"That is so with us," said many of the others. But some said: "We must keep open a little longer. Our seeds are not all growing." So they opened again next day, and gave little parties of their own, till all the exchanges were made and all the seeds were growing. The sunny days passed, and now where the flowers had been were little seed-cases; some round, some pointed, some oval, but all filled to the brim with healthy young seeds. The sun shone on them, and they grew and grew till the cases would hold them no longer. Then there was a splitting and a bursting and a popping everywhere, and out sprang the little seeds, to begin a new life for themselves. As the young seedlings sprang up on every side, the older plants looked at them with pride. "We have very fine children," they said. "Next year we must give another garden-party." BLUEBELLS Bluebells, bluebells, did the fairies make you? Do they fly to you at night and ring you and shake you, And dance on your slender stalks? Do they stroke you and love you, And whisper above you, And take you for fairy walks? COWSLIPS O sweet the smell of the cowslip bell! Was ever flower so sweet? I picked it where its soft leaves fell Around its dainty feet. How slender is its golden throat! How soft its scented face! It hangs from out its green pale coat With pretty drooping grace. OF ROYAL BLOOD She was certainly a very grand princess. From the first the nurse-bees fed her with rich golden honey instead of the bee-bread that the common children received. She had a royal bedroom, too, very much larger than the others. At meal-times the nurses were always waiting with her honey; all day long they guarded and watched her, and fanned fresh air with their wings into her bedroom. So she grew big and strong. One day she said: "I have finished growing, and shall put on my royal robes. Close the door so that nobody can see me while I dress." The nurses closed the door, and she put on her royal robes. When she was ready they rushed to open the door again. She came out beautiful and shining. "Now I am going to be Queen," she said to the bee-people who had gathered round her. "Yes," they said. "The old Queen has gone to a new home and left this one to you. Hail! Queen of the hive!" They bowed before her with great respect, and walked backwards when they left the room. Guards and honey-bearers were appointed for her, and maids of honour to keep her robes in order. So the new Queen entered into her royal state. "I am going to be married," she said. She flew out of the hive and rose high in the air, and there she was married to Prince Drone. "I must be busy," said the Queen, "or there will be no young bees for next season." Up and down the hive passages she went, placing a little egg in each bedroom, and leaving it there to be hatched by the warmth of the hive. Up and down she went till thousands of eggs were laid.