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 stone or not . At one moment she felt he had already bestowed so much upon her that it was a shame to ask for the only object he had kept back . No , it would be mean ; she could not do it ! But then , those diamonds , and those string of pearls ! After all , they had only been married a week , and the pleasure of giving it to her ought to be far greater than the pleasure of keeping it for himself . And she was sure it would be ! Well , that evening , when the young man had supped off his favourite dishes which the princess took care to have specially prepared for him , she sat down close beside him , and began stroking his head . For some time she did not speak , but listened attentively to all the adventures that had befallen him that day . ` But I was thinking of you all the time , ' said he at the end , ` and wishing that I could bring you back something you would like . But , alas ! what is there that you do not possess already ? ' ` How good of you not to forget me when you are in the midst of such dangers and hardships , ' answered she .
` Yes , it is true I have many beautiful XXXXX ; but if you want to give me a present -- and to-morrow is my birthday -- there IS one thing that I wish for very much . '
To-morrow dishes eyes farewell man midst possession shame things time