the handkerchief, and told him not to untie it till the princess asked him
what she was thinking of. There were so many people in the great hall of
the palace that they stood as thick as radishes tied together in a bundle. The
council sat in their arm-chairs with the white cushions. The old king wore
new robes, and the golden crown and sceptre had been polished up so that
he looked quite smart. But the princess was very pale, and wore a black
dress as if she were going to a funeral.
“What have I thought of?” asked the princess, of Jean. He immediately
untied the handkerchief, and was himself quite frightened when he saw the
head of the ugly magician. Every one shuddered, for it was terrible to look
at; but the princess sat like a statue, and could not utter a single word. At
length she rose and gave Jean her hand, for he had guessed rightly.
She looked at no one, but sighed deeply, and said, “You are my master
now; this evening our marriage must take place.”
