If he frowned down on any plans they had made in his behalf, all the hopes that had sprung up in his breast would be ruthlessly shattered.
The Brownies seemed troubled too, for they would not have brought displeasure to King Stanislaus for all the world.
While the new-comer stood looking timidly down, without daring to meet the questioning gaze of that kindly but august monarch, his little companions made bold to extol his virtues real and imaginary till their tongues were all wagging at such a great rate that Florimel could not help but furiously blush.
First they pointed to the crescent moon, still pierced by the arrow, averring earnestly that it was Florimel’s accomplishment, and the sudden start King Stanislaus gave when he beheld this marvel showed that he was properly impressed.
Then they called his attention to the eagles’ nest high up in the tree, explaining that it was there they first saw the stranger, after which they waited anxiously as did Florimel to hear what His Majesty would say.
King Stanislaus looked not displeased, and one and all took heart.
“If Moses was found among the frogs, and Romulus among the wolves,” said the monarch, with great deliberation, “then an eagles’ nest is a fitting cradle for a Brownie prince!”
This speech caused the Brownies to burst into a sudden wild cheer that made the welkin ring, for they realized that not only had King Stanislaus set approval on what they had done, but he had gone much further.
He had made Florimel his heir by adoption, and successor to the Brownie throne! “See that he is properly attired,” was the royal command, and once more Florimel’s appearance underwent a swift and startling change.