Why need we go yet ?" "Obeying orders," said the cuckoo; and after that, Griselda dared not say another word.

It was very nearly as bad as being told she had a great deal to learn.
"Must I say good-bye to the king and all the people ?" she inquired; but before the cuckoo had time to answer, she gave a little squeal.

"Oh, cuckoo," she cried, "you've trod on my foot." "I beg your pardon," said the cuckoo.
"I must take off my shoe; it does so hurt," she went on.
"Take it off, then," said the cuckoo.
Griselda stooped to take off her shoe.

"Are we going home in the pal-- ?" she began to say; but she never finished the sentence, for just as she had got her shoe off she felt the cuckoo throw something round her.

It was the feather mantle.
And Griselda knew nothing more till she opened her eyes the next morning, and saw the first early rays of sunshine peeping in through the chinks of the closed shutters of her little bedroom.
She rubbed her eyes, and sat up in bed.