"
They were tending the woodland plants that hang their golden blossoms
in the pathways and carrying up the dewdrops that sparkle like
diamonds from their leaves in the daybreak. And it was pleasant to see
them work, for they were all singing.
By and by Nora and the dryad came to a place where there was a
brighter light ahead, and as they drew nearer Nora could see that they
had come to the bank of the pond that is below Nora's cottage, only
that they were under the surface, looking up through a light so soft
that it cast no shadows. And now the dryad took Nora's hand and she
found herself in a little boat, no bigger than a leaf, sailing across
the pond but still beneath its surface. And here she saw on every
hand, working amid the mire and the mirk, such jolly little divers,
who were feeding the fish and tending the pond lily roots, and, like
all the others, singing at their tasks.
Now you will know of course that they were on their way to the home of
the fairy queen. And it was but a short while before they were there.
I need not tell you, children, how lovely is her palace, with its
golden floor and silver walls and its hangings of the colors of the
rainbow. Nor need I say how beautiful is her majesty herself, with
wings like the most splendid butterfly and a gown like the morning and
a face like the sunshine.
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