The bridegroom sat at the top, with the false princess on one side,
and the true one on the other; but nobody knew her, for she was quite
dazzling to their eyes, and was not at all like the little goose-girl,
now that she had her brilliant dress.

When they had eaten and drunk, and were very merry, the old king told
all the story, as one that he had once heard of, and asked the true
waiting-maid what she thought ought to be done to anyone who would
behave thus.

"Nothing better," said this false bride, "than that she should be
thrown into a cask stuck round with sharp nails, and that two white
horses should be put to it, and should drag it from street to street
till she is dead."

"Thou art she!" said the old king; "and since thou hast judged
thyself, it shall be so done to thee."

And the young king was married to his true wife, and they reigned over
the kingdom in peace and happiness all their lives.




[Illustration]

LITTLE SNOW-WHITE


It was in the middle of winter, when the broad flakes of snow were