That night the daffodils never slept, for fear once more took
possession of them. They scrubbed their feet, but the fairy's dye
would not come off; then they scraped them, but that hurt very much
and did no good. Finally they chalked them, but that was no use at
all; so they had to give it up in despair, and hope for the best.
Next morning two of the court ushers came to escort them to the
Cabinet Council. Poor daffodils! Their eyes were red with
weeping, and they could scarcely stand for terror when they entered
the tent where the examination was to take place.
In the middle on a raised dais sat the king and queen, on their
right stood the three princes, on their left the councillors in
their robes of state. Three chairs were placed for the maidens,
and they were politely but firmly requested to take off their shoes
and stockings.
Blushing crimson the daffodils slowly and unwillingly took off
their shoes. Then they cried a little and said they really truly
couldn't, but it was no use, and the stockings had to follow, and
six little green feet were exposed to view.
"They wear two pairs, I see," said the queen, who was a little
short-sighted. "Very sensible, I'm sure, in this damp place. Take
off the other pair, my dears."
But the daffodils only hung their heads and wept.
Then one of the councillors cried out, in a horrified tone--"Their
feet are green! They are monstrosities!" and at that very moment
heralds were heard outside announcing the arrival of the Princesses
of Goldenland.
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