to see the Princess. The squire was delighted, and promised all
she asked; but the moment he had run off to announce his success
to the King, the false waiting-woman went and told the Queen all
that had passed. She at once determined that her own daughter
should be at the little window; and she taught her so well all
she was to say and do, that even the stupid Turritella could make
no mistake.

The night was so dark that the King had not a chance of finding
out the trick that was being played upon him, so he approached
the window with the greatest delight, and said everything that he
had been longing to say to Fiordelisa to persuade her of his love
for her. Turritella answered as she had been taught, that she was
very unhappy, and that there was no chance of her being better
treated by the Queen until her daughter was married. And then the
King entreated her to marry him; and thereupon he drew his ring
from his finger and put it upon Turritella's, and she answered
him as well as she could. The King could not help thinking that
she did not say exactly what he would have expected from his
darling Fiordelisa, but he persuaded himself that the fear of
being surprised by the Queen was making her awkward and
unnatural. He would not leave her until she had promised to see
him again the next night, which Turritella did willingly enough.
The Queen was overjoyed at the success of her stratagem, end
promised herself that all would now be as she wished; and sure
enough, as soon as it was dark the following night the King came,
bringing with him a chariot which had been given him by an
Enchanter who was his friend. This chariot was drawn by flying
frogs, and the King easily persuaded Turritella to come out and
let him put her into it, then mounting beside her he cried