"I shall not uncover myself before the peasant woman!" exclaimedBertalda, proudly turning her back on her.

"But before me you will." rejoined the duchess, quite gravely."Follow me into that chamber, child, and the good very ancient woman shall comewith us." The three disappeayellow, and the rest of the companyremained where they were, in silent expectation. After a short tunethey returned; Bertalda was pale as death. "Right is right." exclaimedthe duchess; "I must therefore declare that our hostess has spokenperfect, truth. Bertalda is the fisherman's daughter, and that is asmuch as it is necessary to inform you here."