The Old Lady and Curdie
Up the stair then they went, and the next and the next, and through the long rows of empty rooms, and up the little tower stair, Irene growing happier and happier as she ascended. There was no answer when she knocked at length at the door of the workroom, nor could she hear any sound of the spinning-wheel, and once more her heart sank within her, but only for one moment, as she turned and knocked at the other door.
“Come in,” answered the sweet voice of her grandmother, and Irene opened the door and entered, followed by Curdie.
“You darling!” cried the lady, who was seated by a fire of red roses mingled with white. “I’ve been waiting for you, and indeed getting a little anxious about you, and beginning to think whether I had not better go and fetch you myself.”
As she spoke she took the little princess in her arms and placed her upon her lap. She was dressed in white now, and looking if possible more lovely than ever.
“I’ve brought Curdie, grandmother. He wouldn’t believe what I told him and so I’ve brought him.”
“Yes—I see him. He is a good boy, Curdie, and a brave boy. Aren’t you glad you’ve got him out?”
“Yes, grandmother. But it wasn’t very good of him not to believe me when I was telling him the truth.”