"Just Tourmaline. That is her name, and it is sufficient," said the
woman.

"The Ruler of a country ought to be treated with great respec',"
declared Trot a little indignantly, for she thought the pretty
little queen was not being properly deferred to.

"Why?" asked Tourmaline curiously.

"Because the Ruler is the mos' 'risticratic person in any land,"
explained the little girl. "Even in America ever'body bows low to
our President, an' the Blueskins are so 'fraid o' their Boolooroo
that they tremble whenever they go near him."

"But surely that is all wrong," said Tourmaline gravely. "The Ruler
is appointed to protect and serve the people, and here in the Pink
Country I have the full power to carry out the laws. I even decree
death when such a punishment is merited. Therefore I am a mere agent
to direct the laws, which are the Will of the People, and am only a
public servant obliged constantly to guard the welfare of my
subjects."

"In that case," said Button-Bright, "you're entitled to the best
there is to pay for your trouble. A powerful ruler ought to be rich
and to live in a splendid palace. Your folks ought to treat you with
great respect, as Trot says."

"Oh no," responded Tourmaline quickly. "That would indeed be very
wrong. Too much should never be given to anyone. If, with my great
power, conferred upon me by the people, I also possessed great