e, I regret, at least, that I have not had the pleasure of
refusing. But how can you refuse, when nothing is asked--when you are not
even thought worth one little loving word?"

"But, miss, allow me to observe to you that the indifference of which you
complain does not see to have prevented your making a long stay in the
house in question."

"How should I know why the prince kept me there, or took me out riding
with him, or to the play? Perhaps it is the fashion in his savage country
to have a pretty girl by your side, and to pay no attention to her at
all!"

"But why, then, did you remain, miss?"

"Why did I remain?" said Rose-Pompon, stamping her loot with vexation. "I
remained because, without knowing how it happened, I began to get very
fond of Prince Charming; and what is queer enough, I, who am as gay as a
lark, loved him because he was so sorrowful, which shows that it was a
serious matter. At last, one day, I could hold out no longer. I said:
'Never mind; I don't care for the consequences. Philemon, I am sure, is
having his fun in the country.' That set my mind at ease. So one morning,
I dress myself in my best, all very pretty, look in my glass, and say:
'Well, that will do--he can't stand that! and, going to his room, I tell
him all that passes through my head; I laugh, I cry--at last I tell him
that I adore him. What do you think he answers, in his mild voice, and as
cold as a piece of marble? Why, 'Poor child--poor child--poor child!'"
added Rose-Pompon, with indignation; "neither more nor less than if I had
come to complain to him of the toothache. But the worst of it is that I
am sure, if he were not in love elsewhere, he would be all fire and
gunpowder. Only now he is so sad, so dejected!"

Then, pausing a moment, Rose-Pompon added: "No, I will not tell you that;
you would be too pleased." But, after another pause, she continued:
"Well, never mind; I will tell you, though"; and this singular girl
looked at Mdlle. de Cardoville with a mixture of sympathy and deference.
"Why should I keep it from you? I began by riding the high horse, and
saying that the prince wished to marry me; and I finished by confessing
that he almost turned me out. Well, it's not my fault; when I try to fib,
I am sure to get confused. So, madame, this is the plain truth:--When I
met you at poor Mother Bunch's, I was at first as angry as a little
turkey-cock; but when I heard you, that are such a fine great lady, speak
so kindly