So they wandered gaily on, laughing at anything and everything in the happiness of their escape. They _were_ happy, anyhow; happy in their absolute freedom. And were they not in the possession, too, of the precious bracelets which were going to lead them into all sorts of delightful adventures as soon as they chose! They could talk of nothing else--and babbled on of how they would cross the brook as animals, and how they would be wiser than all the other poor creatures, by keeping a gem in reserve and change to themselves on the other side. Little could they guess of the troubles and adventures that awaited them! CHAPTER III THE BIRD-FAIRY SPEAKS The children had been so busy chattering of fun to come, that it was all of a sudden they realised they were in a glade which looked quite enchanting, and with so many daisies about that Dulcie wanted to sit down and weave those they gathered into a chain. "Don't wait for that," said Cyril; "carry them in my handkerchief." But when he felt in his pockets the handkerchief was not there. He must have dropped it. Dulcie proposed that they should retrace their steps, but sweet sounds of innumerable birds came from the high trees around and filled the air--and they stayed to listen to the concert of trills, chirrups, gentle call-notes, cadences, and bursts of tremulous song. And now, against the deep blue sky hovered what looked like a cloud which suddenly separated and descended, and the Twins found themselves face to face with a most lovely being, surrounded by a ring of exquisite little creatures, who danced to the continuous music of the Wood. Cyril and Dulcie gazed at their beautiful companion, who stepped towards them smiling graciously. She looked like a lovely young girl. Draped about her was a wondrous garment of feathers of every hue. But she was strange indeed, for her hands, clasped behind her, drew close together two enormous wings which sprouted from her shoulders and formed part of her white arms; whilst upon her shapely head among her black tresses was the aigrette of the peacock. Her attendants had no aigrette, and their feathered draperies were of sober brown. They were much smaller too, smaller even than the Twins. "I am the Bird-Fairy," she said in cooing tones, "and you are in need of advice. I can----" [Illustration: _"I am the Bird-Fairy," she said_] "Not exactly, thanks. You _are_ pretty!" stammered Cyril, interrupting. "It's because--we want to go our own way--at home we--" he stopped in order to shake off Dulcie, who was tugging at his jacket. "If you please," asked Dulcie shyly, "what advice?" "It would be exactly contrary to the Wizard's," and the Fairy looked serious. "Thanks very much," interrupted Cyril; "but we do want to seek our fortunes--to go on our adventures. It's a grand thing to do," he explained, "specially for her--she's a girl. Besides, we can't cross the Brook as children."