On the evening of the party the little guests arrived promptly. "Festivities to commence at eight," the invitations had said, and there was not a boy or girl who cared to miss any of the pleasures offered.
Captain Atherton's new home was a blaze of light, and every room was decorated with a wealth of greenery, and glowing blossoms.
Mimic butterflies hovered among the flowers, and soft music sounded through the halls. Silvery bells were vying with the triangle in producing tinkling tones that chimed in sweet accord with the melody that the strings were playing.
At one end of the spacious parlor a tiny grove of palms and tall shrubs looked as if transplanted from out of doors.
Captain Atherton, tall and handsome, greeted his little friends gaily, and when all had arrived, he led them toward the grove.
"Wait here a moment," he said, "and see what happens. This is an enchanted grove, and a sweet enchantress is in hiding here.
"Come forth, oh lady fair,
Dear spirit of the air,
We long to see thy face,
Thy form of airy grace.
Some things we long to know
Thou well can'st tell, I trow."
For a moment not a sound save the soft music was heard. Then,—a rustling as of silken draperies, or like wind among the leaves, and the branches parted, and Iris Vandmere, radiant, smiling, extended her pretty hands in greeting. Clad in softest silk gauze in lilac, and ivory white, she suggested the blossom for which she was named. Like a fair iris bloom she appeared, diamonds on her neck and in her hair representing dewdrops.
"Dearest friends, I heard you call,
I have come to greet you all.
I am now your fairy queen,
And, beneath these branches green,
I will grant, to each of you
That your dearest wish come true."
"Oh-o-o-o!" came like a sigh of delight from the excited children as they gazed at the lovely figure.