Originally published in Short Stories in 1892 The prince was to choose a wife. In the Rose-Garden were forty maidens, the noblest daughters of the kingdom. Some posed on the raised marble brim of the fountain ; some walked, with regal tread, among the blossoms, in and out of the winding paths; and some, overcome by .the perfume of the flowers, the excitement of the hour, dreading, yet longing, for the approach of the prince, sank upon the soft moss, and cooled their feverish cheeks on the dewy rose-petals. " I wish to speak with you, " said the prince. The lady bowed.