a smile very much all over his ruddy face, burst into the queen's sitting-room. He

re the happy words which drive away all our fears. She will marry, my dear, she will marry; and listen: she cares n

It quite took my breath away. Just to think of that! Now go at once and issue a royal edict summoning every contented man in this kingdom and in a

ting outside the door vainly trying to

earing posters which were hung in the market-place of every village

Hear, ye

trial for the hand of the Princess Madge. He among you all who is absolutely contented shall have the princess's hand in marriage, together with half the

d + My

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y all gathered in the banquet-hall, where a wonderful feast was spread-a roasted ox, with wild boar and lamb and turkey and peacock, and a hundred kinds of fruit, and fifty kinds

the Princess Madge, carrying Pussy Willow, entered and was followed by her train-bearers and maids of honor. She wore a wonderful gown all white and gold down the front, with the foamiest of sea-foam green trains hanging from her shoulders away out behind her. Slowly, majestically, she w

f I asked it you would gladly give me some great proof of your bravery and goodness-but I ask you to take no risk and make no sacrifice. I merely wish to know whether I can find in any of you

iently, some disdainfully, some few slowly and though

You say you are contented-happy, unselfish, and satisfied with what the gods have given you. Answer me this! Why, then, do you scowl and jostle one another? Why do you want

y marched out of the room. As the door closed upon the last one of the disappointed suit

d as a common, everyday pussy-cat. Good-by!" And she laughed a merry lau