“You know Mother told us that she wouldn’t have time tomorrow,” said Mary, “and I think it is fun anyway. The poor peas have never seen the light except through a thick veil. They are really prisoners and we are helping to set them free.” “You are always thinking of such queer things, Mary, that I don’t believe you feel about anything as other people do.” But Anna soon went to work with a will, and in a short time the peas were all shelled. “I’ll take them into the kitchen,” said Mary, “and while I’m gone, suppose you go after the clothes that we’re making for Emily’s doll.” In a short time they were both on the veranda again, and very busily engaged in sewing for Emily’s birthday. “What are we going to do for feathers for the mattress and pillows?” asked Mary. “Why, haven’t I told you?” asked Anna. “I asked Mother about it, and she said she had a pillow which she didn’t need and that we might have it for Emily’s doll. If I’d only asked her in the first place, I don’t believe I would have had that horrible dream.” When the flower-elf heard this, he departed, for he had a great many things to attend to that evening. He wanted to see how the wildflowers were growing in the woods nearby, for it occurred to him that although Emily might have all the cultivated flowers that she wished for on her birthday, a bouquet of wildflowers could not be amiss. So off he started in search of them, and when he was quite sure that he knew exactly where all the different kinds grew, he flew back to Mount Fern. When he arrived there, he found that all the other elves were at home and were listening to General Grosbeak’s reply, which Colonel Claw had just brought over. It ran thus: “General Grosbeak presents his compliments to Colonel Claw, and begs to state that it will give him much pleasure to issue an order to all insect-destroyers to avoid the grounds of Templeton Hall on the evening of Emily’s birthday.” “And now, Tono,” said Captain Featherweight, “you have my full permission to go ahead and do your best for Emily’s birthday. “And Lightning, you may go now to the Dwarfs of Cavedale and tell them to have the necklace ready for a week from to-night. And let it be wrought of fine filigree gold,--in a dainty design of lilies and roses.” After the Captain had given commands to all the elves as to what the duty of each should be for the following week, they all ran away and began to make plans for their work. “Tono,” said Rhymo, “I want your advice. You know I have to make a verse to accompany the necklace; how would this do? “A necklace by the elves designed Of rose and lily intertwined, And by the Dwarfs of Cavedale wrought: A birthday gift to you we’ve brought.” “It may be all right,” said Tono, “but if I were you I’d make several, and then let the Captain decide which he likes best.”