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But when? replied the queen ardently.
In sixteen years, if you then wish it.
In sixteen years? Heavens!
From this time to that let it be forgotten: for your repose and mine, I must keep this secret.
The queen was excessively curious, and complained, wept, and pouted; but Phanor was inflexible. The vexation of having a husband so discreet, was the only one Altemira knew; the wedded pair loved each other entirely; and, had it not been for the curiosity and eternal questions of the queen concerning the mysterious palace of the genius, they would have been perfectly happy.
Altemira gave birth to a Princess, whom the genius, as may be easily imagined, endowed with all possible grace and perfections. Scarcely had Zeolide (the lovely princess was so called) attained her fourteenth year, ere the queen and the genius were careful to choose her a future husband worthy of her charms; and their choice fell upon Prince Philamir, who adored Zeolide. The young
