seated herself in her mother's
place. "These dishes are all gold, and I'm eating birds of paradise with
nectarine sauce."

Even as she spoke, Sarah brought her a plate of soup, and Midge
proceeded to eat it with an exaggerated air of grandeur, which she
thought befitted a princess.

"I'm not a prince," said Kingdon. "I'm an Indian chief, and I'm eating
wild boar steak, which I shot with my own trusty bow and arrows."

"I'm a queen in disguise," said Kitty. "I'm hiding from my pursuers, so
I go around in plain, dark garbs, and no one knows I'm a queen."

"How do we all happen to be dining at one table?" asked Marjorie.

"It's a public restaurant," said King. "We all came separately, and just
chanced to sit at the same table. May I ask your name, Madam?"

"I'm the Princess Seraphina," said Marjorie, graciously. "My home is in
the sunny climes of Italy, and I'm travelling about to see the world.
And you, noble sir, what is your name?"

"I am Chief Opodeldoc, of the Bushwhack Tribe. My tomahawk is in my
belt, and whoever offends me will add his scalp to my collection!"

"Oh, sir," said Kitty, trembling; "I pray you be not so fierce of
manner! I am most mortal timid."

Kitty had a fine dramatic sense, and always threw herself into her part
with her whole soul. The others would sometimes drop back into their
every-day speech, but Kitty was always consistent in her assumed
character.

"Is it so, fair Lady?" said King, looking valiant. "Have no fear of me.
Should aught betide I will champion thy cause to the limit."

"And mine?" said Marjorie. "Can you champion us both, Sir Opodeldoc?"

"Aye, that can I. But I trust this is a peaceful hostelry. I see no sign
of warfare."

"Nay, nay, but war may break out apace. Might I enquire your name, fair
lady?"

"Hist!" said Kitty, her finger on her lip, and looking cautiously about,
"I am, of a truth, the Queen of--of Macedonia. But disguised as a poor
waif, I seek a hiding-place from my tormentors."

"Why do they torment you?"

"'Tis a dark secret; ask me not. But tell of yourself, Princess
Seraphina. Dost travel alone?"

"Yes; with but my suite of armed retainers. Cavalrymen and infantry
attend my way, and twelve ladies-in-waiting wait on me."

"A great princess, indeed," said King, in admiration. "We are well met!"

"Methinks I am discovered!" cried Kitty, as Sarah approached her with a
dish of pudding. "This damsel! She is of my own household. Ha! Doth she
reco