June realized at once that he was changed, improved. He was less gnome now than fairy knight. The nymph of the pool in the Violet Valley had remembered the promise made on the early morning of his departure in the wake of June. Bim had received the reward she had predicted. He was, in that proud hour and for a while thereafter, unique in Fairyland; having the distinction of being raised to a class by himself: less gnome than knight: the rewarded hero; and no one was envious because of his good fortune.
The gnomes, especially, were proud of their fellow, who by earning honour for himself had thrown honour, reflected, on them.
The king took the crown from Bim, and held it above the happy fairy.
"June, June, June!" again and again that favourite name was raised.
The nightingales, unanimous, gave the guiding note, and the triumph song--the anthem of that supreme hour--rang once again up to the stars.
London in sleep heard the song and dreamed of the fairies.
Oberon placed the crown on June's head. Hand in hand with Bim, she and the comrade who had done so duteously walked slowly round the inside of the great circle of elves.
It was the hour of triumph. Victory, absolute and supreme, was expressed in the music of that night. Oberon ruled everywhere!
Fairyland! Fairyland!
BILLING AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS, GUILDFORD