Thereupon the prince and the vizier gave their horses to the groom, entered the candy shop, and sat down.
Let them stay there while we come to the people in the town.
Now, it seems that the evening of this very day had been chosen by the people, upon which to have a grand candy festival. They were wondering who should make the necessary sweets, when some one suggested that they try to persuade the candy-maker’s apprentice to put aside the regular customers of the shop and work for them during that evening. [[199]]
Accordingly, several of the men went to the shop and asked the apprentice if she would go with them to their quarters and prepare candy for the people, who had sent out invitations for a grand festival that evening.
“I am your servants, gentlemen,” replied the apprentice, “but we have guests this evening. It is not fitting that I should leave them.”
To which the men answered pleadingly: “O, master candy-maker, let us persuade your guests to accompany you. There is room, over our heads, for all.”
Whereupon the apprentice, turning to the guests, said: “My masters, we are invited to a candy festival. If you like, we will go. These gentlemen promise that you will be amused.”
The prince was pleased with anything that might lead him to forget his grief for a little, and readily agreed to the proposal. The aged candy-maker expressed willingness to look after the shop alone; and the prince, the vizier, and the apprentice accompanied the men to the place of the festival.
Upon reaching it, the prince and the vizier were conducted up the stairs into the grand reception room; while the apprentice remained below to attend to her duties.
When the sweets were finished she gave portions [[200]]to all guests, who were in the rooms leading from the garden, and then went up the stairs with her brazier of coals and kettle of candy.