And she burst into tears.

Michael flung the contents of the cup behind him, sprang over
the table, and fell at Lina's feet. The rest of the princes fell
likewise at the knees of the princesses, each of whom chose a husband
and raised him to her side. The charm was broken.

The twelve couples embarked in the boats, which crossed back
many times in order to carry over the other princes. Then they all
went through the three woods, and when they had passed the door
of the underground passage a great noise was heard, as if the
enchanted castle was crumbling to the earth.

They went straight to the room of the Duke of Beloeil, who had
just awoke. Michael held in his hand the golden cup, and he
revealed the secret of the holes in the shoes.

`Choose, then,' said the Duke, `whichever you prefer.'

`My choice is already made,' replied the garden boy, and he
offered his hand to the youngest Princess, who blushed and
lowered her eyes.


XVI


The Princess Lina did not become a gardener's wife; on the
contrary, it was the Star Gazer who became a Prince: but before
the marriage ceremony the Princess insisted that her lover should