Rod stood very still, uncertain what to do. So this wonderful girl was
a princess, he said to himself. He never dreamed of such a thing when
he first saw her the day before. He knew something about princes and
princesses, for Mrs. Royal had often read to him stories about such
people. So this girl was one of them. He had no doubt about it, for
Parson Dan had called her a princess. What should he do? The books
told how people got down on their knees to princesses, and kissed their
hands. Ah, that was the right thing for him to do now.

Stepping quickly forward, he knelt by the side of the bed, and seizing
the girl's right hand which was lying upon the counterpane, he pressed
it to his lips. A merry ringing laugh followed this action, which
caused Rod to start and lift his head. Was the princess laughing at
him? Perhaps he had made some foolish blunder, and she was making fun
of him.

"Oh, you queer boy, what did you do that for?" and again the girl
laughed.

"Didn't I do it right?" Rod asked, as he sprang to his feet and stood
straight before her.

"Do what right?" and the girl looked her surprise.

"Kneel, and kiss your hand. They all do that."

"All who?"

"The people in the stories. They always kiss the hand of a princess
when they meet her."