“The thread?” he cried.
“I have it, never fear! The work is done.”
He was in a state of great excitement.
“Come!” he cried. “The carriage is at the door. Bring it with you. Hurry!”
In a moment I was in his carriage, with a bundle under my arm. We stopped at the same place as before, and reached by the same route the room where I had first seen the Prince and his daughter. They arose in agitation as I came in, and at a joyful signal from my companion came forward and grasped my hands. Truly the lady was more beautiful than I had dreamed.
“You have succeeded?” said the Prince.
“I have!” said I. “Your deliverance is assured!” And I described the accidents from which the doublet had protected me that day.
“Let us sit down,” said the Prince; and when we were all seated, with fruit and wine before us, he begged me to tell my story.
I told as much as I thought fit, omitting any mention of the old woman. The Prince desired to see the doublet. With my left hand I placed in his left the package I had brought with me. He opened it and held up the contents. Alas, it was not the doublet at all, but some indifferent garment intended for another client!
He looked at me in amazement. I was covered with confusion, and begged him to overlook my carelessness. He listened coldly.