-LCB- The family executioner : p119.jpg -RCB- `` Is life , then , so worthless ? and is Molinda so terrible a person that you prefer those arms , '' and she pointed to the gibbet , `` to these ? '' -- here she held out her own , which were very white , round and pretty : for Molinda was a good-hearted girl , she could not bear to see Prigio put to death ; and then , perhaps , she reflected that there are worse positions than the queenship of Pantouflia . For Alphonso was gone -- crying would not bring him back . `` Ah , Madam ! '' said the prince , `` you are forgiving -- '' `` For you are brave ! '' said Molinda , feeling quite a respect for him . `` But neither your heart nor mine is ours to give . Since mine was another 's , I understand too well the feeling of yours ! Do not let us buy life at the price of happiness and honour . '' Then , turning to the king , the prince said : `` Sir , is there no way but by death or marriage ? You say you can not keep half only of your promise ; and that , if I accept the reward , I must also unite myself with my unwilling cousin . Can not the whole proclamation be annulled , and will you consider the bargain void if I tear up this flimsy scroll ? '' And here the prince fluttered the cheque for 1,000,000 pounds in the air . For a moment the king was tempted ; but then he said to himself : `` Never mind , it 's only an extra penny on the income-tax . '' Then , `` Keep your dross , '' he shouted , meaning the million ; `` but let me keep my promise . To chapel at once , or -- '' and he pointed to the executioner . `` The word of a king of Pantouflia is sacred . '' `` And so is that of a crown prince , '' answered Prigio ; `` and mine is pledged to a lady . '' `` She shall be a mourning bride , '' cried the king savagely , `` unless '' -- here he paused for a moment -- `` unless you bring me back Alphonso and Enrico , safe and well ! ''
The prince thought for the space of a flash XXXXX lightning .
Since at by for if of that to unless with