Longthorn immediately put on the garments of Desiree, and
adorned herself with her royal mantle, her crown of diamonds, her
sceptre of a single ruby, and the globe which she carried in her left
hand, composed of one enormous pearl. Thus attired, with her mother
bearing her train, the false Desiree marched into the city--they two
alone; for, by the fairy's contrivance, the rest of the attendants had
been scattered in all directions. Longthorn doubted not the prince
would be already advancing to meet his bride, which was indeed the
case; though he was so weak that he had to be conveyed in a litter,
surrounded by courtiers and knights, who all wore splendid armour and
green plumes, green being the favourite colour of the princess. Seeing
the two ladies so richly dressed, coming forward on foot and
unattended, they dismounted, and respectfully greeted them.
"May I inquire," said Longthorn, "who is in that litter?"
"Madam," replied a knight, "it is the Prince Warrior, who comes to
meet his betrothed, the Princess Desiree."
"Tell him," said Longthorn, "that I am she. A fairy, jealous of my
happiness, has driven away all my attendants, but that I am Desiree is
proved by these my royal ornaments, and the letters of my father,
borne by my lady-of-honour here."
Immediately the courtiers kissed the hem of her robe, and made all
diligence to announce to the prince, and the king his father, who
accompanied him, that the Princess Desiree had arrived.
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