I wonder how long it will last." "I cannot tell," Cecil answered gloomily.

"Forrest knows more about it than I do.

What does he say to you ?" "He thinks," the Princess said slowly, "that we may be able to leave in a few days now." "Then while you do stay," Cecil begged, "be a little kinder to me." She withdrew her hand from her dog and patted his for a moment.
"You foolish boy," she said.

"Of course I will be a little kinder to you, if you like, but I warn you that I shall only be a disappointment.
Boys of your age always expect so much, and I have so little to give." "Why do you say that ?" he asked.
She shrugged her shoulders.
"Because it is the truth," she answered.

"You must not expect anything more from me than the husk of things.