the only persons he has ever been permitted to see. "

"And is there anything against the young Count himself?"

"Nothing whatever, " replied the Marshal. "He has been brought up in thesimplest manner and on the strictest principles, and by all accounts, isa most amiable and excellent young man. "

"It seems rather hard that he should have been a prisoner all theseyears, " said Princess Edna, "for no fault of his own. "

"It does seem hard, your Royal Highness, and, in fact, while I wasRegent I was on the point of ordering him to be allowed at large, when--when I was relieved of all responsibility. However, his lot is nota very severe one. The estate is large, and he can drive or walkanywhere within its boundaries. I understand that he spends much of histime in his kitchen garden, where he has brought the art of forcingcertain vegetables to truly wonderful perfection. "

The young Count did not sound from this description particularlyexciting, even to Edna, but still she could not get him and hisundeserved captivity out of her thoughts, and, as soon as she got backto the Palace, she attacked the King on the subject. 

"It's all very well, father, " she concluded indignantly, "but in thesedays you simply _can't_ keep that young man shut up for life justbecause my great-grandfather chose to have his parents burnt alive--mostlikely for no reason at all. "

"_I_ don't want to keep him shut up, my dear. Never heard of him before. I am quite willing to set him free if I am satisfied that it's the rightthing to do. "

"Of course it's the right thing to do, Sidney, " said his wife; "and, what's more, it will be very popular. Just one of these gracious littleacts of clemency that go home to people's hearts. The Marshal quiteagreed with me about that. "

"Oh, very well, " said the King, "I'll send a herald over to tell him heneedn't consider himself a prisoner for the future. "

"We owe him more than that, Sidney, " said the Queen; "we ought at_least_ to ask him over to lunch. "

"Yes, we might do that, " agreed Edna; "not that he's likely to accept. "

"He cannot refuse a Royal command, my love, " said her mother. 

The Count did not refuse. On the appointed day Clarence and his sisterssaw from one of the windows a dilapidated sable coach drawn by eightvery ancient coal-black horses turn into the Courtyard. 

"Only wants a few undertaker's men in weepers to be a really classyfuneral!" was the Crown Prince's tribute to this equipage. "'Come tobury Cæsar, not to praise him, ' as Hamlet or some other ShakespearianJohnny says, what?"

When the young Count von Rubenfresser was ushered into the Royalpresence his entrance made a slight sensation. Nobody had been preparedfor the fact that he was much nearer seven than six feet in height. Otherwise there was nothing alarming about him; he wore his flaxen hairrather long and arranged over the centre of his head in a sort of roll;his china-blue eyes (which Ruby said afterwards was "plain all round, like a fish's eyes") were singularly candid; he had a clear, freshcomplexion, full red lips, and magnificent teeth. He wore a rich suit ofsable as deep as his coach. "Magog in mourning, " Clarence christened himin an undertone. 

It was curious that he should have inspired Daphne at first sight with avague repulsion, and that Ruby should have felt a similar antipathy, though, with her, it took the form of a violent fit of the giggles--butso it was. Daphne was thankful that she was able to remain at a distancefrom him, as she was not lunching at the Royal Table. 

He was shy at first, as most persons would be if the first meal they hadever eaten away from their own home had to be consumed in the presenceof Royalty, but he had been evidently trained to observe the ordinarytable etiquette, and as he became more at ease he talked fluentlyenough, though at times with a _naīveté_ that was almost childlike, andincreased Clarence's resolve to pull his leg whenever he saw anopportunity. 

"Your Majesties must pardon my asking the question, " he said, in histhin, piping voice, as he helped himself to a cutlet, "but is this whatis called _meat_?"

"So we're given to understand by the butcher, Count, " replied Clarence. "Why do you want to know?"

"Because, " he replied, "I've often _heard_ of meat, but this is thefirst time I've ever _seen_ it. Do you know, " he went on presently, "I_like_ meat. I shall have some more. "

"I should, if I were you, " advised Clarence; "it may make you grow!"which reduced Ruby to silent convulsions. 

"Do you really think it _will_?" inquired the Count, either notnoticing, or tactfully disregarding, Princess Ruby's lapse from goodmanners. "It might. My poor dear Father and Mother were both greatmeat-eaters, I believe, before they took to vegetarianism, which wasquite late in life. I cannot remember seeing them, but I've alwaysunderstood that they were much taller than I am. "

"You don't say so, " returned Clarence. "Must have been most interestingpeople to meet. "

"They were, your Royal Highness. Though, unfortunately, I cannot speakof my own knowledge. As your Majesties may be aware, during the shorttime they were spared to me I was too young to appreciate theirsociety. "

"Well, well, Count, " said Queen Selina, perceiving that this wasdelicate ground, "it's all very sad, but you must try not to think aboutit now. The Marshal tells me you give a great deal of your time togrowing vegetables. How do tomatoes do with you?"

"I don't pay any attention to tomatoes, your Majesty, " he replied, witha blush that few tomatoes could have outdone. "My efforts have beenchiefly directed to pumpkins. I have reared some particularly fine ones. I am very fond of pumpkins. "

"Jolly little things, ain't they?" put in Clarence. "So playful!"

"_Are_ they?" said the Count with perfect simplicity. "I did not knowthat. But then I have never attempted to play with _my_ pumpkins. "

"Haven't you?" said Clarence. "Well, you get 'em to playkiss-in-the-ring with you, and you'll find out how frisky they can be!"

"I do not know anything about kissing, " he confessed, "except that it isvery wrong. "

"Not _pumpkins_, " said the Crown Prince. "There's no harm in that! Askthe bishop!"

"I say, old girl, " he remarked to Princess Edna, after their visitor hadtaken his departure, "what on earth induced the Mater to tell that lankyovergrown lout we should be pleased to see him any time he cared to dropin? We shall have the beggar running in and out here like a ballyrabbit, you see if we don't!"

"Not if you intend to go on insulting him, Clarence, as you did to-dayat lunch, " replied Edna coldly. 

"Why, I was only ragging him. Who could help ragging such a champion mugas that?"

"There is more--far more--in him than you are capable of seeing, Clarence. And, even from a physical point of view, he is immeasurablyyour superior. "

"I admit I shouldn't have a look in with him if we were both candidatesfor a Freak Show, " he conceded. "On the other hand, no one can say I'mgone at the knees. "

"It's a pity, Clarence, that you're so narrow as you are!" she said. 

"D'you mean round the chest or calves?" he asked. "Because I'm quite upto the average measurements. "

"I meant, so insular in your prejudices. You were almost _rude_ to thepoor Count. When he was our guest, too!"

"I expect, " he said, "that if he's ever our guest again, I shall be abit _more_ insular. I can't stick the beggar, somehow!"

CHAPTER X

THE BLONDE BEAST

The Count was not slow to take advantage of his _permis de circuler_;his coal-black horses and coach were soon a familiar spectacle in thestreets of Eswareinmal, where he had discovered the delights ofpromiscuous shopping. He ordered a self-supplying dinner-table of thebest quality--to be paid for by monthly instalments--from the AstrologerRoyal, with whom he struck up a sort of friendship. Nor did he neglectto avail himself of his general invitation to the Palace, where hedropped in so frequently as almost to justify Clarence's prediction. Queen Selina gave him occasional hints that she had not expected himquite so often, but hints were thrown away on the Count's ingenuousnature--he seemed to take it for granted that he was always welcome. 

Princess Edna certainly never discouraged his visits. She had beenstruck from the first by his great stature and powerful physique, whichwere just what she imagined that Nietzsche's ideal Superman wouldpossess. It has already been mentioned that she had been attendinglectures on the Nietzschean philosophy. 

Those were the days--not so very long ago, though they seem remoteenough now--when a certain class of high-browed and serious personsaccepted works of modern German philosophers as containing a new gospelwhich none who desired intellectual freedom, enlightenment, andefficiency could afford to neglect. The theories of "the Will to Power"and of Might being equivalent to Right are already hopelesslydiscredited in this country by recent exhibitions of the way in whichthey work out in practice. But it was not so then, and Edna, who likedto feel that she was one of the elect and in the advance guard ofCulture, readily imbibed as much of the Nietzschean doctrine as could beboiled down for her in a single lecture. She would not, of course, havethought of regulating her own actions on such principles, any more than, in all probability, did their author himself. But she was very anxiousto see some one else do so, and the young Count seemed to have beenformed by Nature for Nietzsche's typical "Blond Beast, " if he only choseto divulge his possibilities. Unfortunately, he did not seem even tosuspect them; he remained quite oppressively mild and amiable. She verynearly gave him up in despair once when he timidly presented her with apair of mittens which he had knitted for her himself. However, a daycame when she saw him under a less discouraging aspect. 

They were at lunch, to which he had invited himself as usual, and Rubyhad asked her brother how it was that in all his hunting expeditions hehad never managed to slay a dragon. 

"Never saw one to slay, Kiddie, " he replied. "They seem scarce abouthere. "

The Court Chamberlain, from behind the King's chair, took it uponhimself to explain that there were no longer any dragons in existence, the few that remained having been exterminated by the late King'sorders. 

"Oh!" exclaimed Ruby, "I _did_ so want to see a dragon! And now I nevershall!"

"If you wish it, little Princess, " said Count von Rubenfresser kindly, "you shall see mine. "

"_Yours!_" cried Ruby, quite forgetting her dislike for him in herexcitement. "Have you _really_ got a dragon--a real _live_ one?"

"A real live one--and almost full-grown, " he replied. "My poor dearFather had a pair, but they were killed. Mine is the last of the breed. I discovered it myself when I was a child in a cave close to the castle. At that time it was only an egg. "

"Hatch it yourself?" inquired Clarence. 

"Only partially, " said the young Count; "the sun did the rest. " (It wasperhaps as well for Daphne that she was not at the table just then. ) "Ibegged that its life might be spared, and it was. So Tützi and I havegrown up together. "

"Tootsie!" remarked Clarence _sotto voce_, "what a dashed silly-ass namefor a dragon!"

"And will you show us him?" asked Ruby eagerly. "Mummy, couldn't we goto the Count's castle and see his dragon? This afternoon?"

"I should rather like to see it myself, " said her Father. "No idea there_were_ such things. What do you say to our driving back with the Countand having a look at it, eh, my love?"

"I think, Sidney, " replied the Queen, "we certainly ought to do so. "

So, to Ruby's delight, the State coach was ordered to take the RoyalFamily to Drachenstolz, and the party set out shortly after lunch. Clarence accompanied them on horseback, while the Count followed in hissombre vehicle. Daphne was left behind, and the Court, although invitedto join the party, begged with singular unanimity that they might beexcused. 

On arriving at the Castle the visitors were first taken over theinterior, which was ill-lighted and rather depressing, after which theCount led them through a spacious courtyard to the kitchen-garden, wherethe Queen deigned to compliment him on the huge size of the vegetablemarrows and pumpkins that were ripening in the sun. 

"If there _should_ be a Harvest Festival at the Church, Count, " she saidgraciously, "I'm sure some of those would come in very nicely for it!"

They then passed over a rough tract of ground towards a rocky cliff thatformed part of the Castle boundary. In this cliff was a deep cavern, onone side of which was a stout staple with a chain attached, only aportion of which was visible. Here their young host stopped and gave alow whistle. Instantly there was a rattle of the chain, and the nextmoment all but the Count and Ruby hastily retreated as a great hornyhead with distended nostrils and lidless eyes was protruded from theopening. 

"Don't be alarmed!" said the Count, calmly unfastening the chain andleading the creature out into the open. "Tützi is perfectly tame, as youcan see. "

It may or may not have been full-grown, but it was large enough at allevents to be a fairly fearful wildfowl, with its huge leathery wings, crested spine, formidable talons, and restless tail. The colour of itsscales was extraordinarily rich, ranging from deepest purple and azurethrough vivid green to orange and pale yellow, and fully justified KingSidney in remarking--from a safe distance--that "it appeared to be invery good condition. "

But there was no doubt about its tameness. It suffered Ruby, who showedno fear of it whatever, to stroke it on its plated beak, and even toscratch it behind its bristly ears, with every sign of satisfaction. 

"Ruby!" shrieked the horrified Queen, "come away at _once_! I'm sure itisn't safe to tease that dreadful thing!"

"I'm _not_ teasing him, Mummy, " replied Ruby, whose eccentric _penchant_for reptiles was now being gratified beyond her wildest dreams. "He_loves_ being tickled. Can't you hear him purring?"

As the noise the brute was making would have drowned that of the mostpowerful dynamo, the question was almost unnecessary. Count Ruprechtnext made his dragon exhibit the few accomplishments it had learnt, which were of the simplest, consisting in sitting up, rolling over andshamming death, and reviving to utter three terrific snorts, supposed tobe loyal cheers, all at the proper word of command. He concluded bymounting its back and riding it several times round the enclosure, afterwhich he lay between its forepaws, while it licked his face with itshuge flickering forked tongue. 

"Capital!" cried Clarence, apparently unimpressed, though he did notventure very near the beast. "You've only to teach it to jump through ahoop, and you'd make quite a decent Music-hall 'turn' together. What doyou feed it on, eh? Sop--or canary-seed?"

To which the Count did not vouchsafe any reply. 

"I've been most interested, I'm sure, my dear Count, " said the Queen, after he had chained it up again. "And it's quite a thing to haveseen--once. But we really can't allow you to go on keeping such acreature as that--_can_ we, Sidney?"

"Certainly not, my love, " said the King. "It's against the law, youknow, Count, against the law. "

"Is it, your Majesty?" said the Count. "I--I had no idea of that--no oneever told me so!"

"Well, it _is_, you know. You must put an end to it--have it destroyed. Painlessly, if you like, but--well, you've got to get rid of itsomehow. "

"In your own interest, Count, " urged the Queen. "Just think howunpopular you would be with your neighbours if it broke loose!"

"I should not like to be unpopular, " he said. "And if your Majestiesinsist on slaying the only living creature that loves me----!"

"What?" put in Clarence unfeelingly, "don't the hearse--I mean thecarriage-horses love you?"

But again the Count took no notice of the question. 

"It's too bad of you, Father!" cried Edna indignantly; "yes, and youtoo, Mother! To come here at Count Ruprecht's invitation, to see hisdragon and then tell him to destroy it! I think it perfectly disgracefulof you, and you will get a very bad name in the country when people hearof it. When you happen to be Sovereigns you might at least _behave_ assuch!"

"Well, well, my dear, " said her Mother, who had not considered thequestion from this side before, "we merely threw it out as asuggestion--nothing more. And if the Count will undertake to keep hisdragon under proper control, that is all we shall require of him. "

The Count willingly gave this undertaking, and the visit ended withoutany loss of cordiality on either side. 

"We've seen the dragon, Miss Heritage!" Ruby announced with sparklingeyes on her return. "And he is such a darling! Do you know, I don'tthink the Count can be quite so horrid after all, or Tützi wouldn't befond of him. Only fancy, Mums and Daddy wanted the Count to have himkilled! But Edna made them say he needn't. _Aren't_ you glad?. .. Oh, Iforgot--you never really loved my newts. But you _would_ Tützi--he'squite _dry_, you know--not the least bit clammy. .. . Do you think there'stime before dinner for me to run down and play with the Gnomes?"

"My dearest!" cried Daphne, "surely your Mother doesn't approve of yourdoing that?"

"She wouldn't mind if she knew. They're yellow--but quite nice. Muchbetter fun than those fat little muffs of pages, who are too afraid ofspoiling their clothes to play at anything rough. You don't mind myhaving a game of 'I spy' with the Gnomes--just till it's time to dressfor dinner--do you, Miss Heritage?"

"Well, darling, " said Daphne, "I'm not allowed any authority over younow, you know. But I'm quite sure that if her Majesty ever hears of yourrunning about with Yellow Gnomes, she will blame me for it, and probablysend me away. "

"Oh, then I won't any more. Only it will be rather dull without them. Ialmost wish sometimes I had lessons to do. But there's nothing for me tolearn. I can understand everything everybody says, and they understandme. And there aren't any pianos, and History and Geography are noearthly good here, and I know more Arithmetic as it is than I shall everwant now I'm a Princess. Princess Flachspinnenlos promised to show mehow to work a spinning-wheel some day, but she's not very good at itherself, and anyhow, I'm sure it will be frightfully boring. Still, I'drather give up the Gnomes than lose _you_, Miss Heritage, dearest!"

She spoke with feeling, for it meant abandoning a cherished scheme ofhers for inciting them to steal up during dinner and pinch the pages'legs. 

Daphne was sorry for the poor little tomboy Princess, of whom she hadgrown to be really fond. There was little she could do for her, however, beyond being with her as often as she could; and the Queen had shown atendency of late to discourage even this. 

Edna looked forward with interest to the Count's next visit; hisperformances with the dragon had impressed her greatly in his favour, and she had begun to think that he might have the makings of a Supermanin him after all. It might be time to begin his education, and sheprepared herself for the task by running through her lecture notes onNietzsche once more. 

When he called he was shown by her command to the chamber which servedas her boudoir, where, rather to the scandal of some of the Courtladies, she received him in private. 

He looked taller than ever as he sat doubled up on a low seat. "I cameto thank you, Princess, " he began, "for persuading your exalted parentsto spare my poor dear Tützi. Of course I don't want to break the law, but he is chained up, and besides, he is such a good dragon that I'msure nobody _could_ object to my keeping him. "

"Why are you so anxious not to break the law?"

"Because it's wrong to break laws. "

"And do you never do anything wrong?"

"Never. My tutors taught me that people who do wrong are always punishedfor it. I shouldn't like to be punished at all. "

"Still, you must have _wanted_ to do bad things now and then. "

"Now and then I have, " he confessed. "Especially lately. But I never_do_ them. You see, bad people are never really liked. "

"Do you know, Count, what the great German philosopher Nietzsche wouldcall such goodness as yours? He would say it was 'slave-morality. ' Youonly do what other people tell you is right because you're afraid ofwhat they would think of you if you didn't. You have courage enough tomaster Tützi, but you daren't defy what Nietzsche so finely terms 'theGreat Dragon of the Law, ' which says: 'Thou shalt'--'Thou shalt not. '"

"What?" he said in surprise. "Is there another dragon besides Tützi? Andone that can talk, too! I never heard of _him_!"

"Nietzsche was speaking metaphorically, of course, " said Ednaimpatiently. "He meant the human laws and customs and prejudices which atrue Superman should soar above. I think you ought to be more of aSuperman. "

"Ought I?" he said, open-mouthed. "What sort of things does a--one ofthose gentlemen--do?"

"Well, " said Edna, after refreshing her memory by her notes, "you shouldbegin by 'hating and despising the ideals of the average man'! Youshould create your own Truth--your own Morality. Obey only yourprimordial instincts--the Will to Power. "

"I wonder if I could do all that. "

"Of course you can, if you are strong enough--and I believe you are. "

"And what _else_ ought I to do, Princess?"

"Well, let me see--oh, yes, you should 'act towards slave or strangerexactly as you think fit. ' You should be 'an intrepid experimentalist, ceaselessly looking for new forms of existence. ' You must 'be able tobear the sight of others' pain, remembering that you cannot attain theheight of greatness----'"

"I've grown taller lately, " he interjected, "a great deal taller;haven't you noticed it?"

"'Attain the height of greatness, '" resumed Edna severely, "if you donot feel within yourself both the will and the power to inflict greatsuffering! And 'through it all you must exhibit the joyous innocence ofa child that is amusing itself. ' Do you understand?"

"I think I do. It means I must do whatever I feel inclined, withoutminding what people say. Shall you be pleased with me, Princess, if I dothat?"

"I shall at least respect you more than I can do while you form yourconduct entirely on Sunday School standards. "

"Then I'll try, " he said. "Yes, I will certainly try. Do you know, Ithink I shall rather like being what your great teacher with a name likea sneeze calls a Superman. "

"Then make yourself one, " she said, "for I am quite sure that you havethe power. "

Probably she did not know herself exactly what she wanted him to be; itdid not mean much more than the admiration for the prehistoric malebrute to which the more advanced type of young woman seems peculiarlyprone. But when he left she felt that she had made a most promisingconvert, and had every reason to be satisfied with the success of herafternoon. 

As much could not be said with regard to her Mother, who remonstratedwith her after the Count's departure as strongly as she dared. 

"I shouldn't see him alone like that, again, my love, " she saidanxiously. "It might put ideas into people's heads. Indeed I'm not surethat, as it is, some of the Court don't think there must be somethingbetween you. "

"It's perfectly indifferent to me _what_ they think, Mother, " was thelofty reply. "As a matter of fact, there is nothing whatever between us. I am merely doing what I can to make him a little more civilised. "

"There would be no objection to that, my dear. Only it _does_ look sovery like _encouraging_ him, you know. And it's so necessary to becareful just now. I'm afraid the People think we are making far too muchof that young man. I noticed they looked very black that day we droveover to Drachenstolz. I really think it would be better if the next timehe calls you would be 'not at home' to him. "

"My dear Mother, " returned Edna, "I am old enough to have the right tochoose my own friends, and I shall certainly decline to drop them justbecause the Court chooses to make my friendships a subject for foolishgossip. "

Queen Selina did not venture to pursue the conversation any farther, butshe was more relieved than she would once have thought possible when sheheard that the Court Godmother had returned from Clairdelune. Accordingto strict etiquette, it was for the Fairy to attend her Mistress andreport herself, but the Queen waived all ceremony by paying the firstvisit. She went at once, and unattended, to the apartments in one of thetowers that had been assigned to the Court Godmother, who, withoutseeming at all overwhelmed by such condescension, received her with morebenignity than usual. "Thank you, my dear, " she said, in answer to theQueen's inquiries, "I am tolerably well, and feel no ill effects from myjourney. And I think, " she added complacently, "you will agree that Ihave spent my time at Clairdelune not altogether unprofitably. But youshall hear all about it presently. Tell me how things have been going onhere while I have been away. As satisfactorily, I trust, as possible?"

"Oh, quite--quite--that is, I've been just a little worried lately aboutthat young Count Rubenfresser. He has taken to coming here oftener thanI think quite desirable. "

"Coming here?" repeated the Fairy, with surprise. "Why, I thought he wasnever allowed outside his Castle!"

"Not till lately. My poor dear Grandfather seems to have been verysevere both on him and his parents. But the Marshal spoke so highly ofthe poor young man, and recommended so strongly that he should be givenhis freedom, that his Majesty and I decided to do it. "

"Oh, " said the Fairy. "Well, of course, if the Marshal thinks it safe!"She suspected the ex-Regent of cherishing some resentment against herstill for the part she had taken in bringing back the Sovereigns tosupersede him, and she had no wish to run counter to him again. So, whatever she might think of the wisdom of his advice, she was far tooprudent an old person to express her doubts. "But I gather, " she wenton, "that you don't approve of the young Count yourself, my dear?"

"Oh, he seems gentlemanly enough--though rather taller than the average. The only reason that I disapprove of him is that I'm afraid he comeshere so often on Edna's account. "

"You don't mean, " said the Court Godmother, in some alarm, "that sheshows any----?"

"Oh, _dear_ me, no! Not the slightest! She thinks he requirescivilising, and is trying to do it for him, that's all. But I can't gether to see that the notice she takes of him is liable to bemisunderstood. Not only by him--but by everybody, you know. "

"Oh well, my dear, if it's no worse than that, you needn't troubleyourself about it. And now for _my_ news. You've heard me speak ofPrince Mirliflor of Clairdelune, King Tournesol's only son?"

Queen Selina had heard her speak of him so often that she instinctivelyprepared herself for half an hour of _ennui_. 

"A charming young man. I don't say he hasn't his faults, but I shallmake it my business to cure him of them all in time. I was one of thethree Godmothers at his christening--the other two have gone yearsago--I forget what _their_ gifts were--Courage and Good-looks, I think. _I_ gave him what I still consider a most useful present for any infantprince--a complete set of the highest ideals. "

"How _nice_!" murmured Queen Selina absently, for her attention wasbeginning to wander already. "Most neat and appropriate, I'm sure. "

"They _would_ have been, " said the old Fairy, "if he'd made use of themsensibly, as I intended. But that is just what he _hasn't_ done. Forinstance, although he's been of an age to marry these three years, he'srefused to look at every eligible Princess that has been suggested tohim because, if you please, she doesn't happen to come up to his idealof beauty!"

"Dear me, " said the Queen, concealing a yawn, "you don't say so, CourtGodmother!"

"My dear, " said the Fairy irritably, "it's nonsense to tell me I don'tsay what I've just said! And, as I was about to tell you, his conductcaused the greatest disappointment and annoyance to his father, who isnaturally anxious that his line should not die out. So he begged me touse _my_ influence. Well, I saw, of course, that the only way was toappeal to _another_ of the ideals I had given him--his ideal of Duty. Iput it to him that he owed it not only to his father, but his country, to choose a bride without any further shilly-shallying. "

"And what did he say?" asked the Queen, with more interest, as she hadbegun to see what was coming. 

"Don't be in such a hurry, " said the Fairy; "I haven't finished what _I_said yet. I told him that personal beauty was of very little consequencein a bride, and that what he needed was a sensible girl who would beclever enough to keep him from having too high an opinion ofhimself--which, I may say, has always been one of his failings. I addedthat your Edna was just the very person for him. "

"How kind of you to put in a word for her!" said Queen Selina. "And--wasit any _good_?"

"So much so that, to his father's great joy, he recognised that it washis imperative duty to seek the hand of such a paragon of wisdom andlearning. And I am empowered by him to prepare you for his arrival inthe course of a day or two, in the character of the Princess Royal'ssuitor. So you see, " she concluded, "I haven't been at Clairdelune allthis time for nothing. "

"Indeed you have not, dear Court Godmother; and I'm most grateful, I'msure, for all the trouble you must have taken. Fancy our Edna the Queenof Clairdelune some day! Not that she isn't fitted for any position. Howpleased she will be when she hears of this, dear thing! So will hisMajesty--and Clarence too! He and dear Prince Mirliflor will be able togo out hunting together. For--I forgot to tell you--since you havedeserted us, Clarence has learnt to ride most beautifully!"

"Has he indeed?" said the Fairy. "Then I was right after all. I thoughtit just possible that, if you could persuade him to wear that jewel----"

"Do you mean that pendant of mine? He _does_ wear it, but that hasnothing whatever to do with his riding. He'd taught himself to ride longbefore I gave it to him. He was only pretending he couldn't, as a joke. "

"He may say so, my dear--but, all the same, if it hadn't been for thatjewel----"

"Really, Court Godmother, " said Queen Selina, who naturally resentedanything that detracted from her son's credit, "it astonishes me tofind anyone so--so clear-headed as you are in most things still clingingto these superstitious ideas. As if the mere fact of wearing a piece ofjewellery could suddenly make anyone into a good rider!"

"It depends upon what the piece of jewellery is, " said the Fairy. 

Queen Selina saw her way to an absolutely crushing rejoinder. "Well, this particular piece of jewellery, " she said, "happens to be a paltryornament which I bought from Miss Heritage before I ever heard ofMärchenland. "

Her shot had certainly told. "What?" faltered the Court Godmother, obviously out of countenance. "Did I understand you to say you _bought_that jewel--and from the Lady Daphne?"

"I prefer to call her Miss Heritage--the other is merely a courtesytitle. Yes, I did buy it from her. She was in difficulties at the time, and I gave her thirty pounds for it, which was a good deal more thananybody else would have done. "

"And--and--have you told this to any other person--the--the Marshal, forinstance?"

"My dear Court Godmother, I am not in the habit of _proclaiming_ my actsof charity--for it _was_ an act of charity!"

"An act of charity, " said the Fairy drily, "which I should stronglyadvise you to keep to yourself. "

"I intend to, " replied the Queen, as she rose with much dignity, thoughher face was redder than usual. "I should never have mentioned it atall, even to you, Court Godmother, if I hadn't felt it necessary. Ofcourse, in my present position, I should never _dream_ of buyingjewellery from one of my own ladies-in-waiting. But it was differentthen. I hadn't come into my Kingdom, and Miss Heritage was only mygoverness; and anyway, it was a perfectly fair bargain, so my conscienceis absolutely clear. Still, " she added, turning on the threshold, "perhaps you will admit _now_ that you were just a _little_ mistaken inattaching any importance to wearing that pendant?"

"Yes, " said the Fairy, completely crestfallen and subdued, "I made amistake--a great mistake--I admit that. "

"I thought you would!" returned the Queen triumphantly. "And now I mustgo to dear Edna and tell her the news about Prince Mirliflor. "

She had no suspicion of the state of mind in which, by her unconsciousrevelation, she was leaving the unhappy Court Godmother, who was sostunned that it was some time before she could think out the situationat all clearly. 

The present Sovereigns of Märchenland, it seemed, were nothing butimpostors! Innocent impostors, no doubt--but that did not lessen her ownresponsibility for helping to place them on the throne. If she made thetruth known, would the people--worse still, would the ex-Regent--believethat she and the Baron and the Astrologer Royal had not been deceivingthem from the first? She recognised now that they had been too ready toaccept the wearer of Prince Chrysopras's jewelled badge as thesought-for Queen without some further inquiry--and yet who in allMärchenland would have dreamed of making any? How could anyone havesupposed that Queen Selina had merely become the possessor of the jewelby purchasing it from that little Lady Daphne? It seemed to follow thatLady Daphne must be the true Queen. The Fairy remembered now that shehad taken her to be so at their first meeting. If only she had thoughtthen of asking a question or two, the mistake might have been discoveredbefore matters had gone too far--but, in her unfortunate anxiety to seea legitimate sovereign ruling Märchenland once more she had takeneverything for granted. How could she put it right now without appearingeither a traitress to the Kingdom, or at least a foolish old Fairy whoought to have known her own business better? That was a bitterreflection for an autocratic dame who had long been accustomed toconsider that age and experience had endowed her with a wisdom which wasabsolutely infallible. 

There was just one faint hope to which she clung. She had been mistakenonce--why should she not be mistaken again? Lady Daphne might herselfhave bought the pendant from some third person. In that case she wouldhave no better claim to the throne than Queen Selina, and matters couldbe left as they were--which would relieve the Fairy of the unpleasantnecessity of having to admit that she was liable to error. 

She could not rest till she knew more, and so, as soon as she felt equalto any action, she took her crutch-handled staff, hobbled down thewinding steps, and then up more stairs and along a succession ofcorridors, until she reached the door of the chamber she had been toldwas Daphne's. 

"I shall know very soon now!" she told herself. "And, after all, there'snothing to be uneasy about. Whoever this girl may be, it's most unlikelythat she will turn out to be any relation of poor Chrysopras'. "

But, in spite of these reassurances, it was a very tremulous hand thatrapped at the door, and the Court Godmother's heart sank as she heard aclear sweet voice inviting her to enter. 

It would have been such a relief, just then, to find that Daphne was notin her room. 

CHAPTER XI

A WAY OUT

Daphne was rather surprised to see the Court Godmother enter, for shehad not honoured her by any special notice since her first arrival. Butshe was pleased, and touched as well, by a visit which she knew musthave cost the old Fairy considerable effort. 

"I thought I'd come up and see how you were getting on, my dear, " beganthe latter, after sinking into the chair Daphne had brought forward forher, and recovering her breath. "I hope you are happy here--and--andwell treated?"

"Quite, thanks, Court Godmother, " said Daphne. 

"But you shouldn't sit moping here by yourself like this. "

"Her Majesty doesn't like me to come down until she sends for me, "explained Daphne; "and she hasn't to-day. But I haven't been moping, Court Godmother; I've been listening to the swallows. They're discussingtheir plans for the winter, and they _can't_ make up their minds whereto go, poor darlings!"

"That's only what you _fancy_ they're talking about, " said the Fairysharply; for the gift of understanding bird-language is comparativelyrare, and only possessed by those who have a strain of Fairy blood intheir descent. "You can't possibly _know_!"

"I didn't till I came here, and then I suddenly found I could. PrincessRuby declares I make it all up--but I don't. I can even understand whatsome of the animals have to say, and its rather fun sometimes. The othermorning in the Gardens I heard a tortoise telling a squirrel----"

"I daresay, I daresay, " interrupted the Court Godmother, who had notcome there to hear the small talk of any tortoise; "I find theirconversation wearisome myself--and so will you when you've been here alittle longer. And so you're comfortable here, are you?" she went on, looking round the chamber, which had walls of mother-o'-pearl withhangings of delicate shimmering blue-green at the window and round thesmall ivory four-post bed. "Well, this room looks very cool andpleasant. And you've pretty dresses to wear, it seems. I like that oneyou have on--most becoming, though it wants an ornament of some kind toset it off. But perhaps you don't care for jewellery?"

"I do, " said Daphne, "very much. But I haven't any now, you see. "

"But you had once, hadn't you? I seem to recollect the Queen telling meshe bought something--a pendant, I fancy she said--from you before youcame to Märchenland. Or was it somebody else?"

"No, it was me, " said Daphne. "It was very decent of her, because I wasin rather a hole just then--with a debt I couldn't possibly have paidotherwise--and the pendant was no use to _me_, you see--not a thing Icould ever have worn. "

"So you wasted your money in buying an ornament which was unsuited toyou, eh?"

"I didn't buy it, Court Godmother, " said Daphne, and proceeded toexplain--much as she had done at "Inglegarth"--how it came into herpossession. The Fairy questioned her about her father, but she hadlittle information to give. Even his name was uncertain, as it seemed hehad only moved into his last rooms shortly before his death. All hislandlady could say was that it was something foreign which she could notpronounce. But she had gathered from certain things he had let fall thathe had led a wandering life as a musician, and had at one period been ariding-master. She believed that, in the latter capacity, he had met hisyoung wife, Daphne's mother, and that it had been a runaway marriage. She died soon after giving birth to Daphne, and left him sobroken-hearted that he did not care to make any fight against illnesswhen it came to him, but rather welcomed a death that meant re-union. "But all I _really_ know, " concluded Daphne, "is that that pendantbelonged to him, and that my adopted Mother took care of it for me tillI was grown up. And I think he would not have minded my selling it whenI wanted the money so badly. "

"Well, whether he would have minded or not, " said the Fairy, "you _did_sell it--and a sorry bargain you made of it, too! I'll be bound, now, that you've told the whole Court about it long ago!"

"I have told no one, Court Godmother, " said Daphne. "Why should I tellthem about my own private affairs? I shouldn't have said anything to_you_, if you hadn't heard of it already from her Majesty. "

"You were wise to hold your tongue, " remarked the Fairy, greatlyrelieved. "For I may tell you that, if the Court once heard that theQueen bought that jewel from you, it would prejudice them very seriouslyagainst her. And I am sure you would not wish _that_. "

"Of course I shouldn't wish it, " said Daphne, a little haughtily. "Though how I could prejudice her Majesty by telling anybody of aninstance of her kindness to me, I really don't know. She's scarcely wornthe pendant herself, and now she's given it to Prince Clarence. Butnobody knows that it was once mine, and you can be quite sure thatnobody ever will, from me. "

"In a Court like this, my child, " said the Fairy, almost apologetically, "one cannot be too careful. But I can see you are to be trusted. " And, after some conversation on less dangerous subjects, she retired. 

Her worst fears had been confirmed; she could no longer doubt thatDaphne was Prince Chrysopras's daughter. She wondered now how she couldever have doubted it. But this constituted her Daphne's officialGodmother. As such, was it not her duty to see that she had her rights?

If she did her duty to her godchild it might entail very unpleasantconsequences to herself--consequences from which she felt herselfshrinking as much as ever. Might they not be avoided? Daphne evidentlyhad no suspicion of her claims. And, as the Fairy reminded herself, "What the eye does not miss the heart will not grieve for. " The childwas quite happy and contented as she was. If the Marshal still had anyambition to resume his power, he would have no scruples about removingany rival. 

"I should only be exposing her to danger, " thought the Court Godmother. And there were the poor King and Queen to be considered, and the Baronand the Astrologer Royal, who would all go down in the general _débâcle_if the truth were allowed to come out. She was bound to think of_them_. So far as she could see, the only result of disclosure would beto establish the Marshal as Monarch--and they had had quite enough ofhim as Regent. 

So, as it is seldom difficult to discover insuperable objections to anycourse that one has strong personal reasons for avoiding, the Fairyeasily persuaded herself that she owed it to others to remain silent. The secret was safe enough. Both Queen Selina and Daphne could bedepended on not to betray it now. It was better for everybodyconcerned--particularly the Court Godmother--that it should remainunknown for ever. 

Still, her conscience smote her a little with regard to Daphne. She wasso well fitted to be a Queen--it seemed hard that she should forfeit thecrown that was rightfully hers. "But that's entirely her own fault!" theFairy told herself. "Xuriel read the stars quite correctly. He foretoldnot only the very spot where she would be discovered, but the sign bywhich she was to be recognised. If she chose to part with the jewel toanother, she must take the consequences. _I_'m not responsible!"

And yet, after all, Daphne _was_ her god-daughter, if she could not beopenly acknowledged as such. Something must be done to make up to thepoor child for all she had lost. And here the Fairy had a positivelybrilliant idea--why not marry her to Mirliflor? But almost immediatelyshe remembered with dismay that she had been making a very differentmatrimonial arrangement for him. That, however, was before she knew whatshe knew now. The case was entirely altered--she could not possiblyallow him to commit himself to an alliance with a daughter of theseusurpers. That must be prevented at all hazards, and fortunately he hadtaken no irretrievable step as yet. "Unless I'm much mistaken, " shethought, "he will forget all about Princess Edna if he once sees LadyDaphne. She ought to be lovely enough to satisfy even _his_ ideal. Butif he doesn't see her soon, it may be too late to save him. "

Like most Fairy Godmothers, she possessed the power of impressing any_protégé_ of hers who was not more than a couple of hundred leagues awaywith a perfectly distinct vision of anybody or anything she chose. Shehad made not a few matches by this means in her best days, and some ofthem had not turned out at all badly. But it was a long time since shehad last exercised any of her occult faculties. To do so demanded aconcentration of will-power and psychic force which told on her more andmore severely as she advanced in years, and she had resolved to abstainfrom any practices that might shorten the life to which she had everyintention of clinging as long as possible. 

"But I must risk it--just for this once, " she decided. "Yes, I'll makehim dream of her this very night. "

Meanwhile Queen Selina had informed her daughter of the brilliant futurethat awaited her, and was not a little annoyed at Edna's failure toexpress the least enthusiasm. 

"I wish Godmother wouldn't meddle like this in my affairs, " she said. "Isuppose I shall have to see this Prince Mirliflor now if he comes; butit is not at all likely that he will have any of the qualities thatappeal to _me_. "

"My love!" remonstrated Queen Selina. "He will be the King ofClairdelune some day!"

"He may be, Mother, " returned Edna. "But that is a consideration which Ishall not allow to affect me in the slightest. "

"Of course not, my dear, " said her Mother, feeling that Edna could besafely trusted to look after her own interests. "You are free to decideexactly as you please. I shall put no pressure on you whatever. "

"My dear Mother, " returned Edna, "you would gain nothing by it if youdid. "

That night the Court Godmother retired early, and spent a long andstrenuous vigil in calling up a vivid recollection of Daphne as she hadseen her that afternoon, and imprinting the vision on her godson'ssleeping brain. She was unwell in consequence all the next day, but shewas easier in her mind after having prevented any untoward effects hercounsels might have had upon Mirliflor. It was rather a strain upon herto face the Royal Family again, but she forced herself, for her ownsake, to treat them with as much outward respect as before. 

She had begun to think that the worst was over when an envoy suddenlyarrived in hot haste from Clairdelune bearing a formal proposal fromPrince Mirliflor for Princess Edna's hand, and the information that hewas following shortly to plead his suit in person. 

He had also entrusted the messenger with a short despatch to hisGodmother, which she read with impotent fury. It was a somewhat involvedand incoherent letter, expressing his thanks for the vision, for whichhe could not doubt he was indebted to her, but intimating that she hadconvinced him so forcibly that Princess Edna possessed qualitiesinfinitely more precious than the most exquisite beauty, that hisdetermination to win her had already been irrevocably fixed. 

"Prefers her to Lady Daphne, does he?" she said to herself, as sherealised that she would be forced to speak out now if he was to be savedfrom such an alliance. "Then he must _marry_ her, that's all! I can'tand won't turn all Märchenland topsy-turvy on _his_ account! I've doneall I could for him, and I shall leave him to go his own way. I'll go upto bed before he arrives, and I expect it will be a long time before I'mable to come down, for I feel sure I am going to be ill--and littlewonder!"

Queen Selina was so elated by the Prince's message that she ordered itto be publicly announced at once. The Court, whom she informed herself, expressed the greatest delight, and, as for the old Court Chamberlainvon Eisenbänden, he was almost lyrical in his jubilation. 

"This is indeed a glorious day, Madam!" he cried. "It has long been mydream to see the reigning houses of Märchenland and Clairdelune united, but of late I had begun to despair that it would ever be accomplished!And from all I have heard of Prince Mirliflor, her Royal Highness isalmost as much to be felicitated as he!"

"Thank you, Baron, " replied the Queen. "We are all most pleased aboutit. Though I shall be very lonely without her. You see, " she added, raising her voice for the benefit of such of her ladies-in-waiting ashappened to be within hearing, "there is no one else here who is anycompanion for me. I can't make intimate friends of any of my ladies, asI could of the dear old Duchess of Gleneagles, for instance, or eventhe Marchioness of Muscombe. Ah, my dear Baron, our English aristocracy!You've nothing to approach them in a country like this--nothing!"

"I can well understand, " he said, "that your Majesty must feel the lossof such society. "

"I miss it, Baron, " Queen Selina confessed, without untruthfulness, seeing that she always _had_ missed it. "It is only natural that Ishould. The Duchess is such a sweet woman--a true _grande dame_! And theMarchioness, though only a peeress by _marriage_, _such_ a clever, talented creature! They would both have so rejoiced to hear of our dearEdna's engagement--she was such a favourite of theirs, you know! Iremember the Duchess always prophesied that she would make a brilliantmarriage. "

These particulars were thrown in mainly for the edification of theCourt, but Queen Selina had almost brought herself to believe them, and, in any case, none of her own family was at hand just then, so she wassafe from contradiction. 

The announcement of Prince Mirlinor's proposal had no sooner reachedCount Rubenfresser's ears than he drove over to the Palace, to ascertainfrom Edna herself whether the report had any truth in it. He succeededin obtaining a private interview, and at once put his question. 

"It is only true so far as that the Prince has proposed to me byletter, " Edna informed him. "Whether I shall accept him when he appearswill depend entirely upon circumstances. "

"You _won't_ accept him, Princess, " said the Count, drawing himself upto his full height, which was now well over seven feet. "Or, if you do, he will never wed you. _I_ shall see to that!"

"Really, Count!" protested Princess Edna, feeling secretly ratherpleased. "I don't quite see what it has to do with _you_. "

"Don't you?" he replied. "I _might_ want to marry you myself. I've beenthinking of it lately. "

"Have you?" said Edna, not so pleased. "That is very good of you. Buthas it never occurred to you that I might have a voice in the matter?"

"You would _have_ to belong to me, if I wanted you badly enough, " hesaid calmly. 

"And you're not sure yet if you do want me badly enough, but, in themeantime, you would prevent anyone else from marrying me if youcould--is _that_ it?"

"That's exactly it!" he said, gratified at being so thoroughlyunderstood. 

"Well, can't you see how _selfish_ that is of you?"

"It's splendid being selfish, " he said, "and not really so difficultafter all--when you _try_. "

"And how do you suppose you could prevent me from marrying PrinceMirliflor if I thought proper to accept him?"

"Oh, that would be easy. I should only have to unchain Tützi, and sendhim to kill the Prince for me. Tützi's so intelligent and obedient thathe'll do everything I tell him. "

"I think you forget, Count, that it's against the law to let that dragonloose. "

"I know, " he said; "but I've no respect for human laws any more. I'm notgoing to obey anything in future, except my own instincts. "

"I'm sure you don't mean that. And if you really sent that dragon tokill anybody--especially anyone who had done nothing to offend you--itwould be very wicked indeed. "

"Other people might think so, " he said. "I shouldn't myself--and that'sall that really matters. I'm going to make my own morality for thefuture. I want to be a Superman, like that learned man you told me aboutwith the odd name. Aren't you glad I'm taking your advice?"

"Of course I am pleased, " said Edna, "that you should be moreindependent and unconventional and assert yourself--which is all thatNietzsche really meant. You mustn't carry it too far, you know. "

"But you said I couldn't be really great unless I felt the will and thepower to inflict great suffering, " he said; "and that's just what I _do_feel. "

"Yes, but you can feel the will and the power without actuallyinflicting suffering, " said Edna instructively. "Nietzsche neverintended _that_. And if you set that horrid dragon of yours at thePrince, you _would_ inflict very great suffering indeed. "

"I shouldn't mind _that_, " he said. 

"Perhaps not--but Father and Mother would. And you would be imprisonedagain, and lose your dragon as well. But I don't suppose for a momentyou are serious. It would be too absurd of you to threaten violence to aPrince before I've ever seen him or made up my mind to accept him--whichmost likely I shall not do. "

"That is true, " he said, rather as if he were glad of an excuse for nottaking any immediate action. "Yes, I will wait till I hear whether he isbetrothed to you or not. But if I find he _is_, I shall have to clearhim out of my path somehow or other. "

He left Edna with the consciousness that she had been more than usuallyinterested. The Count was certainly developing. She liked his new air ofself-confident domination. It would be rather thrilling, she thought, tobe wooed in this masterful way. But he had taken some pains to let hersee that he was not sure yet whether she was worth the trouble ofwooing! That was insulting, of course, but he might alter his opinion intime--and then she would know how to avenge herself. She wondered ifPrince Mirliflor would be ardent and domineering enough to carry her bystorm, and caught herself hoping he might be. 

But when, shortly afterwards, she heard that he was just entering theCourtyard of the Palace with his suite, she was seized by a suddenpanic. "_You_ go down and speak to him, Mother, " she implored the Queen. "I--I can't see him just yet. And make him understand that I must get toknow him better before I can give him a definite answer. "

Queen Selina bustled down to the State Reception Hall, where she arrivedin a highly flurried condition, just after the Prince and his brilliantretinue had been ushered in. 

"My dear Prince!" she began. "This is really _too_ kind! So delighted byyour proposal--we _all_ are--dear Edna especially. We feel it such acompliment. My husband--his Majesty, I mean--will be in directly, butEdna has asked me to make her apologies for not coming down for a fewminutes. The poor child--naturally--is feeling a little shy andovercome. "

"Madam, " said the Prince, whose comely face and gallant bearing hadalready won him the sympathies of those of the Court who were present, and particularly the Court Chamberlain's, "I count each minute a monthuntil I have the happiness of looking upon the enchanting face that hashaunted me constantly from the moment I beheld it in a vision. "

"In a vision?" cried the Queen. "How very odd! But how did you know, Prince, it was our Edna?"

"I will attempt to describe my vision, Madam, " he replied, "and, thoughmy poor words cannot hope to do it justice, they will at least convinceyou that it was indeed the Princess whom I was permitted to see. "

He described her as well as he could, though with a growing bewildermentthat the lady of his dream should have a Mother who so little resembledher. 

Queen Selina listened to his rhapsody with misgivings. With everyallowance for the fervour of a lover who was also a Fairy Prince, evenmaternal partiality could not blind her to the fact that his descriptionwould be far less incorrect as applied to that Heritage girl than to thePrincess Edna. 

"It certainly _suggests_ dear Edna, Prince, " she remarked, with a mentalnote that Daphne must be kept out of his way. "Except, perhaps in one ortwo respects; but then you can't expect to see people in dreams looking_exactly_ like themselves, _can_ you? I'll run up and bring her down toyou--and, if a Mother may say so, I _don't_ think you'll be _very_disappointed. "

But it was to Daphne's chamber that she went first. "Oh, Miss Heritage, "she began, quite pleasantly, "I'm going to ask you to do something forme. I don't at all like the effect of those jewels they've sewn on tothe front of my satin-brocade. I'm sure they would look much better onmy cloth-of-gold skirt. _Would_ you mind getting both skirts from mywardrobe and just making the necessary alterations for me? You hadbetter set to work at once, as I may be requiring the cloth-of-gold veryshortly. And as time is pressing, I will tell them to bring all yourmeals up here till the work is done. It's so important that I can'ttrust any of the regular ladies-in-waiting with it. "

"That disposes of _her_ for at least a week, " she reflected, as she wenton to Princess Edna's apartments. "And everything ought to be settledlong before _that_!"

When, a little later, she smilingly re-entered the Reception Hall withone arm affectionately placed round her reluctant daughter's waist, itcannot be denied that the Prince was very much disappointed indeed. Thevision had not prepared him for Edna's _pince-nez_, among other matters, and altogether he felt that his Godmother had exaggerated the Princess'spersonal attractions to a most unscrupulous degree. But this he hadsufficient self-command to conceal. In fact, he rather overdid it, though it was only to himself that his courtly greeting sounded fulsomeand insincere. 

But if Edna detected no extravagance in his homage, she was none themore pleased with it. It made her feel awkward and self-conscious. Sheset him down in her own mind as "too finicking, " while his good looksdid not happen to be of a type that appealed to her. 

Still, they got through the first interview fairly well, though bothwere relieved when a message came from the Court Godmother that she wasfeeling too indisposed to leave her apartments, but would be glad to seehim as soon as he was at liberty. He had himself conducted to her atonce, and was not a little aggrieved, as well as surprised, by theasperity of his reception. 

"Well, " she said peevishly; "so you've seen your Princess, have you?And now I suppose it is all settled between you?"

"Not yet, " he said stiffly. "I believe she is reserving her answer tillwe are better acquainted. "

"But you don't expect it will be unfavourable, do you?"

"Do _you_, Godmother? I can't think you would have urged me to presentmyself here to be publicly humiliated. "

"Oh, there's no doubt she will accept you, " she said, with a sharptwinge. "You need have no apprehensions on that score. And, as you nolonger consider beauty indispensable, I daresay she will be assatisfactory a helpmate as you could wish. "

"I daresay, " he agreed dully; and then his pent-up grievance suddenlybroke out in spite of him. "With all respect to you, GodmotherVoldoiseau, " he said, "I don't consider you've treated me fairly overthis! You persuaded me that it was my duty to marry at once, and thatthere were better and more permanent qualities than beauty. I'm notcomplaining of _that_--I am quite ready to believe that the PrincessEdna is as learned and admirable a lady as you gave me to understand, while she is not without good looks of a kind. But why send me a visionrepresenting her as a miracle of loveliness? That is a deception which Ican't understand, and I confess I find hard to forgive!"

How could she have foreseen that he would be foolish enough to imaginethat the vision represented Edna? But the worst of it was that the Fairycould not explain her real intention just then without landing herselfin fresh difficulties. So she sought refuge in prevarication. 

"_I_ send you a vision!" she said. "I don't know what you're talkingabout, Mirliflor. A vision, indeed!"

"Didn't it come from _you_?" he asked lamely. "I--I made sure it musthave. "

"You had no business to make sure of anything of the kind. And if youchoose to dream that your future bride is more beautiful than shehappens to be, I don't see why you should put the blame on _me_! But thetruth is you're longing for some excuse for getting out of thismarriage. Come, Mirliflor, you know you are--and you had better say sofrankly. "

"It is not so, Godmother, " he replied; "I'm quite prepared to obey yourwishes. After all, since I _must_ marry, I am not likely to find a moreadvantageous match than this. Besides, I couldn't possibly back out ofit now--even if I desired. "

"And what, " asked the Fairy, "if you actually meet the Princess of yourdreams?" She was ignorant of the Queen's man[oe]uvre, and so thought hecould not well fail to come across Daphne that very evening. 

"That is so likely!" he said bitterly. "A mere creation of my ownmind--an ideal that I ought to have known would never be realised! No, Godmother, since there is no hope of that, it matters little to me whomI marry!"

"Listen to me, Mirliflor, " said the Fairy impatiently. "I--I'm not sobent on this alliance as I was. Never mind _why_--but I'm not. And--and--if you would rather withdraw, it's not too late. _I_ seenothing to prevent you. "

"Nothing to prevent me!" replied Mirliflor indignantly. "There is myhonour! What Prince with any sense of honour at all could propose to aPrincess and then inform her that he finds, after a personal interview, that he has changed his intentions? You of all people, GodmotherVoldoiseau, should know that we cannot _do_ these things!"

"Those ideals again!" said the exasperated Fairy. "You'll drive me outof all patience directly! But there--I've said all I could, and if you_will_ be pig-headed, you must. And now I'll ask you to go away, as I'mreally not well enough to bear any more conversation. "

He had not been gone more than ten minutes when there was another knockat her door, and this time it was Princess Edna herself who entered. 

"So it's _you_, is it?" snapped the Court Godmother, with none of hercustomary urbanity. And then, recollecting the necessity of keeping upappearances, threw in a belated "my dear. " "Well, I hear you are takingtime before you put Mirliflor out of suspense, but I presume you'vealready decided to accept him?"

"That's what I came to consult you about, Court Godmother, " repliedEdna. "I don't feel that I--he is at all a person I could ever be happywith. He is not on the same intellectual plane with me--we should havenothing whatever in common. He seems to have none of the qualities thatwould make me respect and look up to a man. "

Relieved though she was, the Fairy still resented any disparagement ofher favourite godson from such a quarter. 

"Hoity-toity!" she exclaimed--an expression which, if it ever waspopular, is no longer used by anyone but Fairy Godmothers--and even theFairy only indulged in it under extreme provocation. "Let me tell youthat Mirliflor is not generally regarded as ineligible. But, no doubt, my dear, " she added acidly, "you have every right to be fastidious. "She was greatly tempted to let her know that Mirliflor would be anythingbut broken-hearted by a refusal, but prudence warned her that she hadbetter not. "And may I ask what you propose to say to him?"

"Oh, " said Edna, "I suppose I shall have to tell him to-night that Ifind I don't like him enough to marry him. "

"And give everybody to understand that he is personally displeasing toyou! Indeed you will not!" said the old Fairy imperiously. "_Other_persons' feelings have to be considered as well as your own. _Mine_, forone. Mirliflor would never forgive me for exposing him to suchhumiliation. Nor would his father, King Tournesol, for that matter, andI can't afford to quarrel with either of them. You can't get rid of anunwelcome suitor like that--at all events, not in Märchenland!"

"Can't I?" said Edna. "Then how _am_ I to get rid of him?"

"A Princess of high breeding, " replied the Fairy, "finds some means oftempering her refusal so as to avoid wounding her suitor's pride; and Imay tell you Mirliflor has more than his share of that. The usual methodhere is to accept him, on condition that he succeeds in answering somequestion so difficult that it is no disgrace if he fails to answer it. "

"Do you mean something in the nature of a riddle?" asked Edna. 

"Well, a riddle will do. Yes, there are precedents for that. A riddlewould be quite in accordance with Court etiquette. Ask him a riddle ifyou like. "

"I'm afraid I am not very familiar with riddles, " said Edna. "I havenever found them particularly amusing myself. But I must try andremember one. It needn't be so very difficult, because he doesn't seemto me clever enough to guess _any_ riddle. "

"Quite clever enough not to try!" was on the tip of the Fairy's tongue, though she did not say it. "I've no doubt, my dear, " she replied, "thatany riddle you may ask Mirliflor will be quite beyond his power toanswer. "

"Thank you very much for your advice, Court Godmother, " said Edna. "Idaresay I shall be able to remember a riddle of some sort by thisevening. "

The Fairy felt that she had extricated herself from her dilemma withconsiderable tact and ingenuity. Not only had she delivered her godsonfrom the slight of being summarily rejected by this upstart girl, butshe had saved herself from all necessity to make any compromisingdisclosures. 

"Yes, " she told herself complacently, "I've really got myself andMirliflor out of it very neatly indeed. I mayn't be quite asquick-witted as I was in my prime--but I'm not in my dotage _just_yet!"

CHAPTER XII

UNWELCOME ANNOUNCEMENTS

Princess Edna took the earliest opportunity of acting on the FairyVogelflug's suggestion. At the conclusion of the banquet that evening, she requested King Sidney to order the silver trumpets to be flourished, and when this had been done and an expectant hush fell upon theassembly, she rose. After regarding the Prince, who sat on her right, with a graciousness which, enhanced as it was by her _pince-nez_, struckterror into his very soul, she began in a high, clear tone:

"You all know, I think, " she said, "that his Royal Highness PrinceMirliflor of Clairdelune has done me the great honour of asking me to behis wife, and that I have promised him my answer this evening. Thatanswer I am now about to give. Prince Mirliflor, you have impressed meso favourably that, although I had previously no thought of marrying, Ihave decided to accept you. " At this the whole Court broke out infrantic and rapturous applause, for they had been most anxious for thePrince to succeed in his project--if only for the reason that it wouldentail the removal of Princess "Four-eyes" to Clairdelune. The Kingexclaimed, "Quite right! Sensible girl!" and Queen Selina assured thePrince that he had won a treasure. Clarence, who had taken a liking tohis new brother-in-law, which was not entirely reciprocated, rose andclapped him heartily on the back, while the old Court Chamberlain couldscarcely contain his pride and joy. Edna held up her hand for silence. "Wait, please!" she said; "I haven't finished. I said I would acceptyou, Prince Mirliflor, and so I will--on condition that you are able togive the correct answer to a question I am about to ask you. "

There was a murmur of disappointment at this, though it was generallyrecognised that the Princess's action was quite _en rčgle_. The Prince, feeling that it was at least a reprieve, begged her to put the questionwithout keeping him in any further suspense. 

"My question is this, " said Edna: "Why did the sausage roll?"

"Hang it all, Edna!" cried Clarence, "you're not going to chuck himunless he can guess a rotten riddle like that!"

"Of _course_ not!" said her anxious Mother. "Don't be alarmed, dearPrince Mirliflor. She doesn't mean it _seriously_. It--it's a littlejoke, that's all!"

"It's not a joke, Mother, " said Edna; "I'm perfectly serious. I am surePrince Mirliflor is so clever that he will have no difficulty inguessing the riddle. If he can't--well, I shall be very sorry, but--Ishall not be able to marry him. "

"Alas, Princess!" said Mirliflor, "but it passes my poor wit to discoverwhy the sausage rolled. "

"Will your Majesties pardon me, " struck in the Court Chamberlain, "if Ihumbly offer a suggestion. Such a problem as her Royal Highness haspropounded cannot be solved in a moment. It is only just to his RoyalHighness Prince Mirliflor that he should be given a night to reflectbefore delivering his answer. "

"Certainly, " said the King; "you must see that yourself, Edna. Give hima chance--every chance!"

"I have no objection, Father, " said Edna. "The Prince shall have tillto-morrow morning to think it over--but I can give him no longer. "

"It's an infernal shame, Mirliflor!" said Clarence. "I haven't an ideawhy the bally sausage rolled, or I'd tell you, dear old chap!"

"I am sure you would, my dear Prince Clarence!" Mirliflor assured him;"but, believe me, I am none the less grateful to you. "

Queen Selina did all she could think of to persuade her daughter toalter her decision, and, when this failed, to extract the answer to themomentous conundrum, which Edna knew her mother too well to confide toher, so that at length she was obliged to take up her bedroom taper andretreat, with a Parthian prediction that such folly would be bitterlyrepented in the future. 

Edna's next visitor was the Court Godmother, on whose entrance she atonce informed her waiting-women that she would not require their furtherservices that night. "Well, Godmother, " she began, as soon as they werealone together, "I did as you advised, you see. And--you don't thinkPrince Mirliflor can possibly find out the answer, do you?"

"My good girl, " said the Fairy, "I'd defy the Astrologer Royal himselfto find it out, if he consulted all the stars and all his mystic booksinto the bargain! How the dickens did you come to invent such a riddleas that?"

"I didn't invent it, " said Edna; "I heard it a long time ago--at theTheatre--in some silly play. I've forgotten what the play wasabout--but I remembered the riddle. "

"Are you sure you remember the answer? I have heard of sausages_talking_ occasionally, and I daresay they can roll, but I fail to seewhat intelligible reason _any_ sausage could give for doing it. "

"It's a catch, " explained Edna. "It's like this. Why did the sausageroll? Because it saw the jam-_turnover_. _Now_ do you see?"

"I can't say I do, my dear. It seems senseless to _me_. But that's allthe better--the more idiotic it is, the less chance of its beingguessed. Yes, on the whole, I don't think you could have thought of abetter one. "

Shortly afterwards Prince Mirliflor, just as he was about to extinguishthe flambeaux and turn into bed, was startled to see his door opening bysome mysterious means. He was more startled still when the figure of theold Court Chamberlain suddenly materialised in the centre of the room. 

"Your Royal Highness will forgive my intrusion, " said the Baron, "when Iexplain the object of this visit. My reason for suggesting that thePrincess should grant you a night to answer her question was that I feltconvinced that she would be unable to refrain from telling it to someperson--her mother, most probably. So I resolved by means of this" (andhere he exhibited a small skull-cap of purple silk) "to penetrate unseento the Princess's apartments and overhear her conversation. To mydisappointment, she would reveal nothing to Her Majesty, but by-and-bythe Court Godmother paid the Princess a visit, in the course of which I, remaining, of course, invisible, succeeded in learning the secret onwhich your Royal Highness's happiness and the hopes of all Märchenlanddepend. The answer, it seems--though I must admit I can make little ofit myself--is----"

"Stop, Baron!" interrupted Prince Mirliflor, "I refuse--do you hear?--Irefuse to take advantage of any information obtained in such adisreputable manner--I insist on your leaving this room at once withoutanother word!"

"But, sire, hear me! This is not a case for being over-scrupulous. Inlove, as in war, all is fair. And the answer is--'Because----'"

"_Will_ you get out?" cried the Prince, stopping both his ears. "I won'thear you. I can't, as you can see. And if you don't clear out at once, I'll strike this gong for the guard!"

The Baron, seeing that he could do no more, hastily put on his cap againand disappeared. "What a pity, " he thought, "that such a fine youngPrince should be so priggish when his own interests are concerned!"

But although Mirliflor's code of honour was undoubtedly high, it isquite possible that he might not have stopped his ears quite sohermetically if Princess Edna had only borne a closer resemblance to hisvision of her. 

As it was, even if the Baron had forced him to hear the answer, it wouldhave made no difference, since he had not the least intention ofprofiting by it, and so he slept soundly, with no apprehensionsconcerning what the morrow might bring him. 

Shortly after breakfast the next day the Court filled the body of theHall of Audience, on the dais of which the King and Queen presentlyappeared and took their thrones, Prince Mirliflor and the members ofthe Royal Family being accommodated with lower seats on the sameplatform. 

"Now, Prince Mirliflor, " remarked Edna sweetly, "you have been given anight to consider the answer to my question. I hope you have found it?"

The Prince was about to confess his utter inability to do so, when, tohis extreme annoyance, he found that the Baron, who had stationedhimself behind his chair, was whispering discreetly into his ear. "Willyou be kind enough to leave me alone, Baron?" he said in a savageundertone. "I've told you already that I don't desire any interferencein my affairs. Oblige me by holding your tongue!"

"Certainly, your Royal Highness, " said the Baron obsequiously, "yourwishes shall be obeyed. .. . His Royal Highness, Madam, " he said aloud, "begs me to make his excuses. He feels too much agitated to speak forhimself, but instructs me to say that he believes the reason why thesausage rolled was because it had seen the jam pasty. And, " he addedconfidently, "your Royal Highness will, I am sure, be gracious enough toadmit that Prince Mirliflor has answered her question with absolutecorrectness. "

Mirliflor's attempts to deny that he had offered any solution whateverwere unheard in the tumult of acclamation which followed the CourtChamberlain's announcement. 

"He _hasn't_ given the correct answer!" declared Edna, as soon assilence could be obtained. "He ought to have said 'the jam_turnover_'--not the 'jam _pasty_'!"

"Oh, come, my dear!" said her father. "That's splitting hairs, you know. He was near enough. What's the difference?"

"None that _I_ can see, " pronounced the Queen. "Both are pastry, andboth contain jam. Yes, Prince Mirliflor, you have won the dear child, asI'm sure you richly deserved to!"

"How _can_ you say that, Mother?" cried Edna, scarlet with vexation. "When his answer utterly missed the point? And, anyhow, it was given byproxy, so it doesn't count!"

"H'm--ha!" said King Sydney, "that's rather a ticklish question! What do_you_ think, my love?" and he consulted the Queen in undertones for aminute or two. "Well, " he announced presently, "her Majesty and myselfboth consider that the Prince's answer should be adjudged correct, andthat its having been given by proxy is--ah--no disqualificationwhatever. Still, to avoid all appearance of favouritism, we propose torefer the case to the final decision of our Council. "

"I say!" protested Clarence in a horrified whisper, "you're never goingto leave it to those old pumps?"

"It's quite safe, my boy, " said the King. "_They_ won't give it againsthim!"

So, after the Councillors had filed out to deliberate, Clarence devotedhimself to keeping up Mirliflor's spirits, though the latter could notbe induced to see that he had no cause for uneasiness. 

But King Sidney had not been mistaken in his prediction; after a shortabsence the Councillors filed in again and reported that they wereunanimously of opinion that Prince Mirliflor had succeeded. 

"There, my dear, " said the King to the Princess Royal, as soon as theshouts of joy had quieted down, "you've got the Council's decision. Givethe Prince your hand, and let's have no more bother about it. "

"I won't!" declared Edna, losing all self-control in her rage anddisappointment. "He hasn't won me fairly. I've been tricked into this, and it's all the Court Godmother's doing!"

No accusation could well be more unjust, but it was difficult for theFairy to disprove it without declaring that she had done her utmost tohinder the match--and this would have been impolitic just then. 

"_My_ doing, forsooth!" she repeated. "If you really believe that, youwere never more mistaken in your life!"

"Oh no, I'm not mistaken!" said Edna. "It was _you_ who suggested myasking the riddles--and you were the only person I told the answer. Ifyou did not tell him, I should like to know who _did_!"

"May I remind you, Princess, " said Mirliflor, "that the answer was notmade by me?"

"You let the Baron answer for you, which is just as bad!" retorted Edna. "And I absolutely refuse to be trapped and cheated into marryinganybody!"

"_My_ conscience at least is clear, " he said. "But I am to understandthat you decline to marry me, Princess--is that so?"

"Certainly I do. Nothing would induce me to accept you after this! Idon't care what Father and Mother or the Council or anyone says!When--if--I marry I intend to choose for myself. And you are about thelast person, Prince Mirliflor, I should ever dream of choosing!"

"I am desolated to hear it, Princess, " he replied, with admirablepatience and resignation. "But since I have the misfortune to be soobnoxious to you, the only service I can render you now is to relieveyou of my presence as soon as possible. "

Queen Selina implored him to stay to lunch, and even held out hopes thatEdna might relent in time--but all her entreaties were in vain. To herinfinite chagrin and the general lamentation, he insisted on leaving thePalace within an hour. He said no farewell to his Godmother, who for herpart was glad to escape a private interview with him, but he took hisleave of his host and hostess with all due outward courtesy, thoughinwardly fuming with rage and impatience to quit a place where heconsidered he had been so wantonly insulted. 

Count von Rubenfresser must have got wind from some quarter of thePrince's discomfiture, for on the very next day he turned up at thePalace about lunch time, according to his previous habit, and QueenSelina, though far from delighted at his appearance, could hardly avoidinviting him to remain. His manner at table was considerably moreassured, and his appetite, if anything, heartier than usual, but even sohe seemed, to all but Princess Edna, an indifferent substitute for thePrince whose departure they were still mourning. 

Edna, however, seemed to make a point of treating him with markedfavour, so much so that, when lunch was over and the Royal Family hadremoved to the Terrace, it was rather with disgust than surprise thatthey discovered that the Princess Royal and the Count had stolen offtogether to a secluded part of the gardens. 

Whether _amour propre_ had incited her to make a special effort toovercome his hesitation, or absence and jealousy had quickened hissomewhat lagging ardour, none could say with any certainty, but whenthey eventually re-appeared, Queen Selina observed with positive horrorthat they were walking hand-in-hand. 

"It's quite all right, Mother, " said Edna, as they came within speakingdistance; "Ruprecht and I are engaged. "

"Engaged!" spluttered King Sidney. "You've got to get your Mother'sconsent for that, you know. And we couldn't hear of it. Not for amoment! Eh, my love?"

"Of course not!" said the Queen. "Entirely out of the question!"

"We expected this, " remarked Edna calmly. "But no amount of oppositionwill make the slightest difference to _us_--will it, Ruprecht?"

"Not the slightest, " he replied. "At least--to ME. "

"But think, my dear, only _think_!" the distressed Queen entreated Edna. "After you've just made us all so unpopular by refusing a Prince, yousimply _can't_ go and engage yourself to some one whose position is sofar beneath your own!"

"Ruprecht is above me in every sense, " said Edna; "and because I'm aPrincess by no wish of mine is no reason why I should sacrifice myselffor reasons of state. I utterly and entirely deny that any parents, nomatter what their position in life, have the right nowadays to dictateto their children whom they should marry or not marry. Of course, Iwould rather you were sensible enough to recognise our engagement, butif you aren't, I shall simply marry Ruprecht just the same. "

Queen Selina reflected. If she refused consent, it would only end in astill worse situation. And, after all, she would have been proud enoughin her Gablehurst days to be able to announce her daughter's engagementto a real Count with a fine and ancient castle. 

"Well, " she said, "if it's understood that there must be no thought ofmarriage for at least a year----"

"Oh, Ruprecht will wait a year for me--won't you, Ruprecht? But theengagement must be proclaimed at once--we insist on _that_. And now youmay kiss Mother, Ruprecht, and tell her that you already look onyourself as her son. "

The Count stooped to give his prospective Mother-in-law an amateurishembrace, while Ruby fled, fearing that her own turn would come next. "Good Lord, Edna!" said Clarence, drawing her aside, "have you gonedotty or what? To go and chuck a real good sort like Mirliflor, and thentake this overgrown bounder--it beats me what you can see in thebeggar!"

"I see a man, Clarence, whom I feel I can really look up to. "

"You'll have the devil of a way to look up, if he goes on growing muchlonger. He's shot up lately like a bally beanstalk!"

"You are jealous because he makes you feel so small. I glory in hisbeing so big. He is just my idea of a superman!"

"Strike out 'man' and substitute 'swine'!" said Clarence, "and I'm withyou!"

"There's no need to descend to vulgarity, Clarence. And it seems a pityyou should be so prejudiced against him when he is only anxious to provethe affection he feels for _you_!"

"Oh, _is_ he? Well, if he comes pawing me about, he'll find out what_my_ sentiments are!"

"I should advise you to be civil to him--for your own sake, " said Ednacoldly, "because he's rather a powerful person. "

Queen Selina had no option but to inform the Court of the engagementwithout delay, and the general consternation it caused could only findexpression in chilling silence. 

To the Court Godmother she tried to present the matter as favourably aspossible. "I don't pretend, " she said, "that it is quite all we coulddesire from a mere worldly point of view. But in a case of true love onboth sides such as this, his Majesty and I both feel that it would notbe _right_ to interfere. And you know what dear Edna can be when she'sonce set her mind on anything. Besides, " she concluded, "we've insistedon their being engaged for a year--a good deal may happen before then. "

"It may, " agreed the Fairy; "and I shall be very much surprised if itdoesn't. But, so far as I am concerned, Princess Edna may bestow herhand as she pleases. I shall never go out of my way to find her a suitoragain, I can assure you!"

It had already occurred to her that the Royal Family might very shortlyfind Märchenland too hot to hold them, which would relieve her of allresponsibility for them. So she saw no reason for interfering with anyof their proceedings. 

Ruby rushed excitedly up to Daphne's chamber, where she had been hurtingher pretty fingers by laboriously unpicking the innumerable jewels fromone of the Queen's robes and sewing them on to another. "Oh, MissHeritage, dear, " she began, "it's such _ages_ since I've seen you, andI've such lots to tell you about. Just fancy! Edna's engaged!. .. No, not Prince Mirliflor! She sent _him_ away the day before yesterday. Ican't think why--when he was so perfectly ripping. It's CountRubenfresser. "

"Oh, Ruby!" cried Daphne in dismay. "Not to _him_! How _can_ she?"

"I don't know--but she is. Mums doesn't like it, of course, but she'shad to give in, and they'll be married in a year. Isn't it awful?There's only _one_ advantage about it that _I_ can see--Tützi will beone of the family now. .. . Oh, and you needn't go on sewing any more. Mummy said after lunch that she'd forgotten to tell you she won't wantthe skirt altered after all, and that you might come down again as usualnow. "

So Daphne made her re-appearance that evening, and was welcomed by theCourt with as much effusion as if they had not seen her for weeks. TheCount was there, his towering form more splendidly apparelled, as becamehis new _rôle_ of an accepted suitor, and she soon learnt that she wasby no means alone in loathing the thought of the engagement. PrincessEdna was in such high good humour that she not only deigned to singleout Daphne by her notice, but actually offered to present her to her_fiancé_--an honour from which Daphne had the courage to beg that shemight be excused. 

"I see how it is, Miss Heritage, " said Edna, with a frown, "You can'tunderstand my rejecting a Prince and preferring some one of so farinferior a rank. I really should not have thought you would be quite sosnobbish as that!"

"It isn't that, Princess Edna, " said Daphne desperately. "It'sbecause--I'm sure--I can't explain why, but I am sure he's bad--_really_bad!"

"If you mean by that--that he is not a pattern of virtue like PrinceMirliflor, " said Edna, "he is none the worse for it, in _my_ eyes!"

"I meant more--much more than that. But I ought not to have saidanything. "

"Oh, pray go on. In fact, I _insist_ on it. "

"Well, then, Princess Edna, " said Daphne undauntedly, "not only I, butalmost everybody at Court, think that a marriage with Count vonRubenfresser would be a horrible mistake. "

"So _you_ have joined the league against him, have you, Miss Heritage?"said Edna. "But, of course, you would condemn anyone who failed toconform to your prim, governessy little notions of right and wrong. Imight have known as much! I am only sorry I should have gone out of myway to offer you a privilege you are so incapable of appreciating. Youmay now retire. "

Daphne retreated accordingly. She knew very well that she would havebeen wiser in her own interests to hold her tongue, and she hadcertainly done no good by speaking. But for no earthly inducement wouldshe have allowed herself to be presented to that detestable Count. Shehad been almost forced to speak plainly, if only in the faint hope ofopening Edna's eyes to a sense of what she was doing. And though she hadfailed, she did not in the least regret having spoken. If the otherladies-in-waiting had known of her protest she would have been moreidolised by them than ever, but a lingering sense of loyalty kept herfrom saying anything that might increase their disaffection for"Princess Four-Eyes. "

Perhaps the person in the Royal Household who felt the engagement mostacutely was the old Court Chamberlain. Queen Selina, returning from adrive the next day, discovered him weeping, or rather absolutelyblubbering, in a darker corner of one of the passages. "I can't help it, your Majesty, " he said, almost inarticulate with emotion. "That thePrincess should have scorned such a consort as Prince Mirliflor for onewhose parentage--it's too much to bear! I think my old heart would breakif I had not once more put a hoop around it. If your Majesty only knewhow your subjects detest such an alliance as this!"

"I don't see what it has to do with _them_, Baron, " said the Queen. "Butthey have certainly been less respectful lately. I'm afraid we shallhave to take a sack of gold out again on our next drive. I was mostalarmed this afternoon by a rude person throwing something into thecoach which I quite thought at first was a bomb. However, it turned outto be only a particularly fine turnip, though it very narrowly missedhis Majesty's nose. Of course, as the Marshal assures us, it _may_ havebeen intended merely as a humble sort of offering, but I should like tofeel surer about it than I do. And--strictly between ourselves, Baron--Ishould be only too thankful if this engagement was broken off. But whatcan I _do_? The Princess won't listen to _me_!"

"Perchance, " said the Baron, "she would allow herself to be influencedby the noble ladies whom your Majesty spoke of. "

"The Duchess of Gleneagles and the Marchioness of Muscombe? Ah, my dearBaron, she might, if they were only here! I know they would do theirbest to persuade her. But what is the use of thinking of that, when theyare both so far away?"

"And doubtless your Majesty is in ignorance of their very whereabouts. "

"Oh, they would be in London just now, " said the Queen, not displeasedto exhibit her knowledge. "The dear Duchess travelled down from theNorth sometime ago to her town residence in Stratford Place--had hertiara stolen on the journey, Baron--and came to tell me about it atonce, poor soul! And--yes, the Muscombes must be back in that cosylittle flat of theirs in Mount Street by this time. They always spendEaster in London, you know. "

"In London!" sighed the Baron. "That is truly a far cry from ourMärchenland! But your Majesty can see that, in my present spirits, Ishould make but a sorry figure at Court. Have I your leave to absentmyself for a brief period!"

"By all means--as long as you like, " said the Queen, who rightlyconsidered that a Court Chamberlain in constant floods of tears would dolittle to relieve the prevailing depression. And so the Baron did notappear that evening, which might have excited some remark if anyone hadhappened to notice his absence. 

On the following morning Queen Selina paid a surprise visit to theTapestry Chamber, where her ladies were more or less busy inembroidering "chair-backs" (she was too much in the movement not to knowthat the term "antimacassars" was a solecism). It was an industry shehad lately invented for them, and they held it in healthy abhorrence. 

She had not had at all a good night, and was consequently inclined to beaggressive. "Good morning, girls, " she began, "I fancy I heard, justbefore I came in, one of you mentioning a person of the name of 'OldMother Schwellenposch. ' The speaker, if I'm not mistaken, was BaronessBauerngrosstochterheimer. "

"It was, your Majesty, " admitted the Baroness, rising and curtseying. 

"And who, may I ask, is this Mother--whatever-her-name is? Some vulgaracquaintance of yours, I presume?"

"If your Majesty is so pleased to describe her, it is not for me toprotest, " was the Baroness's demure reply, followed by suppressed butquite audible giggles from her companions. 

"Why you should all snigger in that excessively unladylike way is bestknown to yourselves, " said Queen Selina. "But I can make allowances foryou, considering who your ancestresses _were_! It's true I _had_ hopedwhen I first came here that, if I could not expect quite the sort ofsociety I had been accustomed to, I should at least have people about meof ordinary refinement! As it is, I often wonder what my dear friendsthe Duchess of Gleneagles and the Marchioness of Muscombe would say ifthey knew the class of persons I have to associate with. I can fancy howthey would pity me. When one has enjoyed the privilege of intimacy withreally great ladies like them, one is all the more apt to notice thedifference. .. . Is that you, Baron? Returned so soon? But you shouldn'tcome bursting in like this without asking for an audience. That is_quite_ against my rules!"

"Your Majesty will, I feel sure, pardon the intrusion when you hear mytidings, " said the Baron. "I have the honour to inform your Majesty thatyour high-born friends, the Grand Duchess of Gleneagles and theMargravine of Muscombe, are now in the Palace!"

"The--the Duchess? And the Marchioness?" cried the Queen. "Nonsense, Baron! It must be some silly mistake of yours. How could they possiblyget _here_?"

"In the stork-car, your Majesty, " he explained. "I brought them myself. As they are still sunk in sleep, I have had them laid on couches in oneof the vestibules, and instructed the Lady Daphne to remain inattendance. "

"Good gracious!" said Queen Selina faintly. She was painfully consciousthat her face must be expressing dismay rather than delight, and thather ladies-in-waiting had not failed to notice it. "What a--what adelightful surprise! And Lady Daphne with them, did you say? I--I'll goto them at once!"

If the poor Court Chamberlain had expected any gratitude from hisSovereign when they got outside, he received none. She did not speak tohim at all--possibly because she could not trust herself, and shehurried towards the great Entrance Hall at a pace which left himhopelessly in the rear. As she went she vainly endeavoured to think ofany possible excuse or apology that she could offer her distinguishedvisitors, but her chief anxiety was that she might not arrive untilafter they had awaked, and Miss Heritage had anticipated herexplanations. 

CHAPTER XIII

WHAT THE PIGEON SAID

Daphne was passing through the upper gallery, on her way to join theother ladies-in-waiting in the Tapestry Chamber, when she heard acommotion in the great hall below, and, looking down over thebalustrade, was astonished to see two inanimate female forms beingcarried by attendants into the vestibule. Baron von Eisenbänden, who wasdirecting them, caught sight of her and beckoned. On descending thejasper staircase, she found him beaming with satisfaction, surrounded bya host of courtiers, guards, and pages. 

"All will be well now, my Lady Daphne, " he whispered confidentially. "Ihave brought hither two noble dames to persuade the Princess to renouncethis ill-omened alliance--the Grand Duchess of Gleneagle and Margravineof Muscombe, her Majesty's dearest and most intimate friends. She willsurely be overjoyed when I announce their arrival. "

Somehow Daphne could not share his certainty. Queen Selina had beencareful not to dwell too much, in her presence, on these aristocraticacquaintances, and they certainly had not visited "Inglegarth" while shehad been an inmate of the household. 

"If I were you, Baron, " she said diplomatically, "I should send away allthese people before I told her Majesty. I am sure she would ratherwelcome her friends in private. "

He accepted the suggestion, cleared the hall, and bustled away, aftercommitting the still unconscious visitors to Daphne's care. 

She found them laid side by side on couches in the vestibule, which wasa lofty chamber, panelled in ivory and ebony, with inset opals ofenormous size and a ceiling of dull silver. The Duchess was a short, spare, grey-haired and rather homely-looking woman in a black_demi-toilette_ with priceless old lace. Lady Muscombe was abouttwenty-six, tall, with a beautiful figure and a pale, piquant face; shewore a rose _charmeuse_ gown that scintillated with _paillettes_; herluxuriant, but just then slightly dishevelled, chestnut hair wasconfined in a sparkling band, from which drooped a crushed pink plume. 

As they seemed on the point of awaking, Daphne, thinking that they wouldprobably prefer to do so unobserved, discreetly left them to themselves. 

Lady Muscombe was the first to recover. She sat up, stretched her whiteand shapely arms, and yawned widely, revealing her perfect teeth, as sheregarded the Duchess with sleepy brown eyes. 

"I suppose you are the Duchess of Gleneagles?" she said. "And, if youdon't mind, I should rather like to know why you've brought mehere--wherever it is. "

"I?" said the Duchess. "I've had nothing to do with bringing you. Don'teven know who you are--though you seem to have got hold of my name. "

"Why, I married Muscombe--the Marquis, don't you know. I dare say youknew before that I was Verity Stilton of the Vivacity. I was working myway up to quite important parts. You may have seen me in some of them?"

"I have not had that advantage. I seldom visit a theatre, and when Ido----"

"You like to go and see something stuffy? _I_ know. And I expect you'vegot quite a wrong idea of Musical Comedy. Most of us in the Chorus atthe Vivacity were ladies by birth. And we didn't mix with the others, off the stage. We were most particular, too. I assure you I never wentto sup alone with Nibbles--I call Muscombe 'Nibbles, ' you know--he's soexactly like a white mouse--I never supped with him alone till after wewere regularly engaged. "

"That is most interesting, " said the Duchess, "and entirely to yourcredit, but it doesn't explain how we came to be here together. "

"All I can say is that a queerly dressed old freak suddenly burst intomy flat, just as I was going to dine at the Carlton, and told me youwere waiting outside in a car to take me on a visit to the Queen. "

"And did not that strike you as slightly improbable?"

"Oh, for anything _I_ knew, you might be another of Nibbles's aunts. Ihaven't nearly worked through all his relations yet. But I said at oncethat I couldn't throw over my Carlton party to oblige any Duchess onearth. And then the old creature put on a cap and vanished. And the_next_ thing I knew was that a cloak was thrown over my head and I wasbeing lifted up and bundled out kicking--and that's all I remember. Idon't know what they thought of me in Mount Street, or why nobodyinterfered. "

"Much the same thing happened to _me_, " said the Duchess. "Only I wastold that the Queen wished to see me at once on an urgent matter. Ofcourse, as the messenger's appearance did not inspire me withconfidence, I insisted on seeing his credentials. And then hedisappeared, and I found myself caught up and carried off. I supposenone of my people were in the hall, or else they were too afraid to cometo my rescue. And Stratford Place is very quiet, so my smothered criesattracted no attention. Besides, I fancy I must have been chloroformed. "

"I expect we both were. Nibbles would be furious if he knew--luckily hedoesn't. We had a tiff, and he went off to Monte, all on his littlelone. But I wish I had any idea where we are. "

"I have certainly no recollection of ever having been in such a place asthis before in my life, " said the Duchess. 

Daphne returned in time to offer what explanations she could. 

"I know it must seem a little strange at first, " she said, comingforward, "but this is the Palace of the Queen of Märchenland. "

"Märchenland?" repeated the Duchess. "And where may _that_ be? Neverheard of such a country!"

"Well, " said Daphne, "it's a long way from everywhere, and it's theplace where most of the stories one used to think were only Fairy Talesreally happened. "

"I never expected to find myself in Fairyland, " the Duchess remarked. "Tell me--are you the Queen of this country? You look as if you mightbe. "

"Oh no, " replied Daphne, with a little laugh. "I'm only one of herladies-in-waiting. She hasn't long been Queen. We were all carried herefrom England in a big car drawn by flying storks--the one that brought_you_, I expect. I don't know, of course, " she added dubiously, "butyou may have met Queen Selina when she lived at Gablehurst--her formername was Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "

"Wibberley-Stimpson?" repeated the Duchess thoughtfully. "No, I can'tsay I remember anyone of that name. "

"Nor I, " said Lady Muscombe languidly. "Don't know _any_ one atGablehurst. "

"But if she is half as charming as you, my dear, " added the Duchessgraciously, "it will give me much pleasure to make her acquaintance, though I am curious to know why she seems to have taken so much troubleto cultivate mine. "

At this moment Queen Selina herself arrived, very much out of breath. "Your Grace!" she began, "My lady Marchioness!"

"Ah, here is the housekeeper!" said the Duchess, before Daphne couldenlighten her. "Can you tell us, my good woman, when and where herMajesty will receive us?"

"I--I _am_ her Majesty!" said Queen Selina, wishing she had devoted morepains to her morning toilet. 

"Oh, to be sure, " said the Duchess. "You must forgive my blunder, Ma'am, but my sight is not what it was. "

"It is of no consequence, my dear Duchess--pray don't mention it. MissHeritage, I find I _shall_ require that skirt after all. You will begood enough to see to it at once, and not come down till it isfinished, " said the Queen sharply, feeling it more imperative than everto prevent any account of this meeting from being communicated to theCourt. .. . "No, Baron, I shall not require _you_, " she went on, as heappeared at the entrance. "You have done quite enough. " And Daphne andthe Baron withdrew accordingly. 

"I'm so distressed, your Grace, by this unfortunate--er--_contretemps_, "said Queen Selina, as soon as she had her guests to herself. "I reallyhardly know how to apologise. I'm afraid my old Court Chamberlain hastaken a most unpardonable liberty. "

"Well, Ma'am, " said the Duchess, "there's no doubt he kidnapped bothmyself and this lady here. On false pretences, too! I don't know yetwhether he was acting on _your_ instructions?"

"Most decidedly not! Indeed I should never have ventured. The fact is, he must have confused you with two other ladies of title who are greatfriends of mine. I expect he heard me mention them, and--it was moststupid and careless of him, I know--but he must have concluded I wantedto see _them_, and brought _you_ by mistake. "

"I see, " said the Duchess; "though I don't understand how he came toknow our names and addresses, as he must have done to find us. "

"Oh, " said Queen Selina, with much presence of mind, "you're both of youpublic characters, you know. He's such an old blunderer, he probablycouldn't find the right people, and thought you would do as well. "

"I can only say, " replied the Duchess, "that that impression of his hasput me to a great deal of personal inconvenience. "

"I was carried off without a chance of ringing them up at the Carlton, where I ought to have dined last night!" complained Lady Muscombe. 

"If your Majesty will get a new Chamberlain--one who isn't an absoluteidiot, " said the Duchess severely, "your house-party would be in lessdanger of being recruited in this irregular manner. "

"But I assure you I'm delighted to see your Grace, and you _too_, ofcourse, Lady Muscombe! I hope, now you _are_ here, you will stay as longas ever you can. Such a pleasure always to his Majesty and myself towelcome any of our own country-women! And now I will take you up to yourrooms, and you will no doubt be glad of a little rest before you comedown to lunch and meet the family. "

"I cannot possibly appear at lunch in this dress, " said the Duchess;"but I shall be glad if you will send me up some food, and then I mustreally start for home. "

"So must I, " declared Lady Muscombe; "there'll be a fuss if I'm not backsoon--and I simply _couldn't_ stay in any house without a single trunk, or a maid either! It isn't giving me a fair chance!"

"I'm afraid the storks won't be fit for such a long return journey justyet, " said their hostess; "and it would be a pity to leave withoutseeing something of Märchenland, so I hope you will remain for at leasta night, as a favour to me. I see no one of any real distinction _now_!And as for clothes, I can lend you all you require. You will excusetheir being out of the fashion--we don't get the latest Paris modelshere. "

"You're very kind, " said the Duchess. "Then I will accept yourhospitality for the present. "

"So will I--er--your Majesty, thanks, " said Lady Muscombe. "It will besomething to tell Muscombe--when we're on speaking terms again. "

"So very nice and friendly of you both!" said Queen Selina as sheescorted them across the hall to the foot of the immense staircase. "Imust apologise for asking you to come up all these steps, but there'sno such thing as a lift here. The Astrologer Royal offered to try andprocure us a flying carpet--but, of course, I wouldn't hear of that. "

"Well, " said the Duchess, as she toiled up, "this is certainly awonderful Palace you live in--I have never seen one so splendid in mylife!"

"Ah, my dear Duchess, it's much too large to be really comfortable, and all the arrangements, too, so unlike our English ways! I'm afraidI shall never get things done here according to _my_ ideas. .. . Thisis _your_ room, dear Duchess, and yours is next, Marchioness. I willsend some of my waiting-women to you with everything necessary. Youwill find us assembled in the Throne Room before lunch. .. . Oh, andthere's just one thing. My Court have got an impression--I'm sureI don't know why--that we're quite old friends. If you _wouldn't_mind--er--addressing me as 'Selina' now and then. .. . Not at all, Iassure you, I should consider it a compliment--from _you_. .. . Then Ishall hope to see you later on in the Throne Room. .. . It's in the leftwing, down the great corridor; you can't miss it because of thetrumpeters at the doors. "

After an interval the two visitors made their appearance in the ThroneRoom, arrayed in magnificent but rather fantastic robes of velvet andbrocade with long hanging sleeves lined with ermine--a costume whichsuited Lady Muscombe better than the Duchess. 

Queen Selina advanced to welcome them effusively. "So you've found yourway here!" she said. "How very well you both look in those dresses! Mostbecoming, I assure you. By the bye, my dear Duchess, did you everrecover that tiara you lost in the train?"

"I never _did_ lose it, " replied the Duchess, "I believe some story gotinto the papers, but it was a down-right lie. "

"So glad! I must tell you that I don't as a rule wear my crown at lunch, but I thought, to-day being a gala occasion--"

"Quite right!" said the Duchess. "And quite regal!"

"I could lend both of you tiaras, if it would make you feel more at yourease. "

"I feel perfectly at ease as I am, thank you, " replied the Duchessshortly. 

"Nibbles gave me one of the family fenders, " said the Marchioness, "butI never wear it--it gives me such a headache. "

"Ah, dear Lady Muscombe, I can sympathise with you--but I have to put upwith _my_ headaches. I want you to come and shake hands with myhusband--His Majesty, you know. "

"Charmed, " said the Duchess. "Is that His Majesty with the--er--auburnwhiskers and moustache? I thought it must be. .. . How d'you do, sir?"

"Thank you, your Grace, I'm very tolerably well, " said King Sidney, whowas not entirely at his ease in welcoming such distinguishedguests--especially as he was far from clear as to how and why they cameto be there. "Glad you found time to--er--look us up. Hardly had time tosettle down here ourselves yet--so you must take us as you find us. "

"I never expected to find you all so magnificent, I can assure you, "replied the Duchess. 

"Oh, well, " he said, "my wife likes living in style. And of course whenyou are Royalties, so to speak, you've got to do the thing well. "

"That is my eldest daughter, Edna, Duchess, the Princess Royal . .. Yes, over there, with the eye-glasses. Edna, my love, come and tell her Gracehow delighted you are to see her, and Lady Muscombe too. "

"How do you do, my dear? You're looking well, " said the complaisant oldlady, preparing to embrace her hostess's daughter. .. . "Oh, if you preferme to kiss your hand, ma'am----"

"You shouldn't be so formal, Edna!" said her mother. "Not with such anold friend as the Duchess. This, Duchess, is my son, the Crown PrinceClarence, and here is my youngest daughter, Princess Ruby. "

"I must tell you about Edna, my dear Duchess, " said Queen Selina, drawing her apart after these presentations had been effected. "She hasonly just become engaged--to a neighbour of ours, young Count vonRubenfresser. From a merely worldly point of view she might have donemuch better. In fact, Prince Mirliflor of Clairdelune came here topropose to her, but she rejected him. Wouldn't hear of anyone but theCount! So as His Majesty and I do not approve of forcing our children'shearts, we have let her have her own way. "

"It seems quite a romance, " observed the Duchess. 

"Quite. And of course the Count comes of a very old family. I forgetwhat the original title was, but they've had Castle Drachenstolz forcenturies. _Such_ a picturesque old place! And--actually, Duchess!--Count Ruprecht has a pet dragon there--it's the only one leftin Märchenland now, and as it's rather a curiosity in its way, andquite inoffensive, we see no objection to his keeping it. You willprobably meet the Count to-day, he generally drives over to luncheonnow--so devoted to dear Edna! And such a height, too!"

"I shall be interested to meet him, " said the Duchess. "He must berather a remarkable person. "

Meanwhile Clarence was engaged in making himself agreeable to LadyMuscombe. "Funny thing, Marchioness, " he remarked, "but I seem to knowyour face quite well. "

"Perhaps you've seem me on picture-postcards, " she said, "or else at theVivacity. Before I married I was Verity Stilton, you know. "

"Oh, " he stammered in confusion, "I--I wasn't aware--or else--of course. Sorry!"

"Why on earth _should_ you be? You don't suppose I'm ashamed of havingbeen on the stage? I should soon have got to the front if I had stayed. I was offered one of the best parts in 'The Girl from Greenland, ' and Ithrew it up to marry Muscombe. His people know perfectly well that Isacrificed my career for his sake. " (It might be added that if they didnot, it was no fault of Lady Muscombe's. )

"I remember you, " he said. "I used to go to the Vivacity before theMater came to the throne. "

"Ah, you haven't been a Royalty long, have you? Weren't you aWobbly-something or other before that?"

"Wibberley-Stimpson was the family name, " he corrected. 

"I knew it was something like that. And when you were--one of those, what did you do with yourself?"

"I was in Finance, " he replied largely. "In the City, don't you know, what?"

"Really?" she drawled. "That accounts for my not remembering you. Somehow, at the Vivacity, we didn't know any City men. All this must berather a change for you, isn't it?"

"It was a bit, at first, but we soon got into it. Except the Guv'nor, who's never taken very kindly to it--hasn't had the training, what?"

"And you _have_? I see. And what does a Fairy Crown Prince have to do?"

"Well, " he said, "I do a lot of riding and hunting. Mostly boar abouthere. The Guv'nor don't ride, nor does Edna. Can't induce them to get ona horse. So _I_ have to represent the family. "

"I expect you're no end of a nut here, " she said. 

"Oh, really, Marchioness, you're pulling my leg!"

"Am I? I've never pulled a Fairy Prince's leg before, so it's quite anew experience for me. But one _expects_ new experiences inFairyland--if this really _is_ Fairyland, which I can't quite believe!"

"Oh, it's Fairyland right enough, though, mind you, it isn't the placeit _was_. Nothing like the magic that there used to be. Most of it diedout. Still, we've got a sort of old Fairy Godmother, as part of thePalace fixtures--goes about in a car drawn by doves--give you my wordshe does! She has another old turn-out, with storks. We came here inthat--and I expect _you_ did. "

"Yes, and I see the old gentleman over there who carried me off by mainforce. He doesn't _look_ as if he was such a good hand at abductions!"

"He looks pretty much the blithering old idiot he is, " said Clarence. "If I'd only known he was going to London I'd have told him to get me afew thousand cigarettes--they've none here of course. But I expect he'donly have brought 'Woodbines, ' or the wrong sort anyhow!"

"Does he _always_ bring the wrong sort?" inquired Lady Muscombe. 

"Well, " said Clarence, crudely enough, "he didn't make much mistakeabout _you_, Marchioness!"

"That's exactly what I expected from you!" she said. "By the way, whathas become of the lovely person who was with the Duchess and me when wefirst woke up? I think your mother called her Hermitage. I don't see heranywhere here. "

"Heritage--Lady Daphne, as we call her now. She used to be mykiddie-sister's governess. "

"Oh? Well, she's quite the sweetest thing I've seen--don't you think sheis, yourself?"

"Not since _you_ came!" was his gallant reply. 

"It's lucky Muscombe can't hear you paying me compliments of that sort, "she said. "If he did he'd want your blood. And why isn't that LadyDaphne here? I'm dying to see her again. Duchess, " she added, as theelder lady, having escaped from her hostess, came towards them, "I'vebeen asking the Prince why that charming little Heritage creature isn'there. You would like to see her, wouldn't you?"

"Certainly, " said the Duchess. "Where is she?"

"We'll ask the Court Godmother, " said Clarence (it had already struckhim that it might give Daphne a higher opinion of him if she could seethe terms he was on with a real English Marchioness). "She'll know. " Butthe Fairy could only say that she supposed Lady Daphne was remaining inher own rooms for some reason. 

"I wish you'd get her to come down, Court Godmother, " said Clarence. "These ladies would like to see her. "

"I will go and fetch her myself, " said the Fairy, who was pleased, inspite of herself, that her unacknowledged god-daughter should be in suchrequest. 

She found Daphne engaged in sewing the great pierced jewels in anintricate pattern on the skirt of the royal robe. 

"Why, how's this?" exclaimed she. "At work! When they will be sittingdown to table directly! The Prince and our two noble guests have askedme to come and see what is keeping you. "

"This, " said Daphne, touching the skirt on her knee. "Her Majesty hassent me up to finish it, and forbidden me to come down till it's done. "

"Then, " said the Fairy, "she ought to be ashamed of herself!"

"Oh, I don't mind a bit, Court Godmother. They'll bring me something toeat presently, and I'd much rather be here than have to meet that odiousCount Ruprecht! Court Godmother, " she added, with a little anxious lineon her forehead, "I'd better tell you, though I dare say you'll think itsilly--but I'm rather worried by a conversation I overheard just nowbetween two pigeons on the roof. "

"You shouldn't pay any attention to anything pigeons say--it's generallylove-talk; and very foolish at that. "

"They weren't making love. They were talking about the Count. The firstpigeon said, 'The Count has come here again. I have just seen his bigcoach in the courtyard, ' and the second pigeon said, 'There is nothingin that. '"

"Well, _one_ of them had some sense, anyway!" remarked the Fairy. 

"Ah, but wait. 'Indeed there is something, ' said the other bird. 'Thereis a big sack in the coach, and I know what is _inside_ the sack, too. ''And what may that be?' the second one asked. 'All I can tell you, ' saidthe first, 'is that, if the Princess only knew as much about it as I do, there wouldn't be any marriage!' They flew away after that, but I'vebeen wondering ever since whether he mayn't have murdered somebody. "

"If he had, " said the Fairy, "he wouldn't be very likely to bring thebody out to lunch with him. You shouldn't be so uncharitable, my child. And, as for birds, I should have thought you knew what busy-bodies theyare, and what scandals they make out of nothing at all. "

"Then you think it's all right?" said Daphne, relieved. "But all thesame, I can't trust the Count. "

"Nobody asks you to. I don't trust him myself, if it comes to that. But, whatever he may or may not be is no affair of yours or mine. PrincessEdna will find out in time what a mistake she has made. "

"If only she doesn't find it out too late!" said Daphne. 

"She'll have herself to thank, whatever happens. _I_ shan't interfereagain. I'm tired of trying to help anyone. I never get anything butingratitude for it. "

CHAPTER XIV

BAG AND BAGGAGE

The Court Godmother returned to the Throne-room. She had not attachedmuch importance to what Daphne had told her, but, even if she had, shewould have belittled it in her extreme desire to avoid any action thatmight entail inconvenience to herself. 

In the Throne-room, Count Rubenfresser had just been announced. 

"Yes, Duchess, " said Queen Selina, in answer to an astonished inquiry. "That is dear Edna's fiancé. A fine young man, is he not?"

"Heavens! I should think he _was_! I should call him a giant myself, "replied the Duchess bluntly. 

"I _told_ you he was _rather_ tall. I think he's grown since hisengagement. How do you do, my dear Ruprecht? Come and be introduced tomy old friend the Duchess of Gleneagles, who is _so_ very anxious tomake your acquaintance. "

"I don't much care about knowing old women, " said the Count, who had nogreat love for his future mother-in-law, and had become much lessdeferential of late. 

"But this one's a _Duchess_, Ruprecht!" whispered the agonised Queen. "Edna, my love, perhaps _you_ had better----" and eventually hesubmitted with a slight scowl to be led up and presented by his fiancée. 

"I hear I am to congratulate you--er--Count Fresser, " said the Duchess. "You are certainly a fortunate man to have won a Princess. "

"Not more fortunate than she, " he replied. "She wanted a Superman, asshe calls it. I am doing all I can to become one. "

"If she isn't satisfied with you as you are, she must be hard toplease. "

"_She_ is satisfied enough, " he said. "Now it is for her to _please_ me. She knows that by this time--don't you, Edna?"

"Yes, Ruprecht dear, yes, " said Edna, hastily. "Of course I do. This ishow he's taken to bullying me, Duchess, " she added lightly. "Don't youthink it's too bad of him?"

"It seems a little early to begin. You shouldn't allow it. "

"Oh, but I _like_ him to!" said Edna, pressing the Count's great arm. 

"In that case, my dear, " said the Duchess, "you have every prospect of ahappy future!"

A blast from the silver trumpets here proclaimed that luncheon wasserved. 

"Lunch, at last, eh?" said King Sidney, bustling up to the Duchess. "Permit me to offer your Grace my arm. Clarence, my boy, you take in herladyship here. Selina, my love, if you will lead the way with theMarshal. "

The Count followed with Edna, and the Fairy Vogelflug arrived in time tobring up the rear with Princess Ruby. 

"It's a most extraordinary thing, " said the King, after they had satdown to lunch in the hall with the malachite columns, "a mostextraordinary thing, that, when we have company like this, there shouldbe no more than six pages to wait on us! We generally have at least adozen. What's become of all the rest of you?" he asked a page. 

"I cannot say, sire, " answered the boy. "They were waiting in thecourtyard to receive His Excellency the Count, but have not yetreturned. "

King Sidney told the Court Chamberlain to send for them at once, but themessenger returned with the information that the missing pages werenowhere to be seen. 

"Must have run off before I arrived, " said the Count, laughingboisterously. "Played truant, the young rascals!"

The Fairy, however, recollected Daphne's story of the sack, and wasseized with suspicion. Was it possible that the royal pages--? If so, she felt something ought to be done--though not by her. She was toocautious an old person to take unnecessary risks, and decided to employa deputy. 

"Ruby, my child, " she whispered to the little Princess, who was sittingnext to her, "I believe the Count has brought a present for you. It's ina sack in his coach. Ask him what it is. "

"I don't want to know, " objected Ruby, "I wouldn't take any present from_him_--except Tützi, perhaps. "

"I may be wrong, " said the Court Godmother, "perhaps it isn't for youafter all. But I'm sure it would make him very uncomfortable if youasked him, before everybody, what he happens to have in that sack ofhis. "

"If I was sure of that, " said Ruby, "I'd ask him like a shot!"

"You may depend on it. And more than that, Lady Daphne is particularlyanxious to know. "

"Oh, if _Miss Heritage_ wants me to, all right!" said Ruby. "I say, Count Rubenfresser, " she called across the table, "I want to ask yousomething. "

"If it's a riddle, little Princess, " replied the Count, with his mouthfull, "I give it up beforehand. "

"It isn't a riddle. It's this: What have you got inside that sack?"

"Sack?" said the Count blankly. "I don't understand. I have no sackhere. "

"I don't mean here. I mean the sack that's inside your coach. "

"Ruby, my dear, " interposed her mother, "you mustn't be so inquisitive. It's very rude. "

"I know he has got a sack there, Mummy, " insisted Ruby, "and I do wantto know what he's got in it. "

"Hear me rag my precious brother-in-law, " said Clarence aside to LadyMuscombe. "A sack, eh?" he said aloud. "What do you bring a sack out tolunch for--scraps?"

"For shame, Clarence!" cried Edna. 

"It's not a sack, as it happens, " said the Count sulkily. "It's a longbag--and what I use it for is entirely my own business. "

"I don't know so much about that, " retorted Clarence. "With such a lotof plate in the Palace!"

"Clarence!" cried Edna again. "This is too outrageous of you!"

"Much!" put in Lady Muscombe. "As if the Count couldn't bring his clubswith him if he's going on to golf somewhere!" she said to Clarence in anundertone. "And of course he'd want a very long case for them! Youreally _must_ behave more decently!"

"I mean having this out with the beggar, " he replied. "Count, herladyship suggests that you may have golf clubs in that bag of yours. Isthat so?"

"And if I have, " said the Count. "Why shouldn't I?"

"Because you don't play golf. No one does here--now, and I'll take myoath you can't tell a brassey from a putter. You never owned a set ofclubs in your life!"

"Really, my boy!" said King Sidney nervously. "A scene like this! Beforeour guests! It won't _do_, you know. Drop it!"

"Yes, " said Lady Muscombe, laying her pretty but slightly over-manicuredfingers on Clarence's sleeve. "You're only making everybodyuncomfortable. Talk to me instead!"

"Presently, " he said. "If you really have got golf clubs, Count, Ishould like to have a look at them after lunch. "

"I never said I had got those things, " replied the Count, with awonderful command over his temper. "And if you want to know what _is_ inthe bag, I don't mind telling you--only a few pumpkins from my owngardens. "

"You mean to say you make such pets of your bally pumpkins that you take'em out driving with you? That's such a likely story!"

"Clarence, " said the Queen, "I will not have poor Ruprecht badgered likethis. If he chooses to carry pumpkins with him--as we do goldsometimes--and distribute them to deserving persons, it is so much themore to his credit. "

"He'd get 'em buzzed back at his head pretty soon, if he did!" repliedthe impenitent Clarence. "He's not exactly the object of generaladoration in these parts, as he jolly well knows. .. . Anything upset you, Marchioness?" he inquired of Lady Muscombe, who was giggling with aquite un-peeress-like lack of restraint. 

"Nothing, " she said faintly. "Only the--the pumpkins. You really are_rather_ a funny Royal Family, you know!"

"I'm sorry to make myself unpleasant, Mater, " said Clarence, returningto the charge. "But I can't swallow those pumpkins. I want the sackbrought in so that we can satisfy ourselves what there _is_ in it. " TheCourt Chamberlain, in the hope that the contents, whatever they mightbe, would at least serve to compromise the Count, instantly despatchedone of the pages to fetch the bag. 

"Baron, " said the Queen angrily, "it is for Us to give orders--not you!"

"Your Majesty must pardon my presumption, " he said, as the pages hadalready obeyed him. "I was merely carrying out the wishes of His RoyalHighness the Crown Prince. "

"I shall die if this goes on much longer! I _know_ I shall!" gasped LadyMuscombe. 

"Ha!" cried Clarence, as the pages staggered in with a huge distendedsack. "Leave it alone, I'll open it myself. "

"Surely not without asking the owner's permission?" said the Duchess, who had hitherto witnessed the scene in silent and dignified amazement. 

"You can open it if you like!" said the Count, with a confident smile. "And then you will see what a fuss you have made about nothing. "

Clarence cut the cord, and opened the sack. The moment he did so hisjaw fell. "I own up, " he said. "I was wrong. They _are_ pumpkins!"

"And if you are a gentleman, Clarence, " cried Edna, "you will apologiseto Ruprecht at once!"

"There may be something else underneath, " he said, lifting a pumpkinsuspiciously in both hands. "Hullo! My hat! What's this I've got holdof?" he exclaimed, as the vegetable suddenly developed, the moment itwas clear of the sack, into one of the chubbiest of the royal pages. "Very odd!" he remarked, as he set the boy down. "Let's have the lotout. " He tilted the sack, and as each pumpkin rolled out upon thesardonyx pavement, a bewildered page sprang up in its stead. 

"Quite a clever trick!" said Lady Muscombe. "Even Maskelyne and Devantcouldn't beat that!"

"After all, it wasn't so very much of a change!" was Ruby's comment. 

"What do you boys mean by playing at being pumpkins in this way?"demanded King Sidney. "I must have an explanation of this. Speak out, one of you!"

"If it please you, sire, " said the first page, sinking on one knee, "When His Excellency the Count arrived he invited us to get inside thesack, at the bottom of which he told us we should find sweetmeats. Andwe crawled in--and I don't remember any more till I fell out just now. "

"Just count these boys, Baron, will you?" said the King. "The wholedozen correct? Good. And now, sir, " he added, turning to the Count, "Ishould like to hear what _you_ have got to say. "

"Allow me, sire, " interrupted Marshal Federhelm, as Count Ruprechtseemed content to smile blandly. "His Excellency no doubt intended toafford your Majesties a little harmless diversion. "

"That was all, " said the Count. "This is a magic sack which has theproperty of turning anything inside it into whatever its owner wishes. Ithought it might amuse you. "

"Liar!" struck in Clarence. "You wouldn't have said a word about it butfor Ruby! You meant to take those pumpkins--I mean _pages_--away withyou. You _know_ you did! I don't know what the Guv'nor and Mater thinkof it--but I consider myself it was a confounded liberty!"

"Well, well, " said the King, "it was a mistake no doubt. But there'sbeen no harm done, so perhaps we'd better leave it at that--for thepresent, you know, for the present. "

But the Court Chamberlain could not allow such an opportunity to escapehim. "Forgive me, sire, " he said eagerly, "but your Majesties areevidently unacquainted with his Excellency's family history. The motivefor his indiscretion will perhaps be better understood when I mentionthat his parents' title was formerly Bubenfresser, and that they wereexecuted by command of the late King as being notorious ogres. "

"So _that_ was his game, was it?" cried Clarence. "Bagged our pages, meaning to gobble 'em up when he got 'em home! Am I to have an Ogre fora brother-in-law?"

At this there was a general cry of horror. 

"Marshal, " said the King, "you must have known all about this--and yougave that fellow an excellent character!"

"I had no reason to believe otherwise, sire, " replied the ex-Regentsmoothly. "He had been brought up as a strict vegetarian, and I cannotthink that, if he had not acquired a taste for meat at your Majesty'stable, he would ever have developed these--er--hereditary proclivities. "

"He hasn't developed them!" declared Edna. "It's false! Ruprecht, denyit! Tell them you are no Ogre!"

"Really, ma'am, " said the Duchess to Queen Selina, "I must ask yourpermission to leave the table. I don't feel as if I ought to be presentat a family dispute of this intimate nature. "

"Pray don't go, my dear Duchess!" the Queen implored her. "Not tillyou've heard what the Count has to say. "

The Count rose and folded his arms in proud defiance. "I'm not an Ogre, "he said sulkily. 

"I knew it--I knew it!" cried Edna. "Appearances were against him, that's all!"

"Not an Ogre yet, " went on the Count. "But I hope to be one as soon as Iget the chance. "

"No, no, Ruprecht!" protested Edna. "You don't mean it--you _know_ youdon't!"

"What!" said the Count, scowling at her. "Are you going to turn round onme like this, after encouraging me as you did?"

"You will not find it easy to persuade me, " said the Duchess, "that thePrincess would ever have urged you to become an Ogre. "

"_Urged_ him, indeed!" cried Edna wildly. "I had no suspicion--I neversaid a single word that could possibly----"

"Didn't you say I was to follow the teachings of your great master withthe name I never can pronounce?" he demanded. "Didn't you tell me tomake my own morality and obey my own instincts, without caring whatpeople thought or what suffering I inflicted? You know you did! Andthat's all I've done. My instincts told me that those pages were mynatural provender. I had a perfect right to take them if I could. Theonly people who would condemn me would be just those averageconventional persons for whom you have such a contempt. I expectedbetter things from _you_!"

"I cannot sit here another moment, " declared the Duchess, rising. "It ismaking me positively ill!"

"And me!" added Lady Muscombe. "I've been on the point of faintingseveral times. I must say, " she told Clarence, "this is _quite_ theweirdest lunch I _ever_ sat through!"

"We will _all_ leave, Duchess, " said the Queen. "I assure you I entirelyshare your sentiments, and perhaps by this time even Edna----"

"I loathe him, Mother!" she said, shuddering; "I only hope I shall neversee his face again!"

"You hear that, sir?" said King Sidney, with more firmness than heusually showed. "And, as the Princess Edna--er--voices the generalfeeling, perhaps you'll see the propriety of getting out of this atonce?"

"It seems to me, " said the Count, "that you are all making a great fussabout nothing. If I'd eaten any of your pages I could understand it. ButI haven't--I never got the chance. "

"Thanks to Clarence!" put in Queen Selina. "He saved the poor boys!"

"It was Miss Heritage, _really_, Mummy!" corrected Ruby jealously. "_She_ wanted to know about the sack, or I shouldn't have asked. "

"Miss Heritage!" muttered Edna. "Ah! I might have _known_ it!"

"Now just you be off to that castle of yours, " said the King, addressingthe discomfited but quite unrepentant Ogre. "And mind you keep inside itfor the future. _You_ will see that he does that, Marshal? I don't wantany scandal about this business, but if I have any _more_ trouble fromyou, I shall be forced--well, to take some very strong measures. "

"I'm just going, " said the Ogre calmly. "May I have my bag?"

"Confound your impudence, no!" returned the King, "I shall have thebeastly thing destroyed. "

"Then I think you ought to give me back some of the money I paid forit, " said the Ogre. "I bought it from Master Xuriel, and I know you gettwo-thirds the price of any article he sells. He told me so. "

"You--you infamous scoundrel!" cried King Sidney, turning extremely red, perhaps with anger. "Marshal, see this ruffian off the premises--andlook here, just send for that rascally astrologer, will you? I'll makeshort work of _him_!"

"Farewell, then, to your Majesties, " said the Ogre, with a jaunty waveof his big hand. "And farewell to _you_, Princess Edna. If I have notbeen as much of a Superman as I could wish, you may still find that Ihave profited by your teachings. "

The old Court Chamberlain's chest gave a loud crack as the Countswaggered out. 

"Thank goodness he's gone!" said Queen Selina. "Really, my dear Duchess, and you, dear Lady Muscombe, I simply can't _say_ how distressed I amthat anything so unpleasant should have occurred while you were underour roof. I do _hope_ you won't blame _me_. I always disliked the Countmyself--but I should never have dreamed of asking him to meet you if Ihad known the sort of person he really _was_!"

"Indeed, Ma'am, " said the Duchess, "I can quite believe _that_. "

"And, after all, " said Lady Muscombe languidly, "I dare say there arelots of people in town--in houses where they don't keep a page, Imean--who'd be glad enough to get him to come and dine. Society is somuch less exclusive than it used to be. "

"That, " remarked the Duchess, "entirely depends on what you mean by'Society. ' And now, Ma'am, " she continued to her hostess, "as thebirds--I think you mentioned that they were storks--which brought ushere should be rested by this time, I shall be obliged if you will orderthe car to take me back as soon as I have changed my dress. "

"And me, too, if you don't mind, " said Lady Muscombe. "I _must_ get homebefore Nibbles does. "

"Oh, but you mustn't leave us so soon!" protested Queen Selina indismay. "To come all this way for such a miserable little visit!"

"A flying visit, let us call it, " said the Duchess. "But, candidly, thiscountry of yours doesn't suit me. I don't feel safe with characters suchas Ogres and Giants and Dragons about. "

"But I assure your Grace there are very very few--hardly any, in fact!"

"There are more than my nerves can stand, " said the Duchess, firmly, andQueen Selina, though deeply mortified by her guests' eagerness to go, found that she could no longer detain them. 

The Court Chamberlain and his attendants brought the stork car to thepalace door by the time the visitors had resumed their former costumes. 

"Good-bye, dear Duchess!" said the Queen. "So charmed to have seen you, even for so short a time. I hope some day you will come again. "

"I think it improbable, " was the grim reply. "And if you'll allow me tosay so, Ma'am, when I do stay anywhere, I prefer a house where I can besure of the sort of people I am likely to meet. "

"I say, Marchioness, " cried Clarence, as he joined them on the steps, "you're not really going, are you? I wish you'd stay on a bit. We weregetting on thundering well together, you and I!"

"Very sad, isn't it?" she answered, with a charming but slightly mockinggrimace. "But Nibbles wouldn't like me to stop here philandering withFairy Princes--even if they _aren't_ quite the real thing. Good-bye, Ma'am, " she added, with a gay little nod, as she stepped into the car, where the Duchess was already seated. "Thanks so much for having me!It's a wonderful house to stay in--and a most interesting experience. "

"I have an impression, " said the Duchess drowsily, "that I shall wake uppresently and find all this has been a dream. I trust so, but, if not, would you mind telling this elderly gentleman to set me down in someunfrequented part--_not_ Stratford Place, where I should attract moreattention than is at all desirable. "

"That's a good idea, Duchess!" said Lady Muscombe. "He can drop us onClapham Common, and we can share a taxi home. "

Queen Selina kissed her hand affectionately to them both as the storksspread their great wings and the car slowly rose. But her salute wasnot returned--principally for the reason that both ladies had alreadyclosed their eyes in slumber. 

"And we might have made those two women our friends for life!" shelamented, as she went indoors. "I hope, Edna, my love, you see _now_what comes of getting your own way?"

"If I have been mistaken for once, " said Edna, in a spiritless tone, "you needn't rub it in, Mother. I can't imagine now what I could everhave seen in that detestable creature. "

"Nor I--especially as you could see nothing in Prince Mirliflor, whoreally _was_--no, my dear, I'm only speaking for your good. If I wassure you regretted your treatment of him, I might perhaps find someway----"

"I dare say I should act differently if he asked me again. But he won't. This dreadful story is sure to get round to him somehow. Of course I'mglad Ruprecht has been found out in time. But he need not have beenexposed so publicly! I _do_ resent that. And you heard what Ruby said?Miss Heritage was at the bottom of it. She deliberately planned this tohumiliate me! And if you have the smallest consideration for me, Mother, you will forbid her to appear at Court after this. "

"I'm afraid she is a designing young person, " admitted the Queen, "and Ihave thought more than once lately of sending her home to England. "

"Then do it, Mother. If you don't, I shall simply refuse to appear inpublic myself, sooner than meet her. "

"She shall go, my dear. I'll see the Court Godmother about it at once. And don't let yourself get too downhearted over the otheraffair--Prince Mirliflor, I mean. I've great hopes we can put thatright. "

"I've just left poor darling Edna, " she began, as soon as she found theFairy alone; "all this has been a terrible shock to her, as you mayimagine. But it seems I was right in thinking she never really cared forthat unspeakable man. He _terrified_ her into accepting him. And, between ourselves, Godmother, I fancy that, if you _could_ induce PrinceMirliflor to come forward again, he would not be sent away a secondtime. "

"So I should imagine, myself, " said the Fairy drily. "But, as ithappens, owing to the result of my previous efforts, I have lost allinfluence with Mirliflor. He and I have fallen out. "

"But you could easily make it up with him. You might say she was reallyin love with him from the first, only she wished to put him to theproof--something of that sort. Tell him how delighted we should all beto see him again. There's _another_ little matter I wished to speak toyou about. Edna has taken the strongest dislike to that Miss Heritage, who I must say has acted most unwarrantably. I have made up my mind topart with her, and I thought, if you would arrange to have her takenback to England as soon as the car returns to-morrow----"

"Stop, " said the Fairy, "I must have time to think over that. " She had, it is true, renounced all further interference in anybody's affairs, buthabit was too strong for her. Her old brain was busying itself once morewith the scheme she had abandoned--a scheme that would certainly not beassisted by Daphne's expulsion from Märchenland. So she temporised. 

"Yes, " she said at last, "I quite see from what you tell me, that LadyDaphne cannot remain at Court any longer. The difficulty is that I can'tsend her back to England just yet. My storks will not be fit for so longa flight again for a fortnight at the very least. I'm not going to havethem killed on her account. I could do _this_ for you. I could establishher in a little pavilion in a distant part of the palace grounds andkeep her there, under my own eyes, till the storks are ready for anotherjourney. It's a very secluded place--almost a wilderness--and none ofthe Court ever go near it. "

"That seems an excellent plan, " said the Queen. "But I shouldn't carefor them to know that she is a prisoner. They had better be told thatshe has resigned her situation and left the Palace. And--you won'tforget my little hint--about Prince Mirliflor, you know?"

"I will bear it in mind. In fact, if you can spare me for a day or two, I thought of going over to Clairdelune in the dove-chariot to-morrow andhaving a little chat with him. "

"Oh, by all means do!" said the Queen gratefully. "So kind of you totake so much trouble!"

"It's more on his account than yours, " replied the Fairy, with a candourthat might have been intended as complimentary. "But I don't guaranteethat anything will come of it--at all events for a considerable time. "

"Indeed I quite understand that--that his wound can hardly be expectedto heal just yet. "

The Fairy lost no time in conveying Daphne to the secret pavilionwithout the knowledge of any of the Court. It was quite fit foroccupation, and supplied with all that was necessary for comfort; theCourt Godmother provided her with an attendant, and even procured someancient volumes of Märchenland history with which Daphne could beguileher solitude. 

That night the Court Godmother summoned up all her energies to sendMirliflor another vision of Daphne. It was the best vision she had evertransmitted, but it was terribly exhausting work, and she grumbledbitterly to herself that the scheme she had in hand should demand theseexcessive exertions. 

But it was one of the good old-fashioned schemes which have always beenbeloved by romantic but didactic Fairy Godmothers. It would test thecharacters of Mirliflor and Daphne, and be valuable moral discipline forboth, while, if they came through it triumphantly, they would be amplycompensated for any temporary inconvenience. She had not engaged in anaffair of this kind for at least a century and a quarter, and she waslooking forward to a highly interesting and enjoyable experience. Firstshe must regain her influence over Mirliflor, but she thought she wouldnot find much difficulty in doing that. 

The Astrologer Royal had been duly summoned before the King to explainhis dealings with the Ogre-Count. But he not unwisely preferred todisappear instead, taking with him his books of spells and otherapparatus. It was reported that he had found refuge at Drachenstolz. 

"Gone there, has he?" said King Sidney to the Marshal. "Better sendsomeone to arrest him. "

"It would need an army, sire, " said the Marshal, "and a long siege, toenter the Castle. "

"Oh, is that so?" said the King. "Well, then, have guards posted allround to see that they don't get out. After all, so long as we keepthem boxed up there, they can't do any mischief. " And the guards wereposted accordingly. 

Poor Ruby was almost broken-hearted on hearing from her mother that herbeloved Miss Heritage had gone back to England without so much as a wordof farewell. The Court received the news with murmurs, and a strongsuspicion that she had not left of her own free will. 

Clarence was in the deepest dejection. It was true that he had made noadvance of late in his pursuit of her, but so long as she remained therehad always been hope. Now that she was gone for ever, even his ridingand hunting became uninteresting and purposeless. What was the use ofexcelling in them when she was not there to hear of his prowess?

Early that afternoon he returned from the forest, and, after spending afew minutes in his own apartments, came down to his father's privatecabinet with a gloomy and slightly startled expression. He found KingSidney alone and in better spirits than usual. 

"Back from your hunting already, my boy?" he said. 

"Had enough of it, " said Clarence. "Felt a bit off it to-day, somehow. "

"Ah, your mother and I are just in from a drive. There's no doubtthis--er--rupture with that disgusting fellow has brought about anenormous improvement in the public feeling. We were cheered, my boy, actually _cheered_!"

"It may be some time before you're cheered again, Guv'nor, " saidClarence. "I mean, you made a grand mistake in letting that littleperisher Xuriel sell those tables of his 'Under Royal patronage, ' andI'm afraid you'll hear of it before long. "

"Eh, why, what's _wrong_ with them? They seemed to give perfectsatisfaction. Have there been any complaints?"

"There'll be lots if they all go like mine has. When I came in just nowI was feeling a bit peckish, so I got out my table. It laid itself rightenough, only the wine was stiff with wriggly things like tadpoles--and, when I lifted the dish-cover, I'm hanged if there weren't a couple ofgreat fat snakes under it, hissing like tea-kettles! And I paid thebeggar a sack and a half of ducats for that table!"

"Most untradesmanlike!" said King Sidney indignantly. "Of course you canmake him return the money! No, you can't, though, I forgot--the fellow'sbolted!"

"I wasn't thinking so much of that, " said Clarence, "but suppose all the_other_ johnnies who've bought tables find they're wrong 'uns, and wanttheir money back--from _us_?"

"They wouldn't have a leg to stand on, my boy. It's a clear case of'Caveat emptor. ' But, after all, there's no reason at present to supposethe other tables are--hem--in a similar condition to yours. "

"It's to be hoped not, " said Clarence. "There'll be the devil's own rowif they are. "

Unfortunately it soon appeared that they were, and the numerous personsin Eswareinmal who had purchased them felt their grievance so stronglythat they sent a large and somewhat turbulent deputation to demand anaudience from His Majesty. 

King Sidney received them, indeed he could not very well avoid doing so, as they forced their way to his presence. He did his best to reasonwith them, pointing out the undeniable fact that no guarantee had beengiven that the tables would last for ever, and that it was scarcelysurprising if, after being in constant use, they should begin to showsymptoms of wear and tear--a phrase which had the effect of infuriatingthem almost to madness. Nor were they pacified when he quoted his maximof "Caveat emptor, " and pointed out that, if people _would_ invest inmagic tables, some degree of trickery was only to be expected. Hisarguments were lost on them. They had discovered somehow that thegreater part of their purchase money had gone to swell the Royalrevenues, and they clamoured for instant restitution. 

So finally the King had recourse to his usual expedient. "Don't let ushave a row about this little matter, gentlemen, " he said. "I'm anxiousto meet you if I can, and I tell you what I'll do. I'll have the Councilsummoned at once. You can lay your claims before them, and if they cansee their way to granting you any compensation, we shall be as goodfriends as ever again. "

King Sidney's idea had been that the Council, if they decreed anycompensation at all, would do so from funds belonging to the State. Itappeared, however, that they did not consider this to be within theirpowers. They decided that, as the Sovereign had enjoyed the greater partof the profit on the sales of the self-supplying tables, he was bound torefund the money, proportionate deductions being made for the periodduring which each table had been in proper order. This requiredelaborate calculations, but the Lord Treasurer had a wonderful head forfigures, and worked them out to such effect that there was onlymoderate grumbling on the part of the creditors, all of whom receivedrather more than their due, while a good many had never bought a tableat all. 

So, on the whole, the decision satisfied all except the Royal Family. 

"It's easy to be generous with other people's money!" said the King. "But this business has nearly cleared us out. That confounded Treasurerhasn't left us more than a dozen sacks or so to go on with. He'ssuggested that I might try to get a loan from the King ofGoldenbergenland. I'm told he's wealthy, so perhaps he'd be willing tooblige a fellow-monarch, if I gave him the mine as security. "

"That mine?" said Clarence. "Why, it doesn't cover its workingexpenses--and never will, with the wages we pay those miner-johnnies!"

"Most exorbitant, " said the King; "I've been thinking of--hem--bringingback those yellow gnomes. They wouldn't want wages--and the mine wouldbe healthier for them than those marshes they're draining. "

"It might, " agreed Clarence, "if there were any of the poor littlebeggars left. But I believe the climate has been too much for 'em. "

"Has it, though? I'm afraid they must have neglected to take properprecautions. Very ungrateful, after all I've done for them! But it's nouse trying to benefit _that_ class of persons. I see that now. "

Clarence still wore his pendant, though he rode less and lessfrequently. The Marshal told him that there was excellent carp-fishingto be had on the Crystal Lake a few miles from Eswareinmal, and he tookup this sport, making solitary expeditions to the lake, from which hereturned in better spirits for a time. But even this occupation soonpalled, and the whole Court were struck by his increasing dejection, which, rightly or wrongly, they attributed to the absence of LadyDaphne. 

CHAPTER XV

"RIVEN WITH VAIN ENDEAVOUR"

After a few hours' flight the Fairy Vogelflug's team of doves had safelydeposited her at the entrance to the Palace of King Tournesol. Sheascertained that Prince Mirliflor was within and went at once to hisapartments. He received her with his usual respect, but there was areserve in his manner which showed that the memory of his late fiascowas still rankling. His reserve increased perceptibly after she hadexplained the purpose of her visit. He altogether declined to consider asecond matrimonial venture on her recommendation, hinting as politely aspossible that her idea of a suitable consort for him was too unlikely tocorrespond with his own. "You mean with the ideal of your visions?" shesaid. "And you saw her again last night. Now didn't you, Mirliflor?"

"I did, " he said; "but how did you know that?"

"How did I know? Because I sent you the vision, of course. I sent youthe former one, too, though there were reasons why I couldn't tell youso till now. "

"And why do you tantalise me by making me dream of an unattainableperfection?" he asked hotly. "Can you suppose that anything short of itwill ever content me now? Since I cannot hope to find so sweet and faira Princess in all the world, I am only the more resolved to live and dieunmarried!"

"She exists, or I could not have shown her to you in a vision. You haveonly to do exactly as I tell you, Mirliflor, and you shall see her, andwin her, if you can. "

"You said all that about the other one, Godmother Voldoiseau, " hereplied. "No, it's no good. I really can't trust you again. "

"Don't be obstinate, Mirliflor, or you'll put me in a passion, andthat's dangerous at my age. I grant you I was wrong about Princess Edna. But I'm not wrong now. I assure you that, if you saw this girl, youwould own that she was no less fair than she appeared in your visions. "

"But if there indeed lives so lovely a Princess, " he said, "how comes itthat I have never heard of her existence?"

"She is no Princess, Mirliflor. Merely a poor friendless girl I havechosen to protect. "

"So much the better, " he said. "She is the less likely to refuse me. "

"Because you are a Prince? Just so--but I don't intend that she shallaccept you for any such reason. I shall not allow you to see her at allunless you promise not to reveal your rank, or even your real name, toher until I give you leave to do so. "

"You have my word, Godmother, " he replied. "After all, it may be that, even without rank or title, I shall succeed in obtaining favour in hereyes. "

"You trust to your good looks--but those, too, you must consent tosacrifice. Love that is based on mere outward appearance soon passes. Ihave to be very careful now how I exercise any magic powerwhatever--each time it takes more and more out of me, and even sendingyou these visions taxed me most severely. Still, I will make anothereffort and change you into a less comely form. "

"I suppose you are proposing to turn me into a beast of some kind?" hesaid. "If so, I cry off. I know it succeeded with an ancestor ofours--but that was centuries ago, and I'm not inclined to undertake therisk myself. "

"I'm not asking you to undertake it. The form you would assume would behuman, and not in the least repulsive. In strict fairness I ought totransform the girl as well, but as I know very well that, if I did, youwould never so much as look at her, I must leave her as she is. Only ifyou don't consent to be transformed yourself, you will never see her atall. "

"But what if I let myself be transformed and find out when I see herthat she doesn't resemble my vision?"

"You need not fear that. But if, when you see her, you wish to withdraw, I will bring you back here and restore you to your own shape again, andthus you will be none the worse. "

"Well, " he said, "on those terms I agree. " Upon which the Fairy beganher incantations, and, after one or two failures, succeeded inremembering the precise formula and accomplishing the metamorphosis. 

"I knew it would come back to me in time, " she remarked, exhausted butgratified. "I shall suffer for it later--but it's certainly a highlysuccessful piece of work--as you will see if you go and look at yourselfin that mirror. "

When he looked it was a complete stranger that he saw reflected. A youngman of his own height and figure, but with features that, without beingabsolutely plain, were quite ordinary. His own curling brown locks werereplaced by short black hair, and his complexion had deepened from itsoriginal slight bronze to a swarthy hue. Even his silk and velvet suithad suffered a change and was now a coarse leather jerkin with hose andsleeves of russet cloth. 

"You might just as well have made a beast of me outright!" he saidbitterly. "I should have been as likely to win the heart of any maidenas I am now. "

"My dear Mirliflor, " retorted the Fairy, "if, as you are now, you cannotwin this girl by your own worth, it will either be because she is notworth winning or you have not sufficient worth to deserve her. "

"And how, " he asked, "am I to set about winning her?"

"You will start at once for Eswareinmal--on horseback if you like, provided your horse and his trappings are not too fine. You will leavehim outside the City, and find your way to one of the side entrances ofthe Palace, where you will ask an attendant to inform me that'Giroflé'--as you will henceforth call yourself--has arrived inobedience to my summons. I will arrange that you shall see this girl, and it will then be for you to say whether you will go any further ornot in this enterprise. You had better leave the Palace without seeingthe King, your father, and I will explain to him that there were goodand sufficient reasons for your secret departure. "

However, when she did obtain an audience from King Tournesol, she sawthat he was not in a mood that promised a favourable reception to anyfurther matrimonial project on Mirliflor's behalf--at all events fromher. So she merely informed him that Mirliflor had left Clairdelune toseek a bride for himself, and that he might be absent for some time. Shedid not mention his transformation, and was disingenuous enough toagree with the King that the Prince had behaved most unfilially indeparting without permission. But King Tournesol was too glad that hisson's thoughts had again turned to marriage to be very seriously angry, and the Fairy left him in tolerable good humour, and got back toEswareinmal long before Mirliflor, who reached the Palace at last, aftera journey of entirely unfamiliar discomfort and a total lack of thedeference and attention he had always hitherto received as of right. Hemade his way in an aggrieved and rather rebellious frame of mind to aside entrance and, on inquiring for the Court Godmother, was taken atonce to her apartments. After hearing his tale of hardships, which shemerely said were extremely good for him, she led him down by a privatestaircase to the gardens at the back of the Palace, and through them, bya postern gate of which she had the key, to an uncultivated region ofglades and groves. Here she ordered him to conceal himself behind athicket at the edge of a clearing, and to remain there till she gave himleave to come out. He waited for what seemed an interminable time--andthen his patience was rewarded. The Fairy returned with the very lady ofhis visions. _This_ time at least his Godmother had not deceivedhim--the living reality was even more radiantly beautiful than hisdream! They passed and repassed him several times, and, if he had notseen Daphne, the mere sound of her gay sweet voice would have beenenough to enslave him. But he could see her perfectly well, and note theanimation of her every gesture, the easy grace with which she moved, andher pretty tenderness for the old woman who was leaning on her strongyoung arm. When would the Fairy see fit to call him forth and presenthim to this adorable being? And yet, inconsistently enough, he wasdreading the moment. How could he hope, changed as he was now, thatthose bright eyes would regard him with any interest whatever? But, asit happened, they did not regard him at all on this occasion, for, aftera few more turns up and down the clearing, the Fairy retired with her_protégée_, and presently re-appeared alone. 

"Well, " she said, as Mirliflor came forward at her summons, "now youhave seen her, what is your decision?"

"I stay here, " he replied, "and will submit to anything as long as thereis a chance of gaining her. "

"I expected as much, " she said. "And I have arranged that you shall beemployed here as one of the Royal under-gardeners. "

"An under-gardener!" he exclaimed. "Really, Godmother, that is notgiving me a fair chance! And I've never done any gardening in my life!"

"Then it is high time you began, " she said calmly. "It will not onlygive you a greater respect for manual labour, but subdue your pride. "

"You have left me nothing I can be proud of. And what opportunity shallI have of even seeing her?"

"You will be given the key which will admit you to the grounds, and thepavilion in which she lives is not far from here. As to opportunities ofmeeting her, you must make them for yourself. Those are my conditions, "said the despotic old Fairy, "and if you don't choose to accept them, you may as well return to Clairdelune at once, for I shall take carethat you never see her again. "

"Oh, I accept, " he said. "I can't help myself. Only, it does seem to me, Godmother, that if you're really anxious that I should succeed, youmight make it easier for me than this!"

"No doubt, " she said. "But if it was easy there would be no merit insuccess. I am putting _her_ to the test, remember, as well as you, anduntil I see how you both come through it, I cannot be certain that youare really fitted for one another. "

She had, as a matter of fact, quite made up her mind that they shouldmarry, but she could not resist such an opening for one of the practicalmoral lessons which, as a Fairy Godmother of the fine old didactic type, she had often brought to an effectively instructive _dénoûment_. 

But if she was enjoying herself over the probation, it is more than canbe said for the unhappy Mirliflor. It is true that, owing to the CourtGodmother's protection, he was treated by the Head Gardener with someindulgence, but, nevertheless, he had to work much harder and longerthan he liked. Sometimes, however, he was sent to the outlying part ofthe gardens, where he was under no supervision, and then it was easy toslip away to the postern gate, which his key enabled him to enter, andhe was not long in discovering the pavilion which sheltered hisdivinity. He wore a big apron and carried a pair of garden shears withwhich he lopped and trimmed a shrub now and then by way of accountingfor his intrusion, and sometimes he was rewarded by a glimpse of her. But that was all, for, with a diffidence he had never known before, hedid not venture near enough to speak. The fact was that he was morbidlyself-conscious about his altered appearance. If the Fairy had only lethim retain his own form, he thought, he would not have hesitated amoment, but her disdain was more than he could bring himself to face, and so he watched from afar, and when she wandered out would follow at adistance, keeping her in view, while remaining unseen himself. It was, as he felt, not precisely the way to conduct a courtship, and hedespised himself for his want of courage. But he always hoped thatsomething might happen to bring them together, though it seemed less andless likely that anything would. 

Daphne, meanwhile, was growing resigned to her exclusion from thePalace, which she chiefly regretted because she could see nothing ofRuby, the one member of the Royal Family for whom she could feel anyreal affection. She expected to hear at any moment that the car wasready to take her back to England, where she would have to findemployment if she could. 

The Queen had certainly furnished her with a character; "Miss Heritage, "the reference stated, "has been for some months in the service of HerMajesty Queen Selina of Märchenland as Governess-companion to HerMajesty's younger daughter, Princess Ruby. Her Majesty could notconscientiously recommend Miss Heritage as a teacher for advancedpupils, but has no doubt that she would be fairly competent to undertakea situation as Nursery Governess. "

That was all--and Daphne did not think it would do much for her. Andbesides, people might want to know who the Queen of Märchenlandwas--which would be awkward to explain. But perhaps the Court Godmotherwould see that she was not sent home without funds enough to support hertill she could get an engagement. She would be rather sorry to leaveMärchenland, which, queer country as it was in some ways, she had cometo look upon her home. However, she did not worry much about the future, being content to enjoy her present restful life as long as she might. 

She was comfortable enough in the Pavilion, where she was well lookedafter by an elderly taciturn attendant, one of the Court Godmother's ownwaiting-women. 

The old Fairy herself came from time to time to inquire after Daphne'shealth and bring her news of the Court, and her visits were welcome. When alone Daphne spent much of her time over the ancient Chronicles, which the Fairy had provided for her, and which she found strangelyfascinating. Or when she was disinclined to read or embroider, she wouldexplore the grounds about the Pavilion, which were wild and neglectedenough to impart a sense of adventure to her wanderings. Often, as shewalked and worked or read, her thoughts would drift into dreams--thedreams that come to most girls--of a Prince Charming who would discoverher in her retreat, and be her champion and deliverer. In a country likethis, such a dream was less unlikely to come true than elsewhere, andyet she always ended by laughing at herself for indulging it. 

The Prince (for of course he must be a Prince!) would have to make hasteif he was to find her still in Märchenland. But even if he came in time, she thought, it would be useless--his arrival would be reported at onceto the Queen. For she had lately become aware that she was being watchedby someone who was obviously not the gardener he tried to appear, andwhom she had more than once detected in the act of following her insecret. He must be either a spy, or a guard with orders to prevent herescape--as if she were likely to attempt it when there was no place towhich she could escape! She had made no complaint to the CourtGodmother, being unwilling to trouble the old Fairy with a matter of solittle importance. But she took her revenge on the spy by making histask as difficult as she could. If she detected him in time lying inwait in the bushes by the front of the Pavilion, she would slip out atthe back, and reach her favourite haunts by a roundabout path screenedby yew hedges, while he imagined her to be still indoors. He was reallysuch an unsuspicious spy that there was hardly any fun in baffling him. She had done so with the usual success one hot afternoon, and was makingfor a tree under which she often sat. It had great glossy leaves, andgorgeous flowers with a delicate but penetrating scent, and the thoughtof the coolness beneath its spreading branches was particularlyattractive just then. After looking round and satisfying herself thatshe had not been pursued, she sat down and opened the book she hadbrought--a chronicle of the lives of the Sovereigns of Märchenland. Shehad read most of it already, and instead of reading any more, she foundherself thinking of the contrast between their earlier Kings and Queensand the present occupiers of the throne. The former Sovereigns had hadtheir failings; some of them had been arbitrary and wrong-headed, one ortwo cruel and tyrannical. But none had ever been vulgar or ridiculous. She could understand poor Mr. Wibberley-Stimpson's being so hopelesslyout of his element--but it seemed strange that Queen Selina, who wasthe daughter of a Märchenland Prince, should not have inherited anytrace of royal dignity. They were quite incapable of governing thepeople, who, as Daphne knew, regarded them with scarcely disguisedcontempt. And it was such a pity, for the good Märchenlanders had beenso loyal at first! They would be loyal still, if only they had asovereign for whom they could feel a particle of--. She had got to thispoint in her meditations when she was startled by a stealthy rustle inthe branches overhead. The spy had been too clever for her after all!Well, she thought, with malicious amusement, if he chose to take thetrouble of climbing a tree to watch her, she would keep him employed upthere as long as possible and see which would tire first. He wasevidently getting cramped already, for the branches were cracking quiteloudly, but she would not look up or show that she was in the leastaware of him. And then suddenly a heavy body fell with a flop on theopen book in her lap--and she realised with terror that it was no spyshe had to deal with, but an infinitely more formidable enemy. It was ahuge serpent that had coiled itself swiftly on her knees, which quiveredunder the intolerable weight, while its tail twisted round her ankles, binding them fast, and it reared its evil flat head, crested like apeacock's, to a level with her chin. Its markings, in alternate rings ofcream, vermilion, black and orange, were strangely beautiful, but shewas in no mood to admire them as she sat there--spell-bound under itscold tawny eyes. 

Presently it spoke words which made her wish that its speech had beenunintelligible. "Yes, " it said, "you are quite right to be afraid of me. I am here to kill you. "

"Then don't talk about it!" said Daphne, her throat so parched that shecould scarcely speak; "if you must kill me, do it at once and get itover. "

"Not yet, " it said malignantly. "You have an agony of terror to gothrough before that. When I see your eyes close I shall know that thetime has come, and I shall strike my fangs into that white throat ofyours, and you will recover just sense enough to feel what pain it is todie!" Daphne would very possibly have closed her eyes at once andreceived the death stroke rather than listen any longer to thecreature's threats, but she had just become aware that help was at hand. The person she believed to be a spy was stealing up, treadingnoiselessly over the velvet turf, his hands already outstretched withthe evident purpose of seizing the reptile from behind. If she couldonly engage it in conversation for a minute or two, there was still achance for her. 

"I have done you no harm, " she said, after moistening her dry lips. "Whyshould you hate me like this?"

"Ask Xuriel, my master, " replied the serpent, "who called me into beingfor no other purpose than to put you to death. "

"But I have done Xuriel no injury. "

"Then it may be you are an enemy of the Count, whose servant he is. Iknow not--nor is it any matter. All I know is that I have been sent hereto--" and here it broke off in a dreadful strangled scream as a pair ofstrong hands clutched it firmly by the throat and dragged it writhinginto the open. Daphne sat helplessly looking on as her rescuer struggledwith the thing, which had wound its coils round his waist and leg, andwas trying hard to free its head and strike. He held the venomous headat arm's-length, gripping its throat tight, while the foam slavered fromits distended jaws, but it was stronger than he, and, as he recognisedthis, he urged Daphne to save herself while there was time. 

She had already risen, as she had got over any tendency to faint, butshe had no intention of leaving him to his fate. She had just seen in apocket of his leather apron those big garden-shears which she hadnoticed him plying with such marked incompetence, and it occurred to hersuddenly that they might be of some real service now. She ran up and, watching her opportunity, succeeded in whipping them out. Then shestepped behind the serpent, and forced the blades together just belowthe part of its neck that was in her champion's grasp. There was ahighly unpleasant scrunch and jar as they closed, but she pressed withall her strength, until the reptile's spine was cut through and its bodyuncoiled itself from the young man and went writhing and rolling blindlythrough the grass. 

Daphne dropped the shears and got out of its way in sudden panic. "It'snot dead! I'm sure it isn't!" she cried to the stranger, whom she hadsomehow ceased to think of as a spy. 

"It is harmless enough now, fair lady, " he said as he tossed its crestedhead into the undergrowth, "thanks to your courage. "

"I never killed anything before, " she said. "I hated doing it, and--itseems such a silly way to kill a snake!"

"It succeeded, " he said, wondering how those small slim hands could havehad the strength. "I could not have held it much longer. You have savedmy life. "

"I couldn't have, " she said, "if you hadn't saved mine first. I know nowthat you have only been watching and following me about as you have tosee that I didn't get into any danger?"

"So you were aware that I watched you?" he said. 

Daphne laughed. "How could I help being?" she replied. "And of course Iguessed at once that you weren't a real gardener. "

"What makes you suppose that?" he said. 

"Well, " she said, laughing again, "I happen to have seen you at work, you know. "

"I may have little skill, " he said, "nevertheless, I have obtainedemployment here as a gardener. "

"I mustn't ask you questions, " she said, "but I'm quite sure that, before you came here, you were in a very different position from anylabourer's. " She had noticed a refinement in his speech and manner, andalso the shapeliness of his hands, which the Fairy had been considerateor forgetful enough to leave unaltered. 

But Daphne's words gave him a sudden hope. Had she detected that he wasa Prince? If so, he was released from his promise of silence!

"All I may tell you, " he said, "is that there were reasons which obligedme to leave my own country and live here where I am unknown. But I thinkyou have guessed more than that already!"

"I will tell you what I think, " she said. "I believe you are really astudent, and, whatever you had to leave your country for, it was nothingyou've any cause to be ashamed of. I expect you were accused of plottingagainst your Government--and I don't care if you did, because youwouldn't have if they'd governed properly. Anyway, you escaped, andthought you'd be safe if you could get a post in the Royal Gardens. There! it is only a guess, of course, and you needn't tell me whetherI'm right or not. "

He allowed her to think she was, as it was a far more creditableexplanation than any he could have invented for himself. 

"It was rather clever of me to guess all that, " she said. "But it wouldhave been cleverer of you to choose something you knew a little moreabout than gardening, wouldn't it? And we can't be strangers after this. That thing there, " and she indicated the headless serpent, which had nowceased to writhe, and lay limp in the grass, with all its brilliantcolour faded to dingy grey, "introduced us, but it carelessly forgot tomention our names. "

"Perhaps, " he said, quite seriously, "it did not know them. "

"That _would_ account for it, certainly, " agreed Daphne, with equalgravity, though her eyes danced. "Then I'd better explain that I wasPrincess Ruby's governess before we came here. Since then I've been asort of lady-in-waiting--and now I'm nothing at all. I'm in disgrace, like you. My name is Daphne Heritage. Now, tell me yours . .. Giroflé?. .. Well, I am going back to the Pavilion now. I don't feel safe anywhereelse. .. . Yes, you can see me out of this dreadful place--just in _case_there should be another snake about, " she conceded, for her nerves werebeginning to feel a reaction, and she was glad of his protection. 

So he walked humbly by her side, saying little for fear of saying toomuch, till they came within sight of the Pavilion and then shedismissed him. "We will say good-bye here, " she said; "and you mustn'tkeep at a distance any more--it would be too absurd, now--you must comeand speak to me, of course. Though I _may_ be sent back to England at amoment's notice, and then you won't see me again. But if you don't, Ishall never forget how bravely you risked your life for me. "

She gave him her hand; he held its cool silken softness for a moment andwould have raised it to his lips but for this new humility of his. Then, with a friendly but almost careless little nod, she was gone, leavinghim with the conviction that it was indifferent to her whether they evermet again or not. 

He felt that the Fates had not been as propitious as they might. Theyhad permitted him to rescue her--but then he had been rescued by herimmediately afterwards--a most humiliating anti-climax! There was oneservice he could still do her, he thought, and, cutting himself a stoutstick, he made a thorough search of the groves, where however, rather tohis disappointment, he discovered no serpents of any kind. But, in hisanxiety for Daphne, he insisted on seeing the Court Godmother at onceand warning her of the dangers to which she was exposing her _protégée_. 

The old Fairy was secretly disconcerted, though she did not of courseadmit that there had been any neglect on her part. "I am not at allsurprised, Mirliflor. In fact, I fully expected something of this sortto happen, " she said unblushingly. "But I knew very well that there wasno danger while you were there to look after her. "

"But it may happen again, " he urged. "That accursed Xuriel may createanother serpent, and the next time I mayn't be at hand--unless you canget me excused altogether from working in the gardens. "

"I shall not do that, Mirliflor, " said the inflexible old Fairy. "Andwhat you fear will not happen again. To begin with, that serpent wasnever created by Xuriel. "

"But I heard it say that he had called it into being!"

"And have you ever known a serpent tell the truth? No, no, Mirliflor, Master Xuriel is clever enough in his way, but he couldn't make aserpent of that size. From what you tell me, it was evidently a CrestedSerpent which he had got hold of and trained, and I happen to know itwas the last existing. .. . But I will have a rope of fine silk, wovenwith a certain spell, laid round the Pavilion, and no snake, magic orotherwise, will be able to cross _that_. It's quite unnecessary, andwill be extremely exhausting to me, still I'll do it, just to set yourmind at ease. And I'll tell her not to go about alone in future. .. . ButI can't have you going in there whenever you choose in future. The HeadGardener was complaining to me that you are neglecting your work, and itwon't do to excite his suspicion. You must not attempt to see her tillthe close of the day, which will leave you ample time for yourlovemaking. .. . No, she is not going to be sent back to England. _I_shall take care of that. So you can keep a good heart, Mirliflor. Iconsider you have made an excellent beginning!"

He was far from sure of it himself, but at least Daphne would be betterprotected henceforth, and even if he could no longer look after her byday, which he fully intended to do when he found an opportunity, hecould at least see her every evening. It was some comfort, too, to feelthat he could rely on her remaining in Märchenland. 

On her next visit to the Pavilion the Court Godmother heard Daphne'sversion of the meeting with Giroflé. "I take an interest in the youngman, " she said. "Indeed I got him his place here. He seems to havebehaved very creditably--for a mere gardener. Though I dare say youthink him beneath your notice. "

"After he had saved my life!" said Daphne indignantly. "As if I_could_--whoever he was! But, as you take an interest in him, CourtGodmother, you must know as well as I do that he isn't really a gardenerat all. "

"Oh, indeed, " said the Fairy suspiciously. "And how did you find _that_out? From _him_?"

"No, I guessed. And then he had to admit it. "

"And what did he admit?"

"Well, that he is a student and has had to go into hiding because he wassuspected of being mixed up in some plot or other. He didn't tell me anymore than that. "

"Ah, " said the Fairy, concealing her relief, "he told you more than wasprudent as it was. But I suppose he thought he could trust you with hissecret. "

"And don't _you_, Court Godmother?" flashed Daphne. 

"Oh, I don't think you would betray him. You mustn't go and lose yourheart to him, though. That would never do!"

Daphne laughed. "Court Godmother!" she said, "you're not really afraidof my falling in love with him, are you?"

"Well, no, my dear. Fortunately he's not good-looking enough to make mevery uneasy about that. I should be much more afraid that he might fallin love with you. "

"Oh, I hope he won't do _that_, poor fellow, " said Daphne with a suddenand uneasy recollection of how he had followed her in secret. "But I'mgoing home so soon that I mayn't even see him again. "

"You may have to stay here some time longer, " said the Fairy, "so it'squite possible that he will try to see more of you. However, it will beeasy for you to tell him plainly that you don't want to have anything todo with him. "

"But I don't mind his speaking to me, " said Daphne. "I told him hemight. I should hate hurting him like that. And, after all, CourtGodmother, if he _should_ show any signs of--of what you're afraid of, he will soon see that it's no use, and be sensible about it. "

"I dare say you're right, my dear, I dare say you're right, " agreed theCourt Godmother. "And anyhow, it will be time enough to trouble aboutthat when it happens--which very likely it never will. "

But in her heart she was more convinced than ever that Mirliflor hadmade a very good beginning. 

CHAPTER XVI

"A CLOUD THAT'S DRAGONISH"

At the first opportunity Mirliflor had returned to the pavilion groves, where he need no longer worship from a distance. Daphne had received himgraciously enough, but somehow he went away with a feeling that he hadlost ground. He saw her every day after that, occasionally in thedaytime, whenever he could evade the Head Gardener's eye, and always inthe evening. She would talk to him from her window, or sometimes shewould consent to come out and stroll with him in the golden dusk alonggrass-grown paths bordered with high and ragged walls of yew. And yet heparted from her with a sorer heart every evening. She had been asenchanting as ever, but quite as indifferent. It was useless to tell herhow he loved her; whenever he had tried she had made him understandthat, if he said any more, he would spoil the friendship between them. So he said no more. 

Sometimes she had made him angry. Unfortunately he could never quiteforget his rank, and he resented the airy way in which she treated himas a person of no particular importance. She would even laugh at hisefforts to assert his dignity--and he was unused to being laughed at, especially as he often did not even understand why she laughed. ForFairy Princes have never been noted for their sense of humour, and poorMirliflor was certainly no exception. Once, when she had innocentlypermitted herself to remark that she thought Prince Mirliflor had shownvery little spirit or determination in his wooing of Princess Edna, helost his temper so completely as to tell her that she would be wiser notto pass judgment on matters of which she knew so little. Daphne'ssilence showed how deeply he had offended, but he was too proud toconciliate her, and so his evening came to an abrupt end in mutualcoolness. On his way back he cursed himself for his folly. He had donefor himself now--she would never forgive him, never speak to him again!How could he have been so mad when his only happiness was being nearher? But when he ventured back the next evening, prepared for finaldismissal, he found her as frank and friendly as ever; she seemed tohave forgotten that they had ever fallen out at all. Unfortunately thiswas rather humiliating than gratifying, since it only showed how utterlyinsignificant he was in her eyes. 

But Daphne did not actually consider him insignificant at all. She wasrather interested in this plain, ordinary-looking youth with a loftymanner and an air of authority that seemed so incongruous, and yet, evenwhile she laughed at him for them, impressed her in spite of herself. Hewas not quick at seeing a joke--especially against himself--and sheenjoyed teasing and provoking him as she would not have done in the caseof anyone she disliked. 

She knew he was absolutely devoted to her, and although she had made himunderstand that he must avoid any approach to sentiment, she was touchedby his devotion, and sorry that she could make him no better return. 

"But it's no use, " she thought remorsefully, "I simply couldn't care inthat way for any man who hadn't _some_ good looks. I can't be more thana friend to Giroflé--and, luckily, I believe he's beginning to see thatat last!"

Mirliflor had certainly begun to see that he was too severelyhandicapped to have a chance of success, and he paid a secret visit tohis Godmother's apartments to tell her so. But she was deaf to all hisprotests, and declined to restore him to his own form until he hadeither won Daphne or been refused by her. He came away furious, regretting that he had ever been such a fool as to put himself at themercy of this obstinate old Fairy's whims. If he had not, he would nothave met Daphne--but better a thousand times that he had never seen herif she was not to be his!

His visit had one result. Old Baron von Eisenbänden happened to observehim leaving the tower, and it struck him as suspicious that so august apersonage as the Court Godmother should have any dealings with anunder-gardener. She must be using the fellow as her agent in someintrigue or other, he concluded, and, as she had not chosen to confidein him, it was clearly his duty to his Sovereigns to discover what shewas about. 

His cap of darkness might be of service to him here, but since thefiasco of the self-supplying tables he had been distrustful of anyarticle supplied by the Astrologer Royal. However, it seemed as thoughthe sudden decay of the tables had been due less to any maliciousrevenge on Xuriel's part than to some imperfection in his magic--for thecap proved to be as efficient as ever. So, after satisfying himself ofthis, the worthy Baron put it on and prowled unseen about the CourtGodmother's tower. For some days his vigilance was unrewarded, but atlength he saw Giroflé hurrying down a gallery that led to the Fairy'sdoor, and immediately gave chase. Unfortunately he arrived too late toslip in behind him, and the thickness of the door made it impossible tooverhear anything of the conversation till the very end of theinterview. Then, as the door was open and the Court Godmother hadaccompanied Giroflé to the threshold, their parting words were perfectlyaudible. 

"You are setting me an impossible task, Godmother Voldoiseau!" he heardthe mysterious young under-gardener declare. "I am no nearer her thanwhen I came. And I never shall be till you restore me to my properself!"

"I shall do that when I see fit, Mirliflor, " the Fairy replied, "and nota moment before. You have only to be patient a little longer and allwill be well. I know her better than you can, remember, and, believe me, you have no cause to despair. "

"So you have told me before!" he said bitterly. "But I can't and won'tendure this much longer, and if you refuse to make it easier for me, Ishall give up and go back to Clairdelune!"

"My dear Mirliflor, " she retorted, "you won't be such a fool!"

He left her at that without another word, but the Court Chamberlain hadheard enough to surprise him considerably. So this young gardener, itseemed, was really Prince Mirliflor transformed! The Baron knew thatsuch a transformation was within the Fairy's powers, so, in spite of thetotal dissimilarity between the Prince and the Gardener, he never for amoment doubted that they were one and the same. 

But why the Court Godmother should have chosen to act in this arbitrarymanner, and how she supposed it could promote Prince Mirliflor's object, was incomprehensible. 

It was only natural that he should rebel against her, and the CourtChamberlain felt so much sympathy for the ill-used young prince that heresolved to follow him to the gardens and offer his advice andassistance. 

Mirliflor had already begun to rake a flower-bed with vindictive energy, when he heard himself addressed from behind, and turned to recognise theelderly official he had good cause to remember. 

"Hard at work, I see, " began the Baron, with a casual air intended forany witnesses of the interview. "Work, " he added, cautiously loweringhis voice, "which, if I may be allowed to say so, Sire, can hardly beother than distasteful to his Royal Highness Prince Mirliflor ofClairdelune. "

Mirliflor noticed the purple cap which was still in the other's hand, and knew it would be useless to deny his identity. "So, Baron, " he said, "you have been eavesdropping _again_, have you? Well, if you were in theCourt Godmother's chamber just now, as I suppose you were, you know howI come to be in this position. "

"I am aware, Sire, " he said, "that your Royal Highness has been inducedto accept it in the hope of obtaining the hand of--of a certain personwhom it would perhaps be inadvisable to name. "

"Certainly we will not name her, " said Mirliflor, "nor need we discuss amatter that so entirely concerns myself. "

"I should not permit myself the indiscretion, Sire, if I did not soardently desire that your Royal Highness's suit may prosper. But, solong as you remain in--in the form you have deigned to assume, I cannotthink you will approach your Princess with the least chance of success!"

"I agree, Baron, but as the Court Godmother happens to think otherwise, I'm powerless, you see. "

"She is a most gracious and venerable lady, " said the Baron; "but, though her will is as strong as ever, her mind is evidently weakening. If your Royal Highness would be guided by me, I will venture to say thatyou would find it more to your advantage. "

"Well, Baron, and what is your suggestion?"

"I have but to inform her Majesty of the facts, " he said, "and she willat once order the Court Godmother Vogelflug to restore your RoyalHighness to your own form, in which, believe me, Sire, you need have nofear of refusal. "

"Listen to me, Baron!" said Mirliflor, who knew very well how his oldGodmother would treat such an order. "You will say nothing whatever toher Majesty of my being here--and I'll tell you _why_ you will not. Ifyou do, she will necessarily have to hear of your method of acquiringthe information. And it's not a very creditable method, Baron!"

"I have done nothing I am ashamed of, " he said doggedly; "her Majestywill recognise that I have acted solely from devotion to her interests. "

"Possibly--but I fancy she will also recognise that a Court Chamberlainwho uses a cap of darkness to overhear private conversations is anofficial whose devotion might be occasionally inconvenient. I reallydon't think I should mention it, Baron, if I were you. "

Even he appeared to see the force of this. "Since your Royal Highnessdesires your presence here to remain unknown, I will observe thegreatest discretion, " he said stiffly; "I have the honour to leave yourRoyal Highness to pursue his occupation. " And with this he withdrew, with very obvious affront. He left Mirliflor even more disturbed thanbefore. The Baron, having been present unseen at his interview with hisGodmother, evidently knew all about his hopes with regard to Daphne, andseemed--for some reason that Mirliflor could not fathom--anxious for hissuccess. But, though the Court Chamberlain had promised discretion, Mirliflor doubted whether he would be able to keep such a secret long. He was quite capable of thinking that, in Mirliflor's own interests, hewas justified in disclosing it. And then--Mirliflor pictured himselfsummoned in his present form before the whole Court--where he had lastappeared as Princess Edna's suitor, the difficulty of explaining hisrecent behaviour--the general indignity and humiliation he would beexposed to--even if the Fairy did not repudiate all knowledge of him, which she was quite capable of doing! No, he could not stay to face allthat--he must leave the Palace that very night, and without a word tohis Godmother. Why should he see her when nothing he could urge wouldhave the slightest effect? Perhaps, when she heard he was back atClairdelune, it would bring her to her senses. 

Nor would he go through any parting scene with Daphne--what was it toher whether he went or stayed? If he saw her, he might be tempted totell her how passionately and hopelessly he loved her--and she wouldonly laugh at him. In self-respect he would spare himself that. 

He adhered to this resolution till long past their usual hour formeeting, and he had made all his preparations for departure, when he wassuddenly seized with an uncontrollable longing to see her oncemore--whatever pain it might cost him afterwards. So, with some scorn ofhis own weakness, he let himself through the postern gate and went insearch of her. At the end of one of the yew walks was a rusty astrolabeon a moss-grown marble pedestal, and by this he found her. Her back wastowards him as she faced the western horizon, where clouds of rose andgold were sailing in a sky of warm apple-green which toned above them toa luminous silvery blue. On the edge of the slope in the foreground somecypresses were silhouetted in purplish bronze. She turned as she heardhis footsteps, her face so wondrously fair in the half light that hisheart ached afresh at the sight of her. "I'd quite given up expectingyou, Giroflé, " she said, with a nonchalance that concealed her _pique_at his unusual tardiness--for it must be owned that she had become atrifle exacting of late. "It's so late now that I shall have to go invery soon. "

"I shall not keep you long, Daphne, " he replied, determined to showhimself no less indifferent than was she. "I had to prepare for myjourney, as I am leaving Eswareinmal to-night, and I have only come tosay good-bye. "

She was not only startled but deeply hurt. If he had really been sodevoted as he had seemed, she thought, he could never have spoken ofleaving her in this casual tone--but she would not let him see how hehad wounded her. "To-night, " she repeated, "I'd no idea you meant to goso soon as this. But I dare say you are only too glad to get away. "

"Is one ever sorry, " he said, in spite of himself, "to get away from aplace where one has suffered?" She had turned to the astrolabe again, and was idly tracing out the incisions in one of its hoops with hersupple forefinger, when she next spoke. "Of course I know it must havebeen hard for you, Giroflé, " she said, "still, I hoped--it was veryfoolish and conceited of me, I know--but I hoped that perhaps _my_ beinghere made it more bearable. "

"If you had not been here, I should never have come at all, " he said;"you did not know that, Daphne, but I may tell you now. And at first, itis true, that just to see and be near you now and then, was happinessenough--but of late the hours I have spent here have brought me littlebut the misery of longing for what must ever be denied!"

She could no longer misunderstand. So far from his devotion havingabated, it was stronger than she had ever imagined, and the discoverymade her sorrier for him than ever. "Giroflé!" she cried remorsefully, "I never knew you felt it like that--I thought you understood, and werecontent with--with all that I could give you. Oh, why _can't_ you be?"

"And what have you given me, Daphne? What am I to you? Nothing!Nothing!"

"You are my friend--the dearest friend I have ever had. Is _that_nothing, Giroflé?"

"Nothing compared with what I once hoped to be! Hoped--while, even then, I knew how impossible any hope was. And yet--and yet--what adds to mytorment is that I know--yes, Daphne, I _know_--that--if--if by an evilfate I had not been what I am, I could have made you love me. I am verysure of _that_!"

She was looking at him as she spoke--and somehow she ceased to think himplain. And suddenly she knew that he had become necessary to her--sonecessary that the thought of losing him was unendurable. 

"And why, " she said, "are you so sure that it is impossible now, Giroflé?"

"Daphne, " he cried incredulously, "do you mean that you can loveme--even as I am?"

She did not reply in words, but her face as she raised it to his wasanswer enough; and then he held her in his arms, into which she nestledwith a little sigh of perfect content. He could not understand how somarvellous and unlooked for a thing could have happened to him, andDaphne herself might have been at some loss to account for her suddensurrender. But she did not try--she only knew that she had been quitepowerless to help it, and did not regret it. 

"And you will not go away from Eswareinmal now, Giroflé?" she said alittle later, when they were sitting on a stone seat under an ilex, andthe gold and silver stars were beginning to come out in the deep violetsky. 

"Not alone, dearest, " he replied. "But it will not be wise to stay herelong. I was recognised this afternoon by that meddling old imbecile of aCourt Chamberlain. "

"Giroflé!" she exclaimed, clinging to him in terror, "will he give youup--can they do anything to you? If there's danger, let us escape atonce--for of course I shan't let you go alone!"

"There's no danger, " he said. "If he lets out that I am here, it wouldbe--inconvenient, but no worse. And I think my--the Court Godmother willsee me through it now. I will tell her our news to-morrow morning. "

"I'm afraid, " said Daphne, "she won't at all approve of my marryingyou--she may even try to prevent it, but she won't succeed!"

"She is more likely to be on our side, " he said. He refrained, eventhen, from telling her why; he might be already released from hispromise of silence, but he no longer rebelled against it, nor had he anyimpatience now to regain his own form. And so they talked on far intothe night, discussing their future life together, which Daphnecheerfully assumed would be humble enough for a time--and he saidnothing to disabuse her. Why should he not enjoy as long as he could thesensation--denied to most princes and millionaires--of being beloved"for himself alone?"

At an early hour the next morning, after carefully ascertaining that theBaron had not yet risen, he waited on the Fairy, who heard what he hadto tell with high good-humour and complacency. "Most satisfactory, mydear Mirliflor!" she said. "And everything has turned out exactly as Ialways told you it would. I shall visit her this morning and prepare herfor the future in store for her. As for you, you must get to your workas usual, and at noon you will find us at the end of the yew walk behindthe Pavilion. I shall have to change you back to yourself again, and I'mthankful to say it will be the last time I shall ever be called upon todo anything of that sort. Then I shall take you both in the stork-car toClairdelune, and we shall hear what your Royal father thinks of thebride you have chosen. He _may_ consider that an ex-lady-in-waiting isnot----"

"He has only to see her, " declared Mirliflor. "But object as he may, nothing and no one shall separate us now. "

"Well, well, if it comes to that, I dare say I shall manage to overcomehis objections, " she said. She might have been more explicit if she hadnot decided to reserve the surprise of Daphne's royal descent until thefinal scene at Clairdelune--which would be far more effective, as wellas safer. 

"And don't worry yourself about that foolish old Baron, " she concluded. "We shall be gone before _he_ can give any trouble. Now be off withyou--I shan't want you till noon, and a few more hours' gardening won'thurt you!"

There was no need to hurry, so she did not leave her tower till it wasnearly half an hour to mid-day, when she went slowly and by unfrequentedpaths through the gardens and thence to the Pavilion. Daphne, who hadbeen anxiously expecting her, saw her from the Pavilion and came to meether, feeling and looking rather guilty. 

"Have you heard?" she asked. "But I can see you have. .. . _Well_, CourtGodmother?"

"Well, " said the Fairy, bent on prolonging the test to the last moment, "this is a pretty thing you have done, upon my word! _You_ to fall inlove with a penniless student! If you had only had the patience towait, " she continued, as she led her towards the yew walk, "I'd havefound a handsome young Prince for you. It's not too late, even now. "

"I used to think I would only marry a Prince, I don't now, " said Daphne. "I wouldn't change Giroflé for any Prince in the world. And what am _I_, after all? Just a Governess!"

"And when you have married your student, what do you suppose you aregoing to live on?"

"Oh, we shall manage somehow, " said Daphne tranquilly. "We shall bepoor, of course, but what does that matter so long as we're together?"

"Ah, " said the Fairy, "but I can't understand what a beautiful girl likeyou can see in such an ugly young fellow!"

"He _isn't_ ugly!" Daphne declared. "And I shouldn't mind a bit if he_was_! He'd still be Giroflé!"

"All the same, " pursued the Fairy, "you wouldn't object to his beinghandsomer?"

"I don't know, " replied Daphne, contracting her pretty brows, "I can'timagine him any different. " And then she laughed. "It's not a bit of usetrying to put me out of conceit with him, Court Godmother--so you may aswell give it up!"

The Fairy was satisfied at last; Daphne had stood the test triumphantly, and the time had come for her to be told of the reward that awaited her. "I am far from wishing to lower him in your eyes, my child, " she said. "On the contrary, I may now tell you that he possesses advantages youlittle dream of. And though true love may be inspired without the aid ofwealth, rank, or good looks, there was never a maiden yet who--but Iperceive, " she broke off with offended dignity, "that I am not sofortunate as to have secured your attention!"

They had left the yew walk by this time and entered an avenue of ilexes, beyond which lay the valley and distant hills. "I'm so sorry, CourtGodmother, " said Daphne, whose eyes were fixed on the view, "but--butdoesn't Drachenstolz lie over there?"

"It does, " said the Fairy drily, "though I fail to see why that shouldinterest you just now. "

"I--I can see something flying, " explained Daphne. "It _may_ be only avulture--a _large_ vulture. "

"A vulture--where?" cried the old Fairy. "Nonsense. It's your fancy, child. _I_ see nothing. "

"It _is_ a dragon!" faltered Daphne. "Can't you see it now? It's comingtowards us! And oh, I'm afraid the Count has sent it--like thatsnake--to--to kill me!"

A dragon was a danger which the Fairy, with all her precautions, hadsomehow omitted to foresee, and for a time she exhibited about as muchcalmness and self-possession as a hen at a fox-raid. "Heaven preserveus!" she wailed. "If we were but safe at Clairdelune! What can we do?"

"Hide, " said Daphne, trembling. "Quick! In the undergrowth!"

"It would spy us out from above, " groaned the Fairy. "No, we must runfor the Pavilion and shelter there. "

Daphne seized her hand and they ran together, but they had not gone farbefore the Court Godmother suddenly collapsed. "My old legs fail me!"she said, "I can go no further! Run on, child, while you can!"

"And leave you!" cried Daphne. "No, I shan't do that! But oh, can't youdo _anything_ to save us! Think!"

The Fairy rose to her feet, shaking all over. "I knew a spell once, " shemumbled. "I never tried it--but if I could only remember it now, itmight--But I can't--I'm too old--too old! That all my plans should havecome to _this_!"

The dragon was forging along at a tremendous pace. It would soon be nearenough to single out its prey--and still the old Fairy stood there, racking her memory in vain. 

Close upon noon Mirliflor had thrown away his hoe and torn off his apronfor ever. In a few minutes more he would be with his love--and yet hisheart was oppressed by a certain fear that had been haunting him all themorning. The Fairy would re-transform him--but could he be sure of theeffect on Daphne? What if he lost, as Mirliflor, the love that Girofléhad won? He was so absorbed in these disquieting reflections, as healternately hastened and checked his pace down the broad walks, that hescarcely noticed a faint outcry, and sounds as though firearms werebeing discharged, which seemed to come from the Palace behind him. Perhaps, he thought, a revolt had broken out, but, if so, it did notconcern _him_. His Daphne was in no danger in those grounds beyond thewall. He passed through the gate, and presently came to the astrolabe, and then the stone bench, both hallowed now by the sweetestassociations. And yet it might be that those associations would be hislast with her! It was almost a relief, on reaching the yew walk, to findit deserted. He went to the Pavilion, and there he elicited fromDaphne's elderly duenna, who was rather hard of hearing, that, as heryoung mistress was certainly not indoors, he would probably find her inthe grounds. 

He searched all the yew walks in vain, and then, with a new and growinguneasiness, turned towards the avenue, but he had got no farther than asmall pool in a marble basin when he heard a strange and dreadful noiseabove him. He glanced upwards, and saw the bulk of a huge dragon sailinghigh above the tree-tops. It was making swiftly for the valley; one ofits claws held a pendent form in fluttering drapery, and he knew toowell that the captive could only be she for whom he had been searching. He had saved her once from the malice of her enemies--this time he waspowerless! He raved and cursed in impotent rage and despair while asudden gust swept the pool and sent it surging over the brim, and aslender cypress that stood hard by rustled and shivered as though interror. And as he stood there, he suddenly saw the old Court Chamberlainbefore him, holding in one hand his silken cap and in the other a swordand belt. 

"Sire, Sire!" he stammered, "that accursed beast! It is bearing her offto Drachenstolz! But you may save her yet!"

"Show me how to get there!" said Mirliflor fiercely. "If I can't saveher I can at least die with her. But those two devils shall pay for itfirst!"

"Follow me, " said the Baron, giving him the sword and, followed byMirliflor, he ran at a very creditable speed for his years in thedirection of the Palace. 

 * * * * *

A little before noon that morning the Royal Family had collected on oneof the terraces. King Sidney was pacing up and down engaged in privateand apparently important conversation with the Crown Prince. The Courtas usual kept a respectful distance and chattered and gossiped inwhispers. The Princess Royal and Princess Ruby were sitting at a jadetable playing the game that resembled Halma, while the Queen wasconfiding her maternal anxieties to the Court Chamberlain's sympatheticear. 

"To tell you the truth, Baron, " she confessed, "I've not been at allhappy lately about Princess Edna. She _says_ nothing, but I can seeshe's fretting over Prince Mirliflor's silence. I hear he hasn't beenseen at Clairdelune lately--taken his dismissal so much to heart thathe can't appear in public, I suppose. But surely if he meant to tryagain he would have done so before this!"

The worthy Baron was too faithful a servant to refrain from sayingsomething to reassure his Royal mistress, though a salutary recollectionof Mirliflor's warning made him careful not to say too much. 

"I can assure your Majesty from my own personal knowledge, " he replied, "that his Royal Highness has by no means given up his intention ofrenewing his addresses to the Princess Edna. "

"Then why _doesn't_ he? There's nothing to prevent him--now. "

"That, Madam, " said the Baron importantly, "I am not at liberty toexplain" (as a matter of fact he had no idea why Mirliflor wasconducting his courtship in so eccentric a manner), "but I may say Ihave reason to know that at this very moment he may be nearer the Palacethan is generally supposed. "

"Really?" cried the Queen. "I must go and tell dear Edna that. It willcheer her up. "

"I must beg of your Majesty to treat it as strictly confidential for thepresent, " said the Baron hastily. "His Royal Highness prefers to takethe Princess by surprise. "

"What a dear romantic person he is!" said Queen Selina. "Then, ofcourse, he must be humoured and I'll say nothing. But I'm so glad youtold me, Baron. It's taken _such_ a load off my mind!"

"Well, " the King was telling Clarence, "those are old Goldenbergenland'sterms. If you'll marry his daughter, Princess Popanza, he'll let us haveall the gold we want; if you refuse, he won't even advance us a ducat. Couldn't you see your way to--to meeting him, my boy?"

"Nothing doing!" said Clarence very decidedly. "Why, Hansmeinigel wastelling me the other day she's humpbacked, with a squint or something. Icouldn't take it on--even if, " he added gloomily, "there weren't _other_reasons to prevent me. "

"Then, " said his father, "I don't know how we're to get a fresh supplyof gold--the mine's stopped working, and the confounded Council won't doanything for us. "

"What's the matter with selling a few jewels?" suggested Clarence, ashis eye fell on the Halma board in passing, "they must be worth a lot. "

"Not here. Too common. The people think they're of no value except tokings and queens. Nothing but gold will go down in these parts. So yousee, my boy, that unless you can bring yourself to----"

"I say, Guv'nor, " interrupted Clarence, who seemed to welcome adistraction just then. "Look over there. That beggar Rubenfresser haslet loose that poisonous dragon of his! Infernal cheek!"

"He was expressly told to keep it under control, " said the King. "Mostirregular!"

"It's not only loose, " said Clarence, "but it's coming straight overhere. "

Ruby had seen it too, and sprang up delighted. "Look!" she cried, "there's darling Tützi! He's got away from his horrid master--and nowhe's coming to live with _us_! I _must_ get some cake for him!" and shedarted into the Palace. 

"I'll go and tell those sentry-johnnies to take a pot at it, " saidClarence, as he went down to a lower terrace, where the Palace sentinelswere on duty. By the time he returned with them Tützi was almostoverhead, his great wings beating with a resonant leathery clang as heflew round in ever descending circles, stretching his scaled neck andhorny head in deliberate quest, until he was so low that the sunlitchalcedony slabs shed a reflected glare on his great burnished belly. "Now blaze away at it, can't you!" shouted Clarence to the sentinels, who appeared to have some difficulty in loading their antiquated pieces. "You mustn't shoot Tützi!" cried Ruby, running out at that moment with aheavily gilded slice of gingerhead, "he's only come for some cake!"

"Don't encourage the thing!" said the King, dragging her back. "Getaway, you brute! Go home, Sir!"

As he spoke the monster made a sudden downward swoop at Edna, and, witha deftness that was quite extraordinary, hooked one of its steely clawsin her girdle and soared rapidly aloft with her. It was fortunate thatthe belt, which was of stout jewel-studded leather, was able to sustainher weight. 

"Stop firing, you fools!" yelled Clarence, as the sentinels opened awild fusillade. "You'll only hit _her_!"

And, even if their bullets could have pierced the dragon's plated hide, it was soon out of range. 

"It's carrying her off to that wretch!" screamed the distracted Queen. "Is there _nothing_ we can do?"

"One thing, your Majesty, " said the Baron eagerly. "Offer the Princessin marriage to anyone who will rescue her. It's the usual course!"

"To--to _anyone_?" repeated Queen Selina in despair. "Oh, Baron--_must_we?"

"You can safely do so, Madam, " he whispered. "Mirliflor will be theman--and I know where to find him. " And with this he rushed off first tohis own chamber, then to the Crown Prince's apartments, and finally tothe gardens in search of Giroflé. 

"Sidney, " said the Queen, "tell the heralds to proclaim that we willgive our poor darling to anyone who succeeds in delivering her. .. . Don'targue about it--do as I tell you!" which King Sidney did. 

As for the Court, they were too paralysed by so unexpected a calamity tobe of the least assistance. The ladies-in-waiting were all in floods oftears, distressed, not only by the awful fate that had overtaken"Princess Four-eyes, " but by the painful reflection that any one of themmight be the dragon's next victim. 

"This couldn't have happened except in a place like this!" declared theQueen, now on the verge of hysteria. "And why it should have beenpermitted to happen to US!--It _wouldn't_ have, Sidney, if you had onlyhad the sense to insist on that thing being destroyed! But youdidn't--and this is the result!"

"My love, " said the King, "you forget. The poor girl herself insisted onits being spared. It--it's most unfortunate!"

And it certainly was. 

CHAPTER XVII

THE REWARD OF VALOUR

If the Fairy Vogelflug could only have known that it was Edna and notDaphne who was really in danger from the dragon, she would have beencomparatively calm. But since she did not know this, she was, as hasbeen already stated, entirely unnerved for a time. 

Fortunately--or at least she thought it fortunate then, --just before thecreature was near enough to detect them, the long-forgotten words thatformed the spell recurred to her memory. It was a spell that wasadmirably adapted to enable any fugitive to escape discovery, but shehad never had occasion to use it before, and to perform it required anamount of mental concentration from which, in ordinary circumstances, she would have shrunk. Now she must act at once or they would bothperish, and so she gabbled the necessary incantations, till, though theeffort took a great deal out of her, she eventually succeeded inchanging Daphne into a tall and slender cypress, and herself into acircular pool in a marble basin--a double transformation which wascalculated to deceive the most observant and intelligent dragon. But, changed as she was, Daphne remained perfectly conscious of her ownidentity and aware of all that was happening. At first she was muchimpressed by the Court Godmother's ingenuity and presence of mind, butas time went on, and the dragon, instead of searching for them, seemedto have swerved away towards the Palace, she began to wonder whetherthere had been any real need for such excessive precautions. 

And then Giroflé appeared, and she gathered from his despair what musthave happened to the ill-fated Edna, and that he was under the erroneousimpression that she herself was the victim. Surely now the moment hadcome for the Fairy to reverse the spell--but, except that the surface ofthe pool was becoming violently disturbed, she made no sign. Daphnetried by rustling all her branches to attract his attention and assurehim of her safety, but naturally failed. Even when the Court Chamberlainarrived and Giroflé had rushed away with him, she was forced to staybehind as an apparent cypress, while the Fairy still retained thesemblance of a more and more agitated pool. Daphne's uneasiness andanxiety would have been even greater, but for the fact that the reasonfor this agitation was mercifully hidden from her. The truth was thatone of those accidents had happened which are not infrequent withpersons who only occasionally practise the Magic Art. The Fairy hadimpulsively pronounced the spell that accomplished the transformationwithout waiting to recall the precise formula that was needed to regainher normal appearance, and for several agonising minutes the vitallyimportant words persisted in evading her. To Daphne it seemed an agebefore the marble rim began to contract and the pool dry up, andpresently, to her unspeakable relief, all trace of pool and basindisappeared, and in their place stood the Fairy Godmother in a sadlyshaken and exhausted condition. She had strength enough, however, torestore Daphne, which she did with many groans. "I've been trying to dothis for the last quarter of an hour, child, " she panted. "I wasbeginning to think I'd forgotten the spell altogether. And now he's goneoff on a fool's errand to rescue _you_! But I may still be in time tostop him!"

"You won't stop Giroflé!" declared Daphne. "He will try to rescue Edna, just as he would me. And if it can be done he'll do it. I can't bear hisgoing, Godmother--and yet I hope I shouldn't prevent him, even if Icould!"

"He can't do anything!" said the Fairy. "He couldn't even get into theCastle, and he won't be so mad as to attempt it. Go you to the Pavilion, and stay there till I can find out what that old fool of a Baron isabout with him. "

Daphne obeyed. She would not deter Giroflé, but to encourage him in hisdesperate errand was more than she was equal to just then. The CourtGodmother hitched up her quilted skirts, and went off at a hobbling runin the direction of the Palace Gardens. 

 * * * * *

The Baron had led Mirliflor through the Gardens, and then round to aCourtyard at the back of the Palace in which stood a massive round towerpierced with many pigeon-holes. Here he brought out a small shell-shapedcar on two wheels, and at his whistle a flock of white doves fluttereddown from the tower, and permitted him to attach them by collars andtraces to the car. "The most gracious the Court Godmother is nowhere tobe found, " he explained as he did so, "but assuredly she would notgrudge lending her car for such a purpose as yours, since by no othermeans could you hope to get over the walls of Drachenstolz. Once withinthem you will find the sword of inestimable service, and I doubt notthat you will wield it to better effect than would its owner. I wouldwillingly lend you this, " he added, fingering the cap, "only maybe yourRoyal Highness would not deign to employ means which I understood youare pleased to consider discreditable?"

"Don't be an ass, Baron!" said Mirliflor, seizing the cap and steppinginto the car. "Where _her_ life is at stake I have no scruples in usinganything whatever. But I've no experience in driving doves--how do Iguide them?"

"They need no guidance, Sire. You have but to utter the words 'ToDrachenstolz, ' and they will carry you straight to the Castle and setyou down within its walls. God speed you!" cried the Court Chamberlain, as the Prince gave the direction, and the birds ascended with the car. "Heaven grant you bring back your Princess unharmed!"

"Heaven grant I reach her in time!" came the answer from thedove-chariot, which, after making a few preliminary circles, flew away, to all appearances unoccupied. 

It had scarcely disappeared when the Court Godmother arrived on thescene. "Where is Giroflé?" she demanded breathlessly. 

"His Royal Highness Prince Mirliflor of Clairdelune, " replied the Baron, "has just departed for Drachenstolz in the dove-car, which I knew youwould wish to be at his disposal. "

"And pray, " said the old Fairy, "what made you think I should wish himto throw away his life for Princess Edna?"

"He will not fail to rescue her, never fear, Madam. No Prince ever_does_ fail in these enterprises. And if he succeeds--he need no longerhesitate to disclose himself, for you will be gratified to hear thathis Majesty has promised the Princess's hand to the person who mayaccomplish her rescue. At, " added the Baron proudly, "my ownsuggestion. "

"Oh, indeed?" retorted the Fairy. "Then it is high time you knewwhat kind of a Royal Family you have given to Märchenland!" And ina few sharp sentences she let him know the truth about the pendantwhich he had so rashly accepted as all-sufficient proof of Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's title to the throne. 

The poor Baron was aghast at the information, and still more when heheard who was really entitled to the crown. "The Lady Daphne!" he cried. "But she has been sent away to that far country--and who knows where shemay be now!"

"She is here still, and under my protection, " said the Court Godmother. "In her own interests I had determined to keep silent as to her claims, and planned that Mirliflor should win her under the form I made himassume. All had fallen out as I expected--I had just arranged to carrythem both off to Clairdelune, and leave these usurpers in possession foras long as the Country would endure them--when you blunder in, like themeddlesome idiot you are, Baron, and upset everything!"

"I have been blind indeed!" he confessed. "A traitor when I thoughtmyself most loyal! Tell me, most Gracious Court Godmother, how I maybest repair my error?"

"You _can't_ repair it without making more mischief, " she said. "Theonly thing you can do _now_ is to hold your tongue about it, as I shalldo myself unless I am obliged to speak out. And now we had better goand see what this precious King and Queen of yours are doing, andremember, Baron, your own safety will depend on your preserving absolutesecrecy as to all the matters I have found it necessary to acquaint youwith. "

 * * * * *

On the terrace meanwhile Queen Selina had implored the Marshal to dosomething--anything--towards the rescue of her elder daughter. He wasnot sanguine; "We could raise a force, your Majesty, " he said, "to rideto Drachenstolz and assault the Castle walls, --but it would be quiteimpossible to take it by storm, even if that dragon were not among itsdefenders. "

"We'll have a try anyway, " said Clarence gallantly. "Come on, youchaps--get into your fighting kit, " he cried to the Courtiers. "And twoof you boys, " he added to the pages, "just run and fetch me a helmet andbreastplate and things--and bring me down a sword you'll find in my roomsomewhere. I shouldn't mind tackling even a dragon with that sword, " headded to his mother, as the Courtiers and pages ran into the Palace. "Itgoes clean through anything. "

But the pages, when they returned with the breastplate and helmet andriding-boots, reported that the sword was nowhere to be found, soClarence had to content himself with a more ordinary weapon. At the lastmoment the Queen tried to detain him. "No, Clarence!" she cried, "youmustn't go. Your life is too valuable to be risked--there are enoughgoing without _you_! Stay here--if only to protect us!"

"Hang it all, Mater!" he said, "you can't expect me to stay here andhave them saying I shirked!" And he went off to the stables with theMarshal and other members of the Court. 

"It'll be no good!" groaned King Sidney. "It's as likely as not thatbeast has eaten the poor girl by this time!"

"I can't believe anything quite so horrible as that has happened, Sidney, " cried the Queen. "It has only delivered her into that wretch'spower--which is quite horrible enough! But there's hope still. The Baronsays Prince Mirliflor is quite near here--and he's sending him to rescueher. And a real prince like dear Mirliflor _ought_ to be a match forthat miserable Rubenfresser and his dragon too!"

"If he could get at them he might be, " said the King lugubriously; "butthat's just what he can't do!"

 * * * * *

On finding herself borne swiftly through the air by a dragon, Edna haddone what was the correct thing to do in the circumstances--she hadpromptly fainted. She opened her eyes to find that she had beendeposited uninjured, on a truss of straw in a Courtyard. On her rightwas the massive front of Castle Drachenstolz; before her were its loftywalls and the grim towers that flanked its heavy gate; to the left werethe stables, from the windows of which some of the black carriage horseslooked out, their wrinkled lips exposing their long yellow teeth inghastly grins. Some distance away the owner of the Castle was caressingthe dragon, which lay with its huge wings compactly folded, giving itsunconscious imitation of a tremendously powerful dynamo. On perceivingthat she had returned to consciousness the Count came towards her, followed by the ex-Astrologer Royal, who was smirking and rubbing hishands. 

"I couldn't do without you, " began the Count by way of explanation, "soas I couldn't come myself I sent Tützi for you. "

Edna resolved to bear herself with all the dignity of a Queen'sdaughter. She sat up and felt for her _pince-nez_, and, discovering thatit was intact, she adjusted it on her nose. "Considering, " she said, "that all is at an end between us, you had no right whatever to sendyour dragon to bring me here. It was a thing that no _gentleman_ wouldhave done!"

"Wouldn't that great and learned gentleman you told me of--the one whosename I always forget--have done it?" he inquired. 

"Nietzsche, " said Edna, instructively superior even in such a crisis;"most certainly not. Even if he had _owned_ a dragon!"

"You told me he did, " he insisted; "a great meta-something dragon thattalked and said, 'Thou shalt not. ' But if he wouldn't send _his_ dragonfor anybody, he would approve of my sending mine for _you_, because Iwas doing as he advised, and acting exactly as I thought fit. "

She realised the hopelessness of reasoning with him. "You thought fit toact most improperly, " she said severely, "and you will gain nothing _by_it, you know!"

"Oh, yes I shall, " he said, "or I shouldn't have done it. "

"You are quite mistaken, " she assured him, "if you are imagining I shallever consent to renew our engagement now I know what you _are_. "

"I'm what you wanted me to be, " he said, "a Superman. "

"You're not, you're an--an Ogre. I couldn't possibly bring myself tobecome an Ogress!"

"You wouldn't make much of an Ogress, " he said dispassionately. "Youhaven't the build for it. But I'm not an Ogre even yet. It's not _my_fault. I meant to begin with those pages of yours--but you all seemed tohave some ridiculous objections. Then I've sent Tützi out to forage andpick up a small child or two, but the peasants round here are so selfishand unneighbourly that they never give him the chance--actually shuttingall the children up indoors!"

"What else can you _expect_?" she demanded indignantly. "Surelyyour--your better self must see that even to _attempt_ to devour poorhelpless children is--is too perfectly disgusting for words!"

"It's disgusting when one doesn't succeed, " he admitted; "I see nothingin it to object to myself. Of course the average man may, but you'vetaught me what to think of _his_ opinions. "

"You entirely misunderstand me, " said Edna. "But I've no wish to discusssuch subjects with you now--I insist on your allowing me to go home atonce. "

"Before I do that, " he said, "you must write a letter on my behalf toyour parents. "

"I don't mind asking them to overlook the way you have treated me, andassuring them that you regret it and will behave yourself properly forthe future, " conceded Edna, "if you mean _that_. "

"I _don't_ mean that, " he said; "I don't _want_ to behave properly--what_they_ would call properly. I want to lead a fuller life than I canwhile I'm cooped up in my own Castle. You see, it's no good having theWill to Power if you're not allowed any opportunities of exercising it. And I'm not, with guards stationed all round my walk to see that I don'tget out. I might set Tützi at them, it's true, but he is the only dragonI've got, and it would be very annoying if they hurt the poor thing. Soyou must get the King to send me free permission to go wherever I chooseand do whatever I like. Then I can make a start as an Ogre. At presentI'm hampered at every turn!"

"Father and Mother, " said Edna, "wouldn't hear of setting you free forsuch wickedness as that. It would be contrary to all their principles. "

"What I think you called 'Slave-morality, ' eh?" he said. "But youneedn't tell them _why_ I want to get out. Besides, I've _other_reasons. My carriage horses want airing, and I should like to drop in tolunch at the Palace now and then, as I used to. Not as your betrothed, you know--that's all over--but just as a friend of the family. I alwaysenjoyed my meals at the Palace. "

"Oh!" gasped Edna, "I'm sure, quite sure, they would never consent toreceive you again. How _could_ they?"

"They would, " he said, "if you told them what would be the consequencesif they didn't. "

"And--and--what _will_ the consequences be?" inquired Edna. 

"Well, " he replied darkly, "poor Tützi will never reach his full growthon his present diet. I fancy he would rather relish a change. "

"You _couldn't_ see me--me you were once engaged to--devoured by yourhorrible dragon!" she cried. 

"Why not?" he asked cheerfully. "I am great enough now to be able tobear the sight of others' pain, as your learned What's-his-name said Iought to be. "

"Listen, " said the unhappy Edna. "If--if I write this letter will youpromise me, on your sacred word of honour, to become a vegetarian at_once_?"

"Certainly, " he said. "It won't _bind_ me, you know. You might put inthe letter that I've promised to. Rather a good touch! Now go and writeit at once, and I'll send Tützi over with it. You can say, 'Please sendanswer by bearer!' Xuriel, show the Princess to a chamber and provideher with writing materials. "

"If your Royal Highness will graciously come this way, " said thedespicable Xuriel, bowing low. Poor Edna had to follow him up a steepoutside staircase to a gloomy room where deep-set windows commanded aview of the Courtyard below. He found some sheets of parchment and areed pen, and lent her the inkhorn from his own girdle. As he wasdepositing these on a great oaken table, he glanced out of the windowand gave a high cackling laugh. 

"I fear my venerable and respected friend the worthy Court Godmothermust have met with some mishap, " he sniggered. "For see, Princess, herdove-chariot has just descended, _without_ its Gracious occupant, on theroof of the bastion! Hee-hee! I trust--I sincerely trust that Tützi maynot so far forget himself as to snap up any of those dear little doves!"

And, so saying, he hurried to the Courtyard. Edna was naturallyconcerned at any possible accident to the Court Godmother or her doves, but her letter had to be written, and it was not at all an easy letterto write. She got as far as: "Dear Father and Mother, --You will berelieved to hear that I am, so far, unhurt. But"--and there she stuck. It was really _very_ difficult to find any plausible wording for theOgre's preposterous terms. 

Xuriel had rejoined his patron, and both were watching Tützi withinterest. He had already become aware of the doves and reared his headabove the level of the bastion roof, where they were strutting aboutunsuspicious of danger. His hideous lidless eyes regarded them intently, with a view to selecting the plumpest bird. 

"Those pigeons will be quite a treat for poor Tützi, " remarked CountRubenfresser. "But what is that thing flashing there on the roof? Thereit is again! Can't you see it?"

Xuriel looked, and saw a thin scintillating ray of light which shiftedcapriciously from place to place. "It is the blade of a sword!" he said. "More--it is the blade of the enchanted sword I sold to PrinceClarence. "

"Fool!" said the Count, "how can any sword be there with no hand towield it?"

"The Crown Prince is wielding it, " replied Xuriel. "He is renderedinvisible by the magic cap I made for the Court Chamberlain!"

"You had no business to make such things, " returned the Count, "theywere very properly forbidden. But Tützi will very soon----"

Before he could say more there was another flash--a sweeping circle oflight--and Tützi's head flew from his neck, which sent up a column ofblood. 

"The wretch!" shrieked the Count, "the cruel, cold-blooded wretch, he'skilled my Tützi!"

"It will be _our_ turn next!" cried the little Astrologer Royal, tooterrified to stir. 

"Help!" the Count bawled, "we are attacked! Where _are_ you all?" A fewretainers had run out to various doorways at his summons, but when theysaw the dragon's great body rolling convulsively round the Courtyard, its hooked wings thrashing up the cobblestones, while its head boundedindependently about, barking and snapping like a mad dog, they veryprudently withdrew. 

Xuriel had recovered strength to run, but he had not gone far before thehead, probably quite automatically, seized his right calf and broughthim down. There was another sharp glint of light--and his body washeadless, like the dragon's. What with the endeavour to avoid Tützi'shead, and Tützi's body, and the terrible sword flashes, all at once, theCount was kept pretty busy for the next minute or so. He rushed, leapingand yelling, roaring and dodging, from side to side and corner tocorner, and then made a frantic bolt for the outer staircase, but he hadonly got half-way up when his head fell with a splash into a water-buttbelow, while his body slid down to the bottom of the steps, where it layin a limp crumpled heap. 

The noise of all these proceedings was not exactly conducive to literarycomposition, and Princess Edna had already been obliged to abandon herletter. In fact she had begun to realise that it would no longer benecessary to finish it. Her brother, she thought, had come to herdeliverance with a promptness and energy which she would really havehardly expected of him. She put on her _pince-nez_ again, and went outto the head of the staircase. "Clarence!" she called, "where _are_ you?"

She was immensely surprised to encounter a plain young man in homelycostume whom she had certainly never seen before. Mirliflor, who hadjust removed his cap and was springing up the steps in search of Daphne, was at least equally surprised at finding Edna. 

"_You_ here, Princess!" he cried breathlessly, "Tell me! Is--is Daphnesafe?"

"If you refer to Miss Heritage, " replied Edna, "I have not seen her forweeks, but I have no reason for believing that she is _not_ safe--inEngland. "

"Then, " he said blankly, "the dragon carried off _you_--not _her_?"

"I should have thought that fairly obvious, " said Edna frigidly. "Youhave evidently rescued me under a misapprehension, though, of course, Iam just as much indebted to you. And I shall be glad to know who youare. In answering, kindly address me as 'Your Royal Highness. ' It ismore correct. "

This was highly embarrassing, he thought, though he felt thankful thathis Godmother had not had time to make him recognisable. "My name, yourRoyal Highness, " he replied, "is Giroflé. I have the honour to be one ofhis Majesty's under-gardeners. "

"Oh, " said Edna, "one of _them_? Really. Well, you have behaved mostcreditably--very creditably indeed. I really don't know _what_ mightn'thave happened if you hadn't arrived just then. I have never been in sucha trying situation before. And, even as it is, " she added, "theredoesn't seem to be any means of getting _out_ of this odious place. "

By this time Tützi's death-throes were over; his body lay extended halfacross the Courtyard, while the head, after having bitten one or two ofthe carriage horses rather severely, had also ceased from troubling. "Perhaps, " said Mirliflor, "your Royal Highness will condescend to makeuse of the dove-car which brought me here? It will carry you back insafety to the Palace. "

"It looks rather tit-uppy, " said Edna, as the doves flew down with it athis call. "And it only holds one. How are you going to get awayyourself?"

"I shall order some of those varlets to open the gate, " he said, "andthey will be wise to obey. "

"Clarence's sword _is_ a great help!" said Edna. "Then--_you_ will beall right. And you may be sure that his Majesty will pay you a suitablereward. "

"The satisfaction of having been of any service to your Royal Highness, "he said, "is reward enough in itself. "

"Oh, but that's such a _pose_!" said Edna. "Of _course_ you expect to bepaid for it!. .. And you will be. Must I tell these birds where to takeme?. .. I _see_. Then--Home, please!"

And the doves, glad to escape from such uncongenial surroundings, whirred upwards with the car and, after a few tentative circles, took itclear over the battlements. 

As for the retainers, they waited for no order to unbar the gate forMirliflor, being all eagerness to facilitate his departure. He strodeunconcernedly out, and, finding a party of the Royal guard outside, heinformed them that they would find one or two severed heads within ifthey cared to collect them, and then, borrowing a charger, he gallopedoff to Eswareinmal, impatient to know what had befallen Daphne. 

On the Palace terrace there had been a period of painful surprise. TheCrown Prince was the first of the rescue party to return. He would havemuch preferred to do so by a back way, but, perceiving that he had beenobserved, took the manlier course. "Clarence!" shrieked the Queen as helimped up with his breastplate and hose covered with mire, a bent swordand badly dinted helmet, "is she saved?"

"Couldn't tell you, Mater, " he replied heavily. "I've done all I could, and so--and so I came back. "

"He's wounded!" cried Ruby tearfully. "Oh, Clarence, was it that horridTützi?" for she was effectually disillusioned at last. 

"No, Kiddie, no, " he said, "_I'm_ all right. Took a bit of a toss, that's all. "

"My poor boy, " said his mother, "was it at the Castle? Did the thingattack you?"

"I never _got_ to the Castle, " he replied, "only about half-way. It waslike this. That bally pendant you made me wear, Mater, got unfastenedsomehow, slipped down inside my breastplate and was hurting like thevery deuce. So I got off and unbuckled a bit and pitched it away. When Igot on again the horse was all over the shop with me in a jiffy. Couldn't hold him for toffee! And, before I knew it, I was over thebrute's head. I tried to mount again, but he wouldn't let me. I triedsome other gees, and none of _them_ would. Somehow I seemed to have lostthe knack all at once. So, after I'd come off once or twice more and wasgetting a trifle lame, I thought the best thing I could do was to leg ithome. "

"Hem!" said his Father. "Rather unfortunate thing to happen just _now_, my boy!"

"Well, Guv'nor, " he replied, "I should never have got there in time, walking. "

"You were quite right to come back, Clarence, " said his Mother, "And--oh, look, look!" she cried suddenly, "our darling is safe afterall! She's coming back in the dove-car!"

The car landed shortly after on the terrace, and Edna was franticallyembraced and plied with questions. "I am _quite_ all right, thank you, "she said as soon as she had an opportunity of speaking. "Of course itwas a most disagreeable thing to happen to one, and I don't feel equalto talking about it just yet--but I am very little the worse for itnow. "

"But how did you get that awful man to let you go?" inquired the Queen. 

"He couldn't very well help himself--his head had been cut off. So hadthe dragon's, and that abominable little wretch Xuriel's too. "

By this time not only the Marshal but the Court Godmother and theChamberlain had joined the party. 

"But who was brave enough to do all this?" asked the Queen. "Though Ithink I can _guess_!"

"I fancy he said he was one of the under-gardeners here. Of course hecouldn't have done it without Clarence's sword, but still----"

"I never lent him it, " said Clarence. "If _I'd_ had it--however, perhapsit's as well he _did_ borrow it. Jolly plucky of the beggar, I call it!"

"He behaved extremely well, " Edna admitted. "You will have to reward himor something, Father. "

"His Majesty, " said the Marshal, with a certain gusto, "has alreadyoffered your Royal Highness's hand in marriage to whomsoever should beso fortunate as to effect your deliverance. "

"Without consulting Me!" cried Edna. "_Really_, Father, these thingsaren't done nowadays! It's too absurd!"

"My love, " said the Queen with a glance of secret intelligence at theembarrassed Baron, who looked another way, "the circumstances wereexceptional. And a King can't go back on his _word_! Besides, thisex-gardener may be not such a common person as he _seems_--may he not, Baron?"

"But, dash it, Mater!" said Clarence, while the Baron could only blink, "an under-gardener--what!"

"I'm bound to say--" began the King, when the Queen interrupted:

"You are bound to say that you'll keep your promise, Sidney, and that isenough till the dear fellow comes to claim his reward. "

It was the Marshal whose superfluous zeal led him to order Giroflé to bestopped and brought into the Royal presence as soon as he arrived at thePalace. 

The Royal Family, with the Court Godmother, the Baron, and other membersof the Household, had assembled in the Throne Room when the Marshalentered, leading the reluctant Giroflé, acutely conscious of looking hisvery worst. After him came some men-at-arms, who carried the dragon'sstill terrific head, with those of the Count and Xuriel, as trophies ofthe hero's exploit. 

They caused a general but by no means unpleasant shudder to run throughthe beholders. 

"Your Majesties, " said the ex-Regent, "I have the honour to present thegallant youth who has nobly earned even such a prize as the hand of herRoyal Highness. "

"But--but, " stammered Queen Selina, "this isn't--there's not the least_resemblance_! Baron, Baron, what did you mean by telling me that thePrince----?"

"I--I must have been misinformed, your Majesty, " said the CourtChamberlain, having no better explanation to offer. 

"You should be more careful about what you tell _Us_, Baron, " said theQueen. "And, really, there was no need to bring those dreadful headsinto our Throne Room, making all that horrible mess! It's a piece of badtaste which, perhaps--in an under gardener--please have them removeddirectly. Well, young man, " she continued to the indignant Mirliflor, who, it need not be said, had nothing to do with the gruesomeintroduction of the heads, "I'm sure we are all very much obliged toyou--very much obliged indeed. If you hadn't come forward as you did, it's dreadful to think what might have happened. And, though it seemsyou _did_ take the liberty of borrowing the Crown Prince's sword withoutpermission, we are the last to blame you for that. We think you areentitled to be very handsomely rewarded. But if you're expecting ourdaughter, the Princess Edna's hand, I think your own good sense----"

"Yes, yes, " said the King; "mustn't open your mouth _too_ wide, youknow. There's a limit to all things! And a round sum of money with whichyou could start in business and marry some nice little woman in your ownclass of life would be far more _useful_ to you. "

"I ask for no reward, " said Giroflé. "And the hand of a Princess is anhonour to which I do not aspire, since I am already affianced!"

"That, " replied the Queen, "is very satisfactory. We shall certainlysend the young person a wedding-present. Who _is_ she? One of the Royalkitchen-maids, I presume?"

"She was in your Majesty's service as a lady-in-waiting, " he said, "andher name is Daphne. "

"Oh, " said Queen Selina. "Really? Miss Heritage? Well, you are to becongratulated, I'm sure. "

"But, Mater, " said Clarence, "it can't be _her_! I thought you'd had hersent home?"

"I had made arrangements for her return, Clarence, but it seems to havebeen postponed for some reason--luckily, as things have turned out. Shehas been given rooms in a pavilion behind the Palace Gardens, where nodoubt she managed to become acquainted with this young man. "

"And he may take it, " said the Fairy, "that the Lady Daphne is atliberty to depart with him at once?"

"Certainly, " said the Queen. "It is hardly, perhaps--but Miss Heritageis no doubt right in accepting the first offer she receives. "

"Quite, " said Princess Edna, "though it seems odd--even for aGoverness--to think of marrying a gardener! But I'm sure I wish her_every_ happiness. "

There is no doubt that the Court Godmother should have been content withthis, but her anger and disgust were too much for her discretion. Shecould not resist the temptation to humiliate and confound these upstartsby a sensational stroke, whatever it cost her. 

"Perhaps, " she said, "the Lady Daphne has made a wiser choice than anyof you may imagine. " With this, after muttering an incantation, shetouched Giroflé with her crutch-handled staff, and in his stead PrinceMirliflor stood revealed in rich and splendid attire before them all. 

The Queen was electrified for a moment, as were Edna and most present. But as soon as the shock had passed she cried: "This _is_ a surprise!But, my _dear_ Prince Mirliflor, why--_why_ didn't you tell us who youwere before? You see, we couldn't possibly----!"

"It was really too naughty of you to play us such a trick, Prince!" saidEdna, "when, as you might have known----!"

"Never mind!" purred the Queen, "we'll forgive him--won't we, Edna?"

"Of course you only said that about Miss Heritage to tease us?" saidEdna, who really believed it was so. 

"I said but the truth, Princess, " he replied. "She has promised to be mywife. "

"And the match, " put in the triumphant Fairy, addressing Queen Selina, "already has your sanction!"

"Oh, " said the Queen, "but that was before--I think, " she went on with aforced smile of much sweetness--"I think you and I, my dear CourtGodmother, must have a little talk over this in private before I canmake up my mind _what_ I ought to do. Perhaps you will be kind enough tofollow me to my Cabinet? Excuse my deserting you for a little while, mydear Mirliflor. I shall leave you to Edna, who, I know, is dying toexpress all the gratitude and admiration she feels. "

And she swept with great stateliness out of the Throne Room towards herCabinet, the Court Godmother following with a presentiment that her petscheme was about to encounter some opposition, and no very definite ideahow to meet it. 

But that it must and should be overcome somehow she was thoroughlydetermined. 

It should be mentioned here that, shortly after his transformation, Mirliflor found inside his rich doublet something which proved to be theChamberlain's cap. He was about to return it, but the Baron showed solittle desire to receive his property in public that the Prince decidedto keep it until a better opportunity presented itself. And then heforgot all about it, for which, as things turned out, both had reason tobe thankful afterwards. 

CHAPTER XVIII

A PREVIOUS ENGAGEMENT

"Well, my dear Court Godmother, " began the Queen, as she sank on anivory and cloth-of-gold settee in her private Cabinet, and cooled hersomewhat heated face with a jewelled ostrich-feathered fan, "I hadbetter tell you frankly that I think both you and that designing littleadventuress have behaved in a very underhand way in this business--a waythat I naturally resent. Mirliflor, as you very well know, came here ondarling Edna's account, and you deliberately threw that Miss Heritage inhis way--I haven't the least doubt you told her who he really was!"

"That, " said the Fairy, "is just what I did _not_ do. It was part of thetest I put to her. She still has no idea that he is more than astudent. "

"Well, you egged her on to set her cap at him, and if he cares for herat all it can be no more than a passing fancy. I cannot be a party toletting the poor, dear young fellow be entrapped into a _mésalliance_ toplease you, and I shall see that she is sent back to England at once, as, but for you, she would have been long before this. "

"I don't want to lose my temper with you if I can help it, " said theFairy, with an ominous flush on her peaked old nose, "because I've beenthrough a good deal as it is this morning, and I'm feeling very farfrom well in consequence. But you had better understand that Lady Daphneis not going to be sent back to England--she is going with Mirliflor andme to Clairdelune, and we shall start immediately. "

"_You_ are at liberty to go where you please, but Miss Heritage willcertainly not leave the Palace except to return to her own country. "

"And I tell you I intend to take her to Clairdelune with me, and you arepowerless to prevent it. "

"Indeed?" said the Queen, in high wrath. "Answer me this: Am I Queen ofMärchenland, or am I not?"

"You are _not_!" retorted the Fairy, before she could prevent herself, for the opening was really too tempting. She had not meant to go so far, but, having started, she proceeded to enlighten the Queen as to hertitle, and the very slender evidence on which it was based. 

"I don't believe a single word of it!" declared Queen Selina, asdefiantly as if this were the fact. "It's a wicked plot to set up my owngoverness as a pretender, but there's a very short way of settling_that_! I shall send for the Marshal"--and she made a movement towards ahandbell of exquisitely engraved crystal with a sapphire tongue. "Ishall tell him what you have dared to say, and have you and thatwretched girl arrested as traitors!"

The Fairy shook with mingled fury and fear, for she saw too late thatshe had made a wrong move. "Before you do that, listen to me, " she said. "All I have said is true, and you know it is true, but it was you whoforced me to say it, and I am willing to be silent so long as you permitme to convey Lady Daphne to Clairdelune. As she has no suspicion of herclaims to the throne, you need have no fear that she will assert them. "

"I can't trust either of you--you are much too dangerous, " said theQueen, and she rang the bell. 

"You had better take my warning, " said the Fairy, her wrinkled mouthworking with passion. "Old as I am, I have some powers left that youlittle suspect. Scarce an hour ago I changed myself into a pool and LadyDaphne into a cypress" (she naturally omitted to add how narrowly theyhad escaped having to remain so indefinitely), "and by aid of the samespell I could transform you to a shape which--which you will discoverafter I have caused you to assume it. And it is a shape that you willnot _like_!"

"Pooh!" said the Queen, on whom the re-integration of the under-gardenerinto Mirliflor seemed to have left little impression. "Either you'retrying to frighten me or you're crazy. Whichever it is, you ought to beput under restraint--and I shall see to it that you are!"

"After that I'll do what I threatened!" snarled the Court Godmother. "Itmay kill me--but I don't care--I'll do it!" And she mouthed words ofmystic sound and import, though her jaw trembled so violently that shecould scarcely pronounce them. "Now, " she concluded, pointing her crutchat the Queen's breast, "become--become a----!"

But what the Queen was to become never transpired, for before theinfuriated Fairy could manage to name it her features suddenly becamecontorted, the stick fell from her hand, and she sank down in a heapjust as the attendants entered in answer to the Royal summons. 

"I'm afraid, " said Queen Selina, "that the Court Godmother has fainted. I daresay it's nothing serious, still one of you had better bring theRoyal Apothecary at once. Be careful to keep it from the Court, as Iwish to avoid unnecessary alarm. " The others endeavoured to restore theafflicted Fairy, but, though still alive, she was in some kind ofcataleptic condition which was beyond the ordinary remedies. The CourtApothecary arrived and applied blisters without result, and finally gaveit as his opinion that, while she might survive for some time, she wouldin all probability never speak again. 

So Queen Selina ordered her to be removed to her apartments, and thefact that she was indisposed to be suppressed for the present, afterwhich she left her Cabinet, feeling that Providence had been more thanusually judicious. Her next step was to send for the Marshal andinstruct him to remove Daphne from the Pavilion to a chamber in one ofthe Palace towers, where she was to remain a prisoner under hisguardianship. "It's only for a short time, Marshal, " she said. "And ofcourse you will see that Miss Heritage is made thoroughly comfortable. "

And then, the ground having been thus cleared, she returned to theThrone Room. "Just a moment or two, my dear Mirliflor, " she saidsuavely, "if Edna can spare you, " and she drew him aside. "Well, " shebegan, "I've been telling the dear old Court Godmother the difficulty Iam in. You see, I would willingly recognise this engagement ofyours--whatever I may _think_ about it--if I only _could_. But really, you know, I can't _possibly_ allow you to take Miss Heritage away untilI am satisfied that your dear Father approves of her as adaughter-in-law. As her employer I feel responsible for the poor girl. And, besides, he _might_ think I had _encouraged_ this match, and Ican't afford to put myself in such a false position as _that_!"

"But, " he objected, "my Godmother is going with us to Clairdelune, andshe will explain all. "

"She has altered her plans, " said the Queen, who was developing a quiteunsuspected talent for diplomacy. "To tell you the truth, I fancy she isgetting a little nervous about how King Tournesol may take what she hasdone. She feels--as I am afraid _I_ do--that it is wiser to keep dearMiss Heritage here under her own care till you have broken the news toyour Father and obtained his consent. "

"My Father is certain to consent, " said the Prince, "and if he didnot----"

"Oh, quite so--quite so--but both your Godmother and I consider that weought to wait till he _does_ consent. Of course, if you can bring us aletter from him stating that he approves, all will be well. I'm sure youmust quite understand that that is really as far as I _can_ go under thecircumstances. And, if you start at once, you will be back here again ina very few days, bringing, I hope, a favourable answer. We shall be mostpleased to lend you any horse you like in the Royal Stables. "

She was so plausible that poor Mirliflor, who, like most Fairy princes, was not very deeply versed in feminine wiles, was quite taken in. Hethought her lacking in distinction for a Queen, but well meaning. And itwas so like his Godmother to impose one more test on him. 

"I will set forth, then, " he said, "as soon as I have seen my Daphne andassured her of my speedy return. "

"I'm afraid, my dear Mirliflor, " said Queen Selina, "I'm _afraid_ youcan't see her before you go. "

"And why not?" he asked. 

"Well, you see, the dear Court Godmother--mistakenly, _I_ think--hastold her what a great person you really are, and Miss Heritage feelsthat she has not the right to see you again unless and until she canhear that she will be welcomed at your Father's Court. I said all Icould to show her that she need not be so over scrupulous as that, butshe is such an extremely sensitive girl, and feels her socialinferiority so acutely that nothing would persuade her to alter herresolution. You will only be distressing her by attempting it. "

He pleaded and argued as long as he could, but eventually he wasconvinced that it was in vain. And so, as he knew that Daphne would besafe under the Fairy's protection, he took his leave, and, choosing thebest horse in the Royal stud, set out on his journey to Clairdelune. Byso doing, he was only--little as he suspected it--giving his hostesstime to consider how she could best deal with the girl who, she nolonger doubted, was the rightful possessor of the throne. But then MissHeritage was not aware of her birthright, which seemed to suggest morethan one way of coping with the situation. 

After Queen Selina and her Royal Consort, with the Crown Prince and thePrincess Edna and Ruby, had waved their last adieus to the departingMirliflor, the Marshal approached Clarence. "Allow me, Sire, " he said, "to restore this jewel, which was picked up close to the spot where yourRoyal Highness's steed became so suddenly and unaccountablyunmanageable. "

Clarence reddened--for there was a covert sneer in the ex-Regent's tonewhich he did not like, while he was angrily conscious that it was quiteundeserved. "Oh thanks, Marshal, " he said as he took the pendant. "Isay, Mater, no wonder the bally thing slipped down--the clasp's wornout. Whoever you bought it from ought to have put it in proper repairbefore he sold it. Pity you can't send it back and make him mend it!"

"Do I understand, " inquired the Marshal of the Queen, "that your Majesty_bought_ this pendant?"

"Certainly not, " replied the Queen, flushing in her turn. "You'remistaken, Clarence--it--it has been in the family for years!"

"You're mixing it up with something else, Mater, " he said. "Don't youremember? You wore it for the first time that evening the Baron came tofetch us. And you told us you'd bought it out of old Uncle Wibberley'slegacy. I'm _sure_ I'm right!"

"That was a different ornament altogether, " said his mother; "but it'snot worth discussing. " Accordingly the subject was dropped, for thetime, at all events, though the Marshal did not forget it. His was not abrilliant intellect--brilliant intellects being rare in Märchenland--buthe had the faculty of putting two and two together, and inferring thatthe total was more likely to be about four than any other number. TheAstrologer Royal had predicted that the Queen would be discovered in acertain spot in England, and would be identified by being the possessorof Prince Chrysopras's jewel. But the Marshal was now satisfied that shewas the possessor by purchase only. The original owner--if Xuriel hadread the stars correctly--was in the same locality. Was it not possiblethat Lady Daphne might be that owner? If so, it would explain theQueen's motive for placing her under arrest. Marshal Federhelm resolvedto play a bold stroke. When in the course of his office he had next tovisit his prisoner, whom he made a point of treating with all courtesy, she begged him to tell her what fresh offence she had given that sheshould have been condemned to solitary imprisonment. 

"I know but this, " said the Marshal, "her Majesty is displeased atfinding that a certain jewel she purchased from you is of less valuethan she had been led to believe. "

"But, Marshal!" protested poor Daphne, naturally imagining that theQueen had been complaining to him of the transaction, "surely it's worthat _least_ thirty pounds! If it isn't, I'd willingly take it back andreturn the money. Only I can't--because I used it all to pay my bill. But I always thought that pendant was valuable, and, as it belonged tomy father, I would never have sold it at all if I hadn't been obliged. What do you think I ought to do?"

"You can do nothing, Lady Daphne, " he replied, "save trust that herMajesty's anger will pass away. For whatever price she may have paid forsuch a jewel, it is assuredly of far greater value than she is pleasedto assert. "

"I'm _so_ glad to hear you say that!" said Daphne. "It would be hatefulto think I had cheated her Majesty--even though I never meant to. "

That was all that passed between them--but the Marshal had learnt allthat he wanted to know, though he made no immediate use of hisknowledge. It was enough for him to feel that he had a card which hemight play to his own advantage when the opportunity came. The CourtGodmother was now generally known to be _hors de combat_, and as for theold Baron, he could be left for the present in ignorance of his blunder. 

Queen Selina meanwhile had already formed her plans. She was not apositively wicked woman, and even still thought herself irreproachable. If she had managed to separate Mirliflor and Daphne by some hardfibbing, it was only what her duty as a Queen and as a Mother demandedof her. She had never liked this Miss Heritage, and firmly believed thatDaphne had alienated Mirliflor's affection from Edna to herself. Andnow, it seemed, she was the lawful Queen of the country, and QueenSelina had grown too habituated to power and grandeur to give them up tothis inexperienced girl. Her first idea had been to carry out heroriginal intention and have Daphne sent home to England without furtherdelay. But this, she began to see, would expose her to considerablecriticism at Court, and it occurred to her that there might be a simplerand more satisfactory way out of her difficulties. 

So, full of her latest project, she went in search of Clarence, whom shefound lounging with a very moody and disconsolate air in one of thebalconies. Clarence was in low spirits just then, and not withoutreason. He had entirely lost his nerve for horsemanship, as his mountshad become as refractory as ever; he could not help perceiving that thecourtiers had lost all respect for him, and received his overtures withhardly veiled impertinence; and, besides all this, there was anothermatter that had been weighing on his mind for some time past. 

"Why, Clarence, dear boy, " she began, "what are you keeping away fromeverybody like this for?"

"I wasn't 'keeping away' that I know of, " he said. "There are times whena fellow's glad to get a quiet moment to himself, that's all. "

"Perhaps, " she said, "I know the _real_ reason why you've been so mopylately. "

"What do you mean, Mater?" he asked. "You haven't----?"

"My dear Clarence, do you think I can't see that you've never got overyour fondness for little Miss Heritage? I can't bear to see you lookingso unhappy, and I've come to think that I may have been wrong in keepingher out of your way. So--and this is what I came to tell you--if youfeel that she is necessary to your happiness, I shall not oppose you anylonger--and I will see that your father doesn't. "

"I wish you'd said so before, Mater!" he replied. "The Governor's beenat me to propose to old Goldenenbergenland's daughter, but I had to tellhim I couldn't take it on. "

"Of course not, dear, I'm told she's hideous. While Miss Heritage, atall events----"

"But she's engaged to Mirliflor! Lucky chap he is to get her, too. _I_might have once, perhaps--if I'd had the pluck!"

"You may get her _still_, dear boy, " said his fond Mother. "You see, shedoesn't know who Mirliflor _is_ yet--she thinks he's a student orsomething, pretending to be a gardener. Well, she's much too clever alittle person not to get out of such an engagement as that if she knewshe could be the Crown Princess. " Which was no more than Queen Selinaactually believed. "Trust me, Clarence, " she concluded, "you've only toask. "

"I dare say you're right, Mater, " he said, "only the worst of it is I'mnot _free_ to ask her. "

"Not free? What do you mean?"

"I didn't like to tell you before, " he said, "but--well, I--I've goneand got engaged to someone else. "

"Engaged! Who to?" demanded the Queen, in her own English. "If it'sanyone in my Court----!"

"It's no one _you_ know, Mater. But she's all _right_, you know. Atleast, she's a King's daughter of sorts. Her Father's King of theCrystal Lake. "

"The Crystal Lake!" cried Queen Selina. "You--you wretched boy! Don'ttell me you're engaged to--to a _Water-nixie_!"

"Well, I suppose that's what it _amounts_ to, " he said. "I never_wanted_ to be. I met her when I was fishing there. She came up out ofthe water, and we got talking and that, and I told her who I was. Andafter that, whenever I got to the lake, she was always popping up. Ithought she was rather a jolly sort of girl if she _was_ a trifle on thedamp side, and it amused me to talk to her, but I never said a word toher that could--till her old Dad suddenly turned up and insisted on ourbeing regularly engaged. "

"And you gave way? Oh, Clarence, how _could_ you be so weak?"

"I told him I'd see him blowed before I said yes, and he pulled me inand threatened to hold my head under water till I promised, " saidClarence. "I didn't see any point in being drowned--and so--and so, sooner than have a row about it, I _did_ say yes. What else _could_ Isay?"

"Well, " said the Queen, "no engagement made under such circumstances canbe binding, and you must break it off at once. Go and tell him thatyour Father and I refuse to hear of your engagement. "

"It'll make him most awful ratty if I do, " objected Clarence. 

"What if it does? Clarence, you _must_ get free. I'm extremely anxiousthat you should marry Miss Heritage before Mirliflor returns (if he_does_ return) for her. It's most important, for your Sister's sake. Because, when he finds himself forsaken, he is sure to turn to Ednaagain. _Now_ do you see?"

"I see, " he replied lugubriously, "and I don't mind going to the Lakeand trying to get the old boy to let me off--but I bet you he won't. "

"Don't ask him anything. Simply inform him that your parents decline toallow such a match, and refer him to _us_. "

"Perhaps that _would_ be the neatest way out of it, " he agreed. "Yes, I'll just tell him _that_--from a safe distance--and he can do what hejolly well pleases. But it won't be a pleasant job. What?"

It was some miles to the Crystal Lake, but he went on foot without anymember of his suite in attendance, and in a plain cloak and slouchedhat, which prevented him from being recognised as he passed through thestreets of the Capital. 

During his absence his Mother was engaged in long and anxiousconsultation with the King and Edna. "I'm surprised at Clarence, " KingSidney had observed, "thought he knew his way about too well to be drawninto an entanglement of this kind!"

"He never would have been, " said his mother, "if he hadn't had to choosebetween that and being held under water. And you can trust Clarence tomake it clear that he would not be allowed to keep such a promise, evenif he wanted to. "

"If he marries any one, " said the King, "it ought to be this Princess ofGoldenenbergenland--he'll get money with _her_, and we want some ratherbadly. "

"Pardon me, Sidney, " said the Queen, "but I intend him to marry MissHeritage. "

"Mother!" exclaimed Edna, "Miss Heritage! What _can_ you be thinkingof?"

"I know what I am doing, my love. The poor boy is devoted to her andalways has been, and, in short, I've decided that he shall have his way. It will be to your advantage that he should. "

On reflection Edna saw this. Mirliflor might feel mortified for a time, but there was at least a chance of catching him on the rebound. 

When Clarence returned later his entrance was hailed with aninterrogatory "Well?" from his family. "Well, " he replied, "Iinterviewed the old King. Told him you couldn't stick my marrying hisdaughter. He took it very quietly--better than I expected. All he saidwas that, if you would come to the big fountain in the Palace gardens(it's supplied from the Crystal lake, you know) at sunset, he'd be thereand let you know his terms. "

"Wants to blackmail us, does he?" said the King. "He won't get afarthing out of _me_!"

"It is like his impudence, " added the Queen. "Still, it may be as wellto see him. "

And just before the sun's final disappearance, the four stood on themargin of a small artificial lake, from the centre of which a greatcolumn of water shot up to a colossal height against the crimson andorange sky. 

"He doesn't seem to have kept his appointment, " said the King. "Thoughtbetter of it, hey?" As he spoke, the tall column sank and resolveditself into a solid grey-green figure of little above the averagestature, a long-bearded elderly personage in a flowing mantle which onlypartially covered his suit of glittering iridescent scales. 

"There _is_ the old blighter!" whispered Clarence. "This is my Fatherand Mother, Sir, " he added aloud, "and anything you've got to proposemust be settled with _them_. "

"O King and Queen of Märchenland!" said the Lake King, in a voice likethe roar of a cataract, "is it true that ye consider a daughter of mineunworthy to wed your son?"

"Without entering into personalities, " replied King Sidney, "which arebetter avoided at all times, I may say that an alliance with a familywhose nature is so--er--amphibious could not be seriously entertained byany civilised monarch. "

"It would be _too_ grotesque!" said Queen Selina, "even in a countrylike _this_!"

"I have set my heart on becoming the Father-in-law of a Prince of theRoyal blood, " said the Lake King, "and I will not be denied. "

"Now--now--now, " protested King Sidney, "what _is_ the good of takingthat tone? If we were in England I should say this was a matter thatcould be settled in few minutes by our respective solicitors. As it is, you had better tell us how much you'll take to compromise it. I don'tadmit that your daughter has suffered any material damage--still, ifyou're reasonable in your ideas of compensation, you'll find us disposedto meet you--as far as we can, you know, as far as we _can_, " he addedhastily, as he remembered his shrunken gold sacks. 

"My terms are these, " the Lake King answered. "Unless the betrothal ofPrince Clarence to my daughter Forelle be proclaimed throughout the Citybefore nightfall, the waters of the Crystal Lake shall overflow andsubmerge the whole land to the tops of the highest houses. It is for yeto choose. "

"That would be an outrageous thing to do, if you could do it, " said theQueen, "but you know very well you can't!"

"Can I not?" retorted the Lake King. "Behold if I have boasted vainly ornot!" And he waved his sceptre, which was surmounted by a crystal fish. Instantly the artificial lake came pouring over its marble border, andthe Royal Family were ankle-deep in water. "It's no good!" said KingSidney, as the flood spread and threatened to rise higher still, "we've_got_ to give in. "

"Nothing but the safety of our poor subjects would make me consent, "declared the Queen, "but as it is, I must. Stop this horrid flood, andwe'll agree to everything!"

The water flowed back into the basin at a motion of the Lake King'ssceptre. "It is agreed, then, " he said, smiling for the first time, "that the betrothal is to be proclaimed before nightfall, and that thenuptials shall take place within eight days?"

"Oh, very well, " said Queen Selina pettishly, "I can't think yourdaughter will ever settle down or be really _happy_ with us--but that is_her_ affair, and--and I will try my _best_ to be a Mother to her. "

"It is enough, " said the King of the Crystal Lake, "I have your word. Should ye retract now, what follows will be upon your own heads!" And, with these parting words, he merged into a column of water which toweredup as before, its spray falling like fine bronze dust against the nowpurple sky. 

"I don't much think I shall ever get on with _him_, " was all Clarencecould find to say, as they walked back with wet feet. "ButForelle--well, she really isn't at all bad-looking--in her way. "

"Has she got the same coloured hair as her father?" inquired Edna. 

"It's green, " he confessed, "but a much prettier _shade_ of green--_Eaude nil_, I should call it. "

"And I suppose all the furniture will have to be covered in oilskin?"went on Edna. "One of the delights of having a Nixie for asister-in-law. "

"_You_ needn't talk!" he said angrily. "You came jolly near giving me abally ogre for a brother-in-law--what?"

"There is just this difference, Clarence, " replied his sister, "_I_ wasable to break it off--which you are _not_. "

"Well, if I'm not, it's not my fault, so you needn't nag, " he saidsavagely, for the thought that all hope of Daphne was now irretrievablylost had just begun to gall him. 

"We shall all have to change our shoes when we get in, " was her answer. "And it is lucky if we escape a bad cold in the head. But I dare say, "she added sweetly, "that when dear Forelle is one of us we shall _soon_grow inured to damp. "

"What _I'm_ thinking of, " said the King sombrely, "is how the Court andthe populace will take this business. It's to be hoped that the LakeKing is--er--_liked_ in these parts. "

"Who could _help_ loving him?" jeered Edna. "No doubt the wedding willexcite the greatest enthusiasm--especially if the bride goes through theceremony in a tank!"

"Oh, shut _up_, can't you!" cried the worried Clarence. "Don't make itout more rotten than it is!"

Queen Selina was too occupied with her own reflections to interfere. Herplan for securing the succession to the throne by a union betweenClarence and Daphne was clearly no longer practicable. She had beenanxious to treat the girl with consideration, and even indulgence--butevents had made this impossible. It was absolutely necessary now to getMiss Heritage safely out of the way as soon as it could be managed. "Imust speak to the Marshal about it, " she was thinking, "and have hersent back to England in that stork-car. The poor dear Court Godmother ismuch too ill to be consulted just now. I have just _that_ much to betruly thankful for!"

CHAPTER XIX

SERVANTS OF THE QUEEN

If breaking the news of Edna's engagement to Count von Rubenfresser hadbeen a matter of some delicacy, to inform the Court and Public ofClarence's betrothal to a Water-nixie was, as his parents felt, infinitely more so. Queen Selina told the Baron first, but, rather toher surprise, he took it calmly and almost apathetically. "I'm afraid, Baron, " she said, "you will think it very weak of us to allow it, but, between ourselves, there are--er--State reasons which left us nochoice. " To which he replied that he would much prefer to be excusedfrom offering any opinion as to the policy their Majesties had chosen topursue. 

The Marshal, on the other hand, expressed cordial satisfaction. Hislizard-like eyes sparkled as he assured his Sovereigns that he would seethat the heralds proclaimed the betrothal in the City before nightfall, and that he expected it would excite heartfelt enthusiasm. 

It certainly had not that effect on the Court. The ladies-in-waitingresented the prospect of having to acknowledge a new Royalty the greaterpart of whose existence had been spent under water. The Courtiersshrugged their shoulders with sardonic resignation. In vain the CrownPrince attempted to carry off his secret uneasiness by clapping them onthe back and saying, "You haven't seen Princess Forelle yet, you know, dear boy. When you do, you'll agree that she's a regular littleripper--what?" They made it sufficiently clear that they had no wish tosee the future Crown Princess. In fact, if he had not already lost allthe prestige he had ever had, he would have lost it now, and hisfeelings were not to be envied. 

Marshal Federhelm requested a private audience from the Queen, whoreceived him in her Cabinet. He began by asking permission to absenthimself for a few days on a hunting expedition in the Forest, whichpermission was graciously accorded. 

"If the Crown Prince had not--er--ties to keep him at home, " she added, "I'm sure he would be delighted to join you. "

"I doubt it, your Majesty, " said the Marshal. "His Royal Highness'sardour for such pursuits has languished much of late. However, he isbetter employed. And, ere I leave, I must ask your Majesty's wishes inregard to my prisoner, the Lady Daphne. "

"Ah, I was going to talk to you about that, Marshal, " said Queen Selina. "There are many reasons why it is undesirable that Miss Heritage shouldremain here any longer. After the underhand and ungrateful manner inwhich she has tried to pervert Prince Mirliflor from his attachment toPrincess Edna, I feel it my duty to have her removed. "

"I understand, your Majesty, " he said, "and it shall be done. But Iwould recommend, in your Majesty's interests, that the execution shouldtake place in private, and that the Lady Daphne's decease should besupposed to be due to sudden illness. Otherwise there may be troublewith the Court. "

"_Execution!_" cried Queen Selina, genuinely horrified. "Good graciousme, Marshal, you don't suppose I want the poor girl put to death, doyou? What do you take me for?"

"It would be a prudent course, " he said with meaning, "for any Sovereignto adopt in your Majesty's situation. "

"For a Märchenland Sovereign, perhaps! But _I_ have been brought up withvery different ideas. I should consider it most wicked to give ordersfor anybody to be killed. That is not at _all_ what I meant in sayingthat I want Miss Heritage removed. "

"Then I fail to understand your Majesty. "

"It's perfectly simple. I merely wish to have her sent back to England. The Baron can take her in the Court Godmother's stork-car. She'll neverbe well enough to know of it now, poor old soul! And the dear oldBaron's so devoted to Us, and has always been so anxious that Ednashould marry Mirliflor, that I know I can depend on him. "

"If it should be known, " said the Marshal, "that your Majesty hadbanished Prince Mirliflor's chosen bride, there would be such an outcrythat it might cost you your Kingdom. "

"Oh, do you really think that, Marshal? But it _is_ so essential thatshe should be sent to England! Surely it can be managed somehow withoutany scandal?"

"There _is_ a way, Madam, if your Majesty is prepared to take it. "

"I am prepared to do anything, Marshal--that is, _almost_ anything. Whatdo you advise?"

"Your Majesty should inform the Baron that, the Court Godmother beingunhappily too indisposed to act as guardian to Lady Daphne, you desirehim to convey her in the stork-car to Clairdelune and place her underthe care of Prince Mirliflor. "

"But, my dear good Marshal, that's the very _last_ thing I desire!"

"I know, Madam, I know. But it is what he should represent to the Courtand Lady Daphne, and he is more likely to do so if he believes it to bethe fact. I will give him sealed instructions which he is not to opentill after he is started, directing him to take her--not to Clairdelune, but to the land of her birth. Your Majesty will be good enough to writesuch instructions at once. "

"It seems simple, and yet, Marshal, I'm not quite sure, " demurred theQueen. "The Baron is an old dear, but just a bit of a chatterbox. Hemight let the whole thing out when he gets back!"

"He will not get back, " said the Marshal. "I know a certain drug that Iwill administer to the storks before the journey. It is slow to act, andwill not affect them until after they have reached the country that youcall England. But they will never leave it again. And then it willmerely be supposed that he has acted treacherously. "

"I see, " said Queen Selina. "Yes, I should be perfectly safe _then_. Ifthere was any _other_ way, or I didn't feel so strongly that it wasreally a kindness to Miss Heritage to save her from occupying a positionshe is so unsuited to, I really don't think I _could_. But I suppose Imust do as you suggest. "

She wrote the order, which she signed and sealed and handed to him. "Ishouldn't like her to be left stranded in England without any means ofsupport, Marshal, " she said. "_That_ would be a thing I could _not_reconcile to my conscience. So you will kindly see that she is suppliedwith a sack of gold. "

"That will be a truly royal act of generosity, " he said, "especially asI understand the number of sacks in your Majesty's treasury is by nomeans large just now. "

"I was forgetting. On second thoughts, perhaps you had better make it a_purse_ instead, " she amended. "It will keep her while she is lookingout for another situation. "

"No doubt. And it would be wise, I think, if your Majesty would speedher departure with your good wishes in presence of the Court. "

But even Queen Selina shrank from such duplicity as that. "I--I don'tthink I'll see her again myself, " she said. "I--I'd rather not. It'smost distasteful to me to have to deceive her at all, Marshal, and Ishouldn't if it wasn't absolutely necessary in self-defence. "

"Your Majesty has no need to assure me of that. I entirely understand, "he said. "I would recommend that you send for the Baron at once, anddirect him to convey Lady Daphne to Clairdelune to-morrow. Then, after Ihave given him the secret order, my part will be done and I shall befree to enjoy my hunting. " And with that he bowed himself out. 

Queen Selina followed his counsel so well that the old Court Chamberlainwas completely deceived. Usurper as he now knew her to be, she was, hethought, still unaware of it, and such magnanimity to her daughter'ssuccessful rival gave him a better opinion of her. After all, he couldbring himself to continue in her service, now that the Court Godmother'smain object was attained. Like her, he had no wish to confess that hehad been so mistaken as to saddle the Kingdom with a bogus Sovereign. Sohe spread the news of Lady Daphne's approaching departure with greatsatisfaction and the warmest eulogies of the gracious considerationQueen Selina had displayed. But even this could only partially checktheir disaffection, for they could not forgive her for subjecting themto the indignity of accepting a Water-nixie as their Crown Princess. 

After dismissing the Baron, the Queen had felt somewhat shocked at herown talent for dissimulation. "I little thought at Gablehurst that Ishould ever fib like this!" she reflected. "But I wasn't a Queen _then_!And I can't afford to be too particular, when it's a question of keepingthe Crown in the family!"

The Marshal waited until the Baron had concluded his interview with theQueen, and then visited him in his own quarters. The Court Chamberlainmentioned the instructions he had just received, and spoke in thehighest terms of his Royal mistress's benevolence. 

"As you say, Baron, " said the Marshal, "such conduct does honour to herMajesty. She has, however, given me further instructions for you withwhich it is well you should be acquainted at once. " And he drew out thesecret order, and, after breaking the seal, presented the parchment tothe Baron, who read it with honest amazement and indignation. 

"I cannot believe her Majesty can have devised such wickedness!" hesaid. "What can be her reason--unless--unless--" and here he checkedhimself. 

"You were about to say: Unless she knows--as you and I, my dear Baron, know beyond all doubt--that the Lady Daphne is the real Queen ofMärchenland?"

"So _you_ know that, too!" cried the Baron, recoiling in terror. "Iswear to you, my lord, that I myself had no suspicion of it until it wasrevealed to me by the Court Godmother but two days since!"

"I accept your word for it--though whether _others_ will do so isanother matter, " said the Marshal as he picked up and thrust in hisdoublet the document which the other had let fall. "But what I shouldlike to know is, which of your orders you intend to execute?"

"The first, of course, " exclaimed the Baron indignantly. "Lady Daphnehas a higher claim to my fealty than this interloper. I shall do my dutyand carry her to Clairdelune. "

"You forget that Prince Mirliflor will not be there as yet to receiveher. Nor is it seemly that she should quit her Kingdom without makingany assertion of her claim. My plan is better than yours, Baron. Hearken: I leave the Palace to-night on the pretext of hunting in theForest of Schlangenzweigen. I take with me a company of my own--alltried soldiers on whom I can rely. To-morrow you will set out in thecar, as though to Clairdelune, and Queen Selina will naturally believethat her secret order will be obeyed. But, after having gone a certaindistance, you will head your storks for the chapel of St. Morosius inthe forest. There we shall be waiting to swear allegiance to our youngQueen and escort her in triumph to Eswareinmal. I shall have takenmeasures beforehand to proclaim her title, and it is certain that thepopulace will rise in her favour. You cannot fail to see, my dear Baron, that your best--in fact, your only way of escaping the penalty of yourfolly--to call it by no harsher name--is to aid us in undoing it. "

"Enough, Marshal, " said the Baron, "you can count upon me. "

"I am sure of it, Baron, and, as I am leaving the Palace, I will deliverthe Lady Daphne into your custody. See that you say nothing to her ofour scheme till the fitting moment. For the present she must be toldthat she is to be taken to Clairdelune. And now I must quit you, for Ihave much to attend to before I start, which should be within an hour. To-morrow at mid-day we shall expect you at the Chapel in the forest, and have a care for your own sake that you fail us not. "

An hour later, having disposed of the business he had attended to andleft everything in train for his project, he set out with a chosen bandon his alleged hunting expedition. "Whether this will fall out as Icalculate, or in some other way, I know not, " he told himself, as theyclattered out of one of the City gates and took the road to the forestof Schlangenzweigen. "But this I know--whatever happens, I shall shortlybe King of Märchenland. "

After he was gone the Baron began to reflect on what he had undertaken, and to feel that he would be glad of an excuse to get out of it, if hecould find one. It was hardly credible that Queen Selina could havedevised so treacherous a plot; it seemed far more likely that theMarshal had deceived him. After all, the secret order he had been shownmight not be genuine. If it were not, the Queen was innocent, and theBaron was only too willing to leave her in peaceful permission of thethrone. Before he committed himself any further he must satisfy himselfon this point. His difficulty was that he could not ask her directlywhether the secret order had indeed been given by her, as he mightbetray the Marshal, which might entail unpleasant consequences forhimself. After some thought he hit upon a stratagem that was ratherbrilliant--for him. He obtained a private interview with the Queen, andbegged her to consider whether it was altogether judicious to restoreLady Daphne to a Prince who might otherwise come forward once more as asuitor for Princess Edna. "Would it not be safer, Madam, " he suggested, "to send Lady Daphne to her own country, where he would never be able tofind her?"

Queen Selina was so convinced of his honesty and loyalty that she fellinto his little trap without a moment's suspicion. "Now, it's reallyvery curious you should have thought of that, my dear Baron!" she said, "very curious indeed! Because--I suppose the Marshal gave you a sealedletter from me before he left?. .. I thought so, and of course it isn'tto be opened till after you've started. Still, I may tell you _now_ thatit contains instructions for the very identical course you suggest! Ineedn't say you must be careful not to mention it--but it may be asatisfaction to you to know that I've already decided on it. "

"A great satisfaction indeed, your Majesty, " he said, "for now my dutylies clear before me. "

"And nobody, I'm sure, my dear Baron, will do it more faithfully!" washer gracious response. He proceeded to Daphne, who had heard that herGiroflé had succeeded in his attempt to rescue Edna, but knew nothing ofwhat had happened to him afterwards. He relieved her anxiety byinforming her, not only that she was to rejoin Giroflé at Clairdelunenext day, but who he actually was, which last piece of informationturned all her joy to dismay. Prince or no Prince, she knew that Girofléwould be true to her--but what if the King, his father, forbade him tomarry anyone so far below his rank? She would have to undergo the ordealof being presented to King Tournesol, and the thought made her heartsink with terror. 

"But the Court Godmother will come with me, Baron?" she asked anxiously, only to hear why this was impossible. "Too ill even to see me!" saidDaphne sadly. "And that is why her Majesty is letting me be sent toGir--I mean, Mirliflor? It's really very good of her. I suppose, Baron, I shall be able to see her and thank her before I go?"

"Undoubtedly, " he said, and, having said as much as he thought prudent, he left his prisoner to her own reflections. 

Most of the Court gathered to see her off the next morning, but the onlyRoyalty present was little Princess Ruby, who held her former Governessin close and tearful embraces. "_Darling!_" she said, through her sobs, "it's perfectly beastly to think you've been here all this time and Inever knew it! And now you really _are_ going and I mayn't see you forever so long! It will be so dull, for of course I wouldn't play with theGnomes now--even if they weren't all down with mumps. And Edna's sosnappy, and Clarence is going to marry a nasty wet Water-nixie--and Iwish we'd all stayed at Inglegarth, that I do!" Daphne had not heardbefore of Clarence's engagement and, though she naturally made nocomment, she could not think he was to be congratulated on his choice. She did her best to comfort Ruby, and after taking leave of her nearlyas inconsolable friends in the Household, she at length found herselfseated in the car with the Baron, who had dispensed with the usualattendants. And then the Courtyard, with the mass of upturned faces andwaving hands, slowly sank to the rhythmical beating of the storks' wingsas they obeyed the order, "To the Palace of Clairdelune. "

Clarence saw the car pass overhead from the grove in the Palace Gardens, to which he had betaken himself in his dull misery. He knew that Daphnemust be on her way to rejoin her lover, and tried to console himself bythe reflection that it didn't matter to him. _He_ was done for, anyhow, whether she went or stayed. But again came the bitter thought that therehad been a time when, if he had only gone the right way about it, hemight have--"I thought she wasn't good enough to marry, " he said tohimself. "Not _good_ enough! a girl like her! Now I'm booked to marry aLord-knows-what with green hair. Serves me damned well right too!"

Edna also saw the car as she walked with the Queen on the terrace thatcommanded the City. "There goes Miss Heritage!" she said. "Delighted torecapture her Mirliflor, no doubt! I don't wish to reproach you in _any_way, Mother, but I _can't_ think you've shown much consideration for_my_ interests in packing her off to him like this!"

It was painful to Queen Selina to be so misunderstood, but she decidedthat the injustice must be borne for the present. "My love, " she said, "I could not possibly keep her _here_. And perhaps, " she could could nothelp adding, "perhaps _some_ day you will see that I have been a bettermother to you than you imagine!"

To which pathetic appeal Princess Edna merely responded by a shortsniff, expressive rather of incredulity than any softer emotion. 

CHAPTER XX

AT THE END OF HER TETHER

Both the Queen and Edna that morning had observed an unwonted stir inthe usually quiet and sleepy streets of Eswareinmal as they looked downon them from the Terrace parapet. 

The great square was black with citizens, and from it rose a faint butangry drone that was unpleasantly suggestive of the results of pitchinga large stone into a hornets' nest. 

"I expect, " remarked Queen Selina, "they're all busy discussing thisengagement of Clarence's. If we drive out this afternoon we mustn'tforget to take at _least_ two sacks of gold with us. "

"I doubt if we can afford to drive out at _all_ just now, " said Edna. 

"Perhaps, " agreed her mother, "it _would_ be wiser to wait till thingshave settled down a little. Why they should get so excited about it Ican't think. It's _most_ inconsiderate and troublesome of them--at atime, too, when, goodness knows, I've enough to worry about!"

Just then she was chiefly harassed by a doubt whether she had beenwholly wise in accepting the Marshal as a confederate, and especially incommitting her secret instructions to writing. What if he knew orguessed her real reasons for getting rid of Miss Heritage? But, even ifthat were so, he had probably acted as he had out of goodwill anddesire to maintain the dynasty. He had never shown the slightestjealousy or chagrin at having been deprived of the Regency. No, on thewhole, she thought he could be trusted to be silent--if only because hecould not betray her without admitting his own complicity. Still, therewas a danger that he might presume on his knowledge--which would bedisagreeable enough. If their Majesties were reluctant to showthemselves just then to the populace, the populace on the other handwere determined to be both seen and heard. The proclamation ofClarence's betrothal had served as the breaking strain to the attenuatedlinks that still attached them to the Throne. They had murmured againstthe enfranchisement of the Yellow Gnomes; their deception in the matterof the self-supplying tables had weakened their loyalty seriously for atime; the projected alliance of the Princess Edna with the survivingmember of a race whose scutcheon bore the taint of Ogreism had arousedtheir bitter resentment. But all these grievances had been redressed, and the amiable easygoing Märchenlanders were willing to forgive andforget them. Now they were called upon to put up with a humiliationbeyond all endurance. The prospect of seeing the throne occupied in daysto come by a creature who was not only of dubious extraction, butprobably did not possess so much as the rudiments of a soul, infuriatedthem to madness. 

So much so that the Royal Family had scarcely finished lunch when theywere startled by news that the people were once more advancing _enmasse_ up the road to the Palace, and would soon be battering at thegates for admittance. 

"I can't see 'em, " said King Sidney peevishly, plucking at his auburnmoustache. "What am I to say to them about this engagement? There'snothing _to_ say except that it's most----"

"If you say that again, Sidney, " said the Queen, "I shall throwsomething at you! Tell them the truth. "

"I--I'd rather the Council explained it to them, my dear, " he said. 

"The Council have been sitting tight with closed doors all the morning, "said Clarence, "like a bally lot of broody hens. I don't know, ofcourse, but I've a notion they're discussing a Republic or something. "

"If _you_ won't speak to the people, Sidney, " declared the Queen, withthe courage of despair, "I must order the guards to close the Courtyardgates, and tell the mob that, if they promise to be quiet and behavethemselves, I'll come out and talk to them myself. "

"Good egg, Mater!" cried Clarence, "I'll come with you. It's really _my_show!"

"You'll only make them worse! Much better keep indoors and take nonotice. More dignified, " said the King. But as his wife and son paid noattention to him, he followed them out for very shame. 

As they came down the front steps and advanced to within hearingdistance of the crowd, which had not attempted as yet to break throughthe closed gates, they were received with yells and howls of execration, frantic shaking of fists and brandishing of improvised weapons. Thestrength of the gates and the presence of the guards gave the Queen moreconfidence than she might otherwise have felt. 

"Now, good people!" she said in rather a tremulous voice, "it's quiteimpossible to speak while you're making all this noise!"

She had sent up for her crown, and perhaps this impressed themunconsciously, though she had been too nervous to put it on straight. Gradually silence was obtained. 

"I know why you've come, " she began, "and we _quite_ understand yourfeelings about our son's engagement. In fact we _share_ them. " Thisprovoked a renewal of the uproar and a vehement desire to know why, ifthat were so, the union had ever been contracted. 

"If you'll only listen, I'll tell you, " said the Queen. "We shouldn'thave consented to it at all but for the sake of our beloved people. " Atthis the beloved people very nearly had the gates down. "You don'tunderstand, " she shouted. "Even now, if you insist on the marriage beingbroken off, we are quite willing--indeed we shall be only too happy--toput a stop to it. "

Here there were shouts of "We do! We do insist! Stop it! No marriage!"

"Very well then, " said Queen Selina with more assurance, "only I ambound to tell you what the consequences will be. The Crystal Lake willoverflow till the whole of Märchenland is under water. At least that'swhat the Lake King threatens. _You_ know best whether he can do it ornot. "

Her hearers knew too well, and the cries and murmurs took an alteredtone at once, though some voices cursed the Prince whose weakness andfolly had brought them to such a dilemma. 

"Weakness and folly!" cried the Queen indignantly. "How can you be sowretchedly ungrateful? When my poor, noble, unselfish boy issacrificing himself--for you don't suppose he can have any affection fora Water-nixie?--sacrificing himself on--on the altar of his country!"

"Mater!" whispered Clarence in admiration, "you're the limit!"

"And all the reward he gets, " the Queen went on, pressing her advantage, "all the reward _we_ get--for providing that you can sleep safe and warmin your beds--instead of being drowned in them--is violence and ruderemarks! Really, if you have any consciences left you ought to bethoroughly ashamed of yourselves!"

They undoubtedly were. For a moment or two there was a hush, and thenthe whole mob broke into tumultuous cheers--for the Queen, the King, andmore particularly the Crown Prince. Never since their accession had theRoyal Family been so popular. 

"There now, " said the Queen, when she and her family were weary ofbowing their acknowledgments, "that will do. Now go quietly away, likerespectable loyal persons, and tell all the other citizens what we'redoing for them. "

"I must say, my love, " observed the King, after the crowd had meltedaway in a vastly different mood from that in which they had come, "youshowed wonderful presence of mind. I quite thought myself we should havebeen massacred. "

"And so we _should_ have been, Sidney, " she replied, "if I'd left it to_you_!"

On re-entering the Palace they heard that the Council was still sitting. "_Let_ 'em sit!" cried Clarence. "This'll be a bit of a suck for them. What price a Republic _now_, eh?"

"They simply _daren't_ depose us!" said the Queen, "now the dear peopleare with us heart and soul!"

Some time later, while they were sitting in the lapis-lazuli Chamber, apage entered to announce that a messenger had just arrived with tidingswhich he wished to communicate to their Majesties in private. "Tell himto come in, " said the Queen. "I do hope it isn't some fresh trouble!"

The messenger brought grave news. The Marshal, it appeared, had beenkilled while hunting in the Forest. Particulars were wanting, but therewas no doubt that he was dead. 

"How very very sad!" exclaimed the Queen. "The poor dear Marshal! To becut off like this in the prime of life! It must have been a wild boar, Isuppose--_or_ a bear. But, whichever it was, it is a terrible loss. Idon't know exactly how long the Court ought to go into mourning for anex-Regent--but at _least_ a month!"

She was shocked, of course, by the suddenness of it. At the same timeshe could not help a renewed sense of gratitude to Providence, which hadonce more gone out of its way to smooth her path. "I've always saidhunting these wild animals is a very dangerous sport, " said King Sidney. "Glad you've given it up, my boy!"

"Fed up with it, Guv'nor. But I dare say I shall go in for itagain--some day or other, " Clarence replied, while he was thinking thatit would have to be a day when he discovered what had become of hisirresistible sword, and when he could find a horse among his numerousstud that would permit him to get on its back. 

They were still discussing the Marshal's untimely end when an ushercame from the Hall of Council with a message that the Councillors hadended their deliberations, and requested their Majesties to honour themby attending to hear their decision. 

"I like their nerve!" remarked Clarence. "Of course, Guv'nor, you'lltell 'em they've jolly well got to come to _us_, what?"

"No, Sidney, " said Queen Selina, flushed with her recent victory, "youwill say that we are coming in presently to preside over the Council andgive them our advice. I shall know how to put them in their properplaces. I shall wear my crown again, and you had better put on yours, and--yes, I should certainly take your sceptre too. "

She kept them waiting as long as her own dignity demanded, and thensailed into the Council Chamber, the King and Crown Prince following inher wake. The whole Council rose and remained standing until the RoyalFamily had taken their seats under a canopy. 

The President then informed them that the Councillors had resolved touse every means to prevent a union which, if contracted, wouldinfallibly cover the entire Kingdom with contempt. 

"Oh, very _well_, gentlemen, " said the Queen. "_I_ should have thoughteven that was better than having it covered with water--but if you inyour wisdom think otherwise, we bow to your superior judgment. " And sheexplained the situation much as she had done to the mob at the gates, though with less effect, for the President's answer was that, if suchwere the alternatives, their Majesties would best show their anxiety fortheir subjects' welfare by abdicating immediately. 

"I don't see that at all, " she retorted. "Why in the world _should_ we?"

"Because, " was the reply, "when this so-called King of the Crystal Lakelearns that your son is no longer a Prince, he will cease to desire himfor his daughter. "

"And may I ask, supposing we did abdicate, whom do you propose to put inour place?" inquired the Queen. 

"We should appoint Marshal Federhelm as Regent once more--or even electhim Sovereign. "

"A very pretty plan!" replied Queen Selina, "only there's one objectionto it, as you would know if you hadn't shut yourselves up here all day. You will be sorry to hear that the poor Marshal was killed this veryafternoon while hunting. So you can't get _him_. And, as there's no oneelse available, and as my husband and I feel that it would be very wrongto desert our dear people when they've just assured us of their perfectloyalty and affection--(_another_ fact you seem to be ignorant of!)--I'mafraid, gentlemen, that, whether you like it or not, you will have toput up with us. "

"It is true, O Queen!" the President admitted with a deep groan. "We cando naught except pray that Heaven may yet save this most unhappy Countryfrom so deep a degradation!" And all the other Members of the Councilgroaned too, while several beat their breasts or tore their long whitebeards in senile wrath and despair. 

"They _are_ a cheery complimentary lot of old devils!" commentedClarence. "If I were you, Mater, I'd--what d'ye call it?--prorogue 'em. "

The Queen was inclined to accept this suggestion, but at that moment aloud rapping was heard at the closed doors. "Go and see who it is, somebody, " she commanded, "it may be important news. " She thought itprobable that an attendant had come to announce the decease of the FairyVogelflug, which was hourly expected. 

The doors were partly opened, and then a voice she had never thought tohear again cried in weak and quavering accents: "Let me pass. I claim myright of admission as Court Godmother. "

The Queen changed colour, but felt that, inopportune as the demand was, she could not refuse it without laying herself open to suspicion, andperhaps worse. "Oh, let her come in, poor old soul, " she said, "and finda seat for her. I'd really no idea she was well enough to get up. "

The Fairy hobbled feebly in, looking incredibly old and shrunken, andlike a grim ghost of her former self in her clinging grey night-rail. Her hollow eyes glowed like live coals as she faced the Queen, and stoodlabouring for breath before she could speak. 

"So glad to see you looking so much better, dear Court Godmother!" saidQueen Selina. "But was it _wise_ of you to come downstairs so soon?"

"I have visited the pavilion and found it untenanted, " said the Fairy, without troubling to explain how she had contrived to elude herattendants and get there. "Now, answer me, what have you done with LadyDaphne?"

"Oh, haven't they _told_ you?" replied the Queen. "I should haveconsulted you, of course, if I had known you were conscious; but, as itwas, I did what I thought you would wish and sent her off with the Baronin the stork-car this morning--to Clairdelune. "

"Is this the truth--or are you trying to deceive me by lies?"

"Really!" cried the Queen, "this is most uncalled for! I don't know whatyou suppose I've done with the girl?"

"You may have imprisoned--murdered her, for all I can tell. It is morelikely than that you would permit her to depart so easily. "

"Well, " said the Queen, "if you don't believe me, you have only to makeinquiries. I was not in time to see her off myself, but I believe thereare members of the Court who were more fortunate. "

Several Councillors corroborated this by affirming that they themselveshad not only been present but had heard the Baron give the order, "ToClairdelune. "

"I daresay you don't think much of us, Ma'am, " said Clarence, "but afterall we're _English_, you know, and you might give us credit for playingthe game, what?"

He spoke with a resentment which convinced his Mother of her wisdom inhaving played her own game without seeking any co-operation from him. 

The old Fairy's suspicions had been completely quelled. "I perceive, "she confessed, "that I have been over ready to think evil, and can butcrave your forgiveness, Madam, for having done you so great aninjustice. "

"Pray don't mention it!" returned the Queen. "There was some excuse forit, and we willingly forgive you, if there's anything to forgive. Andnow, " she added, after ordering the attendants to be fetched, "youreally _must_ take more care of yourself and get back to bed at once. "

"I will return to it, " was the reply, "for now that my mind is at ease Iam well content to die. "

"Oh, but you mustn't talk like that!" protested Queen Selina, "whenyou've just made such a marvellous recovery! Why, you're looking _ever_so much brighter than any of us could have hoped. All you really neednow is a good long sleep. "

"That is all, and I shall have it ere long. You may rest assured, " sheadded, with a significance which the Queen alone understood, "thathenceforth your peace shall not be disturbed by any word or deed ofmine. "

The attendants entered and she suffered them to lead her away, whileKing Sidney graciously extended his sceptre for her to kiss in passing, but drew it back shamefacedly on finding this civility ignored. 

"It's evidently the last flicker, poor old thing!" said the Queen, afterthe Fairy had retired. "I don't at all expect we shall ever see heralive again!"

If she had so expected, her conscience might have troubled her more thanit did. As it was, it did not reproach her too severely. It was not niceto deceive a dying person, but it was much nicer than confessing andlosing a Kingdom for it. It would have been too ridiculous to begin tobe squeamish now. And, after all, it was her misfortune rather than herfault if the family interests had necessitated a slight temporary lapsefrom principles she still held as rigidly as ever. 

She dismissed her Council, which broke up in a chastened spirit, and theRoyal Family, after a light meal which was the nearest approach toafternoon tea that Märchenland afforded, went out for an airing on theirfavourite promenade--the terrace that overlooked Eswareinmal. 

The market-place was still thronged, but such sounds as reached themwere no longer menacing. "I do believe they haven't done cheering for usyet!" said the Queen. "And some of them seem to be waving flags! Ishouldn't be the least surprised, Clarence, if your wedding next weekgoes off quite well after all!"

"I wish it _would_ go off, " he said, "but there's no chance of thatnow!"

"Well, it's no good being gloomy about it. Er--Forelle may turn out tobe charming when we come to know her. Which reminds me, dear boy, youmight tell her we should be delighted if she can come to tea here someafternoon before the ceremony. "

"She could easily slip up through the fountain, " suggested Edna. "Ishall be anxious to see how she does her hair. Let me see--didn't yousay it was green, Clarence?"

"Oh, give her hair a rest!" he replied. 

"I saw before we left England, " said the Queen tactfully, "that greenhair was going to be quite the fashion this season. But, however strangeshe may be to society, we should remember, Edna, my love, that she willshortly become one of ourselves and treat her with every civility. Wemust avoid anything that might offend her Father. "

Queen Selina was inclined that afternoon to take a more roseate view ofthe future. She felt herself once more secure on the throne now that allthe dangers which had threatened to overturn it had been averted. Therival Queen would soon be landed in England, where, even if she everheard of her rights, she would be powerless to claim them. Of the threepersons who knew or might discover the truth, the Marshal was dead, theCourt Godmother might just as well be so for all the harm she could do, and the Baron was on his way to a land from which he would never return. 

As for Mirliflor, it would not be difficult to persuade him that someblunder of the Baron's must have caused the stork-car to go astray, andit was quite possible that when the Prince had abandoned all hope ofrecovering Miss Heritage he would return to Edna. 

"Look at the dear people now!" she cried, as she looked down on thesquare, "they're actually forming a procession to march up to the Palaceand thank us again!. .. Yes, they really are! It's quite wonderful theeffect Clarence's self-sacrifice has had--it seems to have rallied them_all_ round the Throne. But I _knew_ it would, if it was put to them inthe right way. .. . Did you hear that?" she asked later, when theprocession had reached an angle of the zigzag incline which was directlybelow. "They're shouting for Me! I distinctly heard 'We want our Queen!'So nice and warm-hearted of them!"

The shouts had ceased, but the tramp of thousands of feet grew louder, until the sound was deadened as the demonstrators passed under the wingof the Palace on their way to the central entrance. 

"Sidney, we must go in and show ourselves to them, " said the Queen. "Ifthey _insist_ on a speech _I_ will make it--you always manage to say thewrong thing!"

As they entered the Palace they heard a clamour which appeared toproceed from the great Entrance Hall. "_Quite_ right to have asked themin, " remarked the Queen with approval. "I shall order some refreshmentsfor them, and then we can go up by a back way and appear at the top ofthe Grand Staircase. " But this part of the programme was not destinedto be carried out. 

On attempting to pass through they were stopped, to the Queen'sindignant amazement, in an inner hall by the Captain of her own Guards. "Really!" she cried, "I never _heard_ of such a thing! What do you_mean_ by it?"

He either could not or would not give any other explanation than that hehad instructions to detain them. "Prince Hansmeinigel!" said the Queen, as she saw him approaching, "can _you_ inform us why his Majesty and Iare prevented from addressing our faithful subjects?"

"I think, Madam, " he replied smoothly, "that you would find none here toaddress. "

"How dare you tell me that, when you can hear them calling for 'theirQueen' at this very moment!"

"But not for _you_, Madam. The Queen they are demanding is the LadyDaphne. "

"Miss Heritage!" gasped Queen Selina. "Why should they want _her_?"

"It seems, " he said, "that certain information has reached theBurgomaster and chief citizens which has convinced them of her title tothe throne, and they are now in conference with the Council on thematter. "

"So that treacherous old vixen of a Court Godmother had betrayed thesecret after all, in spite of her promise!" concluded Queen Selina. Butthe battle was not lost yet by any means. She was not going to give in, when she had so many chances in her favour. 

"They might have had the decency to invite us to be present, " she said. "Surely we have _some_ right to be consulted!"

"They will summon you before them presently, no doubt, " he said, andalmost as he spoke an official came towards them and whispered to theCaptain of the Guard, who turned to the Queen:

"My orders are to bring you before the Council, " he said, "if you willbe good enough to follow me. We will go round by the outer corridor, sothat you will be in no danger from the mob. "

"What's all this about, my dear?" whispered King Sidney, as he walkedwith his wife and son between a strong guard. "I thought things hadquieted down again. "

"Oh, don't ask _me_, Sidney!" she returned, "you will know quite soonenough. But you needn't be uneasy. I've brought you through much worsethings than this. " She entered the Council Hall endeavouring to look asmuch like Marie Antoinette as she could. That her own Council shouldarraign her like this was, as she protested, most unconstitutional--theyhad no right whatever to do it. But, however that might be, they _were_doing it--a fact which even she was compelled to recognise. 

The President began the proceedings by reciting the evidence of Daphne'stitle, which it now appeared had been put into the hands of theBurgomaster and other notables of Eswareinmal by the Marshal, justbefore he had gone to meet his sudden end. He then asked, in the name ofthe whole Tribunal, what the present occupants of the throne had to urgein their own defence. 

If the Queen had possessed the legal mind she would have perceived atonce that the evidence was merely hearsay--inferences that the Marshalhad drawn from what Daphne had told him, and as proofs quite worthless. But she had not a legal mind; and besides she knew that the proofs werequite good enough for Märchenland--also that the allegations happened tobe true. 

So she did not attempt to deny them. "All I can say is, " she declared, "that this is quite new to _me_. When we were brought here I was givento understand that the Kingdom had descended to me, and of course Iaccepted the responsibility. If there has been any silly mistake aboutit, you can't blame me or my husband either. We've tried to do ourduty--even so far as consenting to our son's making a marriage we couldnot approve of--for the sake of saving our Country from inundation. It'snot every King and Queen who would have done _that_. "

"That peril, " replied the Burgomaster, "is no longer to be feared, sincethe King of the Crystal Lake, on being notified of the facts in ourpossession, has withdrawn his demands, saying he desires no union with afamily of ignoble and beggarly pretenders. "

"That's a let-off!" said Clarence, "though he might have put it a bitmore pleasantly, what?"

Queen Selina felt that this repudiation had put one of her heaviest gunsout of action, but she was still undaunted. "I'm sure, " she said, "_We_have no wish to be associated with such a person. And, as for beingpretenders, I can only say that if the Marshal had come to me and toldme what I now know, I should have been quite ready to resign in MissHeritage's favour. But how _could_ I, when he never breathed a word tome about it?"

"I should like to add, " put in King Sidney, "that it has come as acomplete surprise to _me_. I'm anxious to do whatever is right andproper, and if any reasonable arrangement can be come to, I won't standin the way. "

This attitude produced an immediate reaction in their favour, as wasvisible from the expressions on the faces of the whole Tribunal. 

"Then, " the President asked, "is the Council to understand that you areprepared to resign at once?"

"Certainly, " said the King. "Only too pleased!"

"Not at once, " said Queen Selina. "We cannot leave the Kingdom without aruler--that would be very wrong. But as soon as Miss Heritage--or QueenDaphne, if you like to call her so--chooses to come forward to claim thecrown we shall be delighted to give it up. Till then we are merelyholding it in trust for her. "

"And where is Queen Daphne at present?" asked the Burgomaster. 

"Well, " said Queen Selina, "she _ought_ to be at Clairdelune by thistime. "

"She must be sent for without delay, " said the President, and the orderwas given that messengers on swift steeds should be despatched toClairdelune at once. 

"Well, gentlemen, " said the Queen, after this business had beenconcluded, "I hope you see that you owe us an apology for daring to putus under arrest and treat us like criminals. Until Lady Daphne arriveswe are still the King and Queen of Märchenland, and you will be goodenough to regard us as such. "

"The Council wishes to express its deepest regret, " said the President, "for having exposed your Majesties' persons to undeserved indignity. "

"And now, perhaps, " said Queen Selina triumphantly, "we may considerourselves free to resume our thrones, if only to dissolve the Council?"

The guards fell back instinctively, and she and the King were proceedingto their usual seats under the canopy without any protest from thePresident, who was engaged at the time in deciphering the contents of apacket which had just been brought to him. 

Before they had reached the steps of the dais, he looked up, and orderedthem to halt in so peremptory a tone that even Queen Selina obeyedinvoluntarily. 

"What's up _now_?" inquired Clarence in an undertone. 

"This packet directed to myself, " said the President, "was found on thebody of the late Marshal. It contains an order under the Royal seal andsignature, which I will now read to the Council. " And he read theQueen's secret order to the Baron to convey Daphne to England, whichprovoked general horror and execration. 

The Queen was thunderstruck as she heard this fresh proof of theMarshal's duplicity--she felt more than ever that she had been a fool totrust him--she might have known that he would take some dishonourableadvantage of her confidence!

"What have you to answer to this?" the President was saying to her, andshe could see that both her husband and son were waiting anxiously forher reply. 

"Is it necessary for me to deny that I ever gave such an order?" shesaid, with a virtuous indignation that was really very well done. "Ofcourse it was forged by that wicked Marshal!" (so fortunate, shethought, that he was dead!) "It is easy to see with what motive. "

Clarence and his father breathed again. For a few dreadful minutes theyhad been haunted by an ugly fear--lest--but they ought to have feltassured that no member of the Wibberley-Stimpson family could be sounworthy of the name. 

"It is possible, " said the venerable President doubtfully, "that thehandwriting may be but an imitation. "

"Nay, " struck in the sturdy Burgomaster, "it is hers, sure enough. Therecan be no doubt to my mind that both our unlawful sovereigns and theirson have plotted to deport our true Queen, the Lady Daphne, and thattheir vile design has succeeded but too well!"

"You're quite out of it, old cock!" shouted Clarence, through the roarof assent that greeted the Burgomaster's speech. "Why should we plotagainst her, when we hadn't an idea she had a right to the throne?"

"So you allege, " said the Burgomaster. "But this order speaks foritself, and if the Council will take my advice it will order all threeof the prisoners to be executed at once in the City Square, in sight ofthe people they have wronged and deceived. "

This suggestion evidently commended itself to the majority, but thePresident demurred. "We must not act too hastily, " he said, "lest wefind too late that we have been misled by appearances. It may be thatQueen Daphne has reached Clairdelune in safety, but of that we cannothave sure knowledge until our messengers return. In the meantime ourprisoners must not be regarded as though they were proved guilty. Ishall order that they be removed to apartments in the North Tower, wherethey are to be given honourable treatment and every indulgence savetheir liberty. Should it be found that they are innocent, due reparationshall be made them. "

"And what if we hear that our Queen is not at Clairdelune?" asked theBurgomaster. 

"Then they shall receive no mercy, " replied the President. "Their headsshall be struck off that same day, in the great square of the Capital. "

"Good!" said the Burgomaster. "I will have the scaffold put up themoment I return. "

"I just want to say this, Gentlemen, " said Clarence before he was ledaway: "if we were really guilty of trying to get rid of poor little LadyDaphne, we should be such a set of rotters that we should jolly welldeserve losing our heads for it. But you'll find we're not. "

"I can answer for my poor wife as for myself, " said King Sidney. "She isfar too much of a lady to dream of doing anything that isn't strictlycorrect. "

Queen Selina said nothing--she was not feeling well enough just then. 

"Not half bad!" remarked Clarence, as he went through the suites ofrooms that were to form their prison. "Pleasant look-out from all thewindows, and the rooms jolly comfortable, considering. We shall do verywell here for a day or two. "

"Don't talk in that light way, Clarence, " said his mother, "or you'lldrive me mad!"

"Why, there's nothing to be down in the mouth about, Mater. We may haveto stick this longer, of course--depends how long those chaps takegetting back from Clairdelune. But as soon as they do get back we shallbe let out, and I shouldn't wonder if the Country gave us a thunderinggood pension. It's no more than it ought to. "

"You--you mustn't count on that. You--we must all of us prepare for theworst, the _very_ worst. "

"What skittles, Mater! What can they do to us, unless, of course, Daphnewasn't sent to Clairdelune. But I saw her in the car myself. "

"It--it doesn't follow that--that she got there, Clarence. "

"Why on earth shouldn't she?"

"The Baron might--might have missed the way somehow. "

"Not he! He may be an old foozle, but the storks know their job, anyhow. "

"We mustn't make too sure--of anything, " said his mother, who had thebest reasons for knowing that Miss Heritage would never be found eitherin Clairdelune or Märchenland, and that a shameful and probablyexceedingly painful death on the scaffold was their inevitable fate. 

It was terrible to think that she, the acknowledged head and master-mindof the family, had brought them to such an end as this--more terriblestill to see both her son and husband so utterly unprepared for it. Hernerves were jarred and fretted by King Sidney's apathy and Clarence'slight-hearted optimism, and the impossibility of arousing them to aproper sense of their position. She could only do that by confessingwhat she had done--and she shuddered at the mere thought. If it wouldsave them--but nothing would do that now! No, she could not lowerherself so immeasurably in their esteem; she would carry her secret withher to the block itself!

"Now, Mater, " said Clarence, "you mustn't give way to the blues likethis. You can take it from me that we're as right as rain. So cheer up, and let's see you smiling again. "

The unhappy Queen made a heroic attempt at a smile, but the result wasso extraordinarily ghastly that it disheartened even Clarence. 

"Oh, very well, Mater, " he said, "you needn't--if it hurts you as muchas all _that_. But you've been so plucky up to now, I never thoughtyou'd come out as a wet blanket!"

Even Marie Antoinette herself, thought Queen Selina bitterly, had neverhad to bear being called a wet blanket!

CHAPTER XXI

"WHOSE LIGHTS ARE FLED, WHOSE GARLANDS DEAD"

Daphne had taken her seat in the car with somewhat conflicting feelings. She was going to Clairdelune, where she would be reunited to Giroflé--analtogether joyous prospect, if she could hope to find the Giroflé withwhom she had last parted. But he was now the magnificent young PrinceMirliflor, and it was quite uncertain whether she would even be able torecognise him. It would be dreadful if she discovered that she did notcare for him any longer! Perhaps it was anxiety, but still more probablythe fact of her Fairy blood that prevented her from being overcome bythe somnolence that none of purely British birth seemed able to resistfor long after entering that magic car. 

Daphne was not in the least drowsy, and thus was startled, after thePalace and Eswareinmal had vanished out of sight, by hearing the Baronsuddenly order the storks to go to the Chapel in the forest ofSchlangenzweigen, and seeing them wheel in a direction she knew was notthat of their original destination. "What are you doing, Baron?" shecried. "I thought you were to take me straight to Clairdelune?"

The Baron put his hand to his heart (which he had once more been obligedto compress by a metal hoop) before he could speak. "It is now time, " hebegan, "that you should be told who you are, Madam, and the gloriousfuture that awaits you. " And, with a prolixity that may here be avoided, he informed her of her right to the crown of Märchenland and of theMarshal's arrangements for placing her on the throne. 

"But I don't want to be placed on the throne!" said Daphne. "Do youreally think I should turn out these poor Wibberley-Stimpsons now--whenthey behaved so decently in letting me go? It would be too horribly meanof me if I did. "

At this he thought it his duty to enlighten her upon Queen Selina'sperfidy, which naturally altered Daphne's opinion, but did not shake herdetermination. 

"If she is so keen about her crown she may keep it, " she said. "All Icare for now is to get to Clairdelune and see Giroflé--I meanMirliflor. "

"But, " objected the Baron, employing the Marshal's argument, "we shouldarrive there days before the Prince. "

"Then, " said Daphne imperiously, "tell the storks to take us tohim--wherever he is. "

"If I did so, " he objected, "the Marshal's plan would fall through!"

"And what if it does? How do you know that he's to be trusted? I alwaysthought myself he had a bad face, and I don't feel at all inclined toput myself in his power. So you will please not be a pig, Baron, but doas I say. "

No doubt her diction should have been more on a level with her dignity, but then it must be remembered that she had not been brought up as aprospective Fairy Queen. 

"I am convinced, " he persisted, "that the Marshal's devotion to yourMajesty's cause is beyond suspicion. "

"And I'm quite sure that it isn't, " retorted Daphne. "If, as you tellme, Baron, I am your Queen, it's your duty to obey my orders, and Iorder you to take me to Mirliflor. " He did not venture to oppose her anylonger, so he gave the necessary command, and the great birds wheeledround once more towards Clairdelune. 

 * * * * *

Mirliflor had discovered, after accomplishing a third of his journey, that his horse had suddenly gone so lame that it was unable to proceedat any pace but a walk. He had dismounted, and was leading it until hecould reach a hostelry and provide himself with a fresh steed, when heheard a loud throbbing in the air behind him. The next moment a largeflight of storks passed over his head and descended with a car on a spotsome yards in advance of him. He saw at once that one of the occupantswas Daphne, and leaving his horse by the wayside he went forward to meether, not without some constraint and uncertainty, however, for his fearthat she would love him no longer had not ceased to haunt him. 

She had alighted and was standing still, her face expressing wonder andsomething of alarm. Could this splendid gallant cavalier really be herhomely Giroflé? she was thinking, and if he were, how could he help herto overcome this paralysing sense of his being a stranger? He cametowards her, feeling almost as shy as she. 

"Daphne! my dearest!" he said, stretching out his arms, "am I so changedthat you can't care for me any more?" And, as she heard his voice, allher doubts and apprehensions suddenly fled. 

"No, " she murmured, placing a fair hand on each of his broad shouldersand looking fearlessly up into his face. "You are just the same, really. My very own Giroflé! And, oh, I'm so glad!"

"And you forgive me for deceiving you, dearest?" he asked when the firstrapture of meeting and reassurance was over. "I was bound in honour totell you nothing. "

"I know, " she said; "the Court Godmother is to blame for that--not you. And I was prepared to find you changed, Gir--Mirliflor--only--not quiteso changed as this. "

"If you would love me better as I was, darling, " he said, "tell me so, and I will make her transform me again. I will become Giroflé for therest of my life--rather than lose you!"

"I don't think she is well enough to be asked to do that now, " repliedDaphne. "And, besides"--and here she held him from her at arm'slength--"besides, now I look at you, you really are rather nice, youknow! No, darling, I won't have you altered again. "

After all, this was only in accordance with Märchenland's precedents. Did Beauty, for instance, resent her Beast's emergence into a Prince?All the same, Daphne was a little ashamed of herself for the increasingsatisfaction she felt in Mirliflor's good looks--it seemed almost aninfidelity to Giroflé--but she could not help it, and did not even try. 

The Baron had tactfully remained with the storks until, in his opinion, it was time to interrupt the lovers, when he stepped towards them, cracking loudly. 

"Sire, " he said, "accept my congratulations on a good fortune that isperchance even greater than you yet know. You have won a lady who is notonly lovely, but, as I shall show you, no other than the daughter ofour late Prince Chrysopras, and thus rightfully entitled to the crown ofMärchenland. "

"And you knew this, Daphne?" cried Mirliflor when the Baron hadconcluded. "Why did you say nothing to me about it?"

"I only heard of it myself just now in the car, " she said. "And whatdoes it matter? I don't want to claim the crown--all I want is to liveat Clairdelune with you. "

But he told her it was her duty to her Country to assert her justrights, and, on being informed of the appointment with the Marshal, hewas in favour of keeping it. "He will be useful, " he said, "if he is anhonest supporter of your cause. "

"But I'm quite certain he isn't!" said Daphne. 

"We can only make sure by meeting him, " he replied, "and as of course Ishall be with you, you will be in no danger. "

He had no weapon but the sword that had served him so well atDrachenstolz, which he had brought away with him rather as a _souvenir_than with any idea that he might need it on his journey, but Daphne feltthat, so long as Mirliflor was at her side, she had nothing to fear, andso she readily consented to re-enter the car and be taken to the Chapelin the forest, where the Marshal in all probability was awaiting herarrival. 

As the car neared the borders of the forest, Mirliflor took out the silkcap which the Baron had lent him. "I meant to have returned this to you, Baron, " he said, "but I find I have it still. With your permission, Iwill keep it a little longer, as I fancy it may be useful. Don't bealarmed, darling, " he added to Daphne, "if you don't see me when I putthis on. Remember that, though I shall be invisible, I shall be nearyou all the time. "

"I'll try to remember, Mirliflor, " said Daphne. "But--but don't stayinvisible longer than you can possibly help. "

 * * * * *

The Chapel stood in a clearing in the very middle of the forest, and thestorks calculated their descent with such nicety that they brought thecar up in front of the door. 

The Marshal, in his plumed helmet, golden cuirass, and high boots ofgilded leather, was waiting, and now came forward to help Daphne toalight. His vizor was raised, but the company of knights with him woretheirs down, so that it was impossible for her to know who they were orwhether they intended her good or ill. 

"We expected you long ere this, Lady Daphne, " said the Marshal as hehanded her out. 

"Did you, Marshal?" she said, trying to appear unconcerned. "We went alittle out of our way. " She noticed that, either by accident or design, several of the knights had interposed themselves between herself and theBaron. 

"We have the less time at our disposal, " said the Marshal, "so I willcome to the point at once. You have no doubt been already informed ofyour rights, and that I and my companions are here to place you on thethrone, provided you accept my conditions?"

"I--I was not told of any conditions, " said Daphne. 

"There is but one, " he said, and at this the Chapel door was thrown openand a priest of extremely disreputable exterior appeared on thethreshold, with the lighted altar as his background. "Wed me--and youshall be Queen of Märchenland. "

"I've no wish to be that, " she replied, "and, as you know, Marshal, Ihave already promised to marry Prince Mirliflor. "

"You may dismiss all thought of that, " he said blandly, "for if yourefuse my hand, both you and the Baron will meet with instant death, thecar and birds will also be destroyed and buried, and I have so arrangedthat it will be believed that her Majesty Queen Selina has had youremoved to the distant land from which you came. "

"Marshal, " pleaded Daphne, trying hard to remember that Mirliflor wasreally by her side, "I must have time--time to think over your--yourproposal. "

"It may help you to decide, Lady Daphne, " he said, "if you reflect that, in any case, you will never again behold Prince Mirliflor ofClairdelune. "

"And why not, Marshal?" said Mirliflor, as he flung away the cap ofdarkness and stepped in front of his beloved. 

The Marshal knew at once that his fate was sealed. He stood no chancewhatever against a Prince who had slain a dragon singlehanded. Theknights also seemed to recognise this, or else their sympathy had veeredto Daphne's side, for they stood back in a circle without attempting tointerfere, while the priest, who perhaps had not till then understoodthat the marriage ceremony was to be compulsory, promptly re-entered thelittle Chapel and blew out all the candles. 

The combat was over in a second or two--as any combat would necessarilybe in which one of the antagonists was equipped with an irresistiblesword. Mirliflor, to be sure, did not know that he possessed thissomewhat unsportsmanlike advantage, and had disdained to shelterhimself, as he might have done, under the cap. But it is more thanpossible that if he had known more about the sword, he would havestretched the point of honour in this particular case. As has alreadybeen seen, he had occasional lapses from the ideals the Fairy hadbestowed on him at his baptism, and he was quite incapable of troublinghimself about them when Daphne's life was at stake. Perhaps he ought tohave been more consistently punctilious, but he was not--which wasfortunate for both of them. 

As soon as the knights saw the Marshal fall, they hastened to protesttheir loyalty to their young Queen and offer their congratulations, which Daphne thought it politic to accept at their face value. Horseswere found for her and Mirliflor, who decided to make, with a pickedbody of the knights, for a village a league from Eswareinmal and awaitdevelopments there. Of the rest of the party, some were instructed to goback to the Palace and report the Marshal's death while hunting, therest remained to bury his body, and it was one of these who found thepacket, and, most unluckily for Queen Selina, thought it necessary todeliver it in hot haste to its addressee. 

The Baron was directed to go on in the car to Clairdelune and informKing Tournesol that his son had found a bride at last. 

On reaching the village near Eswareinmal, Mirliflor had sent on two ofhis escort into the city to ascertain the state of feeling there. Theybrought back the unexpected news that all the citizens now knew that theLady Daphne was entitled to the Crown and were demanding her; thatQueen Selina, with her husband and son, had been imprisoned on suspicionof having made away with her, and, if she were not forthcoming by anearly date, would be executed publicly without fail. 

In the heat of his resentment at the treachery which had so nearlysucceeded in parting him from Daphne for ever, Mirliflor declared thatthey should be left to the doom which they would certainly meet ifDaphne's return were kept secret for a few days. 

"Mirliflor said that--not Giroflé, " she told him. "Giroflé would neverbe so horribly cold-blooded. But even Mirliflor didn't really mean it!Of _course_ we can't let these Stimpson people be executed. Besides, I_know_--I can't say how, but I _do_ know--that Mr. Stimpson andClarence, at any rate, haven't been parties to any plot to get rid ofme. And as for Mrs. Stimpson, I dislike her, and I want to go _on_disliking her--which I couldn't possibly do after she had her head cutoff! So we'll go into Eswareinmal at once, Mirliflor, and do what we canfor the poor things. "

"I spoke in haste, dearest, " said Mirliflor. "I was wrong, and you areright as usual. "

"And now we're _both_ going to be right, darling!" said Daphne. 

 * * * * *

"I wish, " Clarence remarked later the same day, "I wish these windowslooked out on the front. We might see her coming back in that blessedstork-car. She'll be sure to come the quickest way when she hears we'rein the soup like this--don't you think so, Mater?"

"I'm sure _I_ don't know!" said the tortured Queen Selina. "She mayn'tcome back at all. I mean, she may keep the messengers and leave us toperish. It is only what I should expect of her!"

"No, dash it all, Mater, she's too much of a sport for that, " he said. "She'll either turn up or send word that she's all right. "

"Don't deceive yourself, Clarence!" said his mother. "I know better thanyou can, and I tell you that she will do neither. "

"Not when it's to save our lives?" he replied. "She's boundto--unless--unless anything has happened to her. I'm a bit worried aboutthat, because--well, time's getting _on_, you know--what?"

"I trust, my boy, " said his father, "we shall not be brought tothe--er--scaffold by any mistake of that kind. If that occurred, itwould be most un--" he caught his wife's eye and substituted"unsatisfactory. I'm not sure, " he added, "but I fancy I hear shouting. Seems to come from below. "

"It certainly _is_ shouting, " said Clarence, "and it's getting louder. They're coming this way. I--I hope I'm wrong--but I've a strongimpression that we're going to get it in the neck after all!"

"Sidney! Clarence!" cried Queen Selina, as she sank on her knees, unableto bear her guilty burden any longer. "I--I can't die without asking youto forgive me for--for what I have brought on you!"

"It's no fault of yours, Mater, " said Clarence. "Just the family luck, that's all!"

"Ah, but listen--listen!" implored his Mother; but, before she couldproceed, the door was suddenly unlocked, and Prince Tapfer vonSchneiderleinheimer entered with every sign of respect. 

"I am charged by her Majesty Queen Daphne to desire your attendance inthe Throne Room, " he said, "and to convey her and Prince Mirliflor'sregret that you should have been subjected to any inconvenience byhaving permitted her departure to Clairdelune. "

Queen Selina--or rather Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, as she was now oncemore--hastily rose from her knees. So the Baron had disobeyed hisorders, and Miss Heritage did not even know that they had been given!This was indeed an unhoped-for deliverance. _What_ a mercy, she thought, that it had come just before she had spoken words she could never haverecalled! "Kindly assure--your Mistress, " she said, with all the dignityof fallen grandeur, "that while we cannot but feel that we have beenmost unjustly suspected, we are willing to make every allowance for thecircumstances, and shall have much pleasure in coming down to offer ourcongratulations presently. But first I want to see the Princess Royaland Princess Ruby if they are well enough to leave their dungeons. "

"Your daughters, Madam, have merely been required to remain in their ownapartments, and are in perfect health, " he replied; "I will have themconducted to you immediately. "

"Oh, Mummy!" exclaimed Ruby a little later, as she ran to her Mother'sarms, "is it really true? Aren't you and Daddy King and Queen any more?"

"No, my darling, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "it seems the peoplewould rather have Miss Heritage. "

"Oh, I don't mind so much if it's Daphne. And will Prince Mirliflor beKing?"

"I really can't say how they will arrange it--nor does it interest me_what_ they may do. "

"It does _me_, " said Ruby. "I hope they'll let us stay here with them. "

"I consider it most unlikely--even if I were willing to be a guest in myown Palace. But I've no doubt they will make some suitable provision forus. "

"Speaking for myself, Mother, " said Edna, "I should be far happierleading a simple life in retirement than ever I've been in thispretentious place. And, though I never cared much about being aPrincess, we can scarcely be treated as commoners after what we _have_been. "

"I shall settle all these matters myself with Miss Herit--Queen Daphne, I suppose I _ought_ to call her, but it's so difficult to get into justat once. And now I think we will all go down to the Throne Room. Remember on no account to show the slightest ill-feeling. Let her seethat, if we have lost everything else, we still retain our manners. "

She was herself so far from betraying any ill-feeling when she enteredthe Throne Room that she was almost overwhelmingly affectionate. 

"My dear child!" she said, advancing to Daphne, who was standing in thecentre of the room with Mirliflor, "so pleased to see you both back! butwe're _all_ of us _that_! And, as I was saying to His--to myhusband--only a few minutes ago, 'I'm sure, Sidney, ' I said, 'there's noperson in the world I would give up my crown to so willingly as I wouldto dear Miss Heritage!'"

"Most happy, " said her husband. "We've abdicated already, your--yourMajesty--both of us--as soon as we knew the facts. "

"I--I'm most awfully glad to see your Majesty back again, " saidClarence, noting the flush on her cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes asshe glanced at Mirliflor, whom he envied more than ever. "I wasbeginning to think I--er--shouldn't--you ran things a trifle close. "

"Perhaps I did, " said Daphne, "but you see, I thought it was wiser totry to find Mirliflor, before being taken to--to Clairdelune. " She saidthis quite simply, for she could see that, as she had been sure of fromthe first, both Clarence and his father were no parties to Mrs. Stimpson's design, and she was anxious to spare them all knowledge of itif she could. 

Her words only confirmed Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's sense of security;Daphne evidently suspected nothing, probably because the false Marshalhad never handed the Baron his secret instructions. "_Much_ the bestplan, I'm sure, your Majesty!" she agreed, "though it was fortunate for_us_ that you found dear Prince Mirliflor so soon. However, it has allended happily, so we will say no more about it. And now I want to begthat you mustn't consider Us. If you would like to have possession ofthe Palace at once, you have only to say so. Or if I could be of any useto you by staying on for a little, just to show you how things ought tobe done----?"

Daphne forced herself to be civil to her for her family's sake, not herown. 

"It is very good of you, " she said, "but I'm afraid it won't be possiblefor you to stay here. "

"Well, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "we shall be perfectly satisfiedwith any residence--if it's only quite a moderate-sized castle--thatyour Majesty is good enough to put at our disposal. Not _too_ far fromhere, or poor Ruby"--here she glanced at her younger daughter, who hadtaken possession of one of Daphne's hands, which she was kissing andfondling--"would be _quite_ inconsolable at losing her dearest friend!"

But her remarks were lost on Daphne, for just then, to Mrs. Stimpson'ssurprise and secret dismay, the entrance was formally announced of theCourt Godmother, whom she had imagined to be at least moribund, if notdead. She came in, looking frail and feeble, but still with much of theenergy and vitality that had seemed to have departed for ever. 

"Really, " thought the disgusted Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "MotherHubbard's dog is a fool to her!"

Daphne had already gone to greet her and lead her to a seat. "I'm muchbetter, my child--in fact almost as well as ever. A day or two ago Ithought I was dying--but a little rest and the good news of your returnhave quite set me up again. I begin to think I shall see my secondcentury out yet!"

"It is indeed a marvellous recovery, my dear Court Godmother!" chimed inMrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "We've all been _so_ anxious! We should havesent to inquire, only we couldn't--because--well, you'll hardly_believe_ it, but we've been imprisoned (and very nearly _executed_, too!) on a ridiculous charge of having made away with our dear youngQueen here! When, as _you_ know, I had actually gone out of my way tohave her sent to Clairdelune as soon as I found you were too ill to seeto it yourself. "

"And well for you that you did so!" said the grim old Fairy, "for if youhad played--or even sought to play--her false, I would have seen toit--old and ailing as I am--that such treason did not go unpunished!"

Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson shivered inwardly under the implacable old eyes;she knew well that she could expect no mercy if the Fairy discoveredthat these secret orders had ever been handed to the Baron. Only, asthe Baron had never received them, he could tell her nothing, and as theCouncil now believed them to be a forgery of the Marshal's, Mrs. Stimpson felt herself fairly safe. 

"Yes, dear Court Godmother, " she said sweetly; "but you see, Ihaven't--so we needn't discuss that _now_, need we? When you came injust now, I was just telling her Majesty that we had no desire to stayon at the Palace longer than is unavoidable, but that, naturally, wewere anxious to know where accommodation would be found for us--nothinggrand, of course, _any_ fairly large _château_ would suit us. "

"I'm sorry, " said Daphne, after stooping to kiss Ruby, "but that isquite impossible. "

"Impossible?" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "I can't believe that yourMajesty would turn us out of our own Palace, without a home to go to!"

"You have 'Inglegarth, '" said Daphne, "and as soon as the Baron returnswith the car he shall take you there. "

"I am much obliged to your Majesty, " returned Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, her complexion deepening to a rich purple, "very much obliged for suchtruly generous treatment! Some people might think that, considering thatyou wouldn't be Queen at all but for our kindness in taking you with us, when we were brought here--by no seeking of _ours_--to reign over thisridiculous country--I say, _some_ people might call this rather shabbyand ungrateful. Especially when we gave way the moment we were toldthere had been a mistake--sooner than make any fuss or trouble--as fewSovereigns in our position would have done! And now it seems we're to berewarded by being bundled back to a suburban residence which, whateverelse may be said for it, is absurdly inadequate for any retiredRoyalties! But you will find we are not to be got rid of quite soeasily. I absolutely decline to go back to Gablehurst to be an ordinarynobody after what I have been. Nothing in the world shall induce me to!"

"My love, " said her husband, "we can't stay here if we're not wanted. "

"No, Mater, " said Clarence, "we've got to clear. "

"I shall be thankful to get away myself, " added Edna. "What isMärchenland, after all?--just a petty little Kingdom that nobody evenknows is in existence!"

"_You_ may go if you please, " Mrs. Stimpson declared. "_I_ shallstay--if I have to sit and starve to death at the Palace Gates! And apretty scandal _that_ will be!"

"If you were allowed to starve, " said the Fairy Vogelflug--"which youwouldn't be, you'd get food enough--but no sympathy. So I should adviseyou myself to return to your own Country, where you are probably held inmore esteem than you are here. And now, " she added to Daphne, "I mustask your Majesty's leave to withdraw to my own apartments. I shall beobliged if you would send the Baron to me as soon as he arrives fromClairdelune. " And with this, and a stiff but stately curtesy to theyoung Queen, she hobbled out of the Throne Room. 

"I shall maintain to my dying breath, " declared Mrs. Stimpsonvehemently, "that, after governing this Country as we have done, we haveearned the right to stay in it. I consider we are not only entitled tothat, but to a suitable establishment and pension. Your Majesty cansurely spare us something out of all we have given up!"

Daphne intimated that she wished to reply to Mrs. Stimpson in private, whereupon the others withdrew out of hearing and left them together. 

"I hate having to say it, " she began in a low voice, "but you reallycan't stay here on any terms, Mrs. Stimpson--I think I needn't tell youwhy. "

"Your Majesty surely doesn't suspect me of any----?"

"I don't suspect, " said Daphne, "I _know_ how you tried to part me fromPrince Mirliflor for ever--and how nearly you succeeded. _He_ knows, too. .. . Oh, you are in no danger from us--_we_ shall say nothing. Butthere is someone else who _might_. "

"Not--not the Baron?" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, so thrown off herguard that she failed to see how completely the question gave her away. 

"Yes, " said Daphne gravely, "the Baron. You heard what the CourtGodmother said about seeing him as soon as he returns? We have forbiddenhim to speak--but it's quite possible that she will get the truth out ofhim--and that might be rather disagreeable for you, mightn't it?"

"Very, " agreed the trembling Mrs. Stimpson. "She'd have no mercy onme--on any of us!"

"I'm afraid not, " said Daphne, "and she might not listen even to me. So--don't you think it would be wiser to change your mind about stayingand go back to Gablehurst before she _does_ see him?"

"Much, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson in a half-choked voice--"much!if--if it can be arranged. "

"I think it can. The journey to Clairdelune and back won't tire thestorks--they will be quite able to take you over to England as soon asyou are ready to start. "

"We'll go and get ready at once, " said Mrs. Stimpson, "so as not to keepthe car waiting. "

"You have plenty of time. It can't be here for some hours yet. "

"Oh, I hope the Baron will make haste--and--and if your Majesty _could_only prevent him from seeing the Court Godmother till after we aregone!"

"She will probably be asleep, " said Daphne, "but in any case he shallhave instructions to take you home the very moment he arrives at thePalace. I think, " she added, "that is all we had to say to one another. "

"Except, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, "that your Majesty really mustallow me to express my deep sense of the very handsome----"

"No, _please_!" said Daphne, turning away, for she felt that she had hadas much of Mrs. Stimpson as she could stand just then. 

That good lady, having partially recovered her equanimity, retreated toher husband and family. 

"I've been talking it over with her Majesty, Sidney, " she announced, "and she has _quite_ brought me to see that, under the circumstances, weshall really be more comfortable in dear old England. So she has kindlyarranged for us to be taken home in the car directly it gets back fromClairdelune. "

"Glad to hear it, my love, " said the ex-Monarch. "Personally, I muchprefer 'Inglegarth' to this sort of thing. "

"But I say, " Clarence put in, glancing down at his fantastic attire, "Idon't quite see myself going back to Gablehurst in _this_ get up. WishI knew what had become of the kit we came in!"

It was now the hour when the Court was accustomed to go up and changetheir costumes before dinner, and Daphne felt a difficulty as to theproper course to pursue with the Wibberley-Stimpsons. Could she withoutindelicacy invite them to sit as guests at what had lately been theirown table? And yet it seemed hardly human to leave them out. She decidedthat the former course was on the whole less open to objection. 

"I hope, " she said to Mrs. Stimpson, with a touch of shyness, "that youwill all give me the pleasure of dining with us this evening? You see, you must have something to eat before such a long journey. "

"Your Majesty is most kind, " said Mrs. Stimpson in a great flurry, "but, if you will excuse us from accepting what--no one knows better thanI--is really a command, I--I really _don't_ think we should have time tosit through a long dinner. We--we might miss the car--and besides, there's the question of dressing. If we could have a few sandwiches anda little wine in one of the vestibules while we are waiting for the car, that will be all we shall require!"

"You shall do exactly as you please about it, " replied Daphne. She wasgreatly relieved, as one reason for her hesitation in asking them hadbeen the dread that Mr. Stimpson might think himself called upon to makean after-dinner speech. 

Her ladies-in-waiting were already in her Tiring-Chamber, highlydelighted by the prospect of arraying a Queen whom, even when she hadbeen nominally one of themselves, they had always not merely admired butadored. 

It had suddenly occurred to Daphne that the Stimpson family might findthemselves on their return to Gablehurst in certain difficulties againstwhich she felt bound to do what she could to protect them. 

She thought over the best means of doing this, which took so much timeto carry out that the business of arraying her for her first banquet asa Royal Hostess had to be got through more hurriedly than her ladies ofthe Bedchamber thought at all decorous. 

But she knew that Mirliflor would be well content with her, however shelooked--and as a matter of fact he not only was, but had every reason tobe so. 

The Wibberley-Stimpsons had already ascertained that the clothes theyhad worn on their arrival in Märchenland had been carefully laid up inone of the Royal wardrobes, from which they were brought at theirearnest request. They put them on in frantic haste, and, in deadly fearof being surprised by the Royal Household, they stole down the greatStaircase to an antechamber by the Entrance Hall. There they found atable set with every description of tempting food, to which all didjustice but Mrs. Stimpson, the state of whose nerves had entirely takenaway her appetite. She was continually starting up and saying, "Listen!I'm _sure_ I hear these storks!"

"You'd better eat something, Mater, " Clarence said. "It's the lastdinner we shall ever have in Märchenland. "

"I can't, " she replied, "I don't know how any of _you_ can. .. . There gothe silver trumpets! She's going into the Banqueting Hall now. On PrinceMirliflor's arm, most likely! How she can have the _heart_ when she_must_ know we are still here!"

"She _did_ ask us to dinner, my love, " Mr. Stimpson mildly reminded her. 

"She had the execrable taste to do that, Sidney, " replied his wife, "andI think the manner in which I declined must have been a lesson toher. .. . Dear me, is that car _never_ coming?"

She said that many times during the evening, as they sat on in the ebonyand ivory chamber, while the strains of music reached them faintly fromthe distant Ballroom. 

Clarence thought gloomily of the dance on the night of the Coronation, and how his mother had forbidden him to choose Daphne as his partner. Perhaps, if he had insisted on having his own way--if he had not limitedhimself to a merely morganatic alliance, she might have--but it was toolate to grouse about that now! He endeavoured to cheer himself by thethought that he would very soon be in a civilised land of cigarettes. 

It was getting late, and the music had now ceased, from which theygathered that the Queen and Court had already retired. "She _might_ havehad the common civility to say good-bye to us!" complained Mrs. Stimpson, "but of course she is too grand now to condescend so far! Notthat _I_ have any desire to see her again. On the contrary!"

The doors of the Vestibule were thrown open here and one of the ushersannounced: "Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness PrinceMirliflor. "

"Coming here to triumph over us!" was Mrs. Stimpson's comment as sherose. 

"We came to wish you a pleasant journey to Gablehurst, " explainedDaphne, as she entered, followed by Mirliflor. "I hope you won't have towait for the car _much_ longer, but I've told the attendants in theHall to let you know the minute it is here. "

She was looking radiantly lovely and girlish--and queenly as well, inspite of the fact that she was still uncrowned. But if she had had theright to wear her crown, she was incapable of doing so just then. 

Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson made a curtsey that might have been lower if shehad had any practice--but all the curtseying previously had been done toherself. "We thank your Majesty, " she said. "I too hope there will be nomore of this delay. I am getting worn out with all this waiting. Oh, while I think of it, " she went on (the desire to be offensive overcomingany fear of the consequences), "of course we are not in a position _now_to give really _valuable_ wedding presents--and I'm afraid mine must bea _very_ humble offering, particularly as it needs repairing. However, such as it is, perhaps your Majesty will honour me by accepting it withour congratulations and _very_ best wishes?" And she offered the jewelwhich she had formerly acquired from Daphne. Daphne's eyebrowscontracted for an instant, but the next moment she laughed. 

"I really couldn't, Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson!" she said. "You see, youhave already given it to Clarence, and I mustn't deprive him of it. "

"Won't you accept it from _me_, then?" he said awkwardly. "I--I shan'thave any use for it now. "

She shook her head. "You will please me so much better by keeping it, "she said gently--"in memory of Märchenland. "

It was true that it had once belonged to her father--the father she hadnever known--but then it had also belonged to Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, and Daphne was conscious now of an invincible unwillingness to acceptany gift from that lady. 

"I--I'd do anything to please you, " said Clarence, taking the pendantfrom his mother and slipping it into the pocket of his dinner-jacket. 

Ruby, in the white silk frock she had last worn at "Inglegarth, " wasclinging to Daphne. "I don't want to go back!" she wailed, "I want tostay here with you. Won't you send for me some day? Say you will; do sayyou will!"

Daphne stooped to caress and comfort her, and also to hide her ownemotion. "I wish I could, darling, " she said tenderly, "but I'm afraid, I'm _afraid_ I mustn't make any promises that I'm not sure of being ableto keep. "

"Then say you will--_perhaps_!" entreated Ruby, but her mother promptlyinterposed. 

"Ruby, my dear, " she said, "you're forgetting how far her Majesty is nowour superior. A Palace is no longer a fit place for any of us to visit, and I consider it best we should remain in future strictly in ourrespective spheres. "

"Then I will go to mine at once, " said Daphne, smiling. "Good-bye, Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. Good-bye, Edna. " She held out her hand to both ofthem, but they curtsied formally without offering to take it. "Good-bye, dearest little Ruby--I hope your next governess will love you nearly asmuch as I do--she can't _quite_! Good-bye, Mr. Stimpson--I think youwill be rather glad to be back in the City again, won't you?"

"I shall, indeed, your Majesty, " he said. "To tell you the honest truth, I don't think I was ever cut out for a monarch. "

It was Clarence's turn next, and when he saw her offering him her handwith the old frank friendliness, he had a renewed sense of his ownunworthiness. 

"No, " he said in a low voice, "you can't want to shake hands with--withsuch a hopeless rotter as I've been!"

"I shouldn't, " she replied, "if I weren't sure that you could besomething very much better if you chose. And I know you _will_ choose. "

"I will, " he said, "I swear I will--if I ever get the chance!"

"Your chance will come. Quite soon, perhaps. And when it does, rememberthat I believe in you--and, good-bye, Clarence. "

"Good-bye--Daphne, " he said brokenly. As he took her hand he thoughtwith a keen pang that he had never held it before, and never wouldagain. And the time had been--or so at least he imagined--when he mighthave made that hand his own for ever!

"Good night, Mirliflor, " said Daphne, as he held aside the hangings forher. "We shall meet to-morrow. "

She passed into the great Hall with a dignity the more charming forbeing so natural and unconscious--and that was the last Clarence wasever destined to see of her. 

He turned to Mirliflor, whose eyes still betrayed the pride he felt inhis beloved. "I don't mind telling you, old chap--er--Prince Mirliflor, that I took to you from the start, and--as I can't be the lucky manmyself, I'm jolly glad it's to be _you_!"

"Thank you, " said Mirliflor, who was less given to florid phrases thanthe average Fairy Prince. "So am I. "

"I dare say, " Clarence went on, as he realised the contrast between hisown clothes and the magnificent costume that the old Fairy had providedfor her royal godson, "I dare say you're thinking we're not looking verysmart?"

Mirliflor was honestly able to disclaim having any impressions on thesubject. 

"Well, these togs must seem a bit rummy to _you_--but I can assure youthat, for informal occasions like the present, they're quite the rightthing in England. " (He had a momentary impulse to except his father'swhite tie, but, after all, why should he say anything about that whenMirliflor knew no better? So he decided to pass it), "Worn by the verybest Society. "

Mirliflor politely accepted this information, and then made hisfarewells. Edna's good wishes were couched in a spirit of frigidmagnanimity. She had too much self-respect to let him perceive that sheresented his fickleness. 

They were now alone in the antechamber. From time to time Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson would rise impatiently and peer out into the vasthall, now only lit by one or two flickering cressets, to see if thestork-car had arrived--but the attendants in waiting always assured herthat it had not, and, after some fussing and fretting, she lay down on adivan and fell into an uneasy slumber. 

Her husband was snoring placidly; Ruby had cried herself to sleep longbefore; Edna had brought down her lecture-notes, and was conscientiouslyemploying the time in polishing up her knowledge of English Literature. 

Her notes on Nietzsche's philosophy had been torn out after the rupturewith the Count. Somehow the Nietzschean theories did not seem to workquite well when carried into practice. But, after deciphering a very fewLiterature notes, Edna found herself too drowsy to continue. 

Clarence remained awake longest. He had wandered restlessly out into thehall just to look at the great Staircase half lost in the gloom. Daphnehad ascended it a little while since. To-morrow she would come down, fresh and radiant, to meet Mirliflor. Before long they would be marriedand crowned, and live happy ever after in the good old Märchenland way. Well, he wouldn't have to look on and see them doing it, which was someconsolation. He went back to the antechamber and regarded the sleepingforms of his family with disillusioned eyes. "We look like Royalties--I_don't_ think!" he said to himself. "No wonder they've booted us out. Why, a bally rabbit-warren would!"

But this depressing reflection soon ceased to trouble him, unless itstill continued to shadow his dreams. 

CHAPTER XXII

SQUARING ACCOUNTS

Almost simultaneously Mr. Wibberley-Stimpson and his son and daughtersopened their eyes, then rubbed them, and sat up and looked about themwith a bewilderment that gradually gave way to intense relief. For, although the light had faded, their surroundings were reassuringlyfamiliar. They were in their own drawing-room at "Inglegarth. " Itoccurred at once to most of them that they had never actually leftit--an impression that was pleasantly confirmed by Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's first remark as she awoke later. 

"Why, hasn't the dinner-gong gone yet?" she inquired crossly. "Cook getsmore and more unpunctual!"

"I don't think it can be eight o'clock yet, my dear, " said her husband, "it's quite light still. "

"Nonsense, Sidney, it must be long past dinner-time! I've been so lostin my own thoughts that somehow I----"

"Now, Mother, you know you've been asleep and only just woke up!" saidEdna, from one of the chintz couches. 

"Have I? Perhaps I _did_ drop off just for a few seconds. In fact I musthave done--for I begin to recollect having quite a curious dream. Idreamed that you and I, Sidney, were King and Queen of some absurdfairy Kingdom or other, and that--well, it was not at _all_ a pleasantdream. "

"It's a most singular coincidence, Selina, " he said, "but I've beendreaming much the same sort of thing myself!"

The others looked at one another, but none of them ventured to expressjust yet what was in all their minds. 

"Have you?" said his wife languidly. "I suppose it was telepathy orsomething of that kind. Ring for Mitchell, Clarence--I hope dinner hasnot been allowed to get cold. And--and Miss Heritage seems to have leftthe drawing-room. Run up, Ruby, and tell her to come down. "

"I don't believe she's upstairs at all, mummy, " said Ruby. "No, ofcourse she _can't_ be. We left her in the Palace--don't you remember?_She's_ Queen now, you know?"

"Queen! Miss Heritage! Why, you don't mean to tell me you've beendreaming that too?"

"So have I, as far as that goes, mater, " said Clarence. "If it _was_ adream, and not--not----"

"How could it be anything else? Besides, here we all _are_, exactly aswe were!"

"We've got our cloaks and things on, though, " said Ruby. "_I_ know howit was! We've been brought here in the stork-car while we were fastasleep. We sat up ever so long waiting for it. "

"It can't be! I won't believe anything so absurd. Draw the curtains, somebody, and pull up the blinds. .. . It's odd, but it certainly looksmore like early morning than any other time. Clarence, go out and strikethe gong. Perhaps the maids haven't finished dressing yet. "

Clarence went out accordingly. The gong bellowed and boomed from thehall, but there was no sound of stirring above. "I say, " he reported, "I've just looked into the dining-room, and all the chairs are upsidedown on the table. That looks rather as if we'd been away for abit--what?"

"Clarence! You're not beginning to think that--that all that about ourhaving been a Royal Family may be _true_?"

"Well, Mater, " he said, "if we haven't been in Märchenland, where _have_we been? Oh yes, we've been Royalties right enough--and a pretty rottenjob we made of it!"

At this time there was a deprecatory knock at the drawing-room door. "Mitchell!" cried her mistress, "don't you know better than to--?"However, it was not Mitchell that entered--but a person unknown--arespectable-looking elderly female, who seemed to have made a hastytoilette. 

"Askin' your pardons, " she said, "but if you were wishing to see thefamily, they're away just now. "

"We _are_ the family, " replied Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "We havebeen--er--abroad, but have returned. And we should be glad of breakfastat once. "

"I can git you a cup of tea as soon as the kittle's on the boil, " shesaid, "but I'm only put in as caretaker like, and I've nothink in the'ouse except bread and butter. The shops'll be opening now, so if youdon't object to waiting a little, I could go out and get you a naddickand eggs and such like. "

"Yes, buck up, old lady!" said Clarence, "and I say, see if you can geta _Daily Mail_ or a paper of some sort. "

"What are you so anxious to see the paper for?" inquired Edna after thecaretaker had departed. 

"Only wanted to know what month we're in, " he said. "It would havelooked so silly to ask her what day it is. We must have been--overthere--a good long time. "

"At least a year!" said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson, no longer able tosustain the dream theory. "More. When we left it was quite earlySpring--and now all the trees are out! Sidney, what _will_ your firm sayto your having been away so long without letting them know where youwere?"

"I can't say, my love. I'm afraid they might make it a ground for adissolution of partnership--unless I can give them a satisfactoryexplanation of my absence. "

"The difficulty will be to find one!" said his wife. "As for you, Clarence, they will be too glad to see you back again at the InsuranceOffice to ask any questions. "

"I dare say they would, Mater, only--it didn't seem worth mentioningbefore--but, as a matter of fact, I--er--resigned the day we left. "

"Then it seems, " said Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson bitterly, "we have beensent back here to find ourselves in comparative poverty! I hope andtrust"--she felt furtively in her bead handbag before continuing morecheerfully--"that we shall be able to struggle through somehow. "

She knew now that they would not be without resources. She could feelthem through the handkerchief in which they had been wrapped--two pieceswhich she had had the presence of mind to pick up from the Halma boardas she passed through Edna's and Ruby's chamber the evening before. Onewas carved from a ruby, the other from a diamond, and each of them wasworth a small fortune. Her one regret now was that she had not pocketedseveral more while she was about it. But, although she would have beenperfectly within her rights in doing so--for were they not her ownproperty?--she had thought at the time that it would be risky to takeany number that could be noticed. There was always the chance that MissHeritage might count them!

However, she said nothing about this to her family just then; it wouldbe a pleasant surprise for them later on. 

"But, " she continued, "I _do_ think it might have occurred to MissHeritage--I can't and won't call her by any other name--that, as she wasknown to be in my employment when we left 'Inglegarth, ' our returningwithout her may expose us to very unpleasant remarks. People may thinkI've discharged her--left her stranded in foreign parts--or I don't knowwhat!"

"That is what she _calculated_ on, no doubt!" said Edna. 

"Oh, stop it, Edna!" said her brother, "you ought to know her betterthan that!"

"Oh, of course she's an angel--in _your_ estimation! But she could havesaved mother from being misunderstood if she'd wanted to--and since shehasn't--well, I'll leave you to draw the obvious inference!"

Ruby, who had been roving about the room during this conversation, nowbroke in:

"Mummy, " she cried, "there's a letter here for you, and it looks likedarling Queen Daphne's writing!" And she brought it to her mother. Itwas enclosed in a folded square of parchment--envelopes, like othermodern conveniences, being unknown in Märchenland--and fastened with theroyal signet, which Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson broke with a melancholyreminiscence of the satisfaction it had given her to use the sealherself. 

 "_Dear Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson_, " she read aloud--"_As I am about to be married here very shortly, my return with you to England will naturally be impossible. It is a great grief to me to have to part from my dear little pupil Ruby, to whom I have become so deeply and sincerely attached. Will you please tell her from me that I shall never forget her, and miss her very much indeed. --Believe me, very truly yours, _

 DAPHNE HERITAGE. "

"Well, " commented Mrs. Stimpson, while poor Ruby's tears began to flowafresh, "that is certainly a letter which I could show to _anybody_. Though I notice she doesn't say anything about being grieved to partwith anyone but Ruby. A deliberate slight to the rest of us! And thenthe meanness of turning us out without the slightest return for allwe've done for her! It _does_ show such petty ingratitude!"

"Easy on, Mater!" said Clarence. "She don't seem to have let us go awayquite empty-handed after all. I mean to say there's a box or somethingover there that I fancy I've seen before in the Palace. "

He went up to examine it as he spoke. It was an oblong case, ratherdeeper and squarer than a backgammon box, covered with faded orangevelvet and fitted with clasps and corners of finely wrought silver setwith precious stones. 

Inside were the emerald and opal "halma" board and ruby and diamondpieces, and with them a slip of parchment with Daphne's handwriting. "_Ithought perhaps_, " she had written, "_you might care to have this. Princess Rapunzelhauser tells me she is afraid two of the men aremissing, but I hope she is mistaken and they are really all there. --D. _"

"_I_ shall never play with them!" declared Ruby breaking down once more. "I--I couldn't bear to, without Her!"

"Of _course_ you will never play with them, my dear, " said her mother, "they are far too valuable for that. "

A very inadequate impression of Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's strength ofcharacter must have been given if anyone expects that this gift wouldcause her the slightest degree of shame or contrition; on the contrary, it only served to justify her in her own eyes--not that she needed anyjustification--for having appropriated those two pieces. She had merelyanticipated--and nothing would be easier than to put them back in thebox without being observed. 

"A magnificent present!" pronounced Mr. Stimpson. "Really what I shouldcall very handsome indeed of her. If we ever had to sell this set they'dfetch a colossal sum--_here_--simply colossal!"

"And a minute ago, Mater, " said Clarence, "you accused her of beingmean!"

"Well, " she replied, "and what are these things, when all is said, tothe riches we've surrendered to her? A mere trifle--which she'll nevereven miss!"

"You're forgetting they were hers--not ours--all the time. And we'veleft her precious little gold to go on with. It makes me sick to hearyou running her down, when, when . .. Well, anyhow, Mater, I'll be gladif you won't--in _my_ hearing!"

"There's no occasion to use that tone to _me_, Clarence. I have my ownopinion of Miss Heritage, and I am not likely to alter it now. But ifyou choose to keep your illusions about her, _I_ shall say nothing todisturb them. "

"You may be very clever, Clarence, " said Edna, "I know you _think_ youare, but there's _one_ subject at all events you're hopelessly ignorantabout--and that's _Women_!"

"I don't mind owning it, " he retorted. "I'd have taken my oath once thata highly superior cultivated English girl like you could never havecottoned to any Johnny in the Ogre line of business. But you've shown memy mistake!"

Edna, who was scarlet with wrath, would no doubt have made an obviousrejoinder had not a diversion been caused by the caretaker, who appearedwith that morning's _Daily Mail_. 

"Ah, so you managed to get a paper?" cried Clarence. "Good!" and he tookit from her hands and opened it. "I say, " he announced as soon as theywere alone, "we haven't been away so long as we thought. We're still in1914. Saturday, twenty-fifth of July. "

"Is that all?" said his mother. "But I remember now that tiresome oldCourt Godmother saying that Time went quicker in Märchenland than itdoes here. I don't understand how--but there's evidently _some_difference. The twenty-fifth of July? Dear me, the Pageant must be overand done with long ago! Not of course that I should have cared to takepart in it _now_!"

"Well, my boy, " said Mr. Stimpson as Clarence ran through the columns ofthe paper, "and what's the latest news?"

"First defeat of Middlesex, " replied Clarence; "Surrey's at the head ofthe table now for the Championship! Fine batting by Gloucester atNottingham yesterday--319 to Notts 299 first innings, and 75 for threewickets!"

"Capital!" said his father without enthusiasm, "and what about Politics?Got Home Rule yet?"

"I'll tell you in a minute. .. . Looks as if they hadn't. Breakdown ofHome Rule Conference at Buckingham Palace. Wonder what the Governmentwill do _now_. "

"They've only to be firm, " said Mr. Stimpson, in his character asex-autocrat. "If Ulster chooses to resent the will of the People asexpressed in the last General Election, well, she must be put down, orwhat's our Army _for_, I should like to know. Any other news?"

"Nothing much, except that Austria's just sent an ultimatum to Servia. Seems the Austrian Grand Duke's been assassinated, and Austria believesthe Servians were in it. Anyhow, they've got to knuckle down by sixo'clock to-night or they'll be jolly well walloped. But of coursethey'll give in when they're up against Austria. .. . I see these writingchaps are doing their best to work up a scare, though. Here's one of 'emactually saying it may 'plunge all Europe into War. ' Good old Armageddoncoming off at last, I suppose. How they can write such tommy-rot!"

"It's only to send up their circulation, " said Mr. Wibberley-Stimpson. "Depend upon it, there'll be no War. None of the Powers want it--tooexpensive in these days. They'll see that it's settled without fighting. And even if they can't, _we_ shan't be dragged in--we shall just let 'emfight it out among themselves, and when it's over we shall come in for ashare of the pickings!"

"Well, " said Clarence, as he crumpled the paper into a ball and tossedit away, "we needn't worry ourselves about Armageddon--got somethingmore serious to think about. "

"What do you mean, Clarence?" inquired his mother uneasily. 

"Why, " he said, "it seems we've been away about four months. We canexplain now why Miss Heritage hasn't come back with us. She's made thatall right by her letter--and a trump she was to think of it! But whatare we going to say when people want to know--and you can bet they_will_--where we've been all this time and what we've been doing?"

"We can simply tell them we have been temporarily occupying exaltedpositions in a foreign country which we are not at liberty to mention, "suggested Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson hopefully. 

"We _could_, " he said; "and the reply we should get would probably be'Rats. ' They might put it more politely--but that's what it would amountto. Believe me, you'll never make people here swallow you and thegovernor as the late King and Queen of Fairyland--it's a jolly sight toothick! Besides, there's nothing particular in what we've done there tobrag about--what?"

"_I_ at least have nothing to reproach myself with, " said his mothervirtuously. "Still I agree with you, Clarence, that perhaps it _would_be better if we could give some account of ourselves which would sound alittle less improbable. "

"We shall have to invent one. And as soon as we've done breakfast I votewe put our heads together and fake something up. But, whatever it is, wemust all remember to stick to it!"

And after long and strenuous cogitation, the Stimpson family managed toconstruct a fairly plausible story of an unexpected summons to a remotepart of the world, in which they were obliged by circumstances to remainwithout any facilities for informing their friends of their situation. 

There was one danger which Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson foresaw. At any timeshe might encounter the Duchess of Gleneagles or Lady Muscombe inSociety. However, she decided that the risk was almost negligible. Afterall, their respective circles could not be said to intersect and, if sheever _should_ come across either of these distinguished ladies, it wouldbe easy to deny all recollection of ever having met them before. 

And thus reassured, she was able to support the official version of thefamily adventures so whole-heartedly that she ended by accepting it asthe only authentic one. 

Ruby, it is true, confided a widely different account in secret to oneor two of her most intimate friends. 

But Ruby's story met with the fate that is only too certain to befallthis veracious and absolutely unexaggerated narrative--nobody was everfound to believe a single word of it!

EPILOGUE

The re-appearance of the Wibberley-Stimpsons, coupled with thecircumstantial explanations they gave of their mysterious absenceabroad, provided their friends and neighbours with very nearly theproverbial nine days' wonder. It might have done so even longer, but forthat fateful beginning of August, when, with appalling suddenness, theblow was dealt which shattered the peace of Europe and convulsed thewhole world. 

Then the Fools' Paradise in which England had so long luxuriatedcrumbled beneath her feet, and left her face to face with sternrealities. Nothing was the same, or ever would be the same, again. Issues, causes, topics, which scarcely a week before had seemed of suchvital and engrossing importance, shrivelled into insignificance orextinction under the scorching blast of war. 

And so it followed that Gablehurst entirely forgot its previouscuriosity concerning the private affairs of the Wibberley-Stimpsonfamily, thereby relieving them from a strain on their inventive powerswhich they had begun to find extremely wearing. 

The crisis afforded Mr. Stimpson a long-desired occasion for taking aspirited part in politics. At the suggestion of his wife, who reasonedthat in so Conservative a neighbourhood it would be popular to condemnany steps a Radical Government had taken, he summoned a public meetingto protest against the British Ultimatum to Germany, on the ground thatEngland's safety and interests alike depended on her preserving thestrictest neutrality under any circumstances whatever. As his solesupporter on the platform was a recently naturalised British subjectwith a pronounced German accent, the result of this patriotic endeavourwas, as he admitted afterwards, "a little unfortunate. " Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson herself was compelled to recognise, as she led himhome with two black eyes and only one coat-tail, that she had been lesscorrect than usual in estimating the local sentiment, though, of course, she ascribed his treatment entirely to the lack of tact and ability withwhich he had handled his subject. However, they have long sincesucceeded in living all that down. Mr. Stimpson very soon recognisedthat his views of the situation had been mistaken, and made haste topublish his conviction of the righteousness of our cause. No one nowenlarges with more fervour on the ruin and disgrace that would haveovertaken us if we had been induced to stand aside by persons he refersto as "those infernal cranks and pacifists. "

Moreover, he acquired further merit by his generous contribution of twothousand pounds to the Prince of Wales' Fund--a contribution whichcaused a sensation among many who could give a fairly shrewd guess atthe income he drew as a partner in the firm of Cramphorn, Stimpson, &Thistleton. 

But then they did not know that, shortly before, he had disposed of twoexquisitely carved pieces--one diamond, and the other ruby--by privatecontract to an American millionaire, for a sum which would have coveredan even more princely donation. He has several more of thesecuriosities, but is reserving them for times when they are more likelyto fetch their proper value. 

As for his wife and elder daughter, they have already achieved thedistinction of sitting on more War Committees, and talking more at everyone of them, than any other ladies in Gablehurst. 

It is unnecessary to say that they have also knitted a prodigiousquantity of garments, or at least did until they were requested toabandon their colour-schemes for the regulation khaki wool--whichperceptibly cooled their enthusiasm. 

But, after all, the greatest exhibition of self-denial was given byRuby, who parted with her latest and best-beloved acquisitions--twotree-frogs and an axolotl--and sent the proceeds of their sale to theRed Cross Society. 

Clarence had made several applications for such vacant berths as hecould hear of in the City which seemed to combine the advantages oflight work and a heavy salary, but somehow the principals he interviewedcould not be brought to share his own conviction that he was exactly theperson to suit them. He had referred them to his previous employers, buteven that had led to no favourable result. 

The war had not gone on long, however, when it was forcibly borne inupon him that, if there was no particular demand in business circles forhis services, they were needed rather urgently just then by his King andCountry. 

And so, one evening before dinner, he strolled casually into thedrawing-room at "Inglegarth" and electrified his family by mentioningthat he had offered himself that afternoon to a certain Cavalryregiment, and been pronounced physically fit after examination. 

His mother was naturally the most deeply affected by the news, though, after the first shock was over, she was sustained by recollecting thatshe had caught herself secretly envying a neighbour, whom she had neverlooked upon as a social equal, but whose boy had just obtained acommission in the Territorials. 

"You might have prepared us for this, Clarence!" she said, as soon asshe could speak. "It's a heavy blow to me--to us all. Still, if you feelit your duty to go, I hope your Father and I are not the parents to holdyou back. If I'm not on one of the same committees as Lady Harriet, " sheadded more brightly, "I really think I must call and let her know. Shewould be so interested to hear that you are now a Cavalry officer. "

"You might make it a Field-Marshal, Mater, while you're about it!" hereturned. "But, if you want to be accurate, you'd better describe me asa bally trooper, because that's all I am, or likely to be. "

"A trooper!" exclaimed his horrified mother. "Clarence, you _can't_ meanto tell us you've enlisted as an ordinary common soldier! I couldn'tpossibly permit you to throw yourself away like that, nor, I am sure, will your Father! Sidney, of course you will insist on Clarence'sexplaining at once to the Colonel, or whoever accepted him, that hefinds we object so strongly to his joining that he is obliged towithdraw his offer. "

"Certainly, " said Mr. Stimpson. "Certainly. It's not too late yet, myboy. You've only to say that we can't allow it--you're more badly wantedat home--and they're sure to let you off. "

"Can't quite see myself telling 'em that, Guv'nor. Even if I _wanted_ tobe let off--which I don't. "

"After the way you've been brought up and everything!" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "To sink to _this_! Has it occurred to you that youwould have to associate entirely with persons of the very lowest class?"

"You wouldn't say that if you'd seen some of the Johnnies who passed theVet with me, " he replied. "And, as to classes, all that tosh is doneaway with now. There's only one class a fellow can't afford to associatewith--the slackers who ought to be in khaki and aren't. I couldn't havestuck being in that crowd any longer, and I'm jolly lucky to have gotwell out of it!"

"All the same, Clarence, " lamented his Mother, "you _must_ see what aterrible come-down it is for _you_, who not so very long ago were aCrown Prince!"

"I thought we'd agreed to forget all that, Mater, " he said, wincingslightly. "Anyway, if I don't turn out a better Tommy than I did aPrince, they won't have me in the regiment long. But I'm not going toget the push this time, if I can help it. Come, Mater, " he concluded, "don't worry any more over what's done and can't be undone--just try andmake the best of it!"

But this was beyond Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's philosophy just then. Ifhe had been leaving his comfortable home with a commission assub-lieutenant, she might have been able to find some slight consolationin announcing the fact to her friends. Now she would have to make thehumiliating admission that he was nothing more than a commontrooper--after which she felt she would never be able to hold up herhead again!

As things turned out, these apprehensions proved unfounded. For itseemed that other young Gablehurst men belonging to families in as gooda position as her own had enlisted as privates, and, so far from beingconsidered to have brought discredit on their parentage, were regardedwith general approval. 

And the pride with which their mothers spoke of them encouraged Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson to be even prouder of Clarence, as the only one whohad joined a Cavalry regiment. 

When he was undergoing the necessary training with the reserve regimentand first had to enter the Riding-School, he was prepared, rememberinghow suddenly and completely his control of Märchenland horses had lefthim, for some highly unpleasant experiences. 

Daphne's pendant had been left in safe custody at Inglegarth, and, evenif he had had any idea that it had assisted his horsemanship (which hewas far from suspecting), he would not have brought it with him, lest heshould lose a thing which Daphne had said he would please her bykeeping. 

Probably, had he brought and been allowed to wear the token, it wouldnot have made any impression whatever on the mind of a Britishcharger--but fortunately no talisman was needed. 

All the riding in Märchenland, while his horses continued docile, hadnot been without some good result after all. At least he found that hehad quite as good a seat as any of his fellow-recruits, and a very muchbetter one than most of them. 

And the months of training passed, not unhappily. He made friends, notall of them in his own class; he set himself to learn his job as quicklyand thoroughly as he could, and his sergeant-major spoke of him, thoughnot in his presence, as a smart young chap who showed more sense thansome he had to do with. 

He had not been many weeks in the regiment before he got his firststripe, and when he came home on furlough he was able to inform hisfamily that he had just been promoted to be a full-blown Corporal. Itwas a farewell visit, as he was being sent out in a day or two with adraft to his regiment at the Front. He had grown broader across thechest, and looked extremely brown and fit, while his family noticed thathe no longer ended his remarks with "what?" Once or twice he expressedhis satisfaction at getting the chance at last of having a go at theBosches--but he said very little about the future, and seemed moreinterested in hearing about Ruby's new school and Edna's ambulanceclass. 

Then he left them, and for months after that they had to endure the longstrain of constant anxiety and suspense which few British householdshave escaped in these dark times. Clarence had always been a poorcorrespondent--and his letters, though fairly regular, were short andwanting in details. But he said the regiment was doing dismounted workin the trenches; that he was acquiring the habit of sleeping quitesoundly under shell-fire; that he had been much cut up by losing some ofhis best pals, but so far had not been hit himself, though he had hadseveral narrow shaves; he kept pretty fit, but was a bit fed up withtrench work, though he didn't see an earthly of riding in a cavalrycharge at present. 

The last letter was dated February. After that came a silence, which wasexplained by an official letter stating that he was in a field hospital, severely wounded. Inglegarth remained for days in helpless misery, dreading the worst, till they were relieved by the news that he was nowin a base hospital and going on well. 

But it was some weeks before he could be moved to London, and longerstill before he was convalescent enough to be taken to his own home, where the joy of seeing him recover so rapidly was checked by theknowledge that he would only leave them the sooner. 

He was much the same slangy and casual Clarence they had known, thoughrather subdued, but he had moods of sombre silence at times which noneof them dared to interrupt, when his eyes seemed to be looking uponsights they had seen and would fain forget. As to his own doings he saidbut little, though he told them something of his experiences during hislast week at the front--how the regiment had been rushed up inmotor-buses from Bleu to Ypres; how they had marched to the Reformatorywhich they had defended for five days under heavy fire; how they hadthen dug caverns and occupied trenches to the south of the Menin road, and how the trenches had been mined by the enemy, and five officerskilled and sixty-four casualties, of which latter he was one. 

Before he was pronounced fit for active service again he heard that hehad been recommended for a commission, and given one in another cavalryregiment which had very nearly the same _prestige_ and traditions as hisown, though he would have been the last to admit it till then. 

Thus was Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson's dearest desire at last attained; shecould now inform her friends and acquaintances that her boy was actuallya subaltern, while, even in conversation with strangers, it was alwayspossible to lead up to the fact by enlarging on the heavy cost of acavalry officer's kit. 

And yet, in fairness to her, it may be said that, with all her strivingafter social distinction, if she had been required to choose between herson returning to the front with a commission and keeping him at homewith no higher rank than that of a corporal, she would have chosen thelatter without a moment's hesitation. 

But since the choice was not given her, Clarence's promotion did much toconsole her for his approaching departure--at least until the dayarrived, when she turned blindly away from the platform with an achingdread that the train was bearing him out of her life for ever. 

 * * * * *

That was several months ago, and Second-Lieutenant Stimpson (he droppedthe "Wibberley" when he first enlisted) has been at the front eversince. 

There is a certain endless road, bordered by splintered stumps whichonce were poplars, and pitted in places with deep shell-holes, that heknows only too well; having taken his troop along it many a night torelieve the party in the trenches. 

Even now, when he comes to the group of ruined cottages at which he hasto leave the road and strike across country into the danger-zone, he isunpleasantly conscious of a sinking at his heart at the prospect ofanother week or so of that infernal existence of shattering noise, flying death-splinters, and sickening sights and smells. There he willhave to be constantly on the watch, meals and sleep can only be snatchedat precarious intervals, and seldom without disturbance; if there isanything more nerve-racking than the scream of shells and the hail ofshrapnel it is the lull that follows, when he waits for the enemy's rushto begin. And yet, the moment he finds himself back in the trench again, he becomes acclimatised; his men speak of him as a cool and resourcefulyoung officer under any difficulties, while on more than one occasion hehas done some daring and very useful reconnoitring work that may evenearn him mention in despatches. 

But at present he is enjoying one of his hard-earned rests, beingbilleted in a farmhouse well away from the firing-line. 

Here, having no duties or responsibilities to fix all his thoughts onthe present, he can allow them to dwell on the future for a while. 

This desperate and relentless war will come to an end in time--how soonhe knows no more than anyone, but that it will end in victory forEngland and her Allies he has no doubt whatever. He is equally sure, though he could not account for his certainty, that, unlike many abetter fellow than himself, he will live to see his country at peaceonce more. But what is he to do then? Even if an opening in the Citypresented itself, he could never stick an office again after this. Onthe other hand, even if he gets another step or two, he will find itdifficult to live on his pay in a crack cavalry regiment. However, theGovernor will no doubt give him an allowance that will enable him tostay in the Service--the Mater can be safely trusted to see to that!

So, this question being satisfactorily disposed of, his thoughts, asusual on these occasions, drift back to Märchenland, and particularly toDaphne's parting words on the night he left the Palace. 

Would she think, he wonders, that he has done something to justify herbelief in him?

At least she might be pleased if she knew that he could not fairly bedescribed any longer as a useless rotter. 

"Only, " he tells himself disconsolately, "she never _will_ know. England's no country of hers now, and she wouldn't feel enough interestin it even to send the Baron across in the stork-car for a daily paper. If she did, she'd be none the wiser, because he'd be sure to bring _ThePoultry-Fancier's Journal_ or _The Financial News_, or something of thatsort. And, after all, if she had any idea of the ghastly business thathas been going on in this old world for the last year, she's too muchheart to be happy--even in Märchenland. But now she'll go on being happyfor the rest of her life, bless her! and if she gives me a thought nowand then--well, it will be a jolly sight more than I deserve!"

THE END

 * * * * *

_Works by F. Anstey_

Salted Almonds. Second Impression. Crown 8vo. 6s. 

_ATHENÆUM. _--'All the pieces have that rare savour which is the Author'ssecret. '

The Brass Bottle. With a Frontispiece. 5th Impression. (_WaterlooLibrary. _) Crown 8vo. 3s. 6d. 

_SPECTATOR. _--'In his logical conduct of an absurd proposition, in hisfantastic handling of the supernatural, in his brisk dialogue andeffective characterisation, Mr. Anstey has once more shown himself to bean artist and a humourist of uncommon and enviable merit. '

The Talking Horse and other Tales. 

_ATHENÆUM. _--'The grimmest of mortals, in his most surly mood, couldhardly resist the fun of "The Talking Horse. "'

The Giant's Robe. 

_PALL MALL GAZETTE. _--'We read and cannot cease reading till the puzzleis solved in a series of exciting situations. '

The Pariah. 

_SATURDAY REVIEW. _--'Extremely entertaining reading. There is not a dullpage--we might say, not a dull sentence--in it. .. . '

A Fallen Idol. 

_TIMES. _--'Will delight the multitudinous public that laughed over "ViceVersa. ". .. The boy who brings the accursed image to Champion's house, Mr. Bales, the artist's factotum, and above all Mr. Yarker, theex-butler who has turned policeman, are figures whom it is as pleasantto meet as it is impossible to forget. '

Lyre and Lancet. With 24 Full-page Illustrations. 

_SPEAKER. _--'Mr. Anstey has surpassed himself in "Lyre and Lancet. ". .. One of the brightest and most entertaining bits of comedy we have hadfor many a day. '

Vice Versa; or, a Lesson to Fathers. 

_SATURDAY REVIEW. _--'If ever there was a book made up from beginning toend of laughter, and yet not a comic book, or a "merry" book, or a bookof jokes, or a book of pictures, or a jest book, or a tomfool book, buta perfectly sober and serious book in the reading of which a sober manmay laugh without shame from beginning to end, it is a book called "ViceVersa; or a Lesson to Fathers. ". .. We close the book, recommending itvery earnestly to all fathers in the first instance, and their sons, nephews, uncles, and male cousins next. '

Also available from publisher

CONAN DOYLE'S NEW 'SHERLOCK HOLMES' STORY. 

The Valley of Fear. With a Frontispiece. 

By the Author of 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, ' 'The Memoirs ofSherlock Holmes, ' 'The Lost World, ' &c. 

_Punch_. --'As rousing a sensation as the greediest of us could want. Ican only praise the skill with which a most complete surprise isprepared. '

_Pall Mall Gazette. _--'My Dear Watson! All good "Sherlockians" willwelcome Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's new story with enthusiasm . .. It is allvery thrilling and very fine reading. '

Journeys with Jerry the Jarvey. 

By the Hon. ALEXIS ROCHE. 

_Scotsman. _--'The stories are so good and the epigrams so quaint thatone is loath to lay it down. A book that can call forth a hearty laughon nearly every page. '

_Field. _--'The stories are really irresistible, and there is not a dullpage in the whole book. '

Oliver. By B. PAUL NEUMAN. 

Author of 'The Greatness of Josiah Porlick, ' 'Chignett Street, ' &c. 

_Westminster Gazette. _--'The first hundred pages contain as fine a pieceof restrained realistic writing as our recent literature has put forth. We laid down this very individual book with a wholesome respect for Mr. Neuman's literary art. '

_Punch. _--'The thing is remarkably well done, a close and unsparingtreatment of a subject by no means easy . .. An original and successfulstory. '

Two Who Declined. By HERBERT TREMAINE. 

_Evening Standard. _--'A striking, even absorbing novel. Its author willcertainly "count" before long. '

_Pall Mall Gazette. _--'A very clever story, and a work of greatpromise. '

Some Elderly People and their Young Friends. 

By S. MACNAUGHTAN. 

Author of 'The Fortune of Christina McNab, ' 'A Lame Dog's Diary, ' &c. 

_Globe. _--'Miss Macnaughtan at her best. All her characters arecharming. Her books are a sovereign remedy for depression andmisanthropy. 

_Daily Telegraph. _--'One of the most engaging stories that we have readfor a goodly while--a story full of lively wit and mellow wisdom. Delightful is indeed the word which best sums up the whole book. '

The Pastor's Wife. 

By the Author of 'ELIZABETH AND HER GERMAN GARDEN. '

_Globe. _--'A wonderful portrait of a woman by a woman. The power of thisstory is undeniable, and the analysis of feminine feeling almostuncanny. A very remarkable novel indeed. '

Spragge's Canyon. 

By HORACE ANNESLEY VACHELL. Author of 'The Hill, ' 'The Paladin, ' 'BlindsDown, ' etc. 

_Pall Mall Gazette. _--'It is a fine story, told with all the art ofwhich Mr. Vachell is a master. '

Molly, My Heart's Delight. 

By KATHARINE TYNAN. Author of 'A Midsummer Rose, ' 'John Bulteel'sDaughters, ' etc. 

_Globe. _--'A charming and altogether captivating heroine. A story tomake one glad o' the reading. '

The Ways of Miss Barbara. 

By AGNES and EGERTON CASTLE. Authors of 'Rose of the World, ' 'FrenchNan, ' etc. 

_Liverpool Daily Post. _--'This delightful story of old world gallantryand gaiety bubbles over with comedy and kindness. This should be one ofthe most popular novels of the season. '

A Green Englishman, and other Stories of Canada

By S. MACNAUGHTAN. Author of 'The Fortunes of Christina M'Nab, ' 'TheExpensive Miss du Cane, ' etc. 

_Observer. _--'Miss Macnaughtan has the crispness and sense of roundingoff of the ideal short story writer. '

A Freelance in Kashmir. 

By LADY CHARNWOOD. 

_Times. _--'There are a happy few to-day who understand the tradition ofTrollope, and Lady Charnwood must be reckoned among them. There isinsight, reflection, a gift for the invention of natural incident andthe flow of natural dialogue, and humour. '

A Tale of the Great Anarchy. 

By Lieut. -Colonel G. F. MacMUNN, D. S. O. , Author of 'The Armies ofIndia. '

_Birmingham Daily Post. _--'Colonel MacMunn knows his India and hishistory; and for this stirring story he has turned to the invitingperiod of the "Great Anarchy. "'

_Scotsman. _--'The author may be congratulated on having written soentertaining and instructive a novel. '

They Who Question. 

A Novel by a well-known writer published anonymously. 

_Daily Telegraph. _--'A story which is packed with thought in itself, andwell calculated also to arouse and stimulate thought in others. The bookis one to be recommended. '

La Belle Alliance. 

By ROWLAND GREY, Author of 'Green Cliffs, ' etc. 

_Daily Telegraph. _--'This is a fresh, human, very sympathetic story, founded upon close observation of life. It will delight girl-readers, although it is secretly directed at their parents. '

The House of the Foxes. 

By KATHARINE TYNAN. Author of 'Honey, My Honey, ' 'Molly, My Heart'sDelight, ' etc. 

_Morning Post. _--'Mrs. Katharine Tynan brings her superior art to adorna legendary tale of the Irish family of the Rosses of Turloughmore. '

_Pall Mall Gazette. _--'There is much genial description of homely Irishhumble life woven through the story. Meg is a charming heroine. '

Two Sinners. 

By Mrs. DAVID G. RITCHIE. Author of 'Man and the Cassock, ' 'The TruthfulLiar, ' 'The Human Cry, ' etc. 

_Spectator. _--'An extremely clever and interesting novel. The book isrich in surprises and, as Sir James Paget once said, surprise in thegreat essential in recreation. '

The Irish Nuns at Ypres: An Episode of the War. 

By D. M. C. , O. S. B. (Member of the Community). 

Edited by R. BARRY O'BRIEN, Author of 'The Life of Charles StewartParnell, ' &c. With an Introduction by JOHN REDMOND, M. P. 

_Yorkshire Post. _--'No more vivid and impressive narrative of whatGerman frightfulness means to the civilian population has yet been seen. The story once read will not soon be forgotten. '

_Court Journal. _--'Those who are on the look out for a war book off thebeaten track should get this work. It is one of the most powerful yetsimple narratives that we have seen. It will rank when the war is overas one of the most damaging pieces of evidence against the Germans andtheir methods. '

Paris Waits: 1914. 

By Mrs. M. E. CLARKE. 

_Punch. _--'I have seldom met a volume of more pronounced "heartInterest" than "Paris Waits. " Not only are her pen-pictures remarkablyvivid and realistic, but the camera has also helped. '

_Times. _--'It is a very familiar tale that is told in these pages, yetit gains a new pathos, a deeper significance from the simple yeteloquent way it is told. '

_Daily Mail. _--'A noteworthy book. It relates in detail the story ofthose tragic days. '

War and Lombard Street. 

By HARTLEY WITHERS. Author of 'The Meaning of Money, ' 'Poverty andWaste, ' &c. 

_Times. _--'Carried out with the same happy touch of literary simplicityand wit, combined with an expert knowledge of his subject, which hasgiven distinction and popular value to his preceding books. Nothingcould be clearer or more enlightening for the general reader. '

_Morning Post. _--'In brief but most attractive language it deals withthe historic financial events of the past six months. A most fascinatingrésumé of the financial events of the crisis up to date. '

_Daily News. _--'Mr. Withers knows all the machinery of the money market, and he has a lucid style which makes matters plain normally verymysterious and technical to the layman. '

The Tollhouse. 

By EVELYN ST. LEGER, Author of 'The Shape of the World, ' 'The BlackberryPickers. '

_Times. _--'An appealing and humorous picture of the life of anold-fashioned English village in war time. '

_Scotsman. _--'This charming short novel. '

The Spirit of England. 

A Series of Papers written in 1914 and 1915. 

By the Right Hon. GEORGE W. E. RUSSELL, Author of 'Collections andRecollections, ' &c. 

_Scotsman. _--'An eminently readable book in which many good things comeup by the way. It is always thoughtful and stimulating. '

_Globe. _--'This very Interesting and suggestive book. '

Life of John Viriamu Jones. 

By Mrs. VIRIAMU JONES. 

_Pall Mall Gazette. _--'This Life of the first Vice-Chancellor of theUniversity of Wales is very well done, and gives us an admirableportrait of a singularly earnest, strenuous, and lovable nature. '

_Times. _--'This fascinating volume. '

_South Wales Daily News. _--'Will be largely read, not only in thePrincipality, but far beyond its confines . .. Deeply interesting. '

The Minor Horrors of War. 

By Dr. A. E. SHIPLEY, F. R. S. , Master of Christ's College, Cambridge. 

This book deals with various insect and other pests which cause disgust, discomfort, and often disease amongst our troops now fighting in allquarters of the globe. 

_Country Life. _--'A book which gives a good deal of very necessaryinformation in an entertaining manner. '

_Medical Officer. _--'It may be studied with advantage in barracks orbillets, in the tropics or the trenches. '

The System of National Finance. 

By E. HILTON YOUNG, M. P. 

_Morning Post. _--'The book should become a permanent addition to theliterature of the subject, the more so as there is no other which dealswith the Nation's finance in the same practical manner. '