He had as usual contrived to find out what was going on,
and now announced that he had a private message for the Golden
princesses, if they would take him to their tent.
When they were alone the daffodils began to cry their eyes out, and
the cuckoo to try and comfort them.
"Green feet," he said, "are very uncommon and would no doubt be
welcomed as a great rarity."
But the maidens sobbed on.
"The princes love you so much they will think your little feet the
most beautiful colour in the world."
But they would not listen.
"I heard the king and queen say that green was their favourite
colour," he remarked next.
This was pure invention on the cuckoo's part, but the daffodils
were somewhat cheered, and after a great deal of talking the cuckoo
persuaded them to give in and consent to show their feet, as they
could not possibly marry the princes without. Besides, perhaps
when the king found their toes were all right he would think the
colour rather ornamental than otherwise. So the princes were told
to their great joy that the princesses had consented to show their
feet; and the king and queen, on being informed, summoned a Cabinet
Council for the next morning so that their ministers might be
present at the counting of the princesses' toes.
Meantime the real Goldenland princesses had arrived near the camp;
but as they and their suite were very tired they resolved not to
visit the Silver king till the next day, and commanded that no one
should mention their arrival.
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