There sat his mother by the fire, and in her arms lay the princess, fast asleep.
'Hush, Curdie!' said his mother.

'Do not wake her.

I'm so glad you're come! I thought the cobs must have got you again!' With a heart full of delight, Curdie sat down at a corner of the hearth, on a stool opposite his mother's chair, and gazed at the princess, who slept as peacefully as if she had been in her own bed.
All at once she opened her eyes and fixed them on him.
'Oh, Curdie! you're come!' she said quietly.

'I thought you would!' Curdie rose and stood before her with downcast eyes.
'Irene,' he said, 'I am very sorry I did not believe you.' 'Oh, never mind, Curdie!' answered the princess.

'You couldn't, you know.