ndid
apartment built of mother-o'-pearl, through which he passed into
others, so richly adorned with paintings and jewels, and so
resplendently lighted with thousands of lamps, girandoles, and
lustres, that he imagined he must be in an enchanted palace. When he
had passed through sixty apartments, all equally splendid, he was
stopped by the hands, and a large easy chair advanced of itself
towards the fireplace; then the hands, which he observed were
extremely white and delicate, took off his wet clothes, and supplied
their place with the finest linen imaginable, adding a comfortable
wrapping-gown, embroidered with gold and pearls.

The hands next brought him an elegant dressing-table, and combed his
hair so very gently that he scarcely felt their touch. They held
before him a beautiful basin, filled with perfumes, for him to wash
his face and hands, and afterwards took off the wrapping-gown, and
dressed him in a suit of clothes of still greater splendour. When his
toilet was complete, they conducted him to an apartment he had not yet
seen, and which also was magnificently furnished. There was a table
spread for supper, and everything upon it was of the purest gold,
adorned with jewels. The prince observed there were two covers set,
and was wondering who was to be his companion, when his attention was
suddenly caught by a small figure not a foot high, which just then
entered the room, and advanced towards him. It had on a long black
veil, and was supported by two cats dressed in mourning and with
swords by their sides: they were followed by a numerous retinue of
cats, some carrying cages full of rats, and others mouse-traps full of
mice.

The prince was at a loss what to think. The little figure now
approached, and throwing aside her veil, he beheld a most beautiful
white cat: she seemed young and melancholy; and, addressing herself to
him, she said, "My prince, you are welcome; your presence affords me
the greatest pleasure."

"Madam," replied he, "I would fain thank you for your generosity, nor
can I help observing that you must be an extraordinary creature to
possess, with your present form, the gift of speech, and the most
magnificent palace I have ever seen."

"All this is very true," answered the beautiful cat; "but, prince, I
am not fond of talking, and least of all do I like compliments; let us
therefore sit down to supper."

The trunkless hands then placed the dishes on the table, and the
prince and whit