Whatever else was beautiful or dainty or delightful of itself faded to
dullness when contrasted with Ozma's bewitching face, and it has often
been said by those who know that no other ruler in all the world can
ever hope to equal the gracious charm of her manner.
Everything about Ozma attracted one, and she inspired love and the
sweetest affection rather than awe or ordinary admiration. Dorothy
threw her arms around her little friend and hugged and kissed her
rapturously, and Toto barked joyfully and Button-Bright smiled a happy
smile and consented to sit on the soft cushions close beside the Princess.
"Why didn't you send me word you were going to have a birthday party?"
asked the little Kansas girl, when the first greetings were over.
"Didn't I?" asked Ozma, her pretty eyes dancing with merriment.
"Did you?" replied Dorothy, trying to think.
"Who do you imagine, dear, mixed up those roads, so as to start you
wandering in the direction of Oz?" inquired the Princess.
"Oh! I never 'spected YOU of that," cried Dorothy.
"I've watched you in my Magic Picture all the way here," declared
Ozma, "and twice I thought I should have to use the Magic Belt to save
you and transport you to the Emerald City. Once was when the Scoodlers
caught you, and again when you reached the Deadly Desert. But the shaggy
man was able to help you out both times, so I did not interfere.
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