a better appetite. There were excellent ragouts, and the prince made
use of the cat's paw to taste them; but he sometimes pulled his paw
too roughly, and Bluet, not understanding raillery, began to mew and be
quite out of patience. The princess observing it, "Bring that fricassee
and that tart to poor Bluet," said she; "see how he cries to have them."

Leander laughed to himself at the pleasantness of this adventure; but he
was very thirsty, not being accustomed to make such large meals without
drinking. By the help of the cat's paw he got a melon, with which he
somewhat quenched his thirst; and when supper was quite over, he went to
the buffet and took two bottles of delicious wine.

The princess now retired into her boudoir, ordering Abricotina to follow
her and make fast the door; but they could not keep out Leander, who was
there as soon as they. However, the princess, believing herself alone
with her confidante:

"Abricotina," said she, "tell me truly, did you exaggerate in your
description of the unknown prince, for methinks it is impossible he
should be as amiable as you say?"

"Madam," replied the damsel, "if I have failed in anything, it was in
coming short of what was due to him."

The princess sighed and was silent for a time; then resuming her speech:
"I am glad," said she, "thou didst not bring him with thee."

"But, madam," answered Abricotina, who was a cunning girl, and already
penetrated her mistress' thoughts, "suppose he had come to admire the
wonders of these beautiful mansions, what harm could he have done us?