At one moment she felt he had already bestowed so much upon her that it was a shame to ask for the only object he had kept back . No , it would be mean ; she could not do it ! But then , those diamonds , and those string of pearls ! After all , they had only been married a week , and the pleasure of giving it to her ought to be far greater than the pleasure of keeping it for himself . And she was sure it would be ! Well , that evening , when the young man had supped off his favourite dishes which the princess took care to have specially prepared for him , she sat down close beside him , and began stroking his head . For some time she did not speak , but listened attentively to all the adventures that had befallen him that day . ` But I was thinking of you all the time , ' said he at the end , ` and wishing that I could bring you back something you would like . But , alas ! what is there that you do not possess already ? ' ` How good of you not to forget me when you are in the midst of such dangers and hardships , ' answered she . ` Yes , it is true I have many beautiful things ; but if you want to give me a present -- and to-morrow is my birthday -- there IS one thing that I wish for very much . ' ` And what is that ? Of course you shall have it directly ! ' he asked eagerly . ` It is that bright stone which fell out of the folds of your turban a few days ago , ' she answered , playing with his finger ; ` the little stone with all those funny marks upon it . I never saw any stone like it before . ' The young man did not answer at first ; then he said , slowly : ' I have promised , and therefore I must perform . But will you swear never to part from it , and to keep it safely about you always ? More I can not tell you , but I beg you earnestly to take heed to this . '
The princess was a little startled by his manner , and began to be sorry XXXXX she had every listened to the ogre .
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