is charming, since it is you who mean to say it; but let us make
haste into the palace, as it is pouring cats and dogs, and the wicked
Fairy Carabosse will be amused to see us all stand dripping here.
When we are once under shelter we can laugh at her.'

Upon this the Ambassador found his tongue, and replied
gallantly that the Fairy had evidently foreseen the flames that
would be kindled by the bright eyes of the Princess, and had sent
this deluge to extinguish them. Then he offered his hand to conduct
the Princess, and she said softly:

`As you could not possibly guess how much I like you, Sir
Fanfaronade, I am obliged to tell you plainly that, since I saw you
enter the town on your beautiful prancing horse, I have been sorry
that you came to speak for another instead of for yourself. So, if
you think about it as I do, I will marry you instead of your master.
Of course I know you are not a prince, but I shall be just as fond of
you as if you were, and we can go and live in some cosy little
corner of the world, and be as happy as the days are long.'

The Ambassador thought he must be dreaming, and could hardly
believe what the lovely Princess said. He dared not answer, but
only squeezed the Princess's hand until he really hurt her little
finger, but she did not cry out. When they reached the palace the
King kissed his daughter on both cheeks, and said:

`My little lambkin, are you willing to marry the great King
Merlin's son, for this Ambassador has come on his behalf to fetch
you?'