and gambols so playfully, you cannot fail to be pleased.’ The king smiled, and went to open the sedan chair itself, when all at once, the Princess touched a spring and it flew apart, and she stood in the midst, like the sun bursting from clouds. Her fair hair was spread over her shoulders, and hung in shining tresses to her feet; on her head was a crown of roses; her gown of thin gauze was lined with rose-coloured taffety; she curtsied low to the king, who, in the excess of his admira- tion, clapped his hands, and said: ‘This is indeed the matchless beauty who deserves to wear the crown.’ ‘Sire!’ said she, ‘I am not come to deprive you of your kingdom, which you rule with such sagacity. Iam queen over six. Allow me to present one to each of your elder sons; then there will remain four for my dear young Prince and myself. What with the housekeeping—that will be as much as we can manage.’ The king and all the courtiers gave vent to their joy and astonishment in loud and repeated cheers. Indeed the king kept on hurrahing! and shouting One cheer more! till he became purple in the face, and had to be carried out and given a cooling draught—lest he should have an apoplexy. The marriages of all the three couples were immediately solemnized, and the court spent several months in rejoicings. Then they set out, each for his own dominions, and all considered that their happiness was due to the beautiful, wise White Cat. 227 THE WHITE CAT