The first acts of the new queen were to do honour to the memory of her dear mother and to shower every mark of generous affection on her sister . Then , being still very grieved at the loss of her little dog , she had a careful search made for him in every country , and when nothing could be heard of him she was so grieved that she offered half her kingdom to whoever should restore him to her . Many gentlemen of the court , tempted by the thought of such a reward , set off in all directions in search of the dog ; but all returned empty-handed to the queen , who , in despair , announced that since life was unbearable without her little dog , she would give her hand in marriage to the man who brought him back . The prospect of such a prize quickly turned the court into a desert , nearly every courtier starting on the quest . Whilst they were away the queen was informed one day that a very ill-looking man wished to speak with her . She desired him to be shown into a room where she was sitting with her sister . On entering her presence he said that he was prepared to give the queen her little dog if she on her side was ready to keep her word . The princess was the first to speak . She said that the queen had no right to marry without the consent of the nation , and that on so important an occasion the general council must be summoned . The queen could not say anything against this statement ; but she ordered an apartment in the palace to be given to the man , and desired the council to meet on the following day . Next day , accordingly , the council assembled in great state , and by the princess 's advice it was decided to offer the man a large sum of money for the dog , and should he refuse it , to banish him from the kingdom without seeing the queen again . The man refused the price offered and left the hall . The princess informed the queen of what had passed , and the queen approved of all , but added that as she was her own mistress she had made up her mind to abdicate her throne , and to wander through the world till she had found her little dog . The princess was much alarmed by such a resolution , and implored the queen to change her mind . Whilst they were discussing the subject , one of the chamberlains appeared to inform the queen that the bay was covered with ships . The two sisters ran to the balcony , and saw a large fleet in full sail for the port . In a little time they came to the conclusion that the ships must come from a friendly nation , as every vessel was decked with gay flags , streamers , and pennons , and the way was led by a small ship flying a great white flag of peace . The queen sent a special messenger to the harbour , and was soon informed that the fleet belonged to the Prince of the Emerald Isles , who begged leave to land in her kingdom , and to present his humble respects to her . The queen at once sent some of the court dignitaries to receive the prince and bid him welcome . She awaited him seated on her throne , but rose on his appearance , and went a few steps to meet him ; then begged him to be seated , and for about an hour kept him in close conversation .
The prince was then conducted to a splendid suite XXXXX apartments , and the next day he asked for a private audience .
In On against at by for into of that with