For some time she did not speak , but listened attentively to all the adventures that had befallen him that day . ` But I was thinking of you all the time , ' said he at the end , ` and wishing that I could bring you back something you would like . But , alas ! what is there that you do not possess already ? ' ` How good of you not to forget me when you are in the midst of such dangers and hardships , ' answered she . ` Yes , it is true I have many beautiful things ; but if you want to give me a present -- and to-morrow is my birthday -- there IS one thing that I wish for very much . ' ` And what is that ? Of course you shall have it directly ! ' he asked eagerly . ` It is that bright stone which fell out of the folds of your turban a few days ago , ' she answered , playing with his finger ; ` the little stone with all those funny marks upon it . I never saw any stone like it before . ' The young man did not answer at first ; then he said , slowly : ' I have promised , and therefore I must perform . But will you swear never to part from it , and to keep it safely about you always ? More I can not tell you , but I beg you earnestly to take heed to this . ' The princess was a little startled by his manner , and began to be sorry that she had every listened to the ogre . But she did not like to draw back , and pretended to be immensely delighted at her new toy , and kissed and thanked her husband for it . ` After all I need n't give it to the ogre , ' thought she as she dropped off to sleep . Unluckily the next morning the young man went hunting again , and the ogre , who was watching , knew this , and did not come till much later than before . At the moment that he knocked at the door of the palace the princess had tired of all her employments , and her attendants were at their wits ' end how to amuse her , when a tall negro dressed in scarlet came to announce that the ogre was below , and desired to know if the princess would speak to him . ` Bring him hither at once ! '
cried she , springing up from her cushions , and forgetting all her resolves XXXXX the previous night .
After For as at by if like of than till