"We will leave them here," said John. "They are what he needs."

"Oh, let me stay too!" cried the little Princess, with shining eyes.

And across the room she and John smiled at each other, as he nodded,
saying, "Yes, O King, I pray that you will let the little maid stay."

So they withdrew from the chamber, and left the Prince to dream with
his new friends sleeping about him, and the little sister with her head
upon the pillow at his side. And all night long he slept like a baby
with a smile upon his face.

The Prince's cure had begun.




XXIII

THE CURE

There was wonder and excitement in the palace, for the news of John's
success had been told from mouth to mouth. The King ordered the
Hermit's chains to be removed, and he and his pupil were treated with
utmost honor. But they refused all gifts which the monarch made them;
and he was annoyed.

In the morning John and the Hermit went once more to see their patient.
They found him and the little Princess playing with the kittens, and