7. How Aunt Em Conquered the Lion


"These are your rooms," said Dorothy, opening a door.

Aunt Em drew back at the sight of the splendid furniture and draperies.

"Ain't there any place to wipe my feet?" she asked.

"You will soon change your slippers for new shoes," replied Dorothy.
"Don't be afraid, Aunt Em. Here is where you are to live, so walk
right in and make yourself at home."

Aunt Em advanced hesitatingly.

"It beats the Topeka Hotel!" she cried admiringly. "But this place is
too grand for us, child. Can't we have some back room in the attic,
that's more in our class?"

"No," said Dorothy. "You've got to live here, 'cause Ozma says so.
And all the rooms in this palace are just as fine as these, and some
are better. It won't do any good to fuss, Aunt Em. You've got to be
swell and high-toned in the Land of Oz, whether you want to or not;
so you may as well make up your mind to it."

"It's hard luck," replied her aunt, looking around with an awed
expression; "but folks can get used to anything, if they try.
Eh, Henry?"

"Why, as to that," said Uncle Henry, slowly, "I b'lieve in takin'