"
At the same moment the earth opened and she saw a big kitchen full
of cooks, and all sorts of things necessary for the making of a
magnificent banquet, and everybody hard at work.
The Princess, astonished at this sight, asked the men for whom they
were working.
"For the Prince Tufty Riquet," answered the head cook, "for to-morrow
is his wedding day."
The Princess, more surprised than ever, all at once recollected that
it was just a year ago that very day that she had promised to marry
the ugly Tufty Riquet.
[Illustration: "TO THINK IT OVER SHE WENT INTO THE WOOD."]
The reason that she had not remembered her promise before was that she
was foolish when she made it, and in becoming clever she had forgotten
all her former stupidities.
She had only walked on a few steps further, when Riquet appeared
before her, magnificently clad, as a Prince about to marry.
"Here you see me, madam," said he, "keeping my word, and I have no
doubt that you also came here to keep yours, and by giving me your
hand to make me the happiest of men."
"I frankly confess," replied the Princess, "that I have not yet made
up my mind, and I do not think I can ever do as you wish.
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