"I shall be most happy to fall in with you any time you like," said
the prince, devotedly.

"Thank you. I don't know. Perhaps it would not be proper. But I
don't care. At all events, as we have fallen in, let us have a swim
together."

"With all my heart," responded the prince.

And away they went, swimming, and diving, and floating, until at
last they heard cries along the shore, and saw lights glancing in
all directions. It was now quite late, and there was no moon.

"I must go home," said the princess. "I am very sorry, for this is
delightful."

"So am I," returned the prince. "But I am glad I haven't a home to
go to--at least, I don't exactly know where it is."

"I wish I hadn't one either," rejoined the princess; "it is so
stupid! I have a great mind," she continued, "to play them all a
trick. Why couldn't they leave me alone? They won't trust me in the
lake for a single night!--You see where that green light is
burning? That is the window of my room. Now if you would just swim
there with me very quietly, and when we are all but under the
balcony, give me such a push--up you call it-as you did a little
while ago, I should be able to catch hold of the balcony, and get
in at the window; and then they may look for me till to-morrow
morning!"