1] THE LOST PRINCE. 61

 

‘Why, far, far away I see the waters of the blue
sea. The country from hence is rough and rugged
for some way, but beyond it I see green fields and
trees far off, and the sea still farther off; and I see
islands dotted about in the expanse of blue ocean.
One, two, three—several of them—they must be very,
very far off.’

‘And I, said Pettina in her turn, ‘I also see a
long way. First comes the country such as you
describe it, rough and rugged and barren, and then I
see a large tract of beautiful meadows and corn-lands,
and a beautiful large river winding its way through
what is evidently a fertile country; but it seems a
long way off!’ and Pettina sighed as she spoke.

At that moment they heard a voice on the stair-
case, and in another moment Malvina’s room was
entered by no less a personage than Dame Skrinkle-
griges herself.

‘Well, my fine Miss,’ she began at once, setting
her arms akimbo. ‘So you’ve been trying to humbug
the master, have you, you brother-hunting jackanapes?
Pll warrant me you'll be cured of your tantrums be-
fore we've done with you! Here’s your supper, my
young hussy; bread and water—and that’s all the
victuals you are likely to get for some time to come,
f can tell you!’

So saying, the old woman put down a jug of water
and a loaf of stale bread upon the table, and as
Malvina vouchsafed her no answer, went away to the
next room muttering to herself. She entered Pettina’s
room, and accosted her in much the same manner,
assuring her that she would never leave that tower,