But King Sidney had not been mistaken in his prediction; after a short absence the Councillors filed in again and reported that they were unanimously of opinion that Prince Mirliflor had succeeded. "There, my dear," said the King to the Princess Royal, as soon as the shouts of joy had quieted down, "you've got the Council's decision. Give the Prince your hand, and let's have no more bother about it." "I won't!" declared Edna, losing all self-control in her rage and disappointment. "He hasn't won me fairly. I've been tricked into this, and it's all the Court Godmother's doing!" No accusation could well be more unjust, but it was difficult for the Fairy to disprove it without declaring that she had done her utmost to hinder the match--and this would have been impolitic just then. "_My_ doing, forsooth!" she repeated. "If you really believe that, you were never more mistaken in your life!" "Oh no, I'm not mistaken!" said Edna. "It was _you_ who suggested my asking the riddles--and you were the only person I told the answer. If you did not tell him, I should like to know who _did_!" "May I remind you, Princess," said Mirliflor, "that the answer was not made by me?" "You let the Baron answer for you, which is just as bad!" retorted Edna. "And I absolutely refuse to be trapped and cheated into marrying anybody!" "_My_ conscience at least is clear," he said. "But I am to understand that you decline to marry me, Princess--is that so?" "Certainly I do. Nothing would induce me to accept you after this! I don't care what Father and Mother or the Council or anyone says! When--if--I marry I intend to choose for myself. And you are about the last person, Prince Mirliflor, I should ever dream of choosing!" "I am desolated to hear it, Princess," he replied, with admirable patience and resignation. "But since I have the misfortune to be so obnoxious to you, the only service I can render you now is to relieve you of my presence as soon as possible." Queen Selina implored him to stay to lunch, and even held out hopes that Edna might relent in time--but all her entreaties were in vain. To her infinite chagrin and the general lamentation, he insisted on leaving the Palace within an hour. He said no farewell to his Godmother, who for her part was glad to escape a private interview with him, but he took his leave of his host and hostess with all due outward courtesy, though inwardly fuming with rage and impatience to quit a place where he considered he had been so wantonly insulted.