Lived Happily Ever After
thing about the world outside, and in spite of the badness and the darkness,—I like it. I am going to be a part of it, a live little girl like you, Nichette. I shall play out of doors with you as often as I can. And you must let me share your dear father and mother, for they are best of all. I have nothing so good to share with you,—for it is I who have been the lonesomest Queen. But what I have shall be yours also, Nichette, from this night.”
So they reached the palace gate, and Nichette bade her new little friend good-night. And a good night it was for the tired, happy Queen. For Mignon slept beside her on the pillow, and her dreams were all of pleasant things which were to happen thereafter in the garden where Nichette had her playhouse.
And the best of it all was that the dreams came true. For on the next day the Queen had a long talk with her uncles and aunts; and she told them that she wanted to be a real little girl and to live out among her people, so that she might grow up a strong, brave, noble queen who knew about the lives of those whom she was to rule. Of course they were very much77
