the smallest child in the school, Olive moved across the stage like a
beautiful bird. Taking a wreath of white roses from her hair, she
presented them to the King. He had then to kiss her hand, and lead her
to a chair. In the scene that followed, Alice had striven to be
intensely pathetic. She had intended that the King, by a series of
kindly put questions, should gradually win the Princess's confidence,
and induce her to tell the truth--that her affections had already been
won by a knight at her father's Court; that she could love none other.

KING. But if this knight did not exist; if you had never seen him, you
would, I suppose, have accepted my hand?

PRINCESS. You will not be offended if I tell you the truth?

KING. No; my word on it.

PRINCESS. I could never have listened to your love.

KING (_rising hastily_). Am I then so ugly, so horrible, so vile, that
even if your heart were not engaged elsewhere you could not have
listened to me?

PRINCESS. You are neither horrible nor vile, King Cophetua; but again
promise me secrecy, and I will tell you the whole truth.

KING. I promise.

PRINCESS. You are loved by a maiden far more beautiful than I; she is
dying of love for your sake! She has suffered much for her love; she is
suffering still.