"Well, now you know! And it is to be Queen of that country, but never to wear any crown, that I ask if you are going to marry me?"
"It would be rather a big adventure, would it not?" said Charlotte.
"Of course! I thought that is what you like."
"Yes, so it is. But what about papa? I don't know what he would say if he knew."
"Do you always tell him what you do, beforehand, to see if he shall approve?"
"I've not done lately," said Charlotte. And then she saw that a suitable moment for her own confession had arrived. She had very small hope of shocking him now; but she did her best.
"Do you know that I have been in prison?" she said.
"No. Who was it that put you there—your papa?"
"I put myself."
"Did you get the keys?"