There was no humbug about her magic, you
may be sure, and Glinda was as kind as she was powerful. She greeted
Dorothy most lovingly, and kissed Button-Bright and Polly, and smiled
upon the shaggy man, after which Jellia Jamb led the Sorceress to one
of the most magnificent rooms of the royal palace and appointed fifty
servants to wait upon her.
The next arrival was Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug, T.E.; the "H. M." meaning
Highly Magnified and the "T.E." meaning Thoroughly Educated. The
Woggle-Bug was head professor at the Royal College of Oz, and he had
composed a fine Ode in honor of Ozma's birthday. This he wanted to
read to them; but the Scarecrow wouldn't let him.
Soon they heard a clucking sound and a chorus of "cheep! cheep!" and
a servant threw open the door to allow Billina and her ten fluffy
chicks to enter the Throne-Room. As the Yellow Hen marched proudly at
the head of her family, Dorothy cried, "Oh, you lovely things!" and
ran down from her seat to pet the little yellow downy balls. Billina
wore a pearl necklace, and around the neck of each chicken was a tiny
gold chain holding a locket with the letter "D" engraved upon the outside.
"Open the lockets, Dorothy," said Billina. The girl obeyed and found
a picture of herself in each locket. "They were named after you, my
dear," continued the Yellow Hen, "so I wanted all my chickens to wear
your picture.
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