Great happiness bring,
So mortals and fairies
Your praises do sing!”
Tono had composed the music and Rhymo the words, just for the occasion, and the beautiful flowers bowed their heads in grateful acknowledgment of the compliment that had been paid them.
When the opening music had ceased, Captain Featherweight declared that it was now time to open the ball, and with a very low bow he offered his arm to the American Beauty Rose, led her to the centre of the lawn, and the dance began.
“How beautiful you are to-night,” said the Captain.
“That’s because I’m happy to be in such good company,” said the American Beauty. “But I’m not always so happy, and lately I’ve been feeling quite blue. What do you think Doctor Templeton is going to do with the Roses? Why, only a week ago, I heard him telling his wife that he thought it looked more dignified to have nothing but lawn in the front of the house, and that he thought he would move the Rose garden to the back of the house near the shrubbery. I don’t know when I have felt so humiliated! I really don’t think I could stand it! Why, when I lived at White Oaks, I was the pride of the family, and was given the most prominent part of the garden, in front of the parlor window. And every morning early, and many times through the day, Mrs. Chesterton came to see me. And she called me ‘Queenie’ and ‘Beauty,’ and said I was a joy and delight.”
“And so you are,” said the Captain, “for everyone knows that the Rose is the queen of all flowers.”
These kind words quite cheered up the American Beauty, and she blushed a deeper crimson as she and the Captain glided away over the soft velvet lawn.
Rhymo was dancing with a Pansy.