asked the Duck , who came paddling up some minutes afterwards . `` He has a great many good points , but for my own part I have a mother 's feelings , and I can never look at a confirmed bachelor without the tears coming into my eyes . '' `` I am rather afraid that I have annoyed him , '' answered the Linnet . `` The fact is , that I told him a story with a moral . '' `` Ah ! that is always a very dangerous thing to do , '' said the Duck . And I quite agree with her . THE REMARKABLE ROCKET The King 's son was going to be married , so there were general rejoicings . He had waited a whole year for his bride , and at last she had arrived . She was a Russian Princess , and had driven all the way from Finland in a sledge drawn by six reindeer . The sledge was shaped like a great golden swan , and between the swan 's wings lay the little Princess herself . Her long ermine-cloak reached right down to her feet , on her head was a tiny cap of silver tissue , and she was as pale as the Snow Palace in which she had always lived . So pale was she that as she drove through the streets all the people wondered . `` She is like a white rose ! '' they cried , and they threw down flowers on her from the balconies . At the gate of the Castle the Prince was waiting to receive her . He had dreamy violet eyes , and his hair was like fine gold . When he saw her he sank upon one knee , and kissed her hand . `` Your picture was beautiful , '' he murmured , `` but you are more beautiful than your picture '' ; and the little Princess blushed . `` She was like a white rose before , '' said a young Page to his neighbour , `` but she is like a red rose now '' ; and the whole Court was delighted .
For the next three days everybody went about saying , `` White rose , Red rose , Red rose , White rose '' ; and the XXXXX gave orders that the Page 's salary was to be doubled .
Finland King Princess minutes neighbour reindeer rejoicings right sledge year