PRINCE PRIGIO. 75

 

and sat down. The queen took her place at
the edge of the carpet; I sat between her and
the butler, and she said, ‘I wish I were in
Gluckstein!’ Then we rose, flew through the
air at an‘astonishing pace, and here we are!
So I suppose the rest of the butler’s tale is true,
which I regret; but a king’s word is sacred,
and he shall take the place of that sneak, Prigio.
But as we left home before dinner, and as yours
is over, may I request your lordship to believe
that I should be delighted to take something
cold?”

The ambassador at once ordered a sumptuous
collation, to which the king did full justice ; and
his majesty was shown to the royal chamber,
as he complained of fatigue. The queen accom-
panied him, remarking that she was sound
asleep, but would waken presently. Neither of
them said “‘ Good-night” to the prince. Indeed,
they did not see him again, for he was on the
balcony with Lady Rosalind. They found a
great deal to say to each other, and at last the
prince asked her to be his wife; and she said
that if the king and her father gave their per-
mission—why, then she would! After this she
went to bed; and the prince, who had not slept
at all the night before, felt very sleepy also.
But he knew that first he had something that
must be done. So he went into the drawing-
room, took his carpet, and wished to be—now
where do you suppose? Beside the dead body