All.
Yes, indeed! Once upon a time—
Moss-Rose.
Oh, you darlings! But, wait! Wait till I have thanked you all for the lovely presents you have given me! [She lays them heaped on the table.] They’re all of them just exactly what I wanted! Just as if they came out of a fairy-book! So, now, then, for your story! [She seats herself on a step of the throne.]
The King and Queen.
My dear little Moss-Rose—
All.
Our dear little Moss-Rose—
Moss-Rose.
Oh, wait! My candles! [She runs toward the cake.] Before they burn down you must all blow them out together! But first each must make me a wish! Now, wish, in silence, then when I count three, blow! Blow hard, all together! Ready! One, two, three—Blow! [All blow, and the candle-flames are extinguished.] Good! Now I am going to have luck till my next birthday! [She returns to her place on the throne-step.] Now, then, for the fairy-story! Once upon a time—