“Worse,” replied the Knight, fetching a sigh. “And She never takes a day off, as you do.”
“Well, Henry, it’s your own fault, as I’ve told you a thousand times. If you hadn’t been so soft-hearted— But mercy! that’s no way to be talking on my holiday.”
“So!” said the Boy to himself. “This wandering knight is the King of Rainbow’s-End and the father of the Princess. I have a friend at court indeed.”
V.
“And how is the Princess Aralia?” asked the Witch. “As pretty as ever, I suppose, and with no prospect of a husband, thanks to her grandmother and the silly tasks she sets for the suitors.”
“That brings us to the business of our young friend here,” said the Knight of the Dusty Thoroughfare. “He wishes to present himself at court, and is in great need of a horse and wardrobe.”
“You’ve come to the wrong shop for horses and fine feathers,” said the Witch. “Those things are quite out of my line.”
The Boy looked his disappointment.
[p 148]
]“The best I can do,” said Aunt Jo kindly, “is to give you a letter to a Mr. Burbank, an excellent wizard of my acquaintance. He has recently invented a skinless grape and a watermelon that is all heart, and is quite the cleverest man in the business. Such a trifle as changing a pig into a horse will give him no trouble whatever. Have you seen my garden, Henry?”
“No, but I should like to,” said the Knight rising.