"Welcome!" cried the ladies, in a soft chorus; and then two of their number came forward and led their unexpected guests to seats in the very center of the room. Others offered them refreshment, of which Chick eagerly partook, for the child was hungry. John Dough was obliged to explain that he did not eat, and they accepted his speech very graciously and did not remark at all upon his unusual personality.
When the child had finished eating, John said:
"May I ask what palace this is, and who rules upon this island?"
The ladies and gentlemen exchanged significant looks, and smiled; but one made answer, in a deferential voice:
"Good sir, this is the Palace of Romance; and we have no ruler at all, each one of our number having equal power and authority with the others."
"We pass our time," said another, "in telling of tales of romance and adventure; and, whenever a stranger comes to our palace, we require him to amuse us by telling all the stories he may know."
"That is a fair requirement," replied John. "I think I shall like this Palace of Romance, although I do not know many tales."
"The more tales you know the longer you may enjoy our palace," one of the ladies remarked, earnestly.
"How is that?" asked John, surprised.