soon as the Prince arrived he assumed the disguise of an old man, and requested a private audience of her Majesty. "Madam," said he to her, "I have studied from my earliest youth the art of Necromancy: you may judge from that fact that I am not ignorant of the hatred Fanferluche bears you, and its terrible consequences; but dry your tears, Madam; that Babiole, whom you have seen so ugly, is now the most beautiful Princess in the world. She will shortly be beside you, if you will forgive the Queen your sister the cruel war she has made upon you, and cement the peace by the marriage of your Infanta with the Prince your nephew." "I cannot flatter myself with such hopes," replied the Queen weeping; "you wish to allay my sorrow, sage old man, but I have lost my dear child, I have no longer a husband, my sister pretends to my kingdom, her son is equally unjust towards me, and I will never seek their alliance." "Destiny has ordained otherwise," said the Prince, "I am commissioned to inform you so." "Alas!" added the Queen, "where would be the advantage of my consenting to their marriage? The wicked Fanferluche has too much power and malice. She would oppose it always." "Make yourself easy on that score, Madam," replied the old man; "promise me only that you will not object to the match so much desired." "I will promise anything," said the Queen, "on condition that I once again behold my dear daughter."
The Prince retired and ran to the spot where the Infanta was awaiting him. She was surprised to see him disguised, and he was, therefore, compelled to explain to her that for some time past there had been a confliction of interests between the two Queens, which had caused considerable bitterness; but that he had at length induced his aunt to consent to his wishes. The Princess was delighted: she repaired to the palace. All who saw her pass, were so struck by her perfect resemblance to her mother, that they hastened after her to ascertain who she could be.
As soon as the Queen saw her, her heart was so greatly agitated that she needed no other proof of the truth of the story. The Princess flung herself at the Queen's feet, and was raised by her into her arms; where, after remaining for some time without speaking, and kissing away each other's tears, they gave utterance to all that can be imagined on such
