East of the Sun and West of the Moon (21)

East of the Sun and West of the Moon (20)

So, when the girl went into the Prince's room this time he was awake, and she had to tell him how she had come there.

" You have come just in time, " said the Prince, " for I should have been married to-morrow ; but I will not have the long-nosed Princess, and you alone can save me. I will say that I want to see what my bride can do, and bid her wash the shirt which has the three drops of tallow on it. This she will consent to do, for she does not know that it is you who let them fall on it ; but no one can wash them out but one born of Christian folk ; it cannot be done by one of a pack of trolls ; and then I will say that  no one shall ever be my bride but the woman who can do this, and  I know that you can, " 

(20/23)