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Here the voice out of the cushion ceased, and one, with a fair face and a robe of pale green velvet, rose from among the company, and said—

“That’s my story.”

“Mamma,” said Princess Greedalind, “if we had some of those fine chariots!”

“Yes, my daughter,” answered Queen Wantall, “and the gold and jewels too!” But King Winwealth said—

“Excepting yesterday’s story, and the three that went before it, I have not heard such a tale since my brother Wisewit went from me, and was lost in the forest. Highjinks, the third of my pages, go and bring this maiden a crimson velvet hat.”

Snowflower took the hat and thanked the king, made her courtesy, and went down on her grandmother’s chair to the housekeeper’s parlour. Her blanket was covered with a patchwork quilt that night; next day she had roast turkey and meat for dinner. But the feast went on in the palace hall with the usual spites and envies; the clamour and complaints at the gate were still heard above all the music; and King Winwealth fell into his wonted low spirits as soon as the supper was over. As usual, a message came down from the banquet hall, and the chief-butler told Snowflower that she and her chair were wanted to tell King Winwealth