“If you will come with me,” said Titania hospitably, “I will see that your wants are provided for.”
The new guests at a signal from their leader rose, and when he bowed his acknowledgment of the proffered courtesy they clumsily followed his example, while the imps gloatingly patted their stomachs.
Titania motioned to Dame Drusilda, Violet, Daffodil, and some other fairies to accompany her, and they led the strangers up the steps into the palace.
Florimel was strongly tempted to follow, but just then King Stanislaus and the Policeman arrived very much out of breath.
They had come singly, and from opposite directions. Just outside the portcullis the Policeman had overtaken His Majesty, and they entered the palace-garden together.
“Officer,” said King Stanislaus, “have you anything to report?”
“Yes, sire,” said the Policeman, twirling his club. “The path I took didn’t keep straight. My footsteps got so crooked that I had to arrest them.”
“What did you discover?”
“Nothing.”
“What was it?”