There upon one of the long tables were spread many delicacies to make one’s mouth water, and, even before an invitation to partake of them could be extended, the four red imps seated themselves before it, and, smacking their lips, began to tuck napkins under their chins.
Titania had thought that the guests would leave the presents they had brought out in the hall when they came in, but they still held on to them with a grip so tenacious that she wondered if they really meant to give them up, after all.
Nevertheless in a free-hearted way she urged the visitors to refresh themselves. The imps were already engaged in trying to stuff whole plum puddings into their mouths at once, a greedy proceeding that Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil watched with considerable disgust.
All but the leader started quickly to seat themselves, but he stamped his foot imperiously, and they came to an instant stop.
Then he threw back the hood of his scarlet cloak, disclosing a wicked face, and transfixed Titania with his malicious gaze.
“I am Dragonfel the enchanter, my fine little lady,” he said, in fiendish tones, “and I have come to take you away with me!”
Titania was so frightened that she could neither scream nor run away, and she allowed him to gather her up in his arms and hold her just as a little girl does a doll, making light of load.
There she lay passive and trembling, with the realization that it would be useless to make any effort to escape.