“The page kneeled, first at the feet of the Queen and then before Janice. She rested her trembling fingers on his shoulders and kissed him upon the brow.
“Then arose King Arthur.
“‘Lad,’ said he, ‘you have pleased me twice to-day: firstly in saving, secondly in loving this child. Therefore, I shall grant you whatever you wish. Think well! What does your heart most desire?’
“‘Sire,’ said the page, rising and bowing humbly, ‘I am allowed to serve the fairest queen and the bravest king in the world. I am loved by the dearest maiden in the kingdom. I have nothing to ask; there is no more I desire of Life but to live and die for you.’
“‘Well spoken,’ said Arthur, the King. Then he turned to Janice.
“‘I know not which of you is the more fortunate,’ he said. ‘Life should hold much for you. Go, then, with your husband, and remember that Arthur ordains that you shall honor, respect, and ever love him, and be happy, both of you, always.’
“And they were!”
“Of course they were,” said a strange voice when Flip had finished. “If they loved each other they couldn’t help but be happy always.”
The children all jumped up and looked through the trees. There was a girl standing there; a brown-haired girl with laughing eyes and a jaw just like a man’s. Martha Mary knew who it was right away. It was Jane. Even if you weren’t sure you could tell by the color of Flip’s face. He stood up, all red, and said: