Mayblossom was just about to follow their example when a terrific croaking , as of an immense army of crows , rooks , ravens , screech-owls , and all birds of ill-omen was heard , and at the same instant a huge owl skimmed up to the Princess , and threw over her a scarf woven of spiders ' webs and embroidered with bats ' wings . And then peals of mocking laughter rang through the air , and they guessed that this was another of the Fairy Carabosse 's unpleasant jokes . The Queen was terrified at such an evil omen , and tried to pull the black scarf from the Princess 's shoulders , but it really seemed as if it must be nailed on , it clung so closely . ` Ah ! ' cried the Queen , ` can nothing appease this enemy of ours ? What good was it that I sent her more than fifty pounds of sweetmeats , and as much again of the best sugar , not to mention two Westphalia hams ? She is as angry as ever . ' While she lamented in this way , and everybody was as wet as if they had been dragged through a river , the Princess still thought of nothing but the ambassador , and just at this moment he appeared before her , with the King , and there was a great blowing of trumpets , and all the people shouted louder than ever . Fanfaronade was not generally at a loss for something to say , but when he saw the Princess , she was so much more beautiful and majestic than he had expected that he could only stammer out a few words , and entirely forgot the harangue which he had been learning for months , and knew well enough to have repeated it in his sleep . To gain time to remember at least part of it , he made several low bows to the Princess , who on her side dropped half-a-dozen curtseys without stopping to think , and then said , to relieve his evident embarrassment : ` Sir Ambassador , I am sure that everything you intend to say is charming , since it is you who mean to say it ; but let us make haste into the palace , as it is pouring cats and dogs , and the wicked Fairy Carabosse will be amused to see us all stand dripping here . When we are once under shelter we can laugh at her . ' Upon this the Ambassador found his tongue , and replied gallantly that the Fairy had evidently foreseen the flames that would be kindled by the bright eyes of the Princess , and had sent this deluge to extinguish them . Then he offered his hand to conduct the Princess , and she said softly : ` As you could not possibly guess how much I like you , Sir Fanfaronade , I am obliged to tell you plainly that , since I saw you enter the town on your beautiful prancing horse , I have been sorry that you came to speak for another instead of for yourself . So , if you think about it as I do , I will marry you instead of your master . Of course I know you are not a prince , but I shall be just as fond of you as if you were , and we can go and live in some cosy little corner of the world , and be as happy as the days are long . ' The Ambassador thought he must be dreaming , and could hardly believe what the lovely Princess said . He dared not answer , but only squeezed the Princess 's hand until he really hurt her little finger , but she did not cry out . When they reached the palace the King kissed his daughter on both cheeks , and said : ` My little lambkin , are you willing to marry the great King Merlin 's son , for this Ambassador has come on his behalf to fetch you ? ' ` If you please , sire , ' said the Princess , dropping a curtsey . ' I consent also , ' said the Queen ; ` so let the banquet be prepared . '
This was done with all speed , and everybody feasted except Mayblossom and Fanfaronade , who looked XXXXX one another and forgot everything else .
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