Yet nothing was told to the Princess.
"She wandered out about the gardens and castle grounds, playing as usual with her balls, but wondering sadly what meant this mysterious trouble.
And as she was passing the poultry-yard, she heard a sound which seemed to suit her thoughts--some one was crying sadly.

The Princess turned to see who it was.

This time too it was a young girl about her own age, a girl whom she knew very well by sight, for she was the daughter of the queen's henwife, and the Princess had often seen her driving the flocks of turkeys or geese to their fields, or feeding the pretty cocks and hens which the queen took great pride in.
"'What is the matter, Bruna ?' said the Princess, leaning over the gate.
'Have the rats eaten any of the little chickens, or has your mother been scolding you for breaking some eggs ?' "'Neither, Princess,' said the girl among her sobs.

'The chickens are never eaten, and my mother seldom scolds me.

My trouble is far worse than that, but I dare not tell it to you--to you of all people in the world.' "And the Princess's governess, who just then came up, looked again very frightened and uneasy.
"'Princess, Princess,' she said, 'what a habit you are getting of talking to all these foolish girls.