Then, although she smiled at his word—which was a command, coming as it did from a prince—there occurred nothing at all unusual. Neither roses nor the fragrance of roses filled the air about her cheeks. [[77]]
At this the prince, beginning to doubt, said to himself, “Most wonderful things have been told me concerning the maiden who was to become my princess; not one of which has manifested itself since the coming of this person.” After reflecting thus, he determined to speak of that which disturbed his mind.
“My princess,” he said, very gently, “it was related to me that when you laughed, roses formed near your cheeks. But nothing of that kind came to pass with your laughter just now. What is the meaning of this?”
“My lord,” was the careful answer, “that which has been told you is true; but it only happens once during each year.”
Thus were the questionings of the prince quieted for a little.
When it was morning and the princess was led to the bath, the queen mother came to accompany her. While one of the slaves washed the face of the girl, the mother approached with a cup of water. “Permit me, my child,” said she, and straightway poured the contents of the cup upon the girl’s head. Not a gold piece made its appearance.
At this, although she uttered not a word, the queen’s suspicions were strengthened. However, taking the girl’s hand, she led her from the bath [[78]]and together they hastened to the palace, where the one who had been made princess sat down quietly, by herself.
Let these people stay here while we return to the helpless one, who had been deserted upon the mountain.
Her poor blind eyes could not cease their weeping until, as the result of her tears, a wall of pearls, as high as a man, piled itself before her. A muleteer, who was coming from the other side of the mountain, followed his path until it led him near to the suffering one. He was lost in astonishment and pity at what he saw. When he could recover himself, he approached the maiden and said: “Ai, my girl, what fate has brought you to this plight?”
“Ai, baba” (which, being interpreted, means “father”), “do not ask me! Providence has ordained it. I must be patient.”