ordinarily required of ladies by their lovers, and I decline to obey you."
"Very good, ma'am; then you will understand that our association is' at an end. I thought that, Fairy Queen as you are, you had, nevertheless, some mortal failings—some pardonable blemishes, which would serve to bring you down to the level of a human being. You are much too good for me: you are a Fairy Queen; I am an erring mortal,—for I know I have my faults"
"No, no!" said the Queen, in an agony.
"Yes, indeed I have," rejoined the Prince. "I am an erring mortal, and I am wholly unworthy of you. Good morning, ma'am."
And he left her abruptly.
The Fairy Queen was utterly miserable. She went to good Prince Paragon, and told him all about Prince Snob's treatment of her. Prince Paragon was furious. He sought out Prince Snob, and immediately challenged him to mortal combat.
"All right!" said Prince Snob, who had plenty of pluck. "But no clouds this time."
Prince Paragon was stung by the taunt. "Come on!" said he.
And Prince Snob came on. They fought valiantly, but Prince Snob was eventually overpowered. He fell, and as Prince Paragon was about to pass his sword through the calf of Prince Snob's left leg (for Prince Paragon did not want to kill his adversary outright), the Fairy Queen rushed in and implored Prince Paragon to spare his rival.
"I won't hurt him seriously, ma'am," said the Prince.
