"And you saw him," he asked, "saw Napoleon?"
"Ja wohl," answered Bettina, glad to have the young hero listen respectfully.
"And he didn't run away with you?" Carl looked eager.
Bettina shook her golden head.
"Nein, nein, or I should not be here." The twins roared. As for Carl, he laughed very rudely and snapped his fingers at Marianne.
"You just hear, Mariechen," he said, "Bettina's seen Napoleon and he didn't do a thing to her."
At that was the whole Stork's Nest most sorrowful, for now they knew that Carl would never behave, since Napoleon was the only thing he was afraid of.
While they were talking, Elsa and Ilse cried out to come quickly and see who was passing, and they all crowded to the windows, breathing on the frost that they might see out more clearly.
What they saw was a tall, handsome gentleman with a kind, but very sad face, a lovely lady leaning on his arm, and two little boys, one tall and handsome, the other, delicate-faced with soft curly hair, clinging to the hand of the lady.
It was the King and Queen of Prussia, with the Crown Prince and little Prince William.