You do believe me now, don't you ?' 'I can't help it now.

I ought to have helped it before.' 'Why can't you help it now ?' 'Because, just as I was going into the mountain to look for you, I got hold of your thread, and it brought me here.' 'Then you've come from my house, have you ?' 'Yes, I have.' 'I didn't know you were there.' 'I've been there two or three days, I believe.' 'And I never knew it! Then perhaps you can tell me why my grandmother has brought me here?
I can't think.

Something woke me--I didn't know what, but I was frightened, and I felt for the thread, and there it was! I was more frightened still when it brought me out on the mountain, for I thought it was going to take me into it again, and I like the outside of it best.

I supposed you were in trouble again, and I had to get you out.

But it brought me here instead; and, oh, Curdie! your mother has been so kind to me--just like my own grandmother!' Here Curdie's mother gave the princess a hug, and the princess turned and gave her a sweet smile, and held up her mouth to kiss her.
'Then you didn't see the cobs ?'asked Curdie.
'No; I haven't been into the mountain, I told you, Curdie.' 'But the cobs have been into your house--all over it--and into your bedroom, making such a row!' 'What did they want there?
It was very rude of them.' 'They wanted you--to carry you off into the mountain with them, for a wife to their prince Harelip.' 'Oh, how dreadful' cried the princess, shuddering.
'But you needn't be afraid, you know.