Page 22 - Child's own book

vou."— li Since T have been here,” replied the princess, lt he
conics once every day to sec m e; and 1 am persuaded that
the indifference of tnv manner towards him, and the evident
reluctance of my conversation, induccs him to withhold more
frequent visits. All his endeavours arc to persuade me to break
that faith 1 pledged fo and to take him for a husband.
He frequently informs mo that I have no hopes of seeing you
again, for that you arc dead, having had your head struck
off by order of the sultan. IJe also calls ymi an ungrateful
wretch ; says that your good fortune was owing to him : besides
many other things of a similar kind. lie, however, receives no
other answer from mu fhan grief, complaints, and tears ; and he
is therefore always obliged to retire with evident dissatisfaction.
1 have but little doubt, that his intention is to ailow me some
time for my sorrow to subside, in hopes that my sentiments
may afterwards become changed ; but if I persevere in an
obstinate refusal, that he will use violence to compel me to
marry him. Jiut your presence, Aladdin, subdues ail my
apprehension® -— 1 have great confidence,'* replied Aladdin,
14 si nee my princess's fears are diminished ; aud 1 believe that
1 have thought of the means to deliver vou from our common
enemy. X shall return at noon, and will then communicate
my project to you, and tell you what must be done for its success.
Jiut that you may not he surprised, it is well to inform you,
that I shall change my dress ; and ! must beg of you to give
orders that 1 may riot wait long at the private gate, but that
it may be opened at tho first knock." A ll which the princess
promised to observe*
When Aladdin went out of the palace* he perceived a coun­
tryman before him, and having come up with him, made a
proposal to change clothes, to which the man agreed. They
accordingly went behind a hedge, and made the exchange.