CASTLE DANGEROUS AND THE VANISHING STAIRS. 93

to hold it firmly on her head; “it was trimmed for me by mother, and
I would much rather wear it than the most lovely wreath of flowers
that was ever put together; and, please, Dragon-flower,”’ said
Primrose in a gentle voice, “your bath has made me feel so nice
and fresh, that I think I can be going on my journey almost imme-
diately. Jf I may drink some of that milk, and eat some of those
strawberries, I shall be quite fresh to start, and I am sure so will
Buttercup.”

“What are you talking about?” asked Buttercup, dancing up to
his sister. ‘‘Jam not going on any journey
Oh, hurrah for the feast, the feast, the feast!”

He rushed up to one of the little strange girls as he spoke, and
putting his arms round her, the two began to dance up and down
the room.

Dragon-flower darted a queer look out of her bright eyes at Silver-
wings, but Silver-wings was very busy at that moment emptying
the water out of one of the baths, and did not see the glance she
gave her.

Primrose did, however, and her heart beat fast with a strange
terror.

‘“‘ Now, do let me persuade you to put on this wreath, my darling,”
said Dragon-flower, turning again to the little girl. “ Why, what's
the matter? I see tears in those sweet eyes.”

“Tam unhappy about Buttercup,” said Primrose. “ He seems to
have forgotten everything. He says he does not want to go on any
journey, and when I speak of father and mother, he can’t remember
them. What can be the matter?”

“ Nothing, my love, nothing,” said Dragon-flower. “ Your dear
little brother is tired and excited, that is all. You will start on your
journey, of course, when you are properly rested; but now eat your
fruit, drink up your milk, and take off that ugly hat?”

“No, please, I would rather wear it,” said Primrose.

“ T assure you it is the hat that makes you unhappy.”

‘Still, I would rather wear it—I would much rather be unhappy
and remember mother, than be happy and forget her.”

 

catch me, catch me!