'King Charming, here is the Princess Turritella to whom you have
plighted your faith. Let us have the wedding at once.'

'I!' cried the King. 'I marry that little creature! What do you
take me for? I have promised her nothing!'

'Say no more. Have you no respect for a Fairy?' cried she
angrily.

'Yes, madam,' answered the King, 'I am prepared to respect you as
much as a Fairy can be respected, if you will give me back my
Princess.'

'Am I not here?' interrupted Turritella. 'Here is the ring you
gave me. With whom did you talk at the little window, if it was
not with me?'

'What!' cried the King angrily, 'have I been altogether deceived
and deluded? Where is my chariot? Not another moment will I stay
here.'

'Oho,' said the Fairy, 'not so fast.' And she touched his feet,
which instantly became as firmly fixed to the floor as if they
had been nailed there.

'Oh! do whatever you like with me,' said the King; 'you may turn
me to stone, but I will marry no one but Fiordelisa.'

And not another word would he say, though the Fairy scolded and