I.] THE LOST PRINCE. 23

 

‘Hurrah! now there’s a chance for the poor Prince!
Well done, Rindelgrover !’

The Princesses looked at each other, as I have
said, with surprise not unmixed with awe; and these
feelings were rather increased than diminished, when
almost immediately afterwards they heard two wood-
pigeons cooing to each other in conjugal and agreeable
manner, and comprehended with perfect ease the sum
and substance of their conversation.

‘These are good girls!’ said the one. ‘ Well done,
Rindelgrover !’

‘That they are indeed,’ returned the other bird.
‘ Loving sisters and dutiful daughters. They are sure
to succeed, and what is more, they will thoroughly
deserve to do so. Well done, Rindelgrover!’

At these words hope at once filled the hearts of
the Princesses ; but they had not time to exchange
ideas upon the subject before a robin struck up his
song in a neighbouring bush, and spoke to the follow-
ing effect :

‘How long has been the time since the poor little
Prince has been kept from his home and all who love
him! Not quite so, however, for we birds and wood-
land animals have ever loved him, and would have
set him free long ago if we could have done so. But
the power was not ours, and we could only wait and
hope. Still, now these two charming Princesses have
come, doubtless all will soon be well, and the Prince
will be restored to his own again. Well done, Rindel-
grover!’

‘Well!’ cried Malvina, now fairly astonished and
puzzled at what she had just heard, ‘ of all the strange