The King and Queen came out to
greet him, and when the lovely little child ran up to him for a
caress, he kissed its pretty face and forgot Hyacinthia.
The first and second day went by; and when the third day came,
Hyacinthia wept, and became a little blue flower growing by the
roadside. An old man came along, and digging up the flower carried it
home with him and planted it in his garden. He watered and tended it
carefully, and one day the little flower became a beautiful maiden.
"Why did you not leave me to die by the roadside?" she asked, and told
the old man her story.
"To-morrow is Prince Milan's wedding day," said the old man.
Hyacinthia at once dried her tears, and presented herself at the
palace, dressed like a peasant. She went to the cook and asked to
be allowed to make the wedding cake. The cook was so struck with her
beauty that he could not refuse the request. When the guests were all
seated about the table, Prince Milan was called upon to cut the cake.
As soon as he had done so, out flew two beautiful doves, which circled
about his head.
"Dear mate," cried one of the doves, "do not leave me as Prince Milan
left Hyacinthia."
The Prince, who suddenly recollected all he had forgotten, ran from
the room and at the door found Hyacinthia and his horse awaiting him.
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