d right
over into the pool! The Plynck screamed, Schlorge whistled, the Gunki
came running from every direction; but it was the Echo who saved the
Teacup's life. With great presence of mind she spread out her cerulean
plumes so that the Teacup settled upon them harmlessly, instead of
crashing down upon the hard emerald bottom and shattering to bits.
Then, of course, Schlorge could very easily reach down and draw her
out.

The poor Teacup was naturally very much upset. "If my handle had not
been so consanguineous--" she quavered, again and again. But, on the
whole, considering her age and her timid disposition, they were all
rather surprised at her fortitude.

Schlorge, who was still holding her, was looking very grave. "Sara
will have to frown on her," he said, "as she did on the Zizz."

"But I can't frown, today," cried Sara, in dismay.

"I know it's hard," said Schlorge.

"Or at the Teacup!" pleaded Sara.

"It's your duty, Sara," said the Echo.

"Oh, dear, it's putting off the presents!" sighed one of the oldest of
Avrillia's children; then, as she looked at the poor little gentle,
bedraggled Teacup, with her consanguineous handle, she felt ashamed of
herself, and hid behind her mother's drapery.

As for Sara, she was indeed in distress. "If some of you would only
think of something to make me frown--I can't even think of any
disagreeable things today!"

"You're frowning now!" suddenly cried the First Gunkus, waving his
shoe; and they all forgave him his lack of respectfulness, because he
was plainly so excited.

"Hold her up, Schlorge!" cried Pirlaps, running forward.
"There--Sara--hold that expression--just a moment. Fix your eyes
here--on this leaf! And keep your mind firmly on this thought: 'The
Disagreeable Necessity of Frowning in the Presence of Presents.'"

Sara remembered how brave and useful she had been the day before, and
concentrated her mind by a really tremendous effort. And she was soon
rewarded; for in a few minutes everybody was clapping hands and waving
handkerchiefs and crying, "She's dry! She's dry! Three cheers for
Sara!"

Sure enough, the little Teacup was dry enough to flutter back to her
perch, on which she sat throwing kisses to Sara. And then Pirlaps came
forward, and taking Sara by the hand, said, "Come, Sara."

He then began leading her in a sort of triumphal march around the pool,
while the rest fell in behind them and formed a procession. As there
were so many of the Gu