So she took up the pomegranate , and applied it to her nose ; and , somehow or other , being in such close neighborhood to her mouth , the fruit found its way into that little red cave . Dear me ! what an everlasting pity ! Before Proserpina knew what she was about , her teeth had actually bitten it , of their own accord . Just as this fatal deed was done , the door of the apartment opened , and in came King Pluto , followed by Quicksilver , who had been urging him to let his little prisoner go . At the first noise of their entrance , Proserpina withdrew the pomegranate from her mouth . But Quicksilver -LRB- whose eyes were very keen , and his wits the sharpest that ever anybody had -RRB- perceived that the child was a little confused ; and seeing the empty salver , he suspected that she had been taking a sly nibble of something or other . As for honest Pluto , he never guessed at the secret . `` My little Proserpina , '' said the king , sitting down , and affectionately drawing her between his knees , `` here is Quicksilver , who tells me that a great many misfortunes have befallen innocent people on account of my detaining you in my dominions . To confess the truth , I myself had already reflected that it was an unjustifiable act to take you away from your good mother . But , then , you must consider , my dear child , that this vast palace is apt to be gloomy -LRB- although the precious stones certainly shine very bright -RRB- , and that I am not of the most cheerful disposition , and that therefore it was a natural thing enough to seek for the society of some merrier creature than myself . I hoped you would take my crown for a plaything , and me -- ah , you laugh , naughty Proserpina -- me , grim as I am , for a playmate . It was a silly expectation . '' `` Not so extremely silly , '' whispered Proserpina . `` You have really amused me very much , sometimes . '' `` Thank you , '' said King Pluto , rather dryly . `` But I can see plainly enough , that you think my palace a dusky prison , and me the iron-hearted keeper of it . And an iron heart I should surely have , if I could detain you here any longer , my poor child , when it is now six months since you tasted food . I give you your liberty . Go with Quicksilver .
Hasten home XXXXX your dear mother . ''
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