“Yes,” remarked Polychrome, looking at her critically, “when you were made Queen without doubt you had the lightest-colored skin in all the Pink Country.  But now you are no longer Queen of the Pinkies, Tourmaline.”

Those assembled were so startled by this statement that they gazed at the Rainbow’s Daughter in astonishment for a time.  Then Tourmaline asked, “Why not, your Highness?”

“Because here is one lighter in color than yourself,” pointed to Trot.  “This girl is, by the Law of the Great Book, the rightful Queen of the Pinkies, and as loyal citizens you are all obliged to obey her commands.  Give me that circlet from your brow, Tourmaline.”  Without hesitation Tourmaline removed the rose-gold circlet with its glittering jewel and handed it to Polychrome, who turned and placed it upon Trot’s brow.  Then she called in a loud, imperative voice, “Greet your new Queen, Pinkies!”

One by one they all advanced, knelt before Trot and pressed her hand to their lips.  “Long live Queen Mayre!” called out Cap’n Bill, dancing around on his wooden leg in great delight.  “Vive la—­Vive la—­ah, ah, Trot!”

“Thank you, Polly,” said Button-Bright gratefully.  “This will fix us all right, I’m sure.”

“Why, I have done nothing,” returned Polychrome, smiling upon him.  “It is the Law of the Country.  Isn’t it surprising how little people know of their Laws?  Are you all contented, Pinkies?” she asked, turning to the people.

“We are!” they cried.  Then several of the men ran out to spread the news throughout the City and Country, so that a vast crowd soon began to gather in the Court of the Statues.

MAYRE, QUEEN OF THE PINK COUNTRY

CHAPTER 18

Polychrome now dismissed all but Button-Bright, Cap’n Bill, Rosalie the Witch and the new Queen of the Pinkies.  Tourmaline hastened away to her father’s house to put on a beautiful gown all covered with flounces and ribbons, for she was glad to be relieved of the duties of the Queen and was eager to be gaily dressed and one of the people again.

“I s’pose,” said Trot, “I’ll have to put on one of Tourmaline’s common pink dresses.”

“Yes,” replied Polychrome, “you must follow the customs of the country, absurd though they may be.  In the little sleeping chamber adjoining this room you will find plenty of gowns poor enough for the Queen to wear.  Shall I assist you to put one on?”

“No,” answered Trot, “I guess I can manage it alone.”

When she withdrew to the little chamber, the Rainbow’s Daughter began conversing with the Witch, whom she urged to stay with the new queen and protect her as long as she ruled the Pink Country.  Rosalie, who longed to please the powerful Polychrome, whose fairy powers as Daughters of the Rainbow were far superior to her own witchcraft, promised faithfully to devote herself to Queen Mayre as long as she might need her services.