All the children present passed and repassed before it in their dazzling costumes, making vivid splashes of colour, as changeful and as fascinating as a kaleidoscope.
The fountains still sprayed their mists of violet, amethyst and gold.
"Mark the changing colours well," said the Lion, "and take in all the picture well, for you will not see it ever like this again."
The happy fresh voices of the children were still singing with a rare outburst of melody—
"Pleasant-Faced Lion, our thanks to thee,
For all your hospitality."
"Amen!" said the Lion. "Come, Ridgwell and Christine, jump on!" commanded the Lion, as he sank down in order to enable the two children to get on his back. "Home now!"
Both the children looked back many times, of course. They saw the golden bungalow palace for the last time in all its changing lights. Noticed that Queen Boadicea stood majestically upon the topmost step with King Richard upon one side of her and King Charles upon the other. St. George stood with his armour flashing a few steps below. The four merry dogs were gathered around him, whilst Carry-on-Merry was resting his laughing head in one of St. George's hands.
The coloured lights grew paler, a mist danced before their eyes, then twinkled and disappeared.
"It is gone," said Ridgwell, "and oh! how dark the streets look now!"
"But what a party," said Christine.