uld demand these
excessive exertions.

But it was one of the good old-fashioned schemes which have always been
beloved by romantic but didactic Fairy Godmothers. It would test the
characters of Mirliflor and Daphne, and be valuable moral discipline for
both, while, if they came through it triumphantly, they would be amply
compensated for any temporary inconvenience. She had not engaged in an
affair of this kind for at least a century and a quarter, and she was
looking forward to a highly interesting and enjoyable experience. First
she must regain her influence over Mirliflor, but she thought she would
not find much difficulty in doing that.

The Astrologer Royal had been duly summoned before the King to explain
his dealings with the Ogre-Count. But he not unwisely preferred to
disappear instead, taking with him his books of spells and other
apparatus. It was reported that he had found refuge at Drachenstolz.

"Gone there, has he?" said King Sidney to the Marshal. "Better send
someone to arrest him."

"It would need an army, sire," said the Marshal, "and a long siege, to
enter the Castle."

"Oh, is that so?" said the King. "Well, then, have guards posted all
round to see that they don't get out. After all, so long as we keep
them boxed up there, they can't do any mischief." And the guards were
posted accordingly.

Poor Ruby was almost broken-hearted on hearing from her mother that her
beloved Miss Heritage had gone back to England without so much as a word
of farewell. The Court received the news with murmurs, and a strong
suspicion that she had not left of her own free will.

Clarence was in the deepest dejection. It was true that he had made no
advance of late in his pursuit of her, but so long as she remained there
had always been hope. Now that she was gone for ever, even his riding
and hunting became uninteresting and purposeless. What was the use of
excelling in them when she was not there to hear of his prowess?

Early that afternoon he returned from the forest, and, after spending a
few minutes in his own apartments, came down to his father's private
cabinet with a gloomy and slightly startled expression. He found King
Sidney 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 doubt
this--er--rupture with that disgusting fellow h