The wonderful Sheep (6)

The wonderful Sheep (6)

The Captain of the Guard begged Miranda to come down into the garden where the King was enjoying the fresh air, and when they got there, he pretend to search for him, but as he was not to be found, he said :
" No doubt his Majesty has strolled into the forest, " and he opened the little door that led to it and they went through.

By this time the daylight had begun to appear, and the Princess, looking at her conductor, saw that he had tears in his eyes and seemed too sad to speak.

" What is the matter ? " she said in the kind way.
" You seem very sorrowful. "

" Alas ! Princess, " he answered, " who would not be sorrowful who was ordered to do such a terrible thing as I am ? The King has commanded me to kill you here, and carry your heart and your tongue to him, and if I disobey I shall lose my life. "

The poor Princess was terrified, she grew very pale and began to cry softly.

Looking up at the Captain of the Guard with her beautiful eyes, she said gently :
" Will you really have the heart to kill me ?  I have never done you any harm, and have always spoken well of you to the King. If I had deserved my father's anger I would suffer without a murmur, but, alas ! he is unjust to complain of me, when I have always treated him with love and respect. "


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