Everybody went. Among the guests there was even a comet, and comets attend none but the smartest gatherings.
The Aurora Borealis looked magnificent, so did the bride’s father, the King of the Enchanted Isles, who was there with his lovely wife, Mother o’ Pearl.
There were one or two Bores present who had to be asked because they were connected with somebody or other, and another aged relation, Anti Cyclone, a most disagreeable old lady; but on the whole it was a charming affair.
Just as the merriment was at its height and they were all happily feasting and rejoicing, a friendly swallow came flying in with the news that the Thunder Giant was tearing across the sky in a terrible rage because a passing Trade Wind, who was in a hurry, had trodden on his toe.
“What shall we do?” said every one. “He’ll spoil the party. He’ll upset everything.” And they all ran about in great confusion and distress.
But the Rainbow Cat remained quite calm. He was a very resourceful creature.
He retired under a table and opened his little bag and examined its contents, thinking hard all the time.
Presently he came out.
“I think I can manage the Thunder Giant,” he said. “Pray go on with the party. I will go and meet him and see what can be done.”
They were all greatly astonished at his courage and coolness, but they were delighted to think that their party might not be spoiled after all, and they crowded round to watch him go sailing off to meet the giant, whose shoutings and mutterings could by this time be clearly heard in the distance.