Then Teddy turned and walked out of the great ice-chamber and down the hall, followed in silence by the dwarfs. As he went, the spearsmen started forward to lay hands upon him, but as soon as they saw the ruby ring they stood, every man stiffened just as he was, some leaning forward with outstretched arm, some with their spears lifted, some with their mouths open, but all of them turned to ice.
When Teddy and the dwarfs had reached the mountain road again they turned and looked back toward the castle.
A warm south wind was blowing, and the aurora borealis had faded away. Already the castle was beginning to melt; the spires and turrets were softening and dripping down. There was a warm red light over everything, like the light of the rising sun.
“And now,” cried the dwarfs, “will your Majesty come up to your own royal castle?”
“Yes,” answered Teddy, “I will come.”
“Quick! quick!” cried the Counterpane Fairy. “It’s time to come back.”
Teddy was at home once more. There was the flowered furniture, and the fire burning red upon the hearth. “Tick-tock! tick-tock! tick-tock!” said the clock.
“I must go,” cried the fairy, hastily, “for I heard your little cousin opening and shutting the side door.”
“Oh, wait!” cried Teddy. “Won’t you wait and let her see you too?” But the fairy was already disappearing behind the counterpane hill. All he could see was the top of her pointed hood. Then that too disappeared. The door was thrown open and Harriett came running in bringing a breath of fresh out-of-doors air with her. Her cheeks were red, and she looked very pretty in her embroidered apron and pink ribbons.