Charming found Goldenlocks surrounded by a splendor greater than any he had ever seen before. Pearls and diamonds were so plentiful that he began to think they must grow on trees in this kingdom! It worried him a little, for he thought he would have to be very clever to persuade Goldenlocks to leave so much luxury. With fear and trembling Charming presented himself at the door of Princess Goldenlocks' palace on the morning after his arrival. He had dressed himself with the greatest care in a handsome suit of crimson velvet. On his head was a hat of the same brocaded material, trimmed with waving ostrich plumes, which were fastened to his hat with a clasp set with flashing diamonds. A messenger was sent at once to the Princess to announce his arrival. "Your Majesty," the messenger said. "There is the most handsome gentleman sent from a King awaiting you below. He is dressed like a Prince, and he is the most charming person I have ever seen. In fact, his very name is Charming." "His name sounds as if I would like him," said the Princess, musingly. "I will see him presently. Honora, bring me my best blue satin gown--the one embroidered with pearls." Then the Princess had a fresh wreath of pink roses made to wind in her lovely golden hair; Honora pushed tiny blue satin slippers on the feet of her mistress, and handed her an exquisite silver lace fan. Then Goldenlocks was all ready. She assumed her most princess-like manner, and entered the great throne room. You may be sure, however, that she stopped on the way, in the hall of mirrors, to see that she really deserved all the compliments which her handmaids gave her. When Goldenlocks was seated on the throne of gold and ivory, and her handmaids were posed gracefully about her, playing idly on guitars, Charming was brought in. He was as though struck dumb by the beauty which greeted his eyes. He forgot for the moment all that he had intended to say--all the long harangue prepared so carefully on the way. Then he took a deep breath, and began, just as he had intended, with: "Most lovely Princess Goldenlocks, I have come to ask your hand in marriage for the most noble King in the world." I think his speech must have been very interesting, for Goldenlocks did not take her eyes from Charming's face during the hour in which Charming described the glories of his King. "What, O most gracious Princess, may I take to the King as an answer to his plea?" Charming finally inquired. "Tell him," said Goldenlocks kindly, "I believe that no King who was not worthy and charming himself could have an ambassador like you." "But," she added after a pause, "tell him also that Goldenlocks may not marry. I have taken a solemn vow that I will not marry until a ring which I lost in the brook a month ago is found. I valued that ring more than my whole kingdom, but it cannot be found."