“By attending the royal receptions, and doing all the disagreeable things the king is expected to do,” she answered. Bud thought about it for a minute. Then he got up, walked over to his sister, and kissed her. “I b’lieve you’re right, Fluff,” he said, with a sigh. “I’ll go to that reception to-night, and take it as I would take a dose of medicine.” “Of course you will!” returned Fluff, looking up at him brightly; “and I’ll go with you! The dolls can wait til to-morrow. Have Jikki brush your hair, and I’ll get my maids to dress me!” Old Tullydub was wondering how he might best explain the king’s absence to the throng of courtiers gathered to attend the royal reception, when, to his surprise and relief, his Majesty entered the room, accompanied by the Princess Fluff. The king wore a velvet suit trimmed with gold lace, and at his side hung the beautiful jeweled sword. Meg was dressed in a soft white silken gown, and looked as sweet and fair as a lily. The courtiers and their ladies, who were all wearing their most handsome and becoming apparel, received their little king with great respect, and several of the wealthiest and most noble among them came up to Bud to converse with him. But the king did not know what to say to these great personages, and so the royal reception began to be a very stupid affair. Fluff saw that all the people were standing in stiff rows and looking at one another uneasily, so she went to Bud and whispered to him. “Is there a band of musicians in the palace?” the king inquired of Tellydeb, who stood near. “Yes, your Majesty.” “Send for them, then,” commanded Bud. Presently the musicians appeared, and the king ordered them to play a waltz. But the chief counselor rushed up and exclaimed: “Oh, your Majesty! This is against all rule and custom!” “Silence!” said Bud, angrily. “_I’ll_ make the rules and customs in this kingdom hereafter. We’re going to have a dance.” “But it’s so dreadful—so unconventional, your Majesty! It’s so—what shall I call it?” “Here! I’ve had enough of this,” declared Bud. “You go and stand in that corner, with your face to the wall, till I tell you to sit down,” he added, remembering a time when his father, the ferryman, had inflicted a like punishment upon him. Somewhat to his surprise, Tullydub at once obeyed the command, and then Bud made his first speech to the people. “We’re going to have a dance,” he said; “so pitch in and have a good time. If there’s anything you want, ask for it. You’re all welcome to stay as long as you please and go home when you get ready.” This seemed to please the company, for every one applauded the king’s speech. Then the musicians began to play, and the people were soon dancing and enjoying themselves greatly.