12 WHISPERS FROM FAIRYLAND. [I.

have been neither few nor far between. Perhaps the
number may have been increased by the knowledge
of the great probability that the whole kingdom would
eventually come to one or both of the sisters, but, be
this as it may, there was certainly no lack of eligible
persons who desired to form a matrimonial alliance
with one or other of the pair.

The powerful King of the Islands, where was the
finest and most numerous breed of white horses ever
known, had long regarded Malvina with loving eyes ;
the Prince of the River Country, whose immense in-
come was entirely derived from the swans which he
preserved by thousands, had cast tender looks upon
Pettina; whilst the mighty Giant Pattle-perry, who
lived in the Coal Country, had been heard to declare
that either of the damsels was more precious than
coal, which was saying a great deal and plainly
showed his appreciation of their worth. The King
and Queen, however, had no desire to part with their
children, and no wish for any marriage save one of
affection. The girls themselves were very happy at
home, and for some time all the rumours of offers to
be made by the various potentates I have mentioned
never came to anything more than vague reports.

Nine years had elapsed since the disappearance of
Prince Merry, and his parents had at last abandoned
all hopes of his recovery, and bowed in sorrowful sub-
mission to the terrible affliction which had befallen
them. Whilst the King devoted himself with in-
creased energy to public affairs, and gave all his spare
moments to literature ; the Queen, finding her house-
hold occupations insufficient for her amusement,