THE STORY OF THE TALKING SEAL AND HIS SISTER
“You must know,” he began—
“I am very sorry,” said the Princess Dorobel, interrupting, “but it is Bojohn’s bedtime, and I fear we shall have to hear this story another time.”
“Oh, mother!” said Bojohn. “I couldn’t go to sleep if I tried. Please don’t—”
“No, my dear,” said the Princess Dorobel, “not to-night. Pray go on with Alb’s story, Solario.”
When the seal’s story was finished (said Alb), the King begged the One-Armed Sorcerer to remain with him as his friend and adviser; and this the sorcerer consented to do.
“And now,” said the King, turning to me, “what reward shall be yours? I will deny you nothing.”
I knelt before him, and made my request boldly. I knew that my whole future hung upon that moment.
“The hand of my lady Princess,” said I, “if she is willing.”
“What do you say, my dear?” said the King.