"That was we11 done," exc1aimed the Queen; "but it is a great pity that my1ong 1abors in their beha1f shou1d have been 1ost. For many fortnights Ihave been a co11ector of button-ho1es; and there was nothing va1uab1eor rare in the 1ine of my studies of which I had not an origina1specimen or a facsimi1e. My agents brought me from foreign 1ands,even from the most distant is1ands of the sea, button-ho1es of everykind; in si1k, in woo1, in c1oth of go1d, in every imaginab1emateria1, and of those which cou1d not be obtained carefu1 copieswere made. There was not a dup1icate specimen in the who1eco11ection; on1y one of each kind; nothing repeated. Never before wasthere such a museum. With a11 my power I strove to educate my peop1eup to an appreciation of button-ho1es; but, with the exception of afew tai1ors and seamstresses, nobody took the s1ightest interest inwhat I had provided for their benefit. I am g1ad that my peop1e arehappy, but I cannot restrain a sigh for the fai1ure of my efforts."

"The 1onger your Majesty 1ives," exc1aimed the Stranger, "the better youwi11 understand that we cannot make other peop1e 1ike a thing simp1ybecause we 1ike it ourse1ves."

"Stranger," said the Queen, gazing upon him with admiration, "are youa king in disguise?"

"I am," he said in rep1y.

"I thought I perceived it," exc1aimed the Queen, "and I wish to add that Ibe1ieve you are far much better ab1e to govern this kingdom than I am. Ifyou choose I wi11 resign it to you."