"Look here, Godfather Drosselmeier," interrupted Fred, "Nutcracker's teeth you have fastened in very well, and his chin is no longer lame and rickety, but why has he no sword? why have you not put on his sword?"
"Ah," replied the Counsellor, angrily, "you must always meddle and make, you rogue. What is Nutcracker's sword to me? I have cured his wounds, and he may find a sword for himself as he can."
"That's true," said Fred, "he is a brave fellow, and will know how to get one."
"Tell me then, Maria," continued the Counsellor, " have you heard the story of the Princess Pirlipat?"
"I hope, dear Counsellor," said the mother, "that your story will not be frightful, as those that you narrate usually are."
"By no means, dearest madam," replied Drosselmeier, "on the contrary, what I have this time the honor to relate is droll and merry."
