The gentlemen-at-arms followed, and were ready enough to believe all she told them about the long-legged cat.

Indeed, though wise enough to say nothing about it, they remembered, with no little horror, just such a creature amongst those they had surprised at their gambols upon the princess's lawn.
In their own hearts they blamed themselves for not having kept better watch.

And their captain gave orders that from this night the front door and all the windows on the ground floor should be locked immediately the sun set, and opened after upon no pretence whatever.
The men-at-arms redoubled their vigilance, and for some time there was no further cause of alarm.
When the princess woke the next morning, her nurse was bending over her.

'How your ring does glow this morning, princess!--just like a fiery rose!' she said.
'Does it, Lootie ?' returned Irene.

'Who gave me the ring, Lootie?
I know I've had it a long time, but where did I get it?
I don't remember.' 'I think it must have been your mother gave it you, princess; but really, for as long as you have worn it, I don't remember that ever I heard,' answered her nurse.
'I will ask my king-papa the next time he comes,' said Irene..