Page:History of Blue Beard.pdf/18

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When he had passed through an immense suit of apartments, all equally superb, he was stopped by the hands, and a large easy chair rolled of itself towards the fire place. A fire appeared to kindle and bum of itself; and the hands, which he observed were extremely white and delicate, took off bis wet clothes, and supplied their place with the finest linen imaginable: over these was placed a wrapping - gown, embroidered with the brightest gold, and enriched with pearls. There was in it a table spread for a repast; every article for use was of burnished gold, adorned with jewels

The prince observed that there were two covers set, and was wondering who would be his companion, when his attention was attracted to a small figure not a foot high, which just then entered the room, and advanced toward him. The prince was at a loss what to think. The little figure now approached, and throwing aside her veil, he beheld a most beautiful white cat; she seemed young and melancholy, and addressing herself to the prince (for she had a human voice,) she said, "Prince, you are welcome; your presence affords me great pleasure."

"Madam," replied the prince, "I would fain thank you for your generosity; but you will pardon me for expressing the astonishment I feel, that under your present form you should possess the gift of human speech, and the magnificent palace I see."

When supper was over, the prince perceived that the white cat had a miniature portrait set in gold, suspended to one of her feet. He begged her permission to look at it, and to his astonishment, found that it was the portrait of a young man exactly like himself.

When the night was far advanced, the white cat washed him good-night, and he was conducted by the hands to a bedchamber which differed from all the apartments he had yet seen in the palace, being hung with the wings of butterflies, mingled with the most curious feathers.

The prince was undressed and put into bed by the hands, but not a word was spoken, and in the morning was awakened by a confused noise.

He looked into the court-yard, and perceived more than five hundred cats busily employed in preparing for the field, for this was a day of festival.