On her next visit to the Pavilion the Court Godmother heard Daphne's version of the meeting with Girofle. "I take an interest in the young man," she said. "Indeed I got him his place here. He seems to have behaved very creditably--for a mere gardener. Though I dare say you think him beneath your notice." "After he had saved my life!" said Daphne indignantly. "As if I _could_--whoever he was! But, as you take an interest in him, Court Godmother, you must know as well as I do that he isn't really a gardener at all." "Oh, indeed," said the Fairy suspiciously. "And how did you find _that_ out? From _him_?" "No, I guessed. And then he had to admit it." "And what did he admit?" "Well, that he is a student and has had to go into hiding because he was suspected of being mixed up in some plot or other. He didn't tell me any more than that." "Ah," said the Fairy, concealing her relief, "he told you more than was prudent as it was. But I suppose he thought he could trust you with his secret." "And don't _you_, Court Godmother?" flashed Daphne. "Oh, I don't think you would betray him. You mustn't go and lose your heart to him, though. That would never do!" Daphne laughed. "Court Godmother!" she said, "you're not really afraid of my falling in love with him, are you?" "Well, no, my dear. Fortunately he's not good-looking enough to make me very uneasy about that. I should be much more afraid that he might fall in love with you." "Oh, I hope he won't do _that_, poor fellow," said Daphne with a sudden and uneasy recollection of how he had followed her in secret. "But I'm going home so soon that I mayn't even see him again." "You may have to stay here some time longer," said the Fairy, "so it's quite possible that he will try to see more of you. However, it will be easy for you to tell him plainly that you don't want to have anything to do with him." "But I don't mind his speaking to me," said Daphne. "I told him he might. I should hate hurting him like that. And, after all, Court Godmother, if he _should_ show any signs of--of what you're afraid of, he will soon see that it's no use, and be sensible about it." "I dare say you're right, my dear, I dare say you're right," agreed the Court Godmother. "And anyhow, it will be time enough to trouble about that when it happens--which very likely it never will." But in her heart she was more convinced than ever that Mirliflor had made a very good beginning. CHAPTER XVI "A CLOUD THAT'S DRAGONISH"