But at length the young man grew tired of always staying inside walls , and he told his wife that the next day he must leave her for a few hours , and go out hunting . ` You will not mind ? ' he asked . And she answered as became a good wife : ` Yes , of course I shall mind ; but I will spend the day in planning out some new dresses ; and then it will be so delightful when you come back , you know ! ' So the husband went off to hunt , with the falcon on his wrist , and the greyhound and the cat behind him -- for the palace was so warm that even the cat did not mind living in it . No sooner had he gone , than the ogre who had been watching his chance for many days , knocked at the door of the palace . ' I have just returned from a far country , ' he said , ` and I have some of the largest and most brilliant stones in the world with me . The princess is known to love beautiful things , perhaps she might like to buy some ? ' Now the princess had been wondering for many days what trimming she should put on her dresses , so that they should outshine the dresses of the other ladies at the court balls . Nothing that she thought of seemed good enough , so , when the message was brought that the ogre and his wares were below , she at once ordered that he should be brought to her chamber . Oh ! what beautiful stones he laid before her ; what lovely rubies , and what rare pearls ! No other lady would have jewels like those -- of that the princess was quite sure ; but she cast down her eyes so that the ogre might not see how much she longed for them . ' I fear they are too costly for me , ' she said carelessly ; ` and besides , I have hardly need of any more jewels just now . ' ' I have no particular wish to sell them myself , ' answered the ogre , with equal indifference . ` But I have a necklace of shining stones which was left me by father , and one , the largest engraven with weird characters , is missing . I have heard that it is in your husband 's possession , and if you can get me that stone you shall have any of these jewels that you choose . But you will have to pretend that you want it for yourself ; and , above all , do not mention me , for he sets great store by it , and would never part with it to a stranger ! To-morrow I will return with some jewels yet finer than those I have with me to-day . So , madam , farewell ! '
Left alone , the princess began to think of many things , but chiefly as to whether she would persuade her husband to give her the XXXXX or not .
chamber door greyhound hunting husband possession stone store stranger wife