Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 4).djvu/662

 I have done everything in the interest of his happiness. It was I who hastened his happy marriage."

"I am hungry," said Zerbin, "give me some figs and raisins."

"Here are some, my Lord," said Mistigris, with all the grace of a courtier. "I hope his Excellency is satisfied with all my small attentions, and that he will often put it in my power to serve him. Great boor," he murmured to himself, "he does not understand what I mean. I must get Aleli on my side. The great secret of diplomacy is to please the ladies."

"By the way, my Lord Zerbin," he continued, with a smile upon his lips, "you seem to forget that you are newly-married. Would you not like to make your Royal Princess a wedding present?"

"You bother me, old man," said Zerbin. "A wedding present! Where do you expect me to get it from? From the bottom of the sea, perhaps! Go yourself and ask the fish for it and bring it back to me."

At that instant, as though an invisible hand had knocked him over, Mistigris jumped overboard, and disappeared beneath the billows.

Zerbin continued quietly munching his raisins, while Aleli kept her eyes fixed fondly upon him.

"There is a porpoise coming out of the sea," said Zerbin.

But it was not a porpoise, it was Mistigris, who, rising to the surface, was struggling with the waves. Zerbin grasped him by his hair, and dragged him into the boat. The little fat man held between his teeth a carbuncle as brilliant as a star. As soon as he had recovered his breath, he said:—

"Here is the wedding present that the King of the Fishes offers to charming Princess Aleli. Lord Zerbin, you can see that I am your most faithful and devoted slave. If ever you are in need of a minister—"

"I am hungry," said Zerbin. "Give me some figs and raisins."

Mistigris was in despair, and broke in adroitly.

"My Lord Zerbin, look over there in front of you; how splendid!"

"What?" said the Princess. "I see nothing."

"Nor I," said Zerbin, rubbing his eyes.

"Is it possible?" continued Mistigris, looking very astonished. "You do not see that marble palace glittering in the sun; that great staircase with one hundred steps, on each side of which stand beautiful orange trees, and which reaches majestically down to the sea?"

"A palace?" said Aleli, "where we should be surrounded with selfish courtiers and valets! I do not wish for that."

"Nor I," said Zerbin; "a cottage would be nicer—we should have more peace."

"But this palace is unlike any other," cried Mistigris, whose imagination was stimulated by fright. "In that fairy dwelling there are neither courtiers nor valets; everything is done by invisible hands. The furniture has hands, and the walls have ears."

"Have they a tongue?" said Zerbin.

"Yes," said Mistigris, "they speak, but they are silent at command."

"Well," said the wood-cutter, "they have more sense than you, then. I should like a palace like that. Where is that wonderful place? I do not see it."

"There it is before you, dear Zerbin," said the Princess.

The vessel was making for the land, and the anchor was about to be cast in a harbour where the water was shallow enough to allow of a safe landing. Before them rose a wide staircase which led to a terrace; upon this stood the most enchanting palace that can be imagined.

The three friends ascended gaily, Mistigris leading the way and puffing at every step. On arriving at the palace gate he wished to ring, but he could see no bell, so he shouted and the gate itself replied.

"What do you want, stranger?" it asked.

"I want to speak to the owner of the palace," said Mistigris, rather taken aback at being spoken to by an iron gate.

"The owner of this palace is Lord Zerbin," replied the gate. "When he arrives I shall open."

And at the sight of Zerbin, having on his arm the fair Aleli, the gate opened to let the bridal couple, followed by Mistigris, enter.

On finding herself upon the terrace, Aleli gazed upon the splendid view which extended before her eyes; the mighty ocean lay sparkling in the morning sun.

"How beautiful it is here," she said, "and how nice it would be to rest under these laurels in full blossom."

"Yes," said Zerbin, "let us sit down."

"But there are no armchairs," said Mistigris.

"Here we are, here we are!" cried the armchairs, and they came running up as quickly as their four legs would allow.

"It would be nice to breakfast here," said Mistigris.