THE
WHITE
CAT

‘And I am delighted to find you are such a
fascinating monkey, said the Princess. ‘Now
it is time for you to return to your father.’
So the Prince gave her his hand and led her down
the stairs to the chariot; and they started on the
journey. As the Princess was as clever and agree-
able in conversation as she was beautiful, the time
passed very pleasantly. ;
When they approached the castle, the Princess
stepped into a crystal sedan with a little door in it
with silken curtains before it, and this crystal
sedan chair was carried by her guards. All the
people wondered what it could contain.
The princes, the elder brothers, were on the
terrace of the palace, each conducting a charming
princess. On seeing their youngest brother they
hastened to meet him, and asked if he had brought
a beautiful lady with him.
‘Well, said he, ‘I could find none superior to a
lovely white cat.’
‘Acat!’ said they; ‘were you afraid that the mice
would eat up the palace ?’
The courtiers now hastened before the king to
announce that the three princes were approacking.
‘ Are they bringing fair ladies with them ?’ asked
the king.
‘Fairer are not to be found,’ was the answer; at
hearing which he was much displeased.
The two elder princes made haste to show their
beautiful princesses. The king received them
very graciously, and said that really each was so
beautiful it would not be possible for him to decide
between them, for he was as gallant an old man as
he was cunning.
Then he looked at his youngest son, and said:
‘So! this time you have failed !’ ‘
‘Not altogether, your majesty,’ said the Prince;
‘if you will condescend to look at my little white
cat in ve crystal cage, who meeaws so prettily,
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