` There is somebody behind me , ' cried the Princess ; ` they are holding my dress . ' ` You foolish thing , ' said her eldest sister , ` you are always afraid of something . It is only a nail which caught you . ' VII They went down , down , down , till at last they came to a passage with a door at one end , which was only fastened with a latch . The eldest Princess opened it , and they found themselves immediately in a lovely little wood , where the leaves were spangled with drops of silver which shone in the brilliant light of the moon . They next crossed another wood where the leaves were sprinkled with gold , and after that another still , where the leaves glittered with diamonds . At last the Star Gazer perceived a large lake , and on the shores of the lake twelve little boats with awnings , in which were seated twelve princes , who , grasping their oars , awaited the princesses . Each princess entered one of the boats , and Michael slipped into that which held the youngest . The boats glided along rapidly , but Lina 's , from being heavier , was always behind the rest . ` We never went so slowly before , ' said the Princess ; ` what can be the reason ? ' ' I do n't know , ' answered the Prince . ' I assure you I am rowing as hard as I can . ' On the other side of the lake the garden boy saw a beautiful castle splendidly illuminated , whence came the lively music of fiddles , kettle-drums , and trumpets . In a moment they touched land , and the company jumped out of the boats ; and the princes , after having securely fastened their barques , gave their arms to the princesses and conducted them to the castle . VIII Michael followed , and entered the ball-room in their train . Everywhere were mirrors , lights , flowers , and damask hangings . The Star Gazer was quite bewildered at the magnificence of the sight . He placed himself out of the way in a corner , admiring the grace and beauty of the princesses . Their loveliness was of every kind . Some were fair and some were dark ; some had chestnut hair , or curls darker still , and some had golden locks .
Never were so many beautiful princesses seen together XXXXX one time , but the one whom the cow-boy thought the most beautiful and the most fascinating was the little Princess with the velvet eyes .
along as at before behind from in of on with