Her hair fell about her shoulders in waving masses, and
because it was the color of gold, she was called Pretty Goldilocks.
She always wore a crown of flowers, and her dresses were embroidered
with pearls and diamonds.
The fame of her beauty reached a young King, who determined to marry
her, although he had never seen her. He sent an ambassador to ask
her hand in marriage; and so confident was he that the Princess would
return with him, that he made every preparation to receive her. The
ambassador arrived at the palace of the Princess with a hundred horses
and as many servants. With great ceremony, he presented the King's
gifts of pearls and diamonds, together with his message. The Princess,
however, did not favor the King's suit, and sent back his gifts with
a polite refusal. When the ambassador returned without the Princess,
every one blamed him for his failure; and the King's disappointment
was so great that no one could console him.
Now at the King's court was a young man so handsome and clever that he
was called Charming. Every one loved him, except some who were envious
because he was the King's favorite. One day Charming rashly remarked
that if the King had sent _him_ for the Princess, she would have
come back with him.
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