Stories Oct, 2013 | Page 293

"And now, king-papa," the princess went on, "I must tell you another thing. One night long ago Curdie drove the goblins away and brought Lootie and me safe from the mountain. And I promised him a kiss when we got home, but Lootie wouldn't let me give it to him. I would not have you scold Lootie, but I want you to impress upon her that a princess _must_ do as she promises." "Indeed she must, my child--except it be wrong," said the king. "There, give Curdie a kiss." And as he spoke he held her toward him. The princess reached down, threw her arms round Curdie's neck, and kissed him on the mouth, saying-- "There, Curdie! There's the kiss I promised you!" Then they all went into the house, and the cook rushed to the kitchen, and the servants to their work. Lootie dressed Irene in her shiningest clothes, and the king put off his armor, and put on purple and gold; and Madhuri Noah C:\Users\MNoah\Documents\The Princess and the Goblin ?????()A?????????????((0