"the present the dragon expects," said uncle james, cheerfully, "is rather an expensive one. but, when we give, it should not be in a grudging spirit, especially to visitors. what the dragon wants is a princess. we have only one princess, it is true; but far be it from us to display a miserly temper at such a moment. and the gift is worthless that costs the giver nothing. your readiness to give up your princess will only show how generous you are."