Oldal 208 [208]
LABOULAYE’S FAIRY BOOK
This indifference surprised Charming. He addressed her
with warmth, she replied coldly; he prayed her so urgently
to listen to him that she finally consented to do so, not in
the ball-room, where the heat was overpowering and the
curlosity indiscreet, but in the long elm-walk, where a few
promenaders were seeking silence and fresh air.
The night was advancing, and the gipsy had already
spoken several times of retiring, to the great regret of the
prince, who vainly entreated her to unmask. The stranger
made no reply.
" You drive me to despair,” cried he, inspired with strange
respect and admiration for this mysterious figure. ‘Why
this cruel silence?"
“Because I know you, my lord,” replied the stranger,
with emotion. "Your voice, which goes to the heart, your
language, your grace, all tell me who you are. Let me go,
Prince Charming.”
"No, madam," cried the prince, delighted at so much
wit, "you alone have recognized me, you alone have under¬
stood me, to you belong my heart and kingdom. Throw
off that suspicious mask; this very instant we will return
to the ball-room and I will present to the ignorant crowd
the woman whom I have had the happiness not to dis¬
please. Say but one word, and all my people shall be
at your feet."
"My lord,” replied the stranger, sadly, "permit me to
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