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Rh happy with a person who does not love him? But since you will run the risk, I consent to it; allow me time to speak to her, and reconcile her to this marriage."

The humpback wished for the Princess more than for the kingdom; for he already ruled over the one he had just conquered, and he told the King, he was not so eager to reign as he imagined, since he had himself signed the agreement that disinherited him in case his brother should ever return, and that he would respect his father's authority, provided he was not prevented marrying Carpillon. The King embraced him, and went to seek the poor Princess, who was in great anxiety respecting the result of the interview. Her governess was still with her. She took her into her closet, and crying bitterly; "Is it possible," said she to her, "that after all the promises the King made me, he will have the cruelty to sacrifice me to this humpback? Certainly, my dear friend, if I must marry him, the day of my marriage will be the last of my life; for it is not so much his deformity that shocks me, as the badness of his heart." "Alas! my Princess," replied the governess, "you are ignorant, no doubt, that the daughters of the greatest kings are victims, whose inclination they seldom if ever consult; if they do marry an amiable and handsome Prince, they may thank fortune for it; but between one monkey and another, nothing is considered but the interest of the State." Carpillon was about to reply, when it was announced that the King was waiting for her in her chamber. She raised her eyes to heaven, to ask for help.

As soon as she saw the King, it was unnecessary for him to explain the resolution he had arrived at; for she had great penetration, and the qualities of her mind far surpassed those of her person. "Ah! Sire," she exclaimed, "what are you going to tell me?" "Beautiful Princess," said he, "do not look upon your marriage with my son as a misfortune; I entreat of you to consent to it with a good grace; the violence he does to your feelings sufficiently proves the ardour of his own. He could find more than one Princess, who would be enchanted to share with him the kingdom he has already, and the one he hopes for after my death; but he will have none but you. Your disdain, your contempt for him, does not dishearten him; and you must believe, that he will never omit anything he can do to please you." "I flattered myself