“Yes,” remarked Polychrome, looking at
her critically, “when you were made Queen without
doubt you had the lightest-colored skin in all the
Pink Country. But now you are no longer Queen
of the Pinkies, Tourmaline.”
Those assembled were so startled by this statement
that they gazed at the Rainbow’s Daughter in
astonishment for a time. Then Tourmaline asked,
“Why not, your Highness?”
“Because here is one lighter in color than yourself,”
pointed to Trot. “This girl is, by the
Law of the Great Book, the rightful Queen of the Pinkies,
and as loyal citizens you are all obliged to obey
her commands. Give me that circlet from your brow,
Tourmaline.” Without hesitation Tourmaline
removed the rose-gold circlet with its glittering
jewel and handed it to Polychrome, who turned and placed
it upon Trot’s brow. Then she called in
a loud, imperative voice, “Greet your new Queen,
Pinkies!”
One by one they all advanced, knelt before Trot and
pressed her hand to their lips. “Long live
Queen Mayre!” called out Cap’n Bill, dancing
around on his wooden leg in great delight. “Vive
la—Vive la—ah, ah, Trot!”
“Thank you, Polly,” said Button-Bright
gratefully. “This will fix us all right,
I’m sure.”
“Why, I have done nothing,” returned Polychrome,
smiling upon him. “It is the Law of the
Country. Isn’t it surprising how little
people know of their Laws? Are you all contented,
Pinkies?” she asked, turning to the people.
“We are!” they cried. Then several
of the men ran out to spread the news throughout the
City and Country, so that a vast crowd soon began
to gather in the Court of the Statues.
Polychrome now dismissed all but Button-Bright, Cap’n
Bill, Rosalie the Witch and the new Queen of the Pinkies.
Tourmaline hastened away to her father’s house
to put on a beautiful gown all covered with flounces
and ribbons, for she was glad to be relieved of the
duties of the Queen and was eager to be gaily dressed
and one of the people again.
“I s’pose,” said Trot, “I’ll
have to put on one of Tourmaline’s common pink
dresses.”
“Yes,” replied Polychrome, “you
must follow the customs of the country, absurd though
they may be. In the little sleeping chamber adjoining
this room you will find plenty of gowns poor enough
for the Queen to wear. Shall I assist you to
put one on?”
“No,” answered Trot, “I guess I
can manage it alone.”
When she withdrew to the little chamber, the Rainbow’s
Daughter began conversing with the Witch, whom she
urged to stay with the new queen and protect her as
long as she ruled the Pink Country. Rosalie,
who longed to please the powerful Polychrome, whose
fairy powers as Daughters of the Rainbow were far
superior to her own witchcraft, promised faithfully
to devote herself to Queen Mayre as long as she might
need her services.
