you, I can soon put an end to your
grief," said Riquet, "for I have the power of giving cleverness to the
person whom I love the best, and if only you will marry me, you shall
become as clever as you can wish."

The Princess was greatly astonished, but remained silent.

"I can see," continued Riquet, "that this proposal is not to your
taste, and I am not astonished. I will give you a year to think about
it."

So great was the longing of the Princess to be clever, that she at
once promised Riquet to marry him in a year's time, and no sooner had
she made the promise than a great change took place in her, and she
found she could say all sorts of pleasant things, on all sorts of
subjects, in quite an easy manner.

She at once began a conversation with Riquet, making such brilliant
remarks, that he could almost think he had given her all his
cleverness and had kept none for himself.

When the Princess returned to the Palace, everybody was astonished
at the sudden and extraordinary change, for, instead of saying stupid
things, or just nothing at all, she was now full of beautiful ideas
which she expressed most charmingly.

The report of this transformation was soon spread abroad, and all
the young Princes of the neighbouring kingdoms asked for her hand in
marriage, but not one did she find altogether suitable.

However, at last one arrived, who was so powerful, rich, clever and
handsome, that she could not help approving of him, and her father,
noticing this, told her she was quite free to choose what husband she
wished.

The Princess thanked him, and asked for time to consider the matter.

[Illustration]

Then, to think it over, she went by chance, into the wood where she had
met Tufty Riquet.

While she was walking, deep in thought, she noticed a loud noise
beneath her feet, as of many persons hastening to and fro; then,
listening attentively, she heard a voice say, "Bring me the saucepan,"
and another voice cry, "Put some wood on the fire."

At the same moment the earth opened and she saw a big kitchen full
of cooks, and all sorts of things necessary for the making of a
magnificent banquet, and everybody hard at work.

The Princess, astonished at this sight, asked the men for whom they
were working.

"For the Prince Tufty Riquet," answered the head cook, "for to-morrow
is his wedding day."

The Princess, more surprised than ever, all at once recollected that
it was just a year ago that very day that sh