Nearer and nearer came the train; louder and louder sounded the
clatter, and full in sight came the duke, with the white palfrey, led
by its silver bridle, close beside him. But the saddle was empty, and
no bride was among the huntsmen.
"Can it be possible the lady would refuse him,--so handsome and noble
as he looks?" thought Griselda.
How astonished she was when the duke, riding up to the hut, asked for
her father. She was pale with fright, lest their humble presence had
in some way offended the prince; and, all in a tremble, ran in to call
old Janiculo. He came out, as much puzzled and frightened as his
daughter. "Look up, Janiculo," said the duke, graciously. "You have
heard, perhaps, that to-day is my wedding-day. With your good will, I
propose to take to wife your daughter Griselda. Will you give her to
me in marriage?"
If a thunder-bolt had struck the earth at old Janiculo's feet, he could
not have been more stunned. He gazed at the earth, the sky, and into
his lord's face, who had to repeat his question three times, before the
old man could speak.
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