Slumber, the dream-elf, was dressed in silvery grey, and in addition to his girdle of Eyebright and Wake-Robin, he wore a Poppy in his hair, for the Poppy, as you know, is the emblem of forgetfulness. But it was only a silver Poppy, not a real Poppy of course, for the ball was in honor of the flowers, and _all_ the flowers were expected to join in the dance. The Linden tree was a magnificent sight that summer evening, with its myriads of tiny fireflies twinkling like little stars. It was like giant candelabra in the centre of a ballroom, only far more beautiful. And the lawn underneath was as smooth as the smoothest velvet, and at regular intervals there were soft comfortable seats of fresh green moss-mounds. Rhymo saw the flowers coming and burst forth into verse: “At last the gala night appeared, The moon was bright, the air was clear, And just at twelve from far and near, The flowers in couples did appear.” Captain Featherweight was radiant in his golden girdle of roses. When the flowers appeared he and the other elves greeted them graciously, and led each one to a comfortable seat made of soft green moss-mounds. Then Rainbow gave a signal to Tono and the music began. The opening music was _Welcome to Mount Fern!_ “O welcome to Mount Fern, Ye flowers bright and gay, Your presence would brighten The rosiest day; Your smiles and your sunshine Great happiness bring, So mortals and fairies Your praises do sing!” Tono had composed the music and Rhymo the words, just for the occasion, and the beautiful flowers bowed their heads in grateful acknowledgment of the compliment that had been paid them. When the opening music had ceased, Captain Featherweight declared that it was now time to open the ball, and with a very low bow he offered his arm to the American Beauty Rose, led her to the centre of the lawn, and the dance began. “How beautiful you are to-night,” said the Captain. “That’s because I’m happy to be in such good company,” said the American Beauty. “But I’m not always so happy, and lately I’ve been feeling quite blue. What _do_ you think Doctor Templeton is going to do with the Roses? Why, only a week ago, I heard him telling his wife that he thought it looked more dignified to have nothing but _lawn_ in the front of the house, and that he thought he would move the Rose garden to the back of the house near the shrubbery. I don’t know when I have felt so humiliated! I really don’t think I could stand it! Why, when I lived at White Oaks, I was the pride of the family, and was given the most prominent part of the garden, in front of the parlor window. And every morning early, and many times through the day, Mrs. Chesterton came to see me. And she called me ‘Queenie’ and ‘Beauty,’ and said I was a joy and delight.” “And so you are,” said the Captain, “for everyone knows that the Rose is the queen of all flowers.”