Perhaps the creature lies there, as in its nest, coiled round and round inside.' 'Horrible!' said Irene.
'Horrible indeed; but we must not try to get rid of horrible things by refusing to look at them, and saying they are not there.

Is not your beautiful father sleeping better since he had the wine ?' 'Yes.' 'Does he always sleep better after having it ?' She reflected an instant.
'No; always worse--till tonight,' she answered.
'Then remember that was the wine I got him--not what the butler drew.
Nothing that passes through any hand in the house except yours or mine must henceforth, till he is well, reach His Majesty's lips.' 'But how, dear Curdie ?' said the princess, almost crying.
'That we must contrive,' answered Curdie.

'I know how to take care of the wine; but for his food--now we must think.' 'He takes hardly any,' said the princess, with a pathetic shake of her little head which Curdie had almost learned to look for.
'The more need,' he replied, 'there should be no poison in it.' Irene shuddered.

'As soon as he has honest food he will begin to grow better.

And you must be just as careful with yourself, Princess,' Curdie went on, 'for you don't know when they may begin to poison you, too.' 'There's no fear of me; don't talk about me,' said Irene.