han he had expected that he could only stammer
out a few words, and entirely forgot the harangue which he had been
learning for months, and knew well enough to have repeated it in his
sleep. To gain time to remember at least part of it, he made several
low bows to the Princess, who on her side dropped half-a-dozen curtseys
without stopping to think, and then said, to relieve his evident
embarrassment:

'Sir Ambassador, I am sure that everything you intend to say is
charming, since it is you who mean to say it; but let us make haste
into the palace, as it is pouring cats and dogs, and the wicked Fairy
Carabosse will be amused to see us all stand dripping here. When we are
once under shelter we can laugh at her.'

Upon this the Ambassador found his tongue, and replied gallantly that
the Fairy had evidently foreseen the flames that would be kindled by
the bright eyes of the Princess, and had sent this deluge to extinguish
them. Then he offered his hand to conduct the Princess, and she said
softly:

'As you could not possibly guess how much I like you, Sir Fanfaronade,
I am obliged to tell you plainly that, since I saw you enter the town on
your beautiful prancing horse, I have been sorry that you came to speak
for another instead of for yourself. So, if you think about it as I do,
I will marry you instead of your master. Of course I know you are not a
prince, but I shall be just as fond of you as if you were, and we can go
and live in some cosy little corner of the world, and be as happy as the
days are long.'

The Ambassador thought he must be dreaming, and could hardly believe
what the lovely Princess said. He dared not answer, but only squeezed
the Princess's hand until he really hurt her little finger, but she did
not cry out. When they reached the palace the King kissed his daughter
on both cheeks, and said:

'My little lambkin, are you willing to marry the great King Merlin's
son, for this Ambassador has come on his behalf to fetch you?'

'If you please, sire,' said the Princess, dropping a curtsey.

'I consent also,' said the Queen; 'so let the banquet be prepared.'

This was done with all speed, and everybody feasted except Mayblossom
and Fanfaronade, who looked at one another and forgot everything else.

After the banquet came a ball, and after that again a ballet, and at
last they were all so tired that everyone fell asleep just where he sat.
Only the lovers were as wide-awake as mice, and the Princess,