1] THE LOST PRINCE. 49

 

you a long visit, considering that our parents are
left sorrowing at home.’

‘Not pay me a long visit!’ shouted the Giant.
‘As sure as my name's Pattle-perry you will find
there are two words to ¢kat bargain. It is easier to
get into this kingdom than to get out of it, my
dears! Besides, he added with a grin, ‘when nieces
come to see their uncle, and openly acknowledge him
as such, neither law nor magic can prevent his keep-
ing them until all parties are agreed that the visit
should come to an end. So don’t think to leave me
just yet, my pretty pets!’

The sisters changed colour at these words. They
felt it was but too probable that their public recogni-
tion of the Giant as their uncle (to which title he had
no more claim than the Manin the Moon) might have
put them in some measure in his power, and they
trembled at the thought. However, it was evidently
desirable to put the best face on the matter, and so
Pettina, taking up the conversation, said :

‘Sir, we have no desire save to do what our duty
compels us; and since you say it will be inconvenient
for you to discuss this question to-night, be so good as
to fix an houras early as may be to-morrow morning
when we may have it thoroughly sifted. And as to
scorning the attentions of your housekeeper, such a
thought never fora moment entered our heads. We
only wished to avoid giving the old lady unnecessary
trouble, and we shall still prefer to do our own hair
and dress ourselves. But if the housekeeper chooses
to bring us our warm water, put our things straight,

E