The King and Queen of Pussycat Land had a dear little daughter called Sylvia because she was a pretty silver-grey colour. When she was four years old a little baby sister arrived. "A bit gingery", remarked the Nurse. "Oh, no," said the Queen, "She is a lovely golden colour, really." "Well, let's call her Marigold!" said the King. "That's a sweet name," answered the Queen, smiling. Everyone brought presents for the new Princess. The one she liked best was a tiny black golly.
"We must show the baby Princess to our people," the King said. So they stood on a platform decorated with flags and flowers and had their photographs taken for the newspapers.
Sylvia had on a new dress and looked very nice in her crown. Marigold didn't cry at all. She held on tight to her golly. All the people cheered and cheered, they were so happy.
"As soon as Marigold is old enough," said the King, "We will ask all our friends to a dance, especially the ones who gave her presents."
So they had a grand party, and Marigold laughed and cooed at the pretty lights and flowers and music, until suddenly she discovered she had lost her golly. See if you can find it for her.
All the lady pussy cats had put on their best party frocks, and they danced until their slippers were nearly worn out. There were ices and cakes and lemonade, and everyone had a lovely time.
"It's all been rather tiring lately, hasn't it?" the Queen said next morning. "And Sylvia is looking rather pale. le's go by ourselves and have a picnic with the children."
"No crowns?" asked Sylvia. "And no nurse!" laughted the King. What a happy time thye had! it was a lovely day, and Sylvia picked primroses and chased butterflies. But oh dear! Where was Marigold's golly? Had it fallen into the stream or had the bunnies taken it into their hole? You find it for her, then they can pack up the picnic things and go home aftr a lovely day in the country.
When Christmas time came, it happened to be Marigold's first birthday. She was going to be one year old.
"Couldn't we have a party for her?" Sylvia asked, "A birthday party and a Christmas party all mixed up!"
"Of course!" answered the King. "You do all the arranging, my dear," he said to the Queen, and walked off to his office.
Well, they had a beautiful Christmas tree, and a gorgeous tea with a pink iced cake with one pink candle. Marigold pretended to cut it herself, but of course her Mother had to help her. After tea there were balloons and toys for everyone. Which would you have chosen?
For Sylvia's birthday a few months later, they all went to the Circus. On the way they drove round the town so that the people could see how the Princesses were getting on. The little girls loved driving in the grand carriage, and the horses and the flags and the crowds made them very excited. They kept jumping up and down and asking "Are we nearly there?"
"Where's my Golly?" cried Marigold just as they were arriving.
"Quite safe with me, your Royal Highness", said the Coachman.
At the Circus they sat in a special grandstand, rather high up and, while they were watching the performing animals, Marigold dropped her golly and the elephant picked it up in his trunk. A kind clown got it back for her and Marigold shook hands with him. The clown was so pleased he didn't wash his hand for a fortnight.
Sylvia decided she wanted to be a Fairy when she grew up, and dance on a horse's back. As a matter of fact, several years later she married a real Prince and lived happily ever after. Marigold is still a little girl living happily with her kind Mother and Father, the King and Queen of Pussycat Land.
The end
