young man, 'your highness was hunting, and outstripped all your
attendants while chasing the deer. You were in a part of the
country which you did not know, so seeing an orchard all pink and
white with apple-blossoms, and a girl tossing a ball in one
corner, you went up to her to ask your way. But when she turned
to answer you, you were so struck with her beauty that all else
fled from your mind. Again and again you rode back to see her,
and at length persuaded her to marry you. She only thought you a
poor knight, and agreed that as you wished it, the marriage
should be kept secret.

'After the ceremony you gave her three rings and a charm with a
cross on it, and then put her in a cottage in the forest,
thinking to hide the matter securely.

'For some months you visited the cottage every week; but a
rebellion broke out in a distant part of the kingdom, and called
for your presence. When next you rode up to the cottage, it was
empty, and none could inform you whither your bride had gone.
That, sire, I can now tell you,' and the young man paused and
looked at the king, who coloured deeply. 'She went back to her
father the old duke, once your chamberlain, and the cross on her
breast revealed at once who you were. Fierce was his anger when
he heard his daughter's tale, and he vowed that he would hide her
safely from you, till the day when you would claim her publicly
as your queen.

'By and bye I was born, and was brought up by my grandfather in
one of his great houses. Here are the rings you gave to my
mother, and here is the cross, and these will prove if I am your