` How would you like to have a husband like that ? ' asked the queen , laughing . ` As if I knew anything about husbands ! ' replied Desiree , who had long ago guessed the business of the ambassador . ` Well , he will be your husband in three months , ' answered the queen , ordering the prince 's presents to be brought in . The princess was very pleased with them , and admired them greatly , but the queen noticed that all the while her eyes constantly strayed from the softest silks and most brilliant jewels to the portrait of the prince . The ambassador , finding that there was no hope of his being allowed to see the princess , took his leave , and returned to his own court ; but here a new difficulty appeared . The prince , though transported with joy at the thought that Desiree was indeed to be his bride , was bitterly disappointed that she had not been allowed to return with Becasigue , as he had foolishly expected ; and never having been taught to deny himself anything or to control his feelings , he fell as ill as he had done before . He would eat nothing nor take pleasure in anything , but lay all day on a heap of cushions , gazing at the picture of the princess . ` If I have to wait three months before I can marry the princess I shall die ! ' was all this spoilt boy would say ; and at length the king , in despair , resolved to send a fresh embassy to Desiree 's father to implore him to permit the marriage to be celebrated at once . ' I would have presented my prayer in person , he added in his letter , ` but my great age and infirmities do not suffer me to travel ; however my envoy has orders to agree to any arrangement that you may propose . ' On his arrival at the palace Becasigue pleaded his young master 's cause as fervently as the king his father could have done , and entreated that the princess might be consulted in the matter . The queen hastened to the marble tower , and told her daughter of the sad state of the prince . Des the prince without risking the doom pronounced over her by the wicked fairy . ' I see ! ' she exclaimed joyfully at last . ` Let a carriage be built through which no light can come , and let it be brought into my room . I will then get into it , and we can travel swiftly during the night and arrive before dawn at the palace of the prince . Once there , I can remain in some underground chamber , where no light can come . '
` Ah , how clever you are , ' cried the queen , clasping her XXXXX her arms .
as at in into like over through to with without