Page:Little Ellie and Other Tales (1850).djvu/50

Rh palace surrounded by many towers and high walls. Only the King visits his daughter; because it has been foretold that the Princess will marry a common soldier, and the King would never hear of such a thing.”

“I’d give the world to see the Princess!” thought the soldier to himself; but as to getting a permission, it was of no use thinking of such a thing.

Meanwhile he led a merry life; went often to the play, drove about in the royal park, and gave a good deal to the poor. It was praiseworthy of him to be charitable; but he knew well enough by experience what a poor fellow feels who has not a penny in his pocket. He was, moreover, a rich man, had handsome clothes, and many friends, who told him every day that he was an excellent creature, a perfect gentleman; and all this the soldier liked to hear.

But it so happened after a while, as he was always taking from his money and never received any, he had at last but two-