WHAT HAPPENED IN THE THRONE-ROOM [Illustration] Led by Queen Titania, Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil, the strange guests, who had come to the wedding without an invitation, mounted the spacious marble steps and passed into the palace. In spite of a meek, respectful demeanor that it was very hard for them to assume, they could not conceal the gloating satisfaction that was on their faces. In the meantime the Brownies and fairies were already beginning to enjoy themselves in different parts of the palace grounds. Introductions are hardly necessary when sprites meet, and many found ways of getting acquainted, and were warm friends on their first meeting. Having no suspicion of what was in the evil minds of those she was preparing so hospitably to entertain, Titania with her companions ushered them into the magnificent banquet-room. There upon one of the long tables were spread many delicacies to make one's mouth water, and, even before an invitation to partake of them could be extended, the four red imps seated themselves before it, and, smacking their lips, began to tuck napkins under their chins. [Illustration] Titania had thought that the guests would leave the presents they had brought out in the hall when they came in, but they still held on to them with a grip so tenacious that she wondered if they really meant to give them up, after all. Nevertheless in a free-hearted way she urged the visitors to refresh themselves. The imps were already engaged in trying to stuff whole plum puddings into their mouths at once, a greedy proceeding that Dame Drusilda, Violet, and Daffodil watched with considerable disgust. All but the leader started quickly to seat themselves, but he stamped his foot imperiously, and they came to an instant stop. Then he threw back the hood of his scarlet cloak, disclosing a wicked face, and transfixed Titania with his malicious gaze. "I am Dragonfel the enchanter, my fine little lady," he said, in fiendish tones, "and I have come to take you away with me!" [Illustration] Titania was so frightened that she could neither scream nor run away, and she allowed him to gather her up in his arms and hold her just as a little girl does a doll, making light of load. There she lay passive and trembling, with the realization that it would be useless to make any effort to escape. Almost immediately afterward Grouthead seized the biting, scratching, and clawing Dame Drusilda, whom he dumped in spite of fierce resistance into the baby's crib, and when Mandrake and Wolfinger put Violet and Daffodil in after her it was very plain why this particular gift had been selected. "Yes, and you're not going to get these presents, either," sneered Dragonfel to Titania, who said never a word. "You may call me an Injun-giver, if you like, but I mean to take them back, just the same!"