I had her now, so I smiled the very sweetest smile that I could think up in such a hurry, and said, "Good morning," the very politest I ever did in all my life.

Then I didn't know what to do next, but she helped me out.
"What have you there ?" she asked.
"It's a piece of the very first rhubarb pie for this spring, and I'm carrying it to Laddie," I said, as I lifted the catalpa leaf and let her peep, just to show her how pie looked when it was right.

I bet she never saw a nicer piece.
The Princess slid her hand down Maud's neck to quiet her prancing, and leaned in the saddle, her face full of interest.

I couldn't see a trace of anything to discourage me; her being on our road again looked favourable.

She seemed to think quite as much of that pie as I did.
She was the finest little thoroughbred.