"Again a wavelet, and another, and another, flowed over the stone, and wetted both the prince's knees thoroughly; but he did not speak or move. Two—three—four hours passed in this way, the princess apparently fast asleep, and the prince very patient. But he was much disappointed in his position, for he had none of the consolation he had hoped for.
"At last he could bear it no longer.
"'Princess!' said he.
"But at the moment, up started the princess, crying:—
"'I'm afloat! I'm afloat!'
"'And the little boat bumped against the stone.
"'Princess!' repeated the prince, encouraged by seeing her wide awake, and looking eagerly at the water.
"'Well?' said she, without once looking around.
"'Your papa promised that you should look at me; and you haven't looked at me once.'
"'Did he? Then I suppose I must. But I am so sleepy!'