The royal cheque-book , bound in red morocco , was brought in by eight pages , with ink and a pen . His majesty then filled up and signed the following satisfactory document -- -LRB- Ah ! my children , how I wish Mr. Arrowsmith would do as much for me ! -RRB- : -LSB- Illustration : The King 's Cheque -RSB- `` There ! '' said his majesty , crossing his cheque and throwing sand over it , for blotting-paper had not yet been invented ; `` there , take that , and be off with you ! '' Prince Prigio was respectfully but rapidly obeying his royal command , for he thought he had better cash the royal cheque as soon as possible , when his majesty yelled : `` Hi ! here ! come back ! I forgot something ; you 've got to marry Molinda ! '' -LSB- Illustration : Chapter Sixteen -RSB- CHAPTER XVI . -- A Melancholy Chapter THE prince had gone some way , when the king called after him . How he wished he had the seven-league boots on , or that he had the cap of darkness in his pocket ! If he had been so lucky , he would now have got back to Gluckstein , and crossed the border with Lady Rosalind . A million of money may not seem much , but a pair of young people who really love each other could live happily on less than the cheque he had in his pocket . However , the king shouted very loud , as he always did when he meant to be obeyed , and the prince sauntered slowly back again . `` Prigio ! '' said his majesty , `` where were you off to ? Do n't you remember that this is your wedding-day ? My proclamation offered , not only the money -LRB- which you have -RRB- , but the hand of the Lady Molinda , which the Court chaplain will presently make your own . I congratulate you , sir ; Molinda is a dear girl . ''
`` I have the highest affection and esteem XXXXX my cousin , sir , '' said the prince , `` but : -- '' `` I 'll never marry him ! ''
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