November, 2007
The Princess Rosette - A Fairy Story
IV. -- Rosette's Second Day In The Palace
While Rosette was asleep, the king and queen and their envious daughters were in a high state of indignation, and were quarrelling and blaming each other for Rosette's success and their humiliation.
One hope, however, remained to them, but only one. A picnic on the shore of lake had been proposed by the king and queen, and the quests were to there in chariots.
It had been arranged to give Prince Charming and Rosette, who were to ride together, a very high chariot, and one that could easily be overturned. The orders had been given to select fiery and half-broken horses for this chariot.
Rosette's death was not really planned, but it was hoped that some accident would at least mar her beauty, and thus make her unlovely in the eyes of the prince. It was also hoped that if Rosette escaped unharmed, the prince would receive some injury that would lay him aside and prevent the marriage.
This wicked plan was, of course, unknown to Prince Charming and Rosette, and they met in the morning without a thought of coming danger. The first question the prince asked was, -
"What did the fairy say to you last night? What answer did she give you?"
"Just such an answer as my heart would have dictated." replied Rosette; and her beautiful answer caused the prince to fall more deeply in love with her than ever, and he said, with great earnestness, -
"Let us not delay our nuptials. When can I see your father and obtain his consent?"
"After our return from lake shore." answered Rosette.
"We must married today," replied the prince, excitedly, "for I long to transport you from this palace to mine. Here you are persecuted and oppressed for your virtues, but there you will be honored and loved for these same virtues."
Rosette hesitated, because she was perplexed, and didn't know what to say; but suddenly she heard a voice, and it said, - "Listen to the prince, and be married before the going down of the sun."
And the same voice said to the prince, - "Press the marriage. The life of Rosette is in danger."
This startled them. They were convinced that it was a warning, and a warning that must not be unheeded. But Rosette could not endure the thought of leaving the palace, cold as had been reception, without making one more effort to win a kind word from her parents and sisters.
So as soon as possible, she placed herself in their way, and, by pleasant smiles and kind manners, sought to turn their hearts towards her. But they were unchangeable in their hatred and envy, not a word nor a look would they give her.
The kings and princes, however, crowded around her, and their faces most plainly expressed the admiration that her beauty and sweetness of character had enkindled. But this didn't relieve the sadness that oppressed her, as she thought of those who were united to her by ties of blood, and she resolved to make yet one more effort for a reconciliation.
"I will go to the picnic," she said, "as I have been invited with the other guests. Some good may come of it."
( To be continued next month)
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