“Sire, I cannot find words in which to thank your Majesty for the great honour conferred on me.  I can but assure you that I will do all in my power to prove myself worthy of it.”

On leaving the council the prince was conducted to a splendid house which had been prepared for him, where he found a full establishment and well-filled stables at his orders.  On entering his study his steward presented him with a coffer filled with gold pieces for his current expenses.  He felt more and more puzzled by such good fortune, and little guessed that the Princess of China was the cause of it.

After a few days the Princess Badoura promoted Camaralzaman to the post of grand treasurer, an office which he filled with so much integrity and benevolence as to win universal esteem.

He would now have thought himself the happiest of men had it not been for that separation which he never ceased to bewail.  He had no clue to the mystery of his present position, for the princess, out of compliment to the old king, had taken his name, and was generally known as King Armanos the younger, few people remembering that on her first arrival she went by another name.

At length the princess felt that the time had come to put an end to her own and the prince’s suspense, and having arranged all her plans with the Princess Haiatelnefous, she informed Camaralzaman that she wished his advice on some important business, and, to avoid being disturbed, desired him to come to the palace that evening.

The prince was punctual, and was received in the private apartment, when, having ordered her attendants to withdraw, the princess took from a small box the talisman, and, handing it to Camaralzaman, said:  “Not long ago an astrologer gave me this talisman.  As you are universally well informed, you can perhaps tell me what is its use.”

Camaralzaman took the talisman and, holding it to the light, cried with surprise, “Sire, you ask me the use of this talisman.  Alas! hitherto it has been only a source of misfortune to me, being the cause of my separation from the one I love best on earth.  The story is so sad and strange that I am sure your Majesty will be touched by it if you will permit me to tell it you.”

“I will hear it some other time,” replied the princess.  “Meanwhile I fancy it is not quite unknown to me.  Wait here for me.  I will return shortly.”

So saying she retired to another room, where she hastily changed her masculine attire for that of a woman, and, after putting on the girdle she wore the day they parted, returned to Camaralzaman.

The prince recognised her at once, and, embracing her with the utmost tenderness, cried, “Ah, how can I thank the king for this delightful surprise?”

“Do not expect ever to see the king again,” said the princess, as she wiped the tears of joy from her eyes, “in me you see the king.  Let us sit down, and I will tell you all about it.”