"What is the matter?" inquired the King.
"Tell your father what you have been saying," said the Queen, finding it better that the culprit herself should explain.
"I don't know what I've been saying."
"I should think not; it didn't sound like it. Now that you've got both parents to listen to you, talk to them and tell them your mind."
This threw Charlotte into a fresh paroxysm. "Oh, why did I ever have parents?" she cried.
"Yes, that appears to be the trouble," said the Queen. "John, this is a revolting daughter. I've heard of them, and now I've got the thing brought home to me. Look at her!"
"What are you revolting about, my dear?" inquired the King kindly.
"Everything!" exclaimed Charlotte.
"Quite true," said the Queen, "everything."
"Well, begin at the beginning." And Charlotte screwed herself up to speak.