s
nothing to be uneasy about. Whoever this girl may be, it's most unlikely
that she will turn out to be any relation of poor Chrysopras'."

But, in spite of these reassurances, it was a very tremulous hand that
rapped at the door, and the Court Godmother's heart sank as she heard a
clear sweet voice inviting her to enter.

It would have been such a relief, just then, to find that Daphne was not
in her room.

CHAPTER XI

A WAY OUT

Daphne was rather surprised to see the Court Godmother enter, for she
had not honoured her by any special notice since her first arrival. But
she was pleased, and touched as well, by a visit which she knew must
have cost the old Fairy considerable effort.

"I thought I'd come up and see how you were getting on, my dear," began
the latter, after sinking into the chair Daphne had brought forward for
her, and recovering her breath. "I hope you are happy here--and--and
well 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 discussing
their plans for the winter, and they _can't_ make up their minds where
to go, poor darlings!"

"That's only what you _fancy_ they're talking about," said the Fairy
sharply; for the gift of understanding bird-language is comparatively
rare, and only possessed by those who have a strain of Fairy blood in
their descent. "You can't possibly _know_!"

"I didn't till I came here, and then I suddenly found I could. Princess
Ruby declares I make it all up--but I don't. I can even understand what
some of the animals have to say, and its rather fun sometimes. The other
morning in the Gardens I heard a tortoise telling a squirrel----"

"I daresay, I daresay," interrupted the Court Godmother, who had not
come there to hear the small talk of any tortoise; "I find their
conversation wearisome myself--and so will you when you've been here a
little longer. And so you're comfortable here, are you?" she went on,
looking round the chamber, which had walls of mother-o'-pearl with
hangings of delicate shimmering blue-green at the window and round the
small ivory four-post bed. "Well, this room looks very cool and
pleasant. And you've pretty dresses to wear, it seems. I like that one
you have on--most be