The Lost Princess: A Double Story, first published in 1875 as The Wise Woman: A Parable, is a fairy tale novel by George MacDonald.

The story describes how a woman of mysterious powers pays visits to two very different young girls: one a princess, the other a shepherd's daughter.

[1] The story draws from the Book of Proverbs in the Bible with its illustrations of Wisdom personified, the fool, and the proud in heart.

Through a combination of the Wise Woman's magic, discipline, and kindness, Rosamond comes to feel ashamed of her behavior but is powerless to control it, having never been taught self-restraint.

At first Rosamond genuinely attempts to be good, spurred on by her love of animals, but she slowly slips back into her old bad habits until she is asked to leave.

Finally, she asks the Wise Woman for help in facing these trials and is given aid at a pivotal moment, allowing her to succeed.

At the palace, Agnes's parents stand accused of kidnapping the lost princess when Rosamond bursts into the courtroom to speak in their defense.