So he stepped out of his hiding-place, and said to the people,—
“None but the good and true can get in.”
Then he tried to go in himself; but the gates would not move.
The king bowed his head in shame, and walked back to his old palace.
“Alas!” said he to himself, “wise and great as I am, I thought I could go in. I see it must be because I am filled with pride. Let me hide my face; for what would Blanche say if she knew, that, because my heart is proud, I am shut out of my own castle? I am not worthy that she should love me; but I hope I shall learn of her to be humble and good.”
The next day he sailed for the home of his childhood. When Blanche saw him, she blushed, and cast down her eyes; but Victor knew they were full of tears of joy. He held her hand, and whispered,—
“Will you go with me and be my bride, beautiful Blanche?”
“I will go with you,” she answered softly; and Victor’s heart rejoiced.
All the while Blanche never dreamed that he was a great prince, and that the men who came with him were his courtiers.
When they reached Victor’s kingdom, and the people shouted “Long live the queen!” Blanche veiled her face, and trembled; for Victor whispered in her ear that the shouts were for her. And, as the people saw her beautiful face through her gossamer veil, they cried all the more loudly,—