"I suppose I must not come near your highness, looking as I do!"
Streaked with mud on face and clothing, his feet bare, and his trousers rolled up to his knees, her brother stood before her, his eyes gleaming with delight in spite of her evident displeasure.
"I've got a basket of polywogs, and some delicious bugs, and a big caterpillar that would make your mouth water if you were addicted to vermicelli. See here!"
He moved as if he were about to open up his treasures for her inspection.
"Do keep away, Frans!" exclaimed Alma, as she drew her befrilled and beflounced skirt about her, as if to escape dangerous contagion.
At this moment she swept in at the gate that led to the house, and shut it hastily behind her.
"I'm going in the back way, anyhow," said Frans, with a merry laugh. "Your grace and my grace cannot well make our entrée together."
"The most troublesome boy in the world!" said Alma to herself, and she expressed her sincere conviction.
At this moment Alma saw the bent form of her father riding slowly before her. Her whole expression changed again, and she quickened her steps into a run, and was soon at his side.
"Are you very tired, papa, after your little ride?" she said tenderly.