"Possibly," he said, in reply. "But why now more than usual?"
"Clearly," answered the other, "because you are breaking your heart about the love of a young woman who is breaking hers because you do not make the proper advances. Do you expect a maiden, setting aside her high rank, to be won without wooing?"
"But I dare not," said Gofaster, despairingly.
"He who dares not is lost," said the Phooka. "I know everything that goes on through the palace, because I pass everywhere without observation. The Princess believes you indifferent to her charms, and is mortified that she has given her heart to one who treats her with neglect. The whole town is talking of it, and wondering why you do not embrace the good-fortune in store for you."
A new light broke in upon the giant's mind. "I shall try," he said.
"Try is the best dog in the pack," said the goblin.
Gofaster now plucked up courage and appeared at the audience—which was given every twenty-four hours—bravely arrayed, and with a cheerful face. He joined in conversation with the friends whom he had made among the nobles, and even ventured to address some observations to the Princess and the ladies of honor around her, the latter of whom received him with marked pleasure. Bit by bit the conversation in this group became general, and finally the Princess herself joined in it, throwing off her reserve. As the two spoke together more freely, the ladies of honor drew back, as if by tacit agreement, and the Princess and Gofaster were left together.
"I have not sufficiently congratulated you, Count," said the Princess, "on your last great achievement."
"Nor have I, your Royal Highness," answered he, "thanked you for the kindly and effective words you spoke in behalf of my project when its success seemed doubtful."