"'Don't cry,' said the little fellow, stroking my cheek. 'I will let you
out some time. Shall you be able to find your way home all by yourself?'

"'Yes I think so,' I answered; but at the same time, I felt very doubtful
about it, because I always fancied those people watching, me. But before
either of us spoke again, in came Mrs. Sprinx.

"'You naughty boy! What business have you to make the servant neglect her
work?'

"'For I was still sitting by the fire, and my arm was round the dear
little fellow, and his head was leaning on my shoulder.

"'She's not a servant, auntie!' cried he, indignantly. 'She's a real
princess, though of course she won't own to it.'

"'What lies you have been telling the boy! You ought to be ashamed of
yourself. Come along directly. Get the tea at once, Jane.'

"'My little friend went with his aunt, and I rose and got the tea. But I
felt much lighter-hearted since I had the sympathy of the little boy to
comfort me. Only I was afraid they would make him hate me. But, although I
saw very little of him the rest of the time, I knew they had not succeeded
in doing so; for as often as he could, he would come sliding up to me,
saying 'How do you do, princess?'and then run away, afraid of being seen
and scolded.

"'I was getting very desperate about making my escape, for there was a
high wall about the place, and the gate was always locked at night. When