Three magnificent white swans now emerged from the thicket before him; they flapped their wings and then swam lightly on the surface of the water. The larger one (whose beak bore the letter S as a "nick") was dark and haughty of mien, the second (whose beak was branded B) was slim and exceeding graceful; whilst the third, a solid and even rather sullen-looking bird, was beak-stamped with a legible D.
"I will fly towards these royal birds," cried the Ugly Duckling. And he flew into the water, and swam towards those stately swans, who turned to meet him with sail-like wings the moment they saw him.
"Why, he is one of us!" said the darker and statelier of the three. "Almost!" he added, sotto voce.
The Ugly Duckling was startled at the remark. But looking at his reflection in the smooth lake he was more startled still. His own image was to his eyes no longer that of the Daring Duckling, much less of the Ugly One. It was smart, smooth, sleek, swelling, in fact swan-like!!! At any rate, he thought so, and so, indeed, the other three swans seemed to think.
He preened his feathers, and puffed forth his plumes. He flapped his wings, and arched his neck, as he cried in the fullness of his heart:—
"I never dreamed of such happiness when I was the Brummagem Ugly Duckling."
* * *
It matters not being born in a duck-yard if one is hatched from a swan's egg!
OUR BOOKING-OFFICE.