Page 13 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

brought before him. They quickly presented
themselves with wonderful grace and good
manners. They saluted the King with much
respect and modesty, and when he inquired if
it were true that they had been holding such a
conversation respecting the husbands they
desired, they blushed and cast down their
eyes. He pressed them still further to

acknowledge it. They did so, and he
immediately exclaimed, "I certainly do not
know what power is influencing me, but I will
not leave this house until I have married the
beautiful Blondine." "Sire," said the King's
brother, "I crave your permission to marry
this lovely Brunette." "Grant me a similar

favour, Sire," said the Admiral, "for this
golden-haired girl pleases me greatly."
The King, much gratified at being thus
imitated by the chief persons in his dominions,
told them he approved of their choice, and
asked the mother of the young women if she
consented. She replied that it gave her the
greatest joy she could ever hope to
experience. The King embraced her, and the

Prince and the Admiral followed his example.
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