第96章 THE ENCHANTED CANARY(4)

`Dear, dear!' she said to herself.`So he likes yellow women!

Why, I am yellow too, and if I could only think of a way----'

It was not long before she did think of it.

`What!' cried the sly Titty, `they are coming with great pomp to fetch you, and you are not afraid to show yourself to so many fine lords and ladies with your hair down like that? Get down at once, my poor child, and let me dress your hair for you!'

The innocent Zizi came down at once, and stood by Titty.The gypsy began to comb her long brown locks, when suddenly she drew a pin from her stays, and, just as the titmouse digs its beak into the heads of linnets and larks, Titty dug the pin into the head of Zizi.

No sooner did Zizi feel the prick of the pin than she became a bird again, and, spreading her wings, she flew away.

`That was neatly done,' said the gypsy.`The Prince will be clever if he finds his bride.' And, arranging her dress, she seated herself on the grass to await Desire.

XII

Meanwhile the Prince was coming as fast as his horse could carry him.He was so impatient that he was always full fifty yards in front of the lords and ladies sent by Tubby to bring back Zizi.

At the sight of the hideous gypsy he was struck dumb with surprise and horror.

`Ah me!' said Titty, `so you don't know your poor Zizi?

While you were away the wicked witch came, and turned me into this.But if you only have the courage to marry me I shall get back my beauty.' And she began to cry bitterly.

Now the good-natured Desire was as soft-hearted as he was brave.

`Poor girl,' he thought to himself.`It is not her fault, after all, that she has grown so ugly, it is mine.Oh! why did I not follow the old man's advice? Why did I leave her alone? And besides, it depends on me to break the spell, and I love her too much to let her remain like this.'

So he presented the gypsy to the lords and ladies of the Court, explaining to them the terrible misfortune which had befallen his beautiful bride.

They all pretended to believe it, and the ladies at once put on the false princess the rich dresses they had brought for Zizi.

She was then perched on the top of a magnificent ambling palfrey, and they set forth to the castle.

But unluckily the rich dress and jewels only made Titty look uglier still, and Desire could not help feeling hot and uncomfortable when he made his entry with her into the city.

Bells were pealing, chimes ringing, and the people filling the streets and standing at their doors to watch the procession go by, and they could hardly believe their eyes as they saw what a strange bride their Prince had chosen.

In order to do her more honour, Tubby came to meet her at the foot of the great marble staircase.At the sight of the hideous creature he almost fell backwards.

`What!' he cried.`Is this the wonderful beauty?'

`Yes, father, it is she,' replied Desire with a sheepish look.`But she has been bewitched by a wicked sorceress, and will not regain her beauty until she is my wife.'

`Does she say so? Well, if you believe that, you may drink cold water and think it bacon,' the unhappy Tubby answered crossly.

But all the same, as he adored his son, he gave the gypsy his hand and led her to the great hall, where the bridal feast was spread.

XIII

The feast was excellent, but Desire hardly touched anything.

However, to make up, the other guests ate greedily, and, as for Tubby, nothing ever took away his appetite.

When the moment arrived to serve the roast goose, there was a pause, and Tubby took the opportunity to lay down his knife and fork for a little.But as the goose gave no sign of appearing, he sent his head carver to find out what was the matter in the kitchen.

Now this was what had happened.

While the goose was turning on the spit, a beautiful little canary hopped on to the sill of the open window.

`Good-morning, my fine cook,' she said in a silvery voice to the man who was watching the roast.

`Good-morning, lovely golden bird,' replied the chief of the scullions, who had been well brought up.

`I pray that Heaven may send you to sleep,' said the golden bird, `and that the goose may burn, so that there may be none left for Titty.'