The princess greeted them all as she nestled in her father's bosom, and the king did not set her down until she had told them all the story.

But she had more to tell about Curdie than about herself, and what she did tell about herself none of them could understand--except the king and Curdie, who stood by the king's knee stroking the neck of the great white horse.

And still as she told what Curdie had done, Sir Walter and others added to what she told, even Lootie joining in the praises of his courage and energy.
Curdie held his peace, looking quietly up in the king's face.

And his mother stood on the outskirts of the crowd listening with delight, for her son's deeds were pleasant in her ears, until the princess caught sight of her.
'And there is his mother, king-papa!' she said.

'See--there.