eeds--he need no longer
hesitate to disclose himself, for you will be gratified to hear that
his Majesty has promised the Princess's hand to the person who may
accomplish her rescue. At," added the Baron proudly, "my own
suggestion."

"Oh, indeed?" retorted the Fairy. "Then it is high time you knew
what kind of a Royal Family you have given to Maerchenland!" And in
a few sharp sentences she let him know the truth about the pendant
which 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 he
heard 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 she
may 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 him
assume. All had fallen out as I expected--I had just arranged to carry
them both off to Clairdelune, and leave these usurpers in possession for
as long as the Country would endure them--when you blunder in, like the
meddlesome idiot you are, Baron, and upset everything!"

"I have been blind indeed!" he confessed. "A traitor when I thought
myself most loyal! Tell me, most Gracious Court Godmother, how I may
best repair my error?"

"You _can't_ repair it without making more mischief," she said. "The
only thing you can do _now_ is to hold your tongue about it, as I shall
do myself unless I am obliged to speak out. And now we had better go
and see what this precious King and Queen of yours are doing, and
remember, Baron, your own safety will depend on your preserving absolute
secrecy as to all the matters I have found it necessary to acquaint you
with."

* * * * *

On the terrace meanwhile Queen Selina had implored the Marshal to do
something--anything--towards the rescue of her elder daughter. He was
not sanguine; "We could raise a force, your Majesty," he said, "to ride
to Drachenstolz and assault the Castle walls,--but it would be quite
impossible to take it by storm, even if that dragon were not among its
defenders."

"We'll have a try anyway," said Clarence gallantly. "Come on, you
chaps--get into your fighting kit," he cried to the Courtiers. "And two
of you boys," he added to the pages, "just run and fetch me a