“Oh, it is very easy; I have it in my pocket.”
“Bah!” said the queen; but adding, with curiosity, “You have brought something to give me, but I warn you I shall not believe you, unless you show it me at once.”
Then, with a smile full of kindness, the king began searching in his pockets, with that slowness which makes the child doubly impatient for his toy, the animal for his food, and the woman for her present: at last he drew out a box of red morocco leather, artistically ornamented in gold.
“A jewel box!” cried the queen.
The king laid it on the bed.
She opened it impatiently, and then called out, “Oh, mon Dieu! how beautiful!”
The king smiled with delight. “Do you think so?” said he.
The queen could not answer—she was breathless with admiration. Then she drew out of the box a necklace of diamonds, so large, so pure, so glittering, and so even, that, with sparkling eyes, she cried again, “Oh! it is magnificent.”
“Then you are content?” said the king.
“Enchanted, sire; you make me too happy.”