Then she told her mother all about it.
“A very pretty story,” said her mother, “and one that shows you that people who can have almost everything they wish for, are not really happier than others. There is always something just out of their reach, and that makes them discontented with what they have.”
“Yes, even soap bubbles,” said Lilla, laughing.
* * * * * *
“That’s a good story—too good to be lost,” said the Story King, when the Story Lady finished.
“Yes, but we have better, and you shall hear some of them to-morrow,” said the Story Queen to Mary Frances, smiling graciously.
Then to the people she announced:
“There will be a reception in the court of honor this evening to our visitor, Mary Frances, the finder of the lost story. As it is now dark, let every one retire and prepare.”
Then all the people applauded, formed in line and marched out, each bowing to the King, Queen and Mary Frances, who stood rather timidly in her place with the Story Lady beside her.
After the others were gone, the Story Lady turned to her and said: