"Here is my hand on it!" said Vulcan, and he crushed that of the enchanter in his grimy fist. "Spry, Flash, Nimble, and Twist, my crafty imps, shall go with you. Through them appeal to me. But what do you propose to do?"
"I have a plan, and a good one too!" said Dragonfel, in a confidential manner. "You can depend upon it, rats will eat the wedding-cake!" Vulcan's fancy was so tickled that he laughed hilariously, and Dragonfel made bold to slap him in a familiar way upon the back. "Ho! ho!" Vulcan chuckled. "So rats will eat the wedding-cake, eh?"
"Yes," Dragonfel went on. "We're going to the wedding, gain their confidence with fine presents, and then--"
"Yes," said Vulcan, very much interested. "And then--?"
Dragonfel leaned over and whispered something in Vulcan's ear which caused him to start back in surprise. "No!" he involuntarily exclaimed. "Do you think you can do it?" If Florimel and Titania could have heard the diabolical plan of the enchanter all the happiness would have vanished from their hearts.
Bright and fair dawned the wedding-day of Prince Florimel and Queen Titania.
Though all the days vied in beauty with each other, this one seemed to be more radiant with grace and loveliness than usual, for every living thing loved the happy little lovers and all Nature rejoiced with them.
The skies put on their tenderest blue, the sun scattered even more of its golden treasure, the winds grew more balmy and caressing, while the flowers were prodigal with perfume, and the birds were tireless with their joyous serenades.
Though the ceremony was not to be performed till eve, still the fairies were busy with their preparations at sun-up, and the palace fairly hummed with their activities.
Long banquet-tables had been arranged in the throne-room, and on snowy napery were dishes, cups, and saucers fashioned with quaint exquisiteness from flowers, and there were lily chalices of sparkling dew with which to pledge the health of the happy bride and groom.
In the kitchen a host of willing workers were being directed by little Dame Drusilda, and their conscientious efforts showed in ice cream with fruits of all flavors, charlotte russe, mince pies, plum puddings, all kinds of berry tarts, old-fashioned strawberry short-cake, peach cobblers, and apple dumplings. For the menu of the fairies was composed almost entirely of the most delicious desserts imaginable, and they ate what they wished, and as much as they liked, without ever getting the indigestion.
