20. Princess Ozma of Oz

           TheroyalhistoriansofOz,whoarefinewritersandknowanynumberofbigwords,haveoftentriedtodescribetherarebeautyofOzmaandfailedbecausethewordswerenotgoodenough.SoofcourseIcannothopetotellyouhowgreatwasthecharmofthislittlePrincess,orhowherlovelinessputtoshameallthesparklingjewelsandmagnificentluxurythatsurroundedherinthisherroyalpalace.WhateverelsewasbeautifulordaintyordelightfulofitselffadedtodullnesswhencontrastedwithOzma’sbewitchingface,andithasoftenbeensaidbythosewhoknowthatnootherrulerinalltheworldcaneverhopetoequalthegraciouscharmofhermanner.

           EverythingaboutOzmaattractedone,andsheinspiredloveandthesweetestaffectionratherthanaweorordinaryadmiration.Dorothythrewherarmsaroundherlittlefriendandhuggedandkissedherrapturously,andTotobarkedjoyfullyandButton-BrightsmiledahappysmileandconsentedtositonthesoftcushionsclosebesidethePrincess.

           "Whydidn’tyousendmewordyouweregoingtohaveabirthdayparty?"askedthelittleKansasgirl,whenthefirstgreetingswereover.

           "Didn’tI?"askedOzma,herprettyeyesdancingwithmerriment.

           "Didyou?"repliedDorothy,tryingtothink.

           "Whodoyouimagine,dear,mixedupthoseroads,soastostartyouwanderinginthedirectionofOz?"inquiredthePrincess.

           "Oh!Inever’spectedYOUofthat,"criedDorothy.

           "I’vewatchedyouinmyMagicPictureallthewayhere,"declaredOzma,"andtwiceIthoughtIshouldhavetousetheMagicBelttosaveyouandtransportyoutotheEmeraldCity.