“Why not try the magic cloak as it is,” suggested the princess, “and see if it won’t grant wishes as before? There’s only a small piece missing, and it may not make any difference with the power the fairies gave to it.”
“Hooray!” shouted Bud. “That’s a good idea. It’s a magic cloak just the same, even if there is a chunk cut out of it.”
Zixi agreed that it was worth a trial, so the cloak was taken from the silver casket and brought into the queen’s reception-room.
“Let us try it on one of your maids of honor, first,” said Fluff; “and, if it grants her wish, we will know the cloak has lost none of its magic powers. Then you and Bud may both make your wishes.”
“Very well,” returned the queen, and she summoned one of her maids.
“I am going to lend you my cloak,” said the princess to the maid; “and while you wear it you must make a wish.”
She threw the cloak over the girl’s shoulders, and after a moment’s thought the maid said:
“I wish for a bushel of candies.”
“Fudge!” said Bud, scornfully.
“No; all kinds of candies,” answered the maid of honor. But, although they watched her intently, the wish failed absolutely, for no bushel of candies appeared in sight.