"It's very healthy, I suppose," remarked Dulcie, "living out at sea like this?"
"I suppose so, my lady," answered the Fish-King drily. Dulcie liked being called "my lady." "Except," he continued thoughtfully, "for an occasional attack of shingles I don't ail much." Then turning to Cyril he asked: "How's that old rascal of a Wizard? laughing in his dressing-gown, eh?"
"I'm sorry I don't know, your Majesty," replied the boy, surprised at the question and the way it was put.
"You will soon get to know me. I only hope you may not be disappointed. You certainly wouldn't have been disappointed with my ancestor."
"Who's your ancestor?" asked Dulcie bluntly. "Was he a King-fisher too?"
"Not at all. He was Neptune."
"Where did he live?"
"In Imagination."
"Where's that?"
Cyril raised his eyebrows at her lack of manners.