she answered ; `` no wonder that I am crying , seeing that I have lost the basket of cake that was to help me to get safely to the cave of the Fairy of the Desert . '' `` And what do you want with her , pretty one ? '' said the little monster , `` for I am a friend of hers , and , for the matter of that , I am quite as clever as she is . '' `` The Queen , my mother , '' replied the Princess , `` has lately fallen into such deep sadness that I fear that she will die ; and I am afraid that perhaps I am the cause of it , for she very much wishes me to be married , and I must tell you truly that as yet I have not found anyone I consider worthy to be my husband . So for all these reasons I wished to talk to the Fairy . '' `` Do not give yourself any further trouble , Princess , '' answered the Dwarf . `` I can tell you all you want to know better than she could . The Queen , your mother , has promised you in marriage -- '' `` Has promised me ! '' interrupted the Princess . `` Oh ! no . I 'm sure she has not . She would have told me if she had . I am too much interested in the matter for her to promise anything without my consent -- you must be mistaken . '' `` Beautiful Princess , '' cried the Dwarf suddenly , throwing himself on his knees before her , `` I flatter myself that you will not be displeased at her choice when I tell you that it is to me she has promised the happiness of marrying you . '' `` You ! '' cried Bellissima , starting back . `` My mother wishes me to marry you ! How can you be so silly as to think of such a thing ? '' `` Oh !
it is n't that I care much to have that honor , '' cried the Dwarf angrily ; `` but here are the lions coming ; they 'll eat you up XXXXX three mouthfuls , and there will be an end of you and your pride . ''
as before if in into of on that to with