"You have already been informed as to the reason of your having been
summoned to Our presence. We have decided that you shall become the adopted
husband of Our only daughter;-- and the wedding ceremony shall now be
performed."


As the king finished speaking, a sound of joyful music was heard; and a
long train of beautiful court ladies advanced from behind a curtain to
conduct Akinosuke to the room in which he bride awaited him.


The room was immense; but it could scarcely contain the multitude of
guests assembled to witness the wedding ceremony. All bowed down before
Akinosuke as he took his place, facing the King's daughter, on the
kneeling-cushion prepared for him. As a maiden of heaven the bride appeared
to be; and her robes were beautiful as a summer sky. And the marriage was
performed amid great rejoicing.


Afterwards the pair were conducted to a suite of apartments that had been
prepared for them in another portion of the palace; and there they received
the congratulations of many noble persons, and wedding gifts beyond
counting.



Some days later Akinosuke was again summoned to the throne-room. On this
occasion he was received even more graciously than before; and the King