" He's always out; I scarcely ever see him," she could not resist adding with a sarcastic smile.

"Why, hasn't he gone into the country yet--to see about selling that forest?" "No, he's still getting ready for the journey.

" "Oh, that's it!" said the prince.

" And so am I to be getting ready for a journey too? At your service," he said to his wife, sitting down.