I am Prince Percinet , of whose riches you may have heard , and whose fairy gift will , I hope , be of use to you in all your difficulties , if you will permit me to accompany you under this disguise . ' ` Ah , Percinet ! ' cried the Princess , ` is it really you ? I have so often heard of you and wished to see you . If you will indeed be my friend , I shall not be afraid of that wicked old Duchess any more . ' So they went back to the palace together , and there Graciosa found a beautiful horse which Percinet had brought for her to ride . As it was very spirited he led it by the bridle , and this arrangement enabled him to turn and look at the Princess often , which he did not fail to do . Indeed , she was so pretty that it was a real pleasure to look at her . When the horse which the Duchess was to ride appeared beside Graciosa 's , it looked no better than an old cart horse , and as to their trappings , there was simply no comparison between them , as the Princess 's saddle and bridle were one glittering mass of diamonds . The King had so many other things to think of that he did not notice this , but all his courtiers were entirely taken up with admiring the Princess and her charming Page in green , who was more handsome and distinguished-looking than all the rest of the court put together . When they met the Duchess Grumbly she was seated in an open carriage trying in vain to look dignified . The King and the Princess saluted her , and her horse was brought forward for her to mount . But when she saw Graciosa 's she cried angrily : ` If that child is to have a better horse than mine , I will go back to my own castle this very minute . What is the good of being a Queen if one is to be slighted like this ? ' Upon this the King commanded Graciosa to dismount and to beg the Duchess to honour her by mounting her horse . The Princess obeyed in silence , and the Duchess , without looking at her or thanking her , scrambled up upon the beautiful horse , where she sat looking like a bundle of clothes , and eight officers had to hold her up for fear she should fall off . Even then she was not satisfied , and was still grumbling and muttering , so they asked her what was the matter . ' I wish that Page in green to come and lead the horse , as he did when Graciosa rode it , ' said she very sharply . And the King ordered the Page to come and lead the Queen 's horse . Percinet and the Princess looked at one another , but said never a word , and then he did as the King commanded , and the procession started in great pomp .
The Duchess was greatly elated , and as she sat there XXXXX state would not have wished to change places even with Graciosa .
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