"No, I don't think I do mind--that is, I WON'T mind," replied he,
catching the courage of her tone and speaking like a man, though he was
still such a mere boy.

"That is right, my Prince!--that is being like a prince. Now we know
exactly where we are; let us put our shoulders to the wheel and----"

"We are in Hopeless Tower" (this was its name, if it had a name), "and
there is no wheel to put our shoulders to," said the child sadly.

"You little matter-of-fact goose! Well for you that you have a godmother
called----"

"What?" he eagerly asked.

"Stuff-and-nonsense."

"Stuff-and-nonsense! What a funny name!"

"Some people give it me, but they are not my most intimate friends.
These call me--never mind what," added the old woman, with a soft
twinkle in her eyes. "So as you know me, and know me well, you may give
me any name you please; it doesn't matter. But I am your godmother,
child. I have few godchildren; those I have love me dearly, and find me
the greatest blessing in all the world."

"I can well believe it," cried the little lame Prince, and forgot
his troubles in looking at her--as her figure dilated, her eyes grew
lustrous as stars, her very raiment brightened, and the whole room
seemed filled with her beautiful and beneficent presence like light.