By Andrew Lang
ReadOasis Step 2
(Part 4)

The king remained patiently in his palace. He was sure that this time Maria could not escape. He said to his servants, ?If a man comes here with his daughter and asks to speak with me, put the young lady in my room and do not let her leave it.?

Maria?s father brought her to the palace. She was placed in the king?s room, as he had ordered, and the door was locked. Maria had concealed the doll under her cloak, and she set it on the couch. She hid herself ...