Chapter 4

CHAPTER FOUR BACK TO SCHOOL It did, of course. As soon as the throne had changed back into the wishing-chair they knew so well, Binky wished for the wings to grow- and they sprouted out gaily, at once, looking bigger than ever. 'You coming, Nose-About?' said Peter to the little brownie. 'No. I'm going back home to my mother,' he said. 'Goodbye. Thank you for being kind to me.' 'Well, you've certainly repaid our kindness!' said Mollie. 'I've never had such a wonderful time in my life. Now-

are we all ready? Wishing-chair, home, please, as fast as you can!' It was a long, long way back from the Land of Wishes. They all three went sound asleep, and the chair was careful not to jolt them at all in case they fell off. It flew down to the playroom at last, and went in gently at the door. It tipped out Mollie and Peter on to their mattresses, and Binky on to his cushion.

The children groaned a little, and then slept on soundly, curled up on their mattresses. The chair stood still. Its red wings disappeared gradually. It was just a chair.

And then there came a loud knocking at the door, and a loud voice, too. 'Peter! Mollie! How late you are sleeping! Haven't you had your breakfast yet? Your mother has telephoned to say that Granny is much better and she'll be home to lunch. Isn't that good news?'

The children woke up with a jump and stared at Mrs Williams' smiling face. She was looking in at the door. Peter sat up and rubbed his eyes. 'Well, I declare!' said Mrs Williams. 'You are not in your night-things! You don't mean to say you didn't go to bed properly last night? Do wake up. It's half- past ten already!' 'Half-past ten?' said Mollie, amazed. 'What day is it, Mrs Williams?' 'Saturday, to be sure!' said Mrs Williams, surprised. 'You came home yesterday, that was Friday- and so today's Saturday!' 'But- but surely it's Tuesday or perhaps even Wednesday,' said Mollie, remembering the wonderful weekend in the Land of Wishes. 'Aren't we due back at school?'

'Bless us all, you're asleep and dreaming!' said Mrs Williams. 'Well, I must be getting on with my work. It's Saturday morning, half-past ten, and your mother will be home for lunch. Now- do you understand that?' And off she went, quite puzzled. She hadn't seen Binky on the cushion. He was still fast asleep! Mollie looked at Peter and her eyes shone. 'Peter, oh Peter!' she said, 'do you remember that I wished we had the weekend in front of us still? Well, that wish has come true, too. We've had the weekend once in our palace- and now we're going to have it all over again at home. Could anything be nicer!' 'Marvellous!' said Peter, jumping up.