The old King was nearly crazed with joy, and more than once he went to the young man and embraced him; but that seemed insufficient as an expression of the gratitude that he owed the doctor, and he was loaded with presents of all sorts. He had caskets of gold, precious stones, villages and castles, and more riches than he could wish for. One day the King said to him:
"My son, I want to give you my daughter's hand in marriage, and my crown, if you will accept it."
"Your Majesty," said Lovallec, "permit me to think over your proposition. I desire to return to a foreign country to arrange my affairs, and later I can give you an answer."
"Go, my son," said the King, "but return quickly. The hours seem long to those who love and wait."
The young man went away that very day. Where he was going he alone knew, but his horses seemed to know where his heart turned, and he soon found himself on the way to Offemborough, where one poor woman had had pity on him. It was not long before he had reached the end of his journey. He stopped at the best hotel and had a magnificent dinner set before him. After dining he said to the landlord:
"Nothing," said the landlord, "except that the marvellous palace, built for the saviour of this city has been completed."
"Alas! no one knows," said the landlord. "He was merely passing through this land to a foreign country, where he had other good deeds to perform. When he returns we hope to have him remain with us, and it is our purpose to give him the most beautiful woman of the country for his bride."
"Good-night, good-night," said Lovallec, with a smile, and went to bed.
But the news of his arrival spread through the village, and on all sides the grateful people came to see him and congratulate him. The mayor of the town called on him, made a beautiful speech, and invited him to take possession of the marvellous palace.
"What will I do with it?" asked Lovallec. "I am alone and have no family."
"You are right," said Lovallec. "To-morrow I will choose me a wife from the beautiful girls of this village."
The next day the maidens were gathered on the lawn before the church. The young man inspected them carefully, but he could not find among them the girl who had befriended him, and for whom he was searching.