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I didn't know how dreadful city life was, and I'd no idea I would be

elected King," said he, sobbing bitterly. "And--and--now I'm It--with a

capital I--and can't escape!"

I know Glinda," remarked Dorothy, eating for dessert a dish of charlotte

russe, "and when I see her again, I'll ask her to put another King in your

place."

Will you? Will you, indeed?" asked the King, joyfully.

I will if you want me to," she replied.

Hurroo--huray!" shouted the King; and then he jumped up from the

table and danced wildly about the room, waving his napkin like a flag

and laughing with glee.

After a time he managed to control his delight and returned to the table.

When are you likely to see Glinda?" he inquired.

Oh, p'raps in a few days," said Dorothy.

And you won't forget to ask her?"

Of course not."

Princess," said the Rabbit King, earnestly, "you have relieved me of a

great unhappiness, and I am very grateful. Therefore I propose to

entertain you, since you are my guest and I am the King, as a slight

mark of my appreciation. Come with me to my reception hall."

He then summoned Bristle and said to him: "Assemble all the nobility in

the great reception hall, and also tell Blinkem that I want him

immediately."

The Keeper of the Wicket bowed and hurried away, and his Majesty

turned to Dorothy and continued: "We'll have time for a walk in the

gardens before the people get here."

The gardens were back of the palace and were filled with beautiful

flowers and fragrant shrubs, with many shade and fruit trees and

marble-paved walks running in every direction. As they entered this

place Blinkem came running to the King, who gave him several orders in

a low voice. Then his Majesty rejoined Dorothy and led her through the

gardens, which she admired very much.

The Emerald City of Oz