They had a prolonged meeting, and it was eventually decided that the Wallypug was to be for ever excused from addressing his subjects as “Your Majesty,” and that he was to have entire control of his own property and personal affairs, while the people were still to make their own laws and govern themselves. The money which had been wrongfully collected for taxes was all to be restored, and the Doctor-in-law and the Cockatoo were to be punished by not being allowed to attend any of the Public Meetings in future, nor to have any voice whatever in the affairs of the Nation.
Before the meeting was over, the Husher formally asked the Wallypug for his permission to propose to one of his sisters, and caused some little amusement by not being able to remember which one it was that he was in love with. He at last decided, however, that it must be Belinda. The Wallypug willingly gave his consent, and the meeting then dispersed, and Girlie followed the Wallypug into the Palace again, the Royal Microscopist and the Husher being invited to join them.
“PUSHING IT OPEN, SHE WALKED THROUGH.”
They found Belinda and Lucinda waiting for them in the Amber Drawing-room, they having returned from the Crocodile’s, where they had been lodging. They seemed greatly pleased to see the Wallypug again, and were most gracious to Girlie, calling her “dear” and making quite a fuss of her.
The Royal Microscopist seemed to be very particular in his attentions to Lucinda, and Girlie thought that she should not be at all surprised if they made a match of it, too. At Belinda’s request, she followed the sisters upstairs, when they went to dress for dinner, and, while they were walking along the corridor, Lucinda pointed out to her a door with the words “Girlie’s Room,” written over it.
Pushing it open, she walked through, when the door immediately closed again and Girlie found herself, to her great surprise—where do you think? I am sure you will never guess.
Why, in her own little play-room at home. The door by which she had entered had entirely disappeared and Ellen was just entering by the usual door with the teatray.
“Why, Miss Girlie,” she said when she came in, “how quiet you have been all the afternoon. You must have been fast asleep.”