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KING BIZARRE AND PRINCE CHARMING How different from all those fools who had not recognized a prince under a domino at the first moment by his wit! He rose suddenly to quit the hall, when he perceived, a little way off, a mask that had alsu left the crowd and seemed lost in contemplation. A half-open domino disclosed a gipsy’s dress and a pair of slippers with buckles, containing a foot smaller than that of Cinderella. The king approached the stranger, and saw through the velvet mask a pair of large black eyes, the melancholy glance of which surprised and charmed him. " Fair mask, said he, "your place is not here. Why are you not among the eager and curious crowd that Is pressing around the prince to dispute his smile and heart? Do you not know that there is a crown to be gained there?" "I make no pretentions,’ answered the domino, in a grave, sweet voice. " In this game of chance one runs the risk of taking the servant for the king. I am too proud to expose myself to such a hazard.” " But if I show you the prince?" - What could I say to him?” replied the stranger. "I could not blame him without offense, or praise him without flattery.” “You think much evil of him, then?” c No, a little evil and much good; but what does it matter?" And, opening her fan, the domino relapsed into her reverie. 167
