"Well, that's the animal I probably am." He sighed and added, "There were one or two animals I wasn't." For a little while he seemed to be revolving bitter memories, and then went on, "I don't suppose any of you here have any idea how very prickly thistles are when they are going down. Er--may I try a watercress sandwich? It doesn't suit the tail, but it seems to go with the ears." He took a large bite and added through the leaves, "I hope I don't bore you, Princess, with my little troubles." Hyacinth clasped his paw impulsively. "My dear Prince Udo, I'm only longing to help. We must think of some way of getting this horrible enchantment off you. There are so many wise books in the library, and my father has composed a spell which--oh, I'm sure we shall soon have you all right again." Udo took another sandwich. "Very good of you, Princess, to say so. You understand how annoying a little indisposition of this kind is to a man of my temperament." He beckoned to Wiggs. "How do you make these?" he asked in an undertone. Gracefully undulating, Belvane rose from her seat. "Well," she said, "I must go and see that the stable----" she broke off in a pretty confusion--"How _silly_ of me, I mean the Royal Apartment is prepared. Have I your Royal Highness's leave to withdraw?" She had. "And, Wiggs, dear, you too had better run along and see if you can help. You may leave the watercress sandwiches," she added, as Wiggs hesitated for a moment. With a grateful look at her Royal Highness Udo helped himself to another one. CHAPTER XII WE DECIDE TO WRITE TO UDO'S FATHER "Now, my dear Princess," said Udo, as soon as they were alone. "Let me know in what way I can help you." "Oh, Prince Udo," said Hyacinth earnestly, "it _is_ so good of you to have come. I feel that this--this little accident is really my fault for having asked you here." "Not at all, dear lady. It is the sort of little accident that might have happened to anybody, anywhere. If I can still be of assistance to you, pray inform me. Though my physical powers may not for the moment be quite what they were, I flatter myself that my mental capabilities are in no way diminished." He took another bite of his sandwich and wagged his head wisely at her. "Let's come over here," said Hyacinth. She moved across to an old stone seat in the wall, Udo following with the plate, and made room for him by her side. There is, of course, a way of indicating to a gentleman that he may sit next to you on the Chesterfield, and tell you what he has been doing in town lately, and there is also another way of patting the sofa for Fido to jump up and be-a-good-dog-and-lie-down-sir. Hyacinth achieved something very tactful in between, and Udo jumped up gracefully. "Now we can talk," said Hyacinth. "You noticed that lady, the Countess Belvane, whom I presented to you?" Udo nodded. "What did you think of her?" Udo was old enough to know what to say to that.