nother they opened and
folded back, revealing an immense, brilliantly-lighted space of
incomparable grandeur.

It was the Hall of Parents!

CHAPTER XXXII

THE HALL OF PARENTS

The children arose and stood in their places breathlessly when that
scene was revealed to them. Never had they seen such bright lights, so
high a ceiling, so many splendid decorations.

There was not a single parent in sight, it is true; but this did not
disturb their joy, since it was plain that any number of parents might
be near by, waiting for a wand to be waved, or a wish to be made.

On the far side of the Hall there was a great semicircle of painted
curtains, like those in a theater, with only narrow spaces between
them. On these curtains were painted scenes and figures of men and
women. Above each curtain a pennon was flying.

From some invisible place strains of music floated, and the music was
of the kind which does not make the heart either heavy or light, but
simply tender.

The children began to advance into the Hall of Parents, gazing with
wondering eyes at the painted curtains, which held for them a strange
fascination. As they drew nearer they perceived that in the middle of
the semi-circle of curtains there was an opening, with soft draperies
before it, as if it were here that the parents would presently enter.

Then the pictures on the curtains began to become clear, and there were
cries of joy and amazement from the children. One picture showed the
mother and father of Everychild. The mother sat at a table, her face
buried on her arms. The father stood helplessly beside her, his hand
on her shoulder.

Another picture showed the wicked King John of England sitting gloomily
on his throne.

Another showed the mother and sisters of Cinderella seated before a
fireplace, silent and forlorn. Near them, and gazing at them
challengingly, was the figure of a gallant young man with a crystal
slipper of great delicacy in his hand.

Another showed the parents of Hansel and Grettel, the father clasping a
loaf of bread to him and gazing abstractedly before him.

Another showed Old Mother Hubbard standing before a cupboard and
looking into it intently.

Another showed the unique residence of the Old Woman who lived in a
shoe, with the Old Woman herself standing dejectedly near the gaping
opening in the toe.

Others showed certain not easily recognizable ladies and gentlemen:
perhaps the parents of Little Bo-Pe