Patty then took an affectionate leave of her parents, and she and her husband stepped into the barge. Still the water flowed from the pitcher’s mouth, until the lake grew into a mighty river, down which they floated until they came in sight of their beautiful home, standing high upon the rocks which bordered the stream.
Hundreds of flags floated from the towers, and booming cannon sent forth a noisy welcome. Crowds of rejoicing people stood to receive their beloved mistress, whose kindness had long ago endeared her to their grateful hearts; and, when at length they landed, the people rushed forward--happy if they even succeeded in kissing the hem of her garment.
After that Patty lived many years in peace and prosperity; but the magic pitcher was seen no more, for Patty was happy, and its loving task was done.
As the Story Lady ceased speaking, the actors vanished from the magic circle into thin air.
“Oh, I wish I could learn to tell stories like that!” exclaimed Mary Frances.
“You can,” said the Story King, heartily; “for you have come to the home of good story-tellers.”
“Yes, you can, my dear, because you love stories,” said the Story Queen.
“And for that reason you will always be young,” added the Story King; “for good story-tellers never grow old.”
“It seems too good to be true; the Story Lady is so wonderful,” returned Mary Frances.
This outspoken admiration pleased the Story People very much, for they were very proud of their Story Lady.
Now the Ready Writer folded the copies of the five stories; stepped up with a funny little bow and handed them to their guest as before; and that was the end of the Second Day.
KING ARTHUR AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE.--GALAHAD RECEIVES THE ORDER OF KNIGHTHOOD.--THE ADVENTURE OF THE SWORD IN THE STONE.--SIR GALAHAD SITS IN THE PERILOUS SEAT.--SIR GALAHAD WINS THE SWORD OF BALIN LE SAVAGE.--THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TABLE SET OUT IN QUEST OF THE HOLY GRAIL.--SIR GALAHAD FINDS A WHITE SHIELD WITH A RED CROSS.--SIR LAUNCELOT AND SIR PERCIVAL ATTACK SIR GALAHAD.--THE ADVENTURE OF THE GENTLEWOMAN, THE MYSTERIOUS SHIP, AND THE SWORD OF THE STRANGE BELT.--THE GENTLEWOMAN RISKS HER LIFE FOR ANOTHER.--SIR GALAHAD MEETS A KNIGHT IN WHITE ARMOR.--SIR GALAHAD ACHIEVES HIS QUEST, AND BEARS THE HOLY GRAIL ACROSS THE SEA.--THE PASSING OF SIR GALAHAD, THE END OF SIR PERCIVAL, AND THE RETURN OF SIR BORS TO CAMELOT.--HOW SIR LAUNFAL ACHIEVED THE HOLY GRAIL.