Her body sank in dust; there lay a faded lotus-flower where she had stood.

*⁠*⁠*⁠*⁠*⁠*

'Then that was a new ending to the story!' said the father-stork. 'I had not at all expected it! but I rather like it!'

'I wonder what my young ones will say about it!' said the mother-stork.

'Yes, that is certainly the principal thing!' answered the father.