Page:History of Whittington and his cat (2).pdf/23

PUSS IN BOOTS 23 of Carabas? I never saw any thing more stately than the building, or more beautiful than the park and pleasure-grounds around it. No doubt, the castle is no less magnificent within than without; pray, my Lord Marquis, indulge me with a sight of it."

The Marquis gave his hand to the young princess as she alighted, and followed the King, who went before. They entered a spacious hall, where they found a splendid collation which the Ogre had prepared for some friends he had that day expected to visit him, but who, hearing that the King with the princess, and a great gentleman of the court, were within, had not dared to enter.

The King was so much charmed with the amiable qualities and noble fortune of the Marquis of Carabas, and the young princess, too, had fallen so violently in love with him, that when the King had partaken of the collation, and drank a few glasses of wine, he said to the Marquis." It will be your own fault, my Lord Marquis of Carabas, if you do not soon become my son-in-law." The Marquis received the intelligence with a thousand respectful acknowledgments, accepted the honour conferred upon him, and married the princess that very day.

For some time the great banqueting hall of the castle was thrown open to all, the tables profusely spread with all the delicacies of the season, every