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 understand, for princesses are a bit timid, I believe, but just loud enough to attract my attention. You sabe?"

Bistre wagged his tail comprehendingly and trotted ahead.

"Do you know," continued Miles, thoughtfully, "I fancy it wouldn't be a bad thing for me if I should find a princess? There's no doubt but that I ought to marry and settle down. It's really time. The first thing I know I'll have gray hairs and a high, thoughtful forehead, and then even the scullery maid, to say nothing of the Princess, won't cast a look at me. I can afford to marry, too; I haven't that excuse any longer. But, of course, the Princess mustn't have too expensive tastes; a comfortable house outside of town, now, with a horse or two, or a 'bubble,' would be quite within our means. We could go up to the city