"I'm told that's the proper
way to speak to a Queen."
"Perhaps you are trying to ridicule me," she continued, regarding
the sailor's face closely. "There is nothing majestic about me, as
you know very well. Coralie, do you consider 'majesty' a proper word
to use when addressing a Queen?" she added, appealing to the Pinky
woman.
"By no means," was the prompt reply.
"What shall I call her, then?" inquired Cap'n Bill.
"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.
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