` Why , by having him taken to the tower with the dungeons , of course . ' For this was the way that in old times beautiful princesses got rid of people who knew too much . But the astonishing part of it was that the youngest sister did not seem at all to relish this method of stopping the mouth of the gardener 's boy , who , after all , had said nothing to their father . XIII It was agreed that the question should be submitted to the other ten sisters . All were on the side of the eldest . Then the youngest sister declared that if they laid a finger on the little garden boy , she would herself go and tell their father the secret of the holes in their shoes . At last it was decided that Michael should be put to the test ; that they would take him to the ball , and at the end of supper would give him the philtre which was to enchant him like the rest . They sent for the Star Gazer , and asked him how he had contrived to learn their secret ; but still he remained silent . Then , in commanding tones , the eldest sister gave him the order they had agreed upon . He only answered : ' I will obey . ' He had really been present , invisible , at the council of princesses , and had heard all ; but he had made up his mind to drink of the philtre , and sacrifice himself to the happiness of her he loved . Not wishing , however , to cut a poor figure at the ball by the side of the other dancers , he went at once to the laurels , and said : ` My lovely rose laurel , with the golden rake I have raked thee , with the golden bucket I have watered thee , with a silken towel I have dried thee . Dress me like a prince . ' A beautiful pink flower appeared . Michael gathered it , and found himself in a moment clothed in velvet , which was as black as the eyes of the little Princess , with a cap to match , a diamond aigrette , and a blossom of the rose laurel in his button-hole . Thus dressed , he presented himself that evening before the Duke of Beloeil , and obtained leave to try and discover his daughters ' secret . He looked so distinguished that hardly anyone would have known who he was . XIV The twelve princesses went upstairs to bed . Michael followed them , and waited behind the open door till they gave the signal for departure . This time he did not cross in Lina 's boat .
He gave his arm XXXXX the eldest sister , danced with each in turn , and was so graceful that everyone was delighted with him .
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