At this moment there was a noise at the window which led to the
balcony, and the King stepped out to them. How long he had been
standing inside, how much of their talk he had heard, no one knew.

The Princess flushed; but the Prince turned pale as he greeted his
father respectfully. John and the Hermit exchanged glances. They were
not afraid for themselves, but they dreaded the King's wrath for his
son and daughter, who had threatened to run away.

The King stood for a moment, looking at the group with a frown. Then a
peculiar smile twisted his lips.

"Ah!" he said, "I have intruded, it seems, upon a council of State. I
fear that I interrupt your plans, my son. But I trust that you and
these noble visitors will pardon my desire to learn the state of your
health. You must not be over-excited." He waved his hand toward the
Hermit and John, then bowed low to each of the animals in turn, with
bitter mockery.

The Princess trembled, for she saw how angry the King was.

"We have no secrets, my friends and I," said the Prince with dignity.
"We have nothing to conceal of which we are ashamed."

The King looked at him quickly, as if suspecting that his words meant
some reproach. But he only said, "That is well." Then his manner
changed. He tried to appear merry and genial. "And now, my son," he
said, "since you are so much better, I wish to plan a festival in your
honor, to celebrate your cure."