The doctor turned to the King. "He will live," he said. "It must be magic!"
"He lives! My son lives!" cried the King, bending over the Prince in a transport.
The Prince opened his eyes and looked at him, and a change came upon his face. The smile faded, and he closed his eyes wearily.
"Your Majesty," said John, speaking gently, "if you will allow me to give the Prince a healing draught which I myself have made from life-giving herbs, I think now he will sleep and waken refreshed."
"Do as you will!" cried the King. "Whatever you wish shall be done in the palace. Whatever you ask shall be given."
With a word and a gentle touch John roused the Prince, who swallowed the draught which the boy gave him. "Now let us leave him to sleep," said John.
But when they would have removed the cat and kittens, a cloud came over the Prince's face, and his hand wandered feebly, as if craving the touch of the silky fur.
"We will leave them here," said John. "They are what he needs."
"Oh, let me stay too!" cried the little Princess, with shining eyes.
And across the room she and John smiled at each other, as he nodded, saying, "Yes, O King, I pray that you will let the little maid stay."