“Go to bed, Goblin, do. Help the queen Take off her shoe.
If you do, It will disclose A horrid set Of sprouting toes.”
“What a lie!” roared the queen in a rage.
“By the way, that reminds me,” said the king, “that for as long as we have been married, I have never seen your feet, queen. I think you might take off your shoes when you go to bed! They positively hurt me sometimes.”
“I will do as I like,” retorted the queen sulkily.
“You ought to do as your own hubby wishes you,” said the king.
“I will not,” said the queen.
“Then I insist upon it,” said the king.
Apparently His Majesty approached the queen for the purpose of following the advice given by Curdie, for the latter heard a scuffle, and then a great roar from the king.
“Will you be quiet, then?” said the queen wickedly.
“Yes, yes, queen. I only meant to coax you.”
“Hands off!” cried the queen triumphantly. “I’m going to bed. You may come when you like. But as long as I am queen I will sleep in my shoes. It is my royal privilege. Harelip, go to bed.”
“I’m going,” said Harelip sleepily.
“So am I,” said the king.