I have just returned from a far country , ' he said , ` and I have some of the largest and most brilliant stones in the world with me . The princess is known to love beautiful things , perhaps she might like to buy some ? ' Now the princess had been wondering for many days what trimming she should put on her dresses , so that they should outshine the dresses of the other ladies at the court balls . Nothing that she thought of seemed good enough , so , when the message was brought that the ogre and his wares were below , she at once ordered that he should be brought to her chamber . Oh ! what beautiful stones he laid before her ; what lovely rubies , and what rare pearls ! No other lady would have jewels like those -- of that the princess was quite sure ; but she cast down her eyes so that the ogre might not see how much she longed for them . ' I fear they are too costly for me , ' she said carelessly ; ` and besides , I have hardly need of any more jewels just now . ' ' I have no particular wish to sell them myself , ' answered the ogre , with equal indifference . ` But I have a necklace of shining stones which was left me by father , and one , the largest engraven with weird characters , is missing . I have heard that it is in your husband 's possession , and if you can get me that stone you shall have any of these jewels that you choose . But you will have to pretend that you want it for yourself ; and , above all , do not mention me , for he sets great store by it , and would never part with it to a stranger ! To-morrow I will return with some jewels yet finer than those I have with me to-day . So , madam , farewell ! ' Left alone , the princess began to think of many things , but chiefly as to whether she would persuade her husband to give her the stone or not . 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 , XXXXX 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 .
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