Then, as the trio of humans
stared with delight, they saw another guest arrive and dance up gaily
to the feast. A gorgeous butterfly sailed in, hovered above the
crowded plate a moment, then settled comfortably beside its companions
and examined the blob of cream. The others moved a little to make room
for it. It was a Purple Emperor, the rarest butterfly in all England,
whose home was normally high above the trees.
"Of course," Judy whispered to her brother, as she watched the bee
make room for its larger neighbour; "they belong to him--"
"He sent them," replied Tim below his breath, "just to let us know--"
"Yes," mumbled Uncle Felix for the second time, a soft amazement
stealing over him. "He brought them. And they're all the same thing
really."
There was the perfume of a thousand flowers in the room. A faint
breeze floated through the open window and touched his eyes. He heard
the world outside singing in the sunshine. "Come along," he said in a
low, hushed whisper; "let's go and look." And he moved eagerly--over
the tree-and-peacock pattern.
They tiptoed out together, while the bird cocked up its head to watch
them go; the bee, still drinking, raised its eyes; and all four
fluttered their wings as though they laughed.
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