“What for?”

“Why, so that the princess will think I’m sensible and able to read thoughts.”

“And then what do you think she will do?”

“Marry me, I hope. Isn’t that what you said she would do?”

“Well, come and tell me when the play starts. I should like to see you posing as a swineherd and pretending you could read thoughts. I don’t believe you could read any one’s, certainly not a princess’s.”

“I’d have a good try if I got a chance.”

“If I were a prince disguised as a swineherd, I’d make a chance,” said Aryenis decisively.

“That is just what I intend to do—Shahzadi. I’m going to borrow a magic cap and a wand from Paulos, and start in on the thought-reading trade.”

“You’ll have to find some one with thoughts to read, then. How are you going to do that?”

“Quite easy. I’ll begin now and read yours.”