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which, the prince heard a bell of so pleasing a sound, that he concluded it to be made of gold or silver. Immediately the door opened, and twelve hands, each holding a flambeau, gently conducted him into a hall of mother-of-pearl, and from thence through a vast variety of ehambers, all richly eovered with paintings and jewels. The beauty of these ornaments was greatly heightened by a number of lights that hung from the ceiling in glass sconces of exquisite workmanship.
After having passed through sixty apartments, a fine easy chair moved towards him of its own aeeord; the fire lighted itself, and the hands pulled off his clothes, which had been drenched in the storm, and dressed him in others so extraordinarily fine and rich, that it dazzled his sight to behold himself. While the prince was in the utmost astonishment at this uncommon adventure, he saw a multitude of cats enter the room, and seat themselves on the bench. One held a music-book, and some played on instruments, while others beat time. In the midst of this concert, a small figure came forward in a mourning veil, led by two cats in black cloaks, and followed by a long train of cats, some with rats, and others with mice, in their mouths. The young prince was so surprised that he had not power to move; when the little figure, lifting up its veil, discovered the prettiest white cat that ever was seen. "Prince," said she, "be not afraid, but give me your company with cheerfulness. It shall be the ambition of me and all my mewing attendants to give you pleasure."
On a signal given, supper was brought in; but the prince at first declined eating, till the White Cat, guessing the reason, assured him that there were no rats nor mice in any thing that was set before him. As the prince was admiring this beautiful cat, he observed a small picture hanging upon her foot. He asked her to show it him; and how great was his surprise to see a charming young man very much resembling himself! Yct, observing the White Cat to sigh, he was afraid at that time to satisfy his euriosity concerning it, and so endeavoured to divert her by entertaining conversation, in which he found her to be extremely sensible, and acquainted with every thing that passed in the world. He slept every night in an apartment hung with tapestry made of the wings of butterflies, on a bed of the most delicious flowers, and every day was spent in the most delightful amusement. In this manner almost a year slipped away insensibly; and the prince entirely forgot his native home and the little dog he was to carry to his father. But the White Cat knew when he was to return; and one day, as they were walking together in a grove near the palace, "Do you remember, prince," said she, "the
