Маленька принцеса
The Magic
Hervisitspartookofthecharacterofadventures;andthoughsometimesSaralookedratherpale,anditwasnottobedeniedthatshehadgrownverythin,herproudlittlespiritwouldnotadmitofcomplaints.Shehadneverconfessedthatattimesshewasalmostravenouswithhunger,asshewastonight.Shewasgrowingrapidly,andherconstantwalkingandrunningaboutwouldhavegivenherakeenappetiteevenifshehadhadabundantandregularmealsofamuchmorenourishingnaturethantheunappetizing,inferiorfoodsnatchedatsuchoddtimesassuitedthekitchenconvenience.Shewasgrowingusedtoacertaingnawingfeelinginheryoungstomach.
"Isupposesoldiersfeellikethiswhentheyareonalongandwearymarch,"sheoftensaidtoherself.Shelikedthesoundofthephrase,"longandwearymarch."Itmadeherfeelratherlikeasoldier.Shehadalsoaquaintsenseofbeingahostessintheattic.
"IfIlivedinacastle,"sheargued,"andErmengardewastheladyofanothercastle,andcametoseeme,withknightsandsquiresandvassalsridingwithher,andpennonsflying,whenIheardtheclarionssoundingoutsidethedrawbridgeIshouldgodowntoreceiveher,andIshouldspreadfeastsinthebanquethallandcallinminstrelstosingandplayandrelateromances.WhenshecomesintotheatticIcan’tspreadfeasts,butIcantellstories,andnotletherknowdisagreeablethings.Idaresaypoorchatelaineshadtodothatintimeoffamine,whentheirlandshadbeenpillaged."
