e King her husband was so overwhelmed with grief at her loss that
his only comfort was in the sight of his heir.

When the time for the young Prince's christening came the King chose
as godmother a neighbouring Princess, so celebrated for her wisdom and
goodness that she was commonly called 'the Good Queen.' She named the
baby Alphege, and from that moment took him to her heart.

Time wipes away the greatest griefs, and after two or three years the
King married again. His second wife was a Princess of undeniable beauty,
but by no means of so amiable a disposition as the first Queen. In due
time a second Prince was born, and the Queen was devoured with rage at
the thought that Prince Alphege came between her son and the throne. She
took care however to conceal her jealous feelings from the King.

At length she could control herself no longer, so she sent a trusty
servant to her old and faithful friend the Fairy of the Mountain, to beg
her to devise some means by which she might get rid of her stepson.

The Fairy replied that, much as she desired to be agreeable to the Queen
in every way, it was impossible for her to attempt anything against the
young Prince, who was under the protection of some greater Power than
her own.

The 'Good Queen' on her side watched carefully over her godson. She was
obliged to do so from a distance, her own country being a remote one,
but she was well informed of all that went on and knew all about the
Queen's wicked designs. She therefore sent the Prince a large and
splendid ruby, with injunctions to wear it night and day as it would
protect him from all attacks, but added that the talisman only retained
its power as long as the Prince remained within his father's dominions.
The Wicked Queen knowing this made every attempt to get the Prince out
of the country, but her efforts failed, till one day accident did what
she was unable to accomplish.

The King had an only sister who was deeply attached to him, and who was
married to the sovereign of a distant country. She had always kept up
a close correspondence with her brother, and the accounts she heard of
Prince Alphege made her long to become acquainted with so charming a
nephew. She entreated the King to allow the Prince to visit her, and
after some hesitation which was overruled by his wife, he finally
consented.

Prince Alphege was at this time fourteen years old, and the handsomest
and most engaging youth imaginable. In his infancy