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however, I hope you will take care to deserve it, and I will provide you with a beautiful damsel who will gain the prize."
The prince grew more and more fond of her; and in her abode enjoyed every magnificent entertainment that fancy could invent.---When this last year was near expired, the White Cat thus addressed him. "If you are sensible of the favours I have conferred upon you, now is the time to make me amends. Do not hesitate, but cut off my head and tail, and throw them into the fire." Tears started from the prince’s eyes at this request, and he was going several times to refuse; but the White Cat insisted upon it so earnestly, that at last, with a trembling hand, he chopped off her head and tail, and threw them according to order into the fire. In an instant the body of the White Cat was changed into the most beautiful lady that ever was seen, and immediately a great number of gentlemen and ladies, holding their cats’ skins over their shoulders, came and fell prostrate at her feet, crying, "Long live our gracious queen! How great is our joy to see her once more in her natural shape!" The prince was glad beyond description to behold so charming a creature but could not help expressing an earnest desire to know the cause of this surprising transformation. "Restrain
