Смарагдове місто країни Оз
5. How Dorothy Became a Princess
Intheroomwereassembledmanyladiesandgentlemenofthecourt,clothedinrichapparelandwearingfinejewelry.Twoimmenseanimalssquatted,oneoneachsideofthethrone--theCowardlyLionandtheHungryTiger.Inabalconyhighupinthedomeanorchestraplayedsweetmusic,andbeneaththedometwoelectricfountainssentspraysofcoloredperfumedwatershootingupnearlyashighasthearchedceiling.
"Areyouready,Dorothy?"askedtheRuler.
"Iam,"repliedDorothy;"butIdon’tknowwhetherAuntEmandUncleHenryareready."
"Thatwon’tmatter,"declaredOzma."Theoldlifecanhaveverylittletointerestthem,andthesoonertheybeginthenewlifeherethehappiertheywillbe.Heretheycome,mydear!"
Asshespoke,therebeforethethroneappearedUncleHenryandAuntEm,whoforamomentstoodmotionless,glaringwithwhiteandstartledfacesatthescenethatconfrontedthem.IftheladiesandgentlemenpresenthadnotbeensopoliteIamsuretheywouldhavelaughedatthetwostrangers.
AuntEmhadhercalicodressskirt"tuckedup,"andsheworeafaded,blue-checkedapron.HerhairwasratherstragglyandshehadonapairofUncleHenry’soldslippers.Inonehandsheheldadish-towelandintheotheracrackedearthenwareplate,whichshehadbeenengagedinwipingwhensosuddenlytransportedtotheLandofOz.
UncleHenry,whenthesummonscame,hadbeenoutinthebarn"doin’chores."Heworearaggedandmuchsoiledstrawhat,acheckedshirtwithoutanycollarandblueoverallstuckedintothetopsofhisoldcowhideboots.
