‘What’s your weight?’ he said to her suddenly.
‘I don’t exactly see what that has to do with it.’
‘Well, I suppose you’re good, aren’t you?’
‘Oh, very good,’ said the Princess.
‘She’s as good as gold,’ said the Queen.
‘Just so,’ said Mumkie. ‘That’s why I wanted to know her weight. You see, I’ll sell her to you for her weight in gold.’
The King put his hand in his pocket, and drew out his purse and looked into it.
‘Will you take threepence-farthing on account?’ he said.
But Mumkie shook his head.
‘We only take ready money here, or pay on delivery.’