Sarah opened it; and he demanded the instant surrender of the princess.

Sarah heard him with an exasperating air of blank bewilderment.

He repeated his demand more firmly and loudly.
Sarah called to Mrs.Dangerfield: "Please, mum: 'ere's a furrin gentleman asking for a princess.

I expect as it's that there missing one." "Do nod mock! She 'ees 'ere!" cried the count fiercely.
Then Mrs.Dangerfield came out of the dining-room where she had been arranging flowers, and came to the door.
"The princess is not here," she said gently.
"But I haf zeen 'er! She haf now ad once coom! She 'ides!" cried the count.
At that moment Erebus came down the hall airily swinging her sunbonnet by its strings.

The eyes of the count opened wide; so did his mouth.
"I expect he means me.