You know she's there, don't you ?' 'No,' said the king, very quietly.
'Then it must all be a dream,' said Irene.

'I half thought it was; but I couldn't be sure.

Now I am sure of it.

Besides, I couldn't find her the next time I went up.' At that moment a snow-white pigeon flew in at an open window and settled upon Irene's head.

She broke into a merry laugh, cowered a little, and put up her hands to her head, saying: 'Dear dovey, don't peck me.