‘No, you wouldn’t,’ said the voice.
This time she was sure it came from the Owl, so she asked quite softly, ‘Did you say that, cherished Owl?’
And the Owl answered:
‘I did.’
‘But I thought you could not speak, dear Owl.’
‘Well, you see, I can sometimes—when it’s necessary.’
‘But how did you know what I was thinking?—for I did not speak aloud.’
‘Ah! you see, Princess, I can’t tell you that—it’s quite enough for you that I can tell.’
‘But why do you say I should not like to see him?’