them, that until she could settle the matter she chose a special
colour for everyone, by which it was known, so that when they were
all together they looked like nothing so much as a nosegay of gay
flowers. As they grew older it became evident that though they
were all remarkably intelligent, and profited equally by the
education they received, yet they differed one from another in
disposition, so much so that they gradually ceased to be known as
'Pearl,' or 'Primrose,' or whatever might have been their colour,
and the Queen instead would say:

'Where is my Sweet?' or 'my Beautiful,' or 'my Gay.'

Of course, with all these charms they had lovers by the dozen. Not
only in their own court, but princes from afar, who were
constantly arriving, attracted by the reports which were spread
abroad; but these lovely girls, the first Maids of Honour, were as
discreet as they were beautiful, and favoured no one.

But let us return to Surcantine. She had fixed upon the son of a
king who was cousin to Bardondon, to bring up as her fickle
Prince. She had before, at his christening, given him all the
graces of mind and body that a prince could possibly require; but
now she redoubled her efforts, and spared no pains in adding every
imaginable charm and fascination. So that whether he happened to
be cross or amiable, splendidly or simply attired, serious or
frivolous, he was always perfectly irresistible! In truth, he was
a charming young fellow, since the Fairy had given him the best
heart in the world as well as the best head, and had left nothing
to be desired but--constancy. For it cannot be denied that Prince
Mirliflor was a desperate flirt, and as fickle as the wind; so