The Toy-Room
it is bedtime you shall snuggle in my little bed, and mother will kiss you in the dark instead of me. Then when they think me asleep, we will steal back here out of the window and I will lock the doors and the gates behind you with Father’s keys. Is it not a lovely plan?”
At first Clotilde was frightened. She had never before thought of running away from the palace, and it seemed very wicked. But she had grown so tired of doing as every one expected her to do, that soon the idea seemed pleasant. Besides, she longed and longed for that real mother-kiss. It was an exciting adventure, and would be something to remember always. Her eyes began to sparkle and she grew as eager as Nichette herself. For she was full of fun, was this poor little Queen who had never played.
“I’ll do it!” she cried. “They will hunt for me, but they dare not be angry when I come back. For am I not the Queen?” She drew herself up proudly, and for the first time Nichette felt awed and impressed. But Clotilde soon became little-girlish again.
“I will go with you, Nichette,” she said, put-41
