Peggy went back, and told Wooden and the others what had happened. “I don’t know who it was,” she said, “but I couldn’t help thinking that I had heard his voice before.”
“Was it the Lord Chancellor?” asked Wooden’s mother. “Perhaps this is his compromise.”
“I don’t think so,” said Peggy. “But hadn’t we better ask for him to be let in?”
Teddy had finished his performance, and was climbing down the pole. It was time to do something, for soon the crowd of dolls would disperse, and some would go round to the other side of the House.
“Yes, dear, we had better do that,” said Wooden. “It is a very good idea. Perhaps you had better go yourself, if you don’t mind, as it was you who heard what he said.”
Peggy would have been quite willing to go down, but the door of their room was locked. So after a little more discussion they rang the bell, and presently Mr. Emma came up to see what they wanted.
The dolls seemed to expect Peggy to speak, so she said, “There is a man outside who wants to come up and see us.”
Mr. Emma beamed affectionately upon her. “Bless your dear little heart!” he said. “I’d do anything to please you, but I can’t let anybody up to see you without orders. It would be as much as my place is worth.”
“He has come from the palace with some pot-plants,” said Peggy.
Mr. Emma’s face underwent a complete change. “Come with what?” he asked.