youth, and intellect. In her hair she wore a wreath of red and white
roses, and a bouquet of the same in her bosom.

She was, indeed, dazzling in her beauty, and was, perhaps, conscious
of her power; her eyes sparkled, and a ravishing smile played upon
her lips as she looked up at the prince, who stood dumb and
embarrassed before her, and could find no words to express his
admiration.

"If it is agreeable to your highness, let us join your company,"
said the princess, at last, anxious to put an end to this interview.
She extended her hand coolly to her husband; he grasped it, and held
it fast, but still stood silently looking upon her.

"Madame," said he, at last, in low and hesitating tones--"madame, I
have a request to make of you."

"Command me, my husband," said she, coldly; "what shall I do?"

"I do not wish to command, but to entreat," said the prince.

"Well, then, Prince Henry, speak your request."

The prince gave the bouquet of white camelias to his wife, and said,
in a faltering, pleading voice, "I beg you to accept this bouquet
from me, and to wear it to-day in your bosom, although it is not
your shepherd who offers it!"

"No, not my shepherd, but my husband," said the princess, removing
angrily the bouquet of roses from her bodice. "I must, of course,