118 THE FAIRY-FOLK OF THE BLUE HILL.

further uneasiness. Will knows his 7é/e, and
loves mischief enough to do it well. I wish to
bathe,” said the haughty queen, signalling to
her attendants. “Find me a bath.”

The willing maids in waiting at once con-
ducted their queen to a small pool near by.
The sun shone brightly down upon it, and lily
pads floated on its clear surface, as if designed
for resting places for just such airy creatures
as the light dragon-fly. On the edge of the
pool grew delicate water plants, and beyond
them, on the moist banks, the scarlet cardinal
flowers and fleur-de-lis, and as a background
for all rose the tall forest trees.

“Gracious queen, we chose this secluded
spot for your majesty’s noonday bath,” said the
first lady in waiting in a respectful tone.

The haughty queen made no reply, but
lightly skimmed over the pool, dipping the
ends of her gauzy wings into the clear water,
and shaking the shining dropsover her. When
tired of exercise, she rested for a moment on
one of the lily pads, and then resumed her sport.

When the bath was completed, the dragon-
fly summoned her gnats, who had been patiently
waiting in the hot sun.