"Oh, yes!" said the little girl. "I never saw any before, but how can
one help loving these dear little pets,--and the lovely bird?" She
stroked the white feathers tenderly.

But the Prince covered his face with his hands and seemed to be
weeping. "I cannot forget!" he said brokenly.

John felt very uncomfortable. "If only I could make him laugh, now!"
he thought. Then an idea came to him,--a funny idea which made his
eyelids quiver and the brown spot wink.

With a twist of his body he suddenly stood upon his head at the foot of
the Prince's couch, and, waving his feet in the air, began to walk
about the chamber on his hands. The Prince uncovered his eyes and
gazed in astonishment at such antics.

Presently John regained his feet, and kissing his hand began to turn
somersaults vigorously all about the apartment. The little Princess
clapped her hands and began to laugh. The Prince watched him,
fascinated. Presently, as John's high spirits broke out into fuller
pranks and gyrations, the Prince's lips quivered. He began to grin.

"Oh, you are a tumbler," he said. "I am glad you have come here! Do
it again."

So John did it again; and this time the Prince, watching him, echoed
the gay laugh of the little Princess. "It is as good as a play," he
said, feebly wiping the tears of merriment from his cheeks. "I wish I
could do it myself!"