WHEN the story was finished the Story People did not applaud; they felt sorry for poor Philip who had repented so bitterly.
Mary Frances felt sad, and sorry, too; as she did every time she heard the story, for she had often heard it before.
“How Americans love their country!” said the Story King. “They must love it as much as we love our island!”
“Indeed, they do love it,” answered Mary Frances patriotically. “I think it’s the greatest big country in all the world!”
The Story People smiled and clapped their hands at this speech, for they admire loyalty wherever shown.
“Yes, it is,” said the Story Queen, “and we think our island is the greatest little country in all the world.”
“So it is! Indeed, it is! I love it next to my own!” cried Mary Frances; and the Story People applauded again.
“There is a little poem about the Stars and Stripes that is very popular in America,” said the Story Lady, smiling. “Now that the stories are finished for the day, perhaps our guest will recite it for us.”
