cried the Queen , ` can nothing appease this enemy of ours ? What good was it that I sent her more than fifty pounds of sweetmeats , and as much again of the best sugar , not to mention two Westphalia hams ? She is as angry as ever . ' While she lamented in this way , and everybody was as wet as if they had been dragged through a river , the Princess still thought of nothing but the ambassador , and just at this moment he appeared before her , with the King , and there was a great blowing of trumpets , and all the people shouted louder than ever . Fanfaronade was not generally at a loss for something to say , but when he saw the Princess , she was so much more beautiful and majestic than he had expected that he could only stammer out a few words , and entirely forgot the harangue which he had been learning for months , and knew well enough to have repeated it in his sleep . To gain time to remember at least part of it , he made several low bows to the Princess , who on her side dropped half-a-dozen curtseys without stopping to think , and then said , to relieve his evident embarrassment : ` Sir Ambassador , I am sure that everything you intend to say is charming , since it is you who mean to say it ; but let us make haste into the palace , as it is pouring cats and dogs , and the wicked Fairy Carabosse will be amused to see us all stand dripping here . When we are once under shelter we can laugh at her . ' Upon this the Ambassador found his tongue , and replied gallantly that the Fairy had evidently foreseen the flames that would be kindled by the bright eyes of the Princess , and had sent this deluge to extinguish them . Then he offered his hand to conduct the Princess , and she said softly : ` As you could not possibly guess how much I like you , Sir Fanfaronade , I am obliged to tell you plainly that , since I saw you enter the town on your beautiful prancing horse , I have been sorry that you came to speak for another instead of for yourself . 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 XXXXX set out .
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