to the young man:

"What does the Princess say? Does she love you?"

"I do not know," replied Timtom, "for I have never spoken with her."

"Well," said the King, much amazed at the ignorance and temerity of the
youth, "go and speak to my daughter about the matter, and then come and
tell me what she replies."

Timtom went at once to the room where Princess Pattycake was moodily
sitting, and said, boldly:

"I should like to marry you."

"What!" screamed the Princess, in a great rage; "marry me! Go away this
instant, you impudent boy, or I shall throw my shoe at your head!"

Timtom was both surprised and shocked at this outburst, but he realized
that the Princess had a remarkably bad temper. Still he was not moved
from his purpose, for she was so pretty he decided not to abandon the
attempt to win her.

"Do not be angry, for I love you," he pleaded, looking bravely into
Pattycake's blue eyes.

"Love me?" echoed the surprised Princess; "that is not possible! Every
one else hates me."

"They do not hate you," ventured Timtom; "it is your temper they hate."