"Our Queen jumped up in the way she does and cried out that she would go to them and surprise them.
"Our King agreed, and they all three got into a boat and the King rowed them up the Havel, which, you know, makes the Island.
"Suddenly the boat appeared before the children. 'Where did you come from, papa?' cried our Crown Prince in surprise.
"'Through the reeds and rushes,' answered our King.
"'Amongst reeds is good whistle cutting,' said our Crown Prince quick as a flash.
"And then our King asked him what that proverb means, and he answered that it means that a wise man knows how to take advantage of circumstances. Then our King wanted to know if he were in the rushes, what whistle he would cut, and the Crown Prince said he wished they could all have tea together there on the meadow."
"And did they?" inquired Carl, who was very fond of picnics.
"Ja," answered Marianne, "and it was lovely, with our Queen helping them and laughing, and their father teasing and telling stories."
"I know a story, too," said Carl. "Mr. Jackson told me."
"Tell it," begged the twins. "Go on, Carlchen."