PRINCE PRIGIO. 83

 

CHAPTER XVI.

cA Melancholy ‘Chapter.

HE prince had gone some way, when the
Tt king called after him. How he wished
gfe he had the seven-league boots on, or
that he had the cap of darkness in his
pocket! If he had been so lucky, he
would now have got back to Gluckstein,
and crossed the border with Lady Rosalind. A
million of money may not seem much, but a pair
of young people who really love each other could
live happily on less than the cheque he had in his
pocket. However, the king shouted very loud,
as he always did when he meant to be obeyed,
and the prince sauntered slowly back again.
“‘Prigio!”’? said his majesty, ‘‘where were
you off to? Don’t you remember that this is
your wedding-day ? My proclamation offered,
not only the money (which you have), but the
hand of the Lady Molinda, which the Court
chaplain will presently make your own. I con-
gratulate you, sir; Molinda is a dear girl.”
“I have the highest affection and esteem for
my cousin, sir,” said the prince, ‘‘ but e

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