antic sea-monster is fatiguing, from the heat
and want of fresh air which are usually found in such places. "I think
I'll turn in; goodnight, my dear old governor," he said, in an
affectionate manner, though he was not usually given to many words.

Then he went and kissed his mother and the Princess Jaqueline, whom he
engaged to row him on the lake next evening, while he fished.

"And don't you go muffing them with the landing-net, Jack, as you
generally do," said his Royal Highness, as he lit his bedroom candle.

"I wish he would not call me Jack," said the princess to the queen.

"It's better than Lina, my dear," said her Majesty, who in late life had
become fond of her little joke; "that always sounds as if someone else
was fatter,--and I hope there is not someone else."

The princess was silent, and fixed her eyes on her book.

Presently the king came in, and played a game with Lina at picquet. When
they were all going to bed, he said:

"Just come into the study, Lina. I want you to write a few letters for
me."

The princess followed him and took her seat at the writing table. The
letters were very short. One was to Herr Schnipp, tailor to the king and
royal family; another was to the royal swordmaker, another to the
bootmaker, another to the optician, another to the tradesman who supplied
the august family with carpets and rugs, another to his Majesty's hatter.
They were all summoned to be at the palace early next morning. Then his
Majesty yawned, apologised, and went to bed. The princess also went to
her room, or bower as it was then called, but not to sleep.

She was unhappy that Dick did not satisfy his father, and that he was so
careless, and also about other things.

"And why does the king want all these tailors and hatters so suddenly,
telescope-makers and swordmakers and shoemakers, too?" she asked herself,
as she stood at the window watching the moon.

"I _could_ find out. I could turn myself into a dog or a cat, and go
into the room where he is giving his orders. But that is awkward, for
when the servants see Rip" (that was the dog) "in two places at once,
they begin to think the palace is haunted, and it makes people talk.
Besides, I know it is wrong to listen to what one is not meant to hear.
It is often difficult to be a magician and a good girl. The temptations
are so strong, stronger than most people allow for." So she remained,
with the moon shining on her pretty yellow hair and