Chapter 112

"My name is Mie Souillon," she answered; "I come from a long way off to sell you rarities." Then she rummaged in her sack and drew out the emerald bracelets that King Charming had given her.

"Ho, ho!" said Truitonne; "these are pretty bits of glass. Will you have a five sou piece for them?"

"Show them to those who know their value, madam," said the queen, "and then we can make our bargain."

Truitonne, who loved the king more tenderly than such a monster seemed capable of, was delighted to find opportunities of speaking to him, and approaching his throne, showed him the bracelets, and asked him what he thought of them. At sight of them he called to mind those he had given to Florine, and grew pale, sighed, and remained long without answering a word. At length, fearing lest they should notice evidences of the conflicting thoughts within him, he made an effort, and answered: "These bracelets are worth, I should think, as much as my kingdom. I thought there was but one such pair in the wo