But
Avrillia, seeing her suddenly sad little face, stooped and kissed her
as she had done that other morning, and patted her cheek, and said,
"Oh, but I have a present for you, Sara! This is your day--we must all
be very merry!" And with that she picked up something that was wrapped
in several layers of silver fog and tied with a ripple, and seizing
them both by the arm, went dancing with them down the path to the
Garden.
Everybody applauded when they saw Pirlaps and the guest of honor
returning with Avrillia; and the Teacup, unable longer to restrain her
excitement, fluttered down to the rim of the pool and cried excitedly,
"Now let's give the presents!"
Then something happened that came near turning the fete into a tragedy;
for the Teacup lost her balance in the excitement, and splashed right
over into the pool! The Plynck screamed, Schlorge whistled, the Gunki
came running from every direction; but it was the Echo who saved the
Teacup's life. With great presence of mind she spread out her cerulean
plumes so that the Teacup settled upon them harmlessly, instead of
crashing down upon the hard emerald bottom and shattering to bits.
Then, of course, Schlorge could very easily reach down and draw her
out.
The poor Teacup was naturally very much upset. "If my handle had not
been so consanguineous--" she quavered, again and again.
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