ide his Castle!"

"Not till lately. My poor dear Grandfather seems to have been very
severe both on him and his parents. But the Marshal spoke so highly of
the poor young man, and recommended so strongly that he should be given
his 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 her
still for the part she had taken in bringing back the Sovereigns to
supersede 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 too
prudent an old person to express her doubts. "But I gather," she went
on, "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 comes
here so often on Edna's account."

"You don't mean," said the Court Godmother, in some alarm, "that she
shows any----?"

"Oh, _dear_ me, no! Not the slightest! She thinks he requires
civilising, and is trying to do it for him, that's all. But I can't get
her to see that the notice she takes of him is liable to be
misunderstood. Not only by him--but by everybody, you know."

"Oh well, my dear, if it's no worse than that, you needn't trouble
yourself about it. And now for _my_ news. You've heard me speak of
Prince Mirliflor of Clairdelune, King Tournesol's only son?"

Queen Selina had heard her speak of him so often that she instinctively
prepared herself for half an hour of _ennui_.

"A charming young man. I don't say he hasn't his faults, but I shall
make it my business to cure him of them all in time. I was one of the
three Godmothers at his christening--the other two have gone years
ago--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 infant
prince--a complete set of the highest ideals."

"How _nice_!" murmured Queen Selina absently, for her attention was
beginning to wander already. "Most neat and appropriate, I'm sure."

"They _would_ have been," said the old Fairy, "if he'd made use of them
sensibly, as I intended. But that is just what he _hasn't_ done. For
instance, although he's been of an age to marry these three years, he's
refused to look at every eligible Princess that has been suggested to
him because, if you please, sh