At sight of him--her own Prince indeed, but looking so strangely pale and sad that she would hardly have recognised him--the Princess could not restrain a little cry.
"'What is it ?' said the old woman.
"'A passer-by trod on my foot,' said the Princess, fearful of attracting attention.

And the old woman said no more, for at this moment another blast of trumpets announced the arrival of the princesses, who were to make the trial of the balls.

The first was tall and dark, with raven tresses and brilliant, flashing eyes.

She was dressed in a robe of rich maize colour, and as she took her place on the dais she looked round her, as if to say, 'Who can compete with me in beauty or in skill ?' And she was the Princess of the south.
"The second was also tall, and her hair was of a deep rich brown, and her eyes were sparkling and her cheeks rosy.

She was dressed in bright pink, and laughed as she came forward, as if sure of herself and her attractions.