"More natural still; for, if possible, she is prettier. For my part, I
could marry them both."

"Ay, ay! that is all very well; but handsome is that handsome does. I
have no objection to Alexina marrying, and even Helena; but then there
is Lais -- "

"Hah! hah! hah!" exclaimed the prince. "I see, my dear Christo, that
my foster sisters give you a very proper portion of trouble. However,
I must be off to my travelling companion. Come in as soon as you can,
my dear fellow, and will settle everything. A good vintage to you, and
only as much mischief as necessary." So saying, the prince tripped
away.

"Well! who would have thought of seeing him here!" exclaimed the worthy
Primate. "The same gay dog as ever! What can he have been doing at
Roumelia? Affairs of state, indeed! I'll wager my new Epiphany scarf,
that, whatever the affairs are, there is a pretty girl in the case."



CHAPTER 16


The fair Iduna, after all her perils and sufferings, was at length
sheltered in safety under a kind and domestic roof. Alexina, and
Helena, and Lais, and all the other sisters emulated each other in the
attentions which they lavished upon the two brothers, but especially
the youngest. Their kindness, indeed, was only equalled by their