Every day , when he gave his lessons to this pet of the king 's , the knight rode him through the city , and as he rode , he looked everywhere for a certain beautiful face , which he had seen many times in his dreams , but never found . One day , as he went prancing down a quiet street , he saw at the window of a ruinous castle the lovely face . He was delighted , inquired who lived in this old castle , and was told that several captive princesses were kept there by a spell , and spun all day to lay up money to buy their liberty . The knight wished intensely that he could free them , but he was poor and could only go by each day , watching for the sweet face and longing to see it out in the sunshine . At last he resolved to get into the castle and ask how he could help them . He went and knocked . The great door flew open , and he beheld ... '' `` A ravishingly lovely lady , who exclaimed , with a cry of rapture , ` At last ! At last ! ' '' continued Kate , who had read French novels , and admired the style . '' 'T is she ! ' cried Count Gustave , and fell at her feet in an ecstasy of joy . ` Oh , rise ! ' she said , extending a hand of marble fairness . ` Never ! Till you tell me how I may rescue you , ' swore the knight , still kneeling . ` Alas , my cruel fate condemns me to remain here till my tyrant is destroyed . ' ` Where is the villain ? ' ` In the mauve salon . Go , brave heart , and save me from despair . ' ' I obey , and return victorious or dead ! '
With these thrilling words he rushed away , and flinging open the door of the mauve salon , was about to enter , when he received ... '' `` A stunning blow from the big Greek lexicon , which an old fellow in a black gown fired at him , '' XXXXX Ned .
continued exclaimed fell go lay lived looked rise rode said