“No,” said Beppo, “I do not.”
“I am the princess,” said she, “the king’s niece; and by rights I should be queen of this land.”
Beppo could not believe his ears.
“It is true that I am married to you,” said she, “but never shall you be my husband until you are king.”
“King!” said Beppo; “how can I be king?”
“You shall be king,” said the princess.
“But the king is everything,” said Beppo, “and I am nothing at all.”
“Great things come from small beginnings,” said the princess; “a big tree from a little seed.”
Some little distance away from the river was the twinkle of a light, and thither Beppo led the princess. When the two came to it, they found it was a little hut, for there were fish-nets hanging outside in the moonlight.
Beppo knocked.