"Oh, beautiful Euphrosyne," said the little queen, "we are much concerned over the wicked Dragonfel." [Illustration] "The enchanter across the sea?" said Euphrosyne. "And what about him?" "He threatens harm to the fairies." "Do not borrow trouble," said Euphrosyne. [Illustration] "Sometimes people make foolish threats, and when others heed them they have a good deal of needless worry." All looked very much relieved, and Queen Titania said: "Your encouraging words comfort us greatly." "If I were you," advised Euphrosyne, "I'd always keep the portcullis down, and be very careful about admitting strangers. Don't let anyone in without a first-class reference. If Dragonfel annoys you, let me know." "But how?" asked Queen Titania. "You can send this magic dove to me!" They looked at her, but she was gone, and no one knew whither. She seemed to have just melted away. Where her hand had been there was a dove, and, as it started to flutter off, with some difficulty they caught it. Though she was very much encouraged by all Euphrosyne had said, Queen Titania still thought it prudent to post on one of the palace walls a warning placard so that those who ran might read. And, it proved a task that was sufficient to interest some of the fairies the rest of the afternoon, and, by the time they got through, they were able to make some show at hitting the nail on the head. [Illustration] CHAPTER III FLORIMEL REACHES THE ENCHANTED COUNTRY [Illustration] On and on flew Prince Florimel from the wicked uncle who meant to do him harm. The friendly stars shone down to guide him on his way, but just what that way was he did not know. His only thought to put the palace as far behind him as he could, and at times he turned his head to look back at its frowning, shadowy walls that finally disappeared from sight. Florimel gave a deep sigh of relief, but did not relax his speed in the slightest. The words of the faithful old Gando were strongly impressed upon his mind, and he realized that the duke had designs on his life. When it was discovered that he was missing, a search would be made for him, and once in the power of the duke it would go hard with him. So on he ran, and the few people whom he met paid little or no heed to him, thinking perhaps that he was some frightened peasant-child hastening to or from home upon some urgent night-errand. And as he went, always further and further away from the palace, the houses grew fewer and still fewer, till finally he found himself out in the open country. [Illustration] The stars were paling out, and by this time Florimel was very tired, so that when he saw a hay-stack in a field he quickly sought it, and burrowing from sight down into the sweet-smelling mass was soon asleep.