So , if you think about it as I do , I will marry you instead of your master . Of course I know you are not a prince , but I shall be just as fond of you as if you were , and we can go and live in some cosy little corner of the world , and be as happy as the days are long . ' The Ambassador thought he must be dreaming , and could hardly believe what the lovely Princess said . He dared not answer , but only squeezed the Princess 's hand until he really hurt her little finger , but she did not cry out . When they reached the palace the King kissed his daughter on both cheeks , and said : ` My little lambkin , are you willing to marry the great King Merlin 's son , for this Ambassador has come on his behalf to fetch you ? ' ` If you please , sire , ' said the Princess , dropping a curtsey . ' I consent also , ' said the Queen ; ` so let the banquet be prepared . ' This was done with all speed , and everybody feasted except Mayblossom and Fanfaronade , who looked at one another and forgot everything else . After the banquet came a ball , and after that again a ballet , and at last they were all so tired that everyone fell asleep just where he sat . Only the lovers were as wide-awake as mice , and the Princess , seeing that there was nothing to fear , said to Fanfaronade : ` Let us be quick and run away , for we shall never have a better chance than this . ' Then she took the King 's dagger , which was in a diamond sheath , and the Queen 's neck-handkerchief , and gave her hand to Fanfaronade , who carried a lantern , and they ran out together into the muddy street and down to the sea-shore . Here they got into a little boat in which the poor old boatman was sleeping , and when he woke up and saw the lovely Princess , with all her diamonds and her spiders ' -- web scarf , he did not know what to think , and obeyed her instantly when she commanded him to set out . They could see neither moon nor stars , but in the Queen 's neck-handkerchief there was a carbuncle which glowed like fifty torches . Fanfaronade asked the Princess where she would like to go , but she only answered that she did not care where she went as long as he was with her . ` But , Princess , ' said he , ' I dare not take you back to King Merlin 's court . He would think hanging too good for me . ' ` Oh , in that case , ' she answered , ` we had better go to Squirrel Island ; it is lonely enough , and too far off for anyone to follow us there . ' So she ordered the old boatman to steer for Squirrel Island . Meanwhile the day was breaking , and the King and Queen and all the courtiers began to wake up and rub their eyes , and think it was time to finish the preparations for the wedding . And the Queen asked for her neck-handkerchief , that she might look smart .
Then there was a scurrying hither and thither , and a hunting everywhere : they looked XXXXX every place , from the wardrobes to the stoves , and the Queen herself ran about from the garret to the cellar , but the handkerchief was nowhere to be found .
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