"I shall try to return by sundown," she said to them, "so you will only be alone during the day. I advise you to pass the time by exploring the Valley, and if you wish to ride, the royal coachmen will take you wherever you wish to go." "May I ask a favor?" said Dot, timidly. "Certainly, Princess; ask whatever you will," returned the Queen, as she threw a scarlet cloak over her shoulders and prepared to start. "I would like you to waken the dolls of the village before you go, so that Tot and I may play with them," said the girl. The Queen reflected a moment before she replied, "The dolls are often mischievous when they have a whole day to themselves, and you might find them troublesome. However, as you will be sure to enjoy their merry pranks, I'll do as you wish, and leave you the dolls for playmates." "Oh, thank you ever so much!" cried Dot, gratefully. The Queen now called the carriages and they all rolled down to the main street of the village. Here her Majesty waved the magic wand three times, and the dolls immediately awoke and began such a chattering and such romping play that the Queen herself became bewildered and ordered the coachman to hasten to the river bank. Dot and Tot went with her to see her start upon her journey, and when they had passed out of the big gate, which the wooden soldiers opened for them with respectful salutes, the Queen said: "I am going to borrow your boat, for it will be the easiest way for me to reach the Valley of the Watch-Dog." "But you can never row it up stream," said Dot; "and there is but one oar." "Oh, I shall not need the oars at all," responded the Wax Doll, and seated herself in the boat. "Do you know," said the girl, "that you have not yet told us your name?" "Didn't I tell you yesterday?" returned the Queen, as if surprised. "No, indeed," said the girl. "Well, that was very careless of me. I am so busy that sometimes I forget to do things. But I must be going, so goodbye my dears; I hope the dolls won't bother you too much." "We shall enjoy them," replied Dot. The Queen now waved her fairy wand and at once the boat glided from the shore. "Good-bye, your Majesty!" cried Dot and Tot together. Swiftly the boat floated up the stream--so swiftly, indeed, that the water rippled like music against the bow. The children waved their handkerchiefs at the fairy doll until she had reached the arch leading to the Valley of Babies, when they passed through the gateway and, dismissing their coachmen, walked up the village street to visit the dolls. These were really becoming rather boisterous and ran about in circles, playing "I spy," and blind-man's buff, and London Bridge with much laughter and noise. When they saw Dot and Tot they ran up to them and cried: "Start the music box! We want to dance." "I do not know how. The Queen has the key with her," answered Dot, shouting loudly that she might be heard above the tumult.