m wheel in a direction she knew was not
that of their original destination. "What are you doing, Baron?" she
cried. "I thought you were to take me straight to Clairdelune?"

The Baron put his hand to his heart (which he had once more been obliged
to compress by a metal hoop) before he could speak. "It is now time," he
began, "that you should be told who you are, Madam, and the glorious
future that awaits you." And, with a prolixity that may here be avoided,
he informed her of her right to the crown of Maerchenland and of the
Marshal's arrangements for placing her on the throne.

"But I don't want to be placed on the throne!" said Daphne. "Do you
really think I should turn out these poor Wibberley-Stimpsons now--when
they behaved so decently in letting me go? It would be too horribly mean
of me if I did."

At this he thought it his duty to enlighten her upon Queen Selina's
perfidy, which naturally altered Daphne's opinion, but did not shake her
determination.

"If she is so keen about her crown she may keep it," she said. "All I
care for now is to get to Clairdelune and see Girofle--I mean
Mirliflor."

"But," objected the Baron, employing the Marshal's argument, "we should
arrive there days before the Prince."

"Then," said Daphne imperiously, "tell the storks to take us to
him--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 always
thought myself he had a bad face, and I don't feel at all inclined to
put myself in his power. So you will please not be a pig, Baron, but do
as 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 a
prospective Fairy Queen.

"I am convinced," he persisted, "that the Marshal's devotion to your
Majesty's cause is beyond suspicion."

"And I'm quite sure that it isn't," retorted Daphne. "If, as you tell
me, Baron, I am your Queen, it's your duty to obey my orders, and I
order you to take me to Mirliflor." He did not venture to oppose her any
longer, so he gave the necessary command, and the great birds wheeled
round 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 proceed
at any pace but a walk. He had dismounted, and was leadi