was only one of _her_--and that one a quite ordinary
and insignificant personality compared with these imposingly splendid
lords and ladies-in-waiting.

Mrs. Stimpson intended to be graciously cordial, but somehow her manner
was dangerously near being obsequious. "Most _honoured_, I'm sure,
Prince!" she found herself repeating, as she ducked instinctively. "So
very kind of you to come, Baron!... It's more than delightful to meet
you, dear Princess--I didn't quite catch your name!... _Such_ a
privilege to make your acquaintance, Countess!"

She hoped they would take this as condescension on her part, and they
were undeniably surprised by their Sovereign's excessive affability.

"Well," said Mr. Stimpson, as these amenities became exhausted and he
perceived that no one was taking any notice of him, "what about making a
start, hey, Mr. Marshal?"

"If your Majesties and the Princess will deign to enter the coach, we
can set forth at once," was the reply.

"Get in, children, get in!" cried Mrs. Wibberley-Stimpson. "You and
Ruby, Edna, must sit with your backs to the horses, and there will be
plenty of room for Clarence between you."

"With all respect, Sir," said the Marshal, as Clarence was preparing to
get in. "It is the custom on such an occasion as this for the Crown
Prince to ride on the right of the Coach. I have arranged that a horse
shall be at your Royal Highness's service."

"Thanks awfully," said Clarence, as he glanced at a spirited chestnut
mare which two squires were endeavouring with some difficulty to soothe,
"but--er--I think I'd rather drive." He was reflecting, as he took his
seat in the coach, that he would really have to take a few riding
lessons shortly, in private.

"Isn't Miss Heritage coming with us, Mummy?" called Ruby from the
window.

"In the State Coach, my dear! Of course not!"

"But why not, Mater?" protested Clarence. "There's lots of room."

"Because I could not think of allowing it, Clarence. Perhaps Mrs.
Fogleplug will be kind enough to give her a lift in--in her own
conveyance."

"Unfortunately," replied the Court Godmother, "my car will not hold more
than one person."

"Well, Miss Heritage must find her way to the Palace, then! There's no
necessity for her to be present at the Coronation."

"Surely, my dear," said the Fairy, "you would not deprive her of such a
privilege! I will have another saddle placed on that mare so that this
fair maid of yours may ride with your ot