CASTLE DANGEROUS AND THE VANISHING STAIRS. 91

When Dragon-flower spoke, Silver-wings glided slowly  for-
ward, and, opening a large cupboard in the wall, brought out a pretty
gaily-coloured dress for each child. She laid the clothes down be-
side the marble baths, and helped Dragon-flower to undress the
children.

“ Now get in, my loves,” said Dragon-flower; “the baths are quite
ready, and you do look very tired, all of you. Be sure you lie down
in the water, and cover your heads as well. You won’t get thoroughly
rested unless you dip yourselves completely under the water.”

Primrose was the last to step into her bath. She felt happy and
excited, but all the time, deep down in her heart, was a queer sensation
of fear.

“ Dip, dip!” said Dragon-flower; “dip your heads well under the
water all of you. That’s right, my dear children, enjoy your soothing
baths ; I shall be back again presently.”

She glided out of the room as she spoke. At the same moment
Primrose raised her eyes, and saw Silver-wings was looking at her
earnestly.

“You need not dip your head under the water unless you lke,”
whispered Silver-wings ; “but don’t tell anyone that I said so.”

She ran away to the other side of the room as she spoke.

“There is some meaning in her words,’ thought Primrose to
herself. “This bath is delicious—I never felt anything hke it; but
I won’t dip my head under the water—on that I am resolved.”

Soon afterwards Dragon-flower returned. “ Now, my children,”
she said, “you may get out of your baths and put on these lovely
clothes. Come, Silver-wings, help the dear little ones to dress. They
must then have something to eat, and afterwards go and he down in
that cool room which Poppy and Moonlight have prepared for
them.”

Buttercup was delighted with the lovely dress that Dragon-flower
put upon him. It had a great many brilliant colours, and Buttercup
loved gay colours. When he was dressed he rushed up to his sister
Primrose, and kissed her.

“Do you know,” he said, raising his pretty blooming little face to