Indeed, the knocking was becoming quite furious.
‘He’s a very impatient young man, whoever he is,’ said Abbonamento. ‘You’d better go and tell him not to make such a noise. Let him in—be quick, or he’ll knock the door down!’
And it seemed so likely, that Ernalie ran down as fast as she could and opened the door.
‘Why can’t you open the door faster?’ said an angry voice; and then Ernalie saw a young man looking at her in a state of great surprise. ‘Why, who are you?’ he asked. ‘Is this not the house of their Majesties King Abbonamento and Queen Araminta?’
‘They used to be King and Queen at one time,’ answered Ernalie.
‘They ought to be now,’ said the young man with a frown.
‘That’s quite another thing,’ retorted Ernalie.
‘Oh, is it?’ said he, with a smile this time. ‘But who on earth are you, if I may ask?’
‘I am Her Royal Highness Princess Ernalie of Aoland; and who on earth are you, if I may ask?’