Madam, if I may make so bold—

The Queen.

Well, nurse? What have you to suggest?

The Nurse.

The Princess has always been keen about fairy-stories! Why not tell it to her, each contributing a bit, as if it were a fairy-story? Begin, Once upon a time!

[All exclaim, interested.]

The Queen.

But, my dear soul; this is true! How can we pretend about it?

[All agree to this view of the matter.]