“That ’s my sister Fluff,” said Bud, who was enjoying his new position very much.
All the counselors, at this, bowed low to Margaret.
“A horse for the Princess Fluff!” cried the lord high general; and the next moment she was mounted upon a handsome white palfrey, where, with her fluffy golden hair and smiling face and the magnificent cloak flowing from her shoulders, she looked every inch a princess. The people cheered her, too; for it was long since any girl or woman had occupied the palace of the King of Noland, and she was so pretty and sweet that every one loved her immediately.
And now the king’s chariot drove up, with its six prancing steeds, and Bud was lifted from the back of the donkey and placed in the high seat of the chariot.
Again the people shouted joyful greetings; the band struck up a gay march tune, and then the royal procession started for the palace.
First came Tollydob and his officers; then the king’s chariot, surrounded by soldiers; then the four high counselors upon black horses, riding two on each side of Princess Fluff; and, finally, the band of musicians and the remainder of the royal army.
“‘May it please your serene majesty to tell us who this young lady is?’ asked Tullydub, respectfully.”
It was an imposing sight, and the people followed after with cheers and rejoicings. while the lord high purse-bearer tossed silver coins from his pouch for any one to catch who could.
A message had been sent to warn Jikki that the new king was coming, so he stopped tolling the death knell, and instead rang out a glorious chime of welcome.
As for old Rivette, finding herself and the donkey alike deserted, she once more seized the bridle and led the patient beast to her humble dwelling; and it was just as she reached her door that King Bud of Noland, amid the cheers and shouts of thousands, entered for the first time the royal palace of Nole.
(To be continued.)
