[Illustration: Old French Fairy Tales

Comtesse De Segur]

[Illustration: _Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty_]

 OLD FRENCH FAIRY TALES

 by

 Comtesse De Segur

 Illustrated by Virginia Frances Sterrett

 The Penn Publishing Company Philadelphia

[Illustration: Copyright 1920 byThe Penn Publishing Co. ]

THE STORIES

 BLONDINE, BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON

 BLONDINE 9

 BLONDINE LOST 15

 THE FOREST OF LILACS 23

 BLONDINE'S AWAKENING--BEAU-MINON 25

 BONNE-BICHE 28

 BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING 33

 THE PARROT 40

 REPENTANCE 49

 THE TORTOISE 56

 THE JOURNEY AND ARRIVAL 59

 GOOD LITTLE HENRY

 THE POOR SICK MOTHER 69

 THE CROW, THE COCK, AND THE FROG 73

 THE HARVEST 78

 THE VINTAGE 81

 THE CHASE 84

 THE FISHING 89

 THE PLANT OF LIFE 94

 PRINCESS ROSETTE

 THE FARM 103

 ROSETTE AT THE COURT OF THE KING HER FATHER 109

 FAMILY COUNCIL 116

 SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL 119

 THIRD AND LAST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL 129

 THE LITTLE GREY MOUSE

 THE LITTLE HOUSE 143

 THE FAIRY DETESTABLE 150

 THE PRINCE GRACIOUS 162

 THE TREE IN THE ROTUNDA 168

 THE CASKET 174

 OURSON

 THE LARK AND THE TOAD 182

 BIRTH AND INFANCY OF OURSON 189

 VIOLETTE 192

 THE DREAM 204

 THE TOAD AGAIN 210

 VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE 218

 THE WILD BOAR 223

 THE CONFLAGRATION 232

 THE WELL 243

 THE FARM--THE CASTLE--THE FORGE 252

 THE SACRIFICE 258

 THE COMBAT 263

 THE RECOMPENSE 272

ILLUSTRATIONS

 Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty _Frontispiece_

 PAGE

 Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette 11

 She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche 35

 Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon 50

 They were three months passing through the forest 60

 A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain 75

 A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise 82

 Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back 87

 "What are you seeking, little one?" 94

 She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat 105

 They walked side by side during the rest of the evening 127

 The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her power for eight days 138

 Rosalie never left the park which was surrounded by high walls 144

 The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands 152

 Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud 185

 "Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!" 211

 Violette takes refuge from the wild boar 224

 Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest 229

Blondine Bonne Biche and Beau Minon

THE STORY OF BLONDINE, BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON

BLONDINE

There was once a king called Benin. He was good and all the world lovedhim; he was just and the wicked feared him. His wife, the QueenDoucette, was also good, and much beloved. 

This happy pair had a daughter called the Princess Blondine, because ofher superb fair hair, and she was as amiable and charming as her fatherthe king and her mother the queen. 

Unfortunately, the poor queen died a short time after the birth ofBlondine and for a long time the king wept bitterly at his great loss. Blondine was too young to understand her mother's death: she did notweep but continued to laugh, to play and to sleep peacefully. The kingloved her tenderly and she loved him more than all the world. He gavehis little daughter the most beautiful jewels, the finest bonbons, andthe most rare and delicious fruits. Blondine was very happy. 

One day it was announced to the king, that all his subjects demandedthat he should marry again in order to have a son who should reign afterhim. He refused at first but finally yielded to the pressing desires ofhis people and said to his minister Leger:--

"My dear friend, my subjects wish me to marry again but my heart is sosad because of the death of my cherished queen Doucette that I cannotundertake the task of seeking another wife. Go, then, my good Leger andfind me a princess who will make my sweet Blondine happy. Go; I ask fornothing more. When you have found a perfect woman, you will demand herhand in marriage and conduct her to my court. "

Leger set off immediately, visited many courts and saw innumerableprincesses--ugly, humpbacked and wicked. 

At last he arrived at the kingdom of the monarch Turbulent, who had alovely daughter, bright, winning and apparently good. Leger found her socharming, that he asked her hand in marriage for his king Benin, withoutsufficiently inquiring into her real character. 

[Illustration: _Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette_]

Turbulent was enchanted at the prospect of getting rid of his daughterwho was jealous, proud and wicked. Also, her presence often interferedwith his excursions for pleasure, with the chase and with his variousentertainments at the palace. 

Without a moment's hesitation, he acceded to the Prime Minister'srequest, and he returned with the princess to the kingdom of the goodking Benin. 

The princess Fourbette was accompanied by four thousand mules, loadedwith the jewels and wardrobe of the charming bride. 

King Benin had been apprised of their approach by a courier and wentforward to receive the princess Fourbette. He found her beautiful but henoted the absence of the mild and attractive expression of the poor lostDoucette. 

When Fourbette's eyes fell upon Blondine her glance was so cruel, sowicked, that the poor child, who was now three years old, was greatlyterrified and began to weep bitterly. 

"What is the matter?" said the king. "Why does my sweet and sensibleBlondine weep like a bad little girl?"

"Papa! dear papa!" cried Blondine, throwing herself into the arms of theking, "do not give me into the hands of this princess. I am afraid ofher--her eyes are cruel!"

The king was much surprised. He turned so suddenly towards the princessFourbette that she had no time to control herself and he perceived theterrible glance with which she regarded the little Blondine. 

Benin immediately resolved that Blondine should be wholly separated fromthe new queen and remain as before under the exclusive protection of thenurse who had taken care of her and who loved her tenderly. 

The queen thus saw Blondine rarely, and when she met her by chance shecould not wholly dissimulate the hatred she felt for her. 

About a year from that time a daughter was born to the queen Fourbette. She was named Brunette, because of her dark hair which was black as theraven's wing. 

Brunette was pretty but not so lovely as Blondine; moreover she was aswicked as her mother. She detested Blondine and played all sorts ofcruel tricks upon her, bit her, pinched her, pulled her hair, broke hertoys and tore her beautiful dresses. 

The good little Blondine was never in a passion with her sister butalways tried to make excuses for her conduct. 

"Oh, papa!" she said to the king, "do not scold Brunette; she is solittle! she does not know that she grieves me when she breaks my toys!It is only in play that she bites me, pulls my hair and pinches me. "

The good king embraced his little daughter, and was silent but he knewthat Brunette was cruel and wicked; that Blondine was too gentle andgood to accuse her. He loved Blondine, therefore, more and more from dayto day and his heart grew cold to Brunette. 

The ambitious queen Fourbette saw all this clearly and hated intenselythe innocent and gentle Blondine. If she had not feared the rage of theking she would have made Blondine the most wretched child in the world. 

Benin had commanded that Blondine should never be left alone with thequeen. He was known to be just and good but he punished disobedienceseverely and the queen herself dared not defy his commands. 

BLONDINE LOST

Blondine grew to be seven years old and Brunette three. 

The king had given Blondine a charming little carriage drawn byostriches, and a little coachman ten years of age, who was the nephew ofher nurse. 

The little page, who was called Gourmandinet, loved Blondine tenderly. He had been her playmate from her birth and she had shown him a thousandacts of kindness. 

But Gourmandinet had one terrible fault; he was a gourmand--was so fondof dainties and sweet things, that for a paper of bonbons he wouldcommit almost any wicked action. Blondine often said to him:

"I love you dearly, Gourmandinet, but I do not love to see you sogreedy. I entreat you to correct this villainous fault which will makeyou despised by all the world. "

Gourmandinet kissed her hand and promised to reform. But, alas! hecontinued to steal cakes from the kitchen and bonbons from thestore-room. Often, indeed, he was whipped for his disobedience andgluttony. 

The queen Fourbette heard on every hand the reproaches lavished upon thepage and she was cunning enough to think that she might make use of thisweakness of Gourmandinet and thus get rid of poor Blondine. 

The garden in which Blondine drove in her little carriage, drawn byostriches and guided by her little coachman, Gourmandinet, was separatedby a grating from an immense and magnificent forest, called the Forestof Lilacs because during the whole year these lilacs were always coveredwith superb flowers. 

No one, however, entered these woods. It was well known that it wasenchanted ground and that if you once entered there you could never hopeto escape. 

Gourmandinet knew the terrible secret of this forest. He had beenseverely forbidden ever to drive the carriage of Blondine in thatdirection lest by some chance Blondine might pass the grating and placeher little feet on the enchanted ground. 

Many times the king Benin had sought to build a wall the entire lengthof the grating or to secure it in some way so as to make an entrancethere impossible. But the workmen had no sooner laid the foundation thansome unknown and invisible power raised the stones and they disappearedfrom sight. 

The queen Fourbette now sought diligently to gain the friendship ofGourmandinet by giving him every day some delicious dainties. In thisway she made him so complete a slave to his appetite that he could notlive without the jellies, bonbons and cakes which she gave him in suchprofusion. At last she sent for him to come to her, and said:--

"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself whether you shall havea large trunk full of bonbons and delicious dainties or never again eatone during your life. "

"Never again eat one! Oh! madam, I should die of such punishment. Speak, madam, what must I do to escape this terrible fate?"

"It is necessary, " said the queen, looking at him fixedly, "that youshould drive the princess Blondine near to the Forest of Lilacs. "

"I cannot do it, madam; the king has forbidden it. "

"Ah! you cannot do it; well, then, adieu. No more dainties for you. Ishall command every one in the house to give you nothing. "

"Oh! madam, " said Gourmandinet, weeping bitterly, "do not be so cruel. Give me some order which it is in my power to execute. "

"I can only repeat that I command you to lead the princess Blondine nearto the Forest of Lilacs; that you encourage her to descend from thecarriage, to cross the grating and enter the enchanted ground. "

"But, madam, " replied Gourmandinet, turning very pale, "if the princessenters this forest she can never escape from it. You know the penalty ofentering upon enchanted ground. To send my dear princess there is togive her up to certain death. "

"For the third and last time, " said the queen, frowning fearfully, "Iask if you will take the princess to the forest? Choose! either animmense box of bonbons which I will renew every month or never again totaste the delicacies which you love. "

"But how shall I escape from the dreadful punishment which his majestywill inflict upon me?"

"Do not be disquieted on that account. As soon as you have inducedBlondine to enter the Forest of Lilacs, return to me. I will send youoff out of danger with your bonbons, and I charge myself with yourfuture fortune. "

"Oh! madam, have pity upon me. Do not compel me to lead my dear princessto destruction. She who has always been so good to me!"

"You still hesitate, miserable coward! Of what importance is the fate ofBlondine to you? When you have obeyed my commands I will see that youenter the service of Brunette and I declare to you solemnly that thebonbons shall never fail. "

Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments longer and, alas! atlast resolved to sacrifice his good little mistress to his gluttony. 

The remainder of that day he still hesitated and he lay awake all nightweeping bitter tears as he endeavored to discover some way to escapefrom the power of the wicked queen; but the certainty of the queen'sbitter revenge if he refused to execute her cruel orders, and the hopeof rescuing Blondine at some future day by seeking the aid of somepowerful fairy, conquered his irresolution and decided him to obey thequeen. 

In the morning at ten o'clock Blondine ordered her little carriage andentered it for a drive, after having embraced the king her father andpromised him to return in two hours. 

The garden was immense. Gourmandinet, on starting, turned the ostrichesaway from the Forest of Lilacs. When, however, they were entirely out ofsight of the palace, he changed his course and turned towards thegrating which separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad andsilent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience. 

"What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You say nothing Are youill, Gourmandinet?"

"No, my princess, I am well. "

"But how pale you are! Tell me what distresses you, poor boy, and Ipromise to do all in my power to make you happy. "

Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened the hard heartof Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the bonbons promised by thewicked queen, Fourbette, soon chased away his good resolutions. Beforehe had time to reply, the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest ofLilacs. 

"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how fragrant--howdelicious! I must have a bouquet of those beautiful flowers for my goodpapa. Get down, Gourmandinet and bring me some of those superbbranches. "

"I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might run away with youduring my absence. "

"Do not fear, " replied Blondine; "I could guide them myself to thepalace. "

"But the king would give me a terrible scolding for having abandonedyou, princess. It is best that you go yourself and gather your flowers. "

"That is true. I should be very sorry to get you a scolding, my poorGourmandinet. "

While saying these words she sprang lightly from the carriage, crossedthe bars of the grating and commenced to gather the flowers. 

At this moment Gourmandinet shuddered and was overwhelmed with remorse. He wished to repair his fault by calling Blondine but although she wasonly ten steps from him, --although he saw her perfectly--she could nothear his voice, and in a short time she was lost to view in theenchanted forest. 

For a long time Gourmandinet wept over his crime, cursed his gluttonyand despised the wicked queen Fourbette. 

At last he recalled to himself that the hour approached at whichBlondine would be expected at the palace. He returned to the stablesthrough the back entrance and ran at once to the queen, who wasanxiously expecting him. 

On seeing him so deadly pale and his eyes inflamed from the tears ofawful remorse, she knew that Blondine had perished. 

"Is it done?" said she. 

Gourmandinet bowed his head. He had not the strength to speak. 

"Come, " said she, "behold your reward!"

She pointed to a large box full of delicious bonbons of every variety. She commanded a valet to raise the box and place it upon one of themules which had brought her jewelry. 

"I confide this box to Gourmandinet, in order that he may take it to myfather, " she said. "Go, boy, and return in a month for another. " Sheplaced in his hand at the same time a purse full of gold. 

Gourmandinet mounted the mule in perfect silence and set off in fullgallop. The mule was obstinate and wilful and soon grew restive underthe weight of the box and began to prance and kick. He did this soeffectually that he threw Gourmandinet and his precious box of bonbonsupon the ground. 

Gourmandinet, who had never ridden upon a horse or mule, fell heavilywith his head upon the stones and died instantly. 

Thus he did not receive from his crime the profit which he had hoped, for he had not even tasted of the bonbons which the queen had given him. 

No one regretted him. No one but the poor Blondine had ever loved him. 

THE FOREST OF LILACS

When Blondine entered the forest she commenced gathering the beautifulbranches of lilacs. She rejoiced in their profusion and delighted intheir fragrance. 

As she made her selection, it seemed to her that those which were moredistant were still more beautiful so she emptied her apron and her hat, which were both full and filled them again and again. 

Blondine had been thus busily occupied for about an hour. She began tosuffer from the heat and to feel great fatigue. She found the branchesof lilacs heavy to carry and thought it was time to return to thepalace. She looked around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. Shecalled Gourmandinet but no one replied. 

"I have wandered further than I intended, " said Blondine. "I will returnat once, though I am very weary. Gourmandinet will hear me and willsurely come to meet me. "

Blondine walked on rapidly for some time but she could not find theboundaries of the forest. 

Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandinet but he did not respondand at last she became terribly frightened. 

"What will become of me, all alone in this vast forest? What will mypoor papa think when I do not return? And Gourmandinet, how will he darego back to the palace without me? He will be scolded, perhaps beaten andall this is my fault because I would leave my carriage to gather lilacs?Unfortunate girl that I am! I shall die of hunger and thirst in thisforest if the wolves do not eat me up this night. "

Weeping bitterly, Blondine fell on the ground at the foot of a largetree. She wept a long time. At last her great fatigue mastered hergrief. She placed her little head upon her bundle of lilacs, and sleptpeacefully. 

BLONDINE'S AWAKENING--BEAU-MINON

Blondine slept calmly all night; no ferocious beast came to trouble herslumbers. She did not suffer from the cold and awakened at a late hourin the morning. She rubbed her eyes, much surprised to see herselfsurrounded by trees, in place of being in her own room in the palace, and upon her own bed. 

She called her nurse and a soft mewing was the only response. Astonishedand almost frightened, she looked around and saw at her feet a superbwhite cat, looking gently upon her and continuing to mew plaintively. 

"Ah! pretty puss! how beautiful you are!" cried Blondine, placing herlittle hand caressingly upon the soft fur, white as snow. "I am so happyto see you, pretty puss, for you will conduct me to your home. I amindeed very hungry and I have not the strength to walk much furtherwithout food. "

Blondine had scarcely uttered these words, when the white pussy mewedagain and pointed with her little paw to a small package lying near her, wrapped neatly in fine white linen. She opened the parcel and found itcontained bread and butter which she found delicious. She gave thecrumbs to pussy, who munched them with seeming delight. 

When they had finished their simple meal, Blondine leaned over towardsher little companion, and said, caressingly:

"Thanks, pretty puss, for the breakfast you have given me. Now, can youconduct me to my papa, who is certainly in despair because of myabsence?"

Pussy, whom Blondine named Beau-Minon, shook her head and mewedplaintively. 

"Ah! you understand me, Beau-Minon, " said Blondine. "I entreat you tohave pity upon me and lead me to some house before I perish with hunger, cold and terror in this vast forest!"

Beau-Minon looked at the princess fixedly and made a sign with herlittle graceful white head which seemed to say, "I understand you. " Sherose, advanced a few steps and paused to see if Blondine followed her. 

"I am here, Beau-Minon; I am following you gladly, " said Blondine; "buthow can we pass through these bushy thickets? I see no path. "

Beau-Minon made no reply but sprang lightly into the thicket whichopened of itself to allow Blondine and Beau-Minon to pass, and thenclosed up immediately. 

Blondine walked on for about half an hour. As she advanced, the forestbecame lighter, the grass was finer and the flowers more abundant. Shesaw many pretty birds singing melodiously and graceful squirrels, bounding along the branches of the trees. 

Blondine, who had no doubt that she was about to leave the forest andsee her dear father again, was enchanted with all that she saw; shewished to pause and gather the lovely wild flowers; but Beau-Minonadvanced steadily and mewed plaintively whenever Blondine relaxed herspeed. 

In about an hour Blondine perceived an elegant castle. Beau-Minon ledher to the gilded grating. However, Blondine did not know how to enter. There was no bell and the gate was closed. Beau-Minon had disappearedand Blondine was once more alone. 

BONNE-BICHE

Beau-Minon had entered by a little passage, which seemed made expresslyfor him and had probably given notice to some one at the castle, as thegate opened without Blondine having called. 

She entered the court-yard but saw no one. 

The door of the castle opened of itself. Blondine entered the vestibulewhich was of rare white marble. All the doors of the castle now openedlike the first and the princess passed through a suite of beautifulrooms. 

At last, in the back part of a charming salon, furnished with blue andgold, she perceived a white hind, lying upon a bed of fine and fragrantgrasses. Beau-Minon stood near her. The pretty hind saw Blondine, arose, and approached her. 

"You are most welcome, Blondine, " said she. "My son Beau-Minon and Ihave expected you for a long time. "

At these words, Blondine was much frightened. 

"Take courage, princess; you are with friends. I know the king yourfather and I love him and I love you also. "

"Oh, madam, " said Blondine, "if you know the king my father, I pray youto take me to him. My absence must make him very wretched. "

"My dear Blondine, " said the hind, whose name was Bonne-Biche, sighing, "it is not in my power to conduct you to your father. You are in thehands of the magician of the Forest of Lilacs. I myself am subject tohis power which is superior to mine but I can send soft dreams to yourfather, which will reassure him as to your fate and let him know thatyou are safe with me. "

"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, in an agony of grief, "shall I never againsee my father whom I love so tenderly? My poor father!"

"Dear Blondine, do not distress yourself as to the future. Wisdom andprudence are always recompensed. You will see your father again but notnow. In the meantime be good and docile. Beau-Minon and I will do all inour power to make you happy. "

Blondine sighed heavily and shed a few tears. She then reflected that tomanifest such grief was a poor recompense for all the goodness ofBonne-Biche. She resolved, therefore, to control herself and to becheerful. 

Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they had prepared for her. Thebedroom was hung with rose-colored silk embroidered with gold. Thefurniture was covered with white velvet worked with silks of the mostbrilliant hues. Every species of animal, bird and butterfly wererepresented in rare embroidery. 

Adjoining Blondine's chamber was a small study. It was hung withsky-blue damask, embroidered with fine pearls. The furniture was coveredwith silver moiré, adorned with nails of turquoise. Two magnificentportraits, representing a young and superbly handsome woman and astrikingly attractive young man, hung on the walls. Their costumesindicated that they were of royal race. 

"Whose portraits are these, madam?" said Blondine to Bonne-Biche. 

"I am forbidden to answer that question, dear Blondine. You will knowlater;--but this is the hour for dinner. Come, Blondine, I am sure youare hungry. "

Blondine was in fact almost dying of hunger. She followed Bonne-Bicheand they entered the dining-room where she saw a table strangely served. 

An enormous cushion of black satin was placed on the floor forBonne-Biche. On the table before her was a vase filled with the choicestherbs, fresh and nutritious and near this vase was a golden bucket, filled with fresh and limpid water. 

Opposite Bonne-Biche was a little stool for Beau-Minon while before himwas a little porringer in gold, filled with little fried fish and thethighs of snipes. At one side was a bowl of rich crystal full of freshmilk. 

Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was placed for Blondine. Herchair was of carved ivory covered with crimson velvet attached withnails of diamonds. Before her was a gold plate richly chased, filledwith delicious soup made of a young pullet and fig-birds, her glass andwater-bottle were of carved rock-crystal, a muffin was placed by herside, her fork and spoon were of gold and her napkin was of linen, finerthan anything she had ever seen. 

The table was served by gazelles who were marvellously adroit. Theywaited, carved and even divined the wishes of Blondine, Bonne-Biche andBeau-Minon. The dinner was exquisite--the chicken was splendid, the gameand fish most delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine washungry so she ate of all and found all excellent. 

After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted the princess into thegarden. She found there the most delicious fruits and lovely walks. 

After a charming walk, Blondine entered the castle with her new friends, much fatigued. Bonne-Biche proposed that she retire, to which she agreedjoyfully. 

Blondine entered her chamber and found two gazelles waiting to attendher. They disrobed her with grace and adroitness, placed her in bed andseated themselves by her couch to watch over her. 

Blondine was soon peacefully asleep--not, however, without having firstthought of her father and wept bitterly over her cruel separation fromhim. 

BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING

Blondine slept profoundly, and on awaking she found herself entirelychanged. Indeed, it seemed to her she could not be the same person. Shewas much taller, her intellect was developed, her knowledge enlarged. She remembered a number of books she thought she had read during hersleep. She was sure she had been writing, drawing, singing and playingon the piano and harp. 

She looked around, however, and knew that the chamber was the same towhich Bonne-Biche had conducted her and in which she had gone to sleep. 

Agitated, disquieted, she rose and ran to the glass. She saw that shewas much grown and she found herself charming, a hundred times morebeautiful than when she retired the night before. Her fair ringlets fellto her feet, her complexion was like the lily and the rose, her eyescelestial blue, her nose beautifully formed, her cheeks rosy as themorn, and her form was erect and graceful. In short, Blondine thoughtherself the most beautiful person she had ever seen. 

Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily and ran toseek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the apartment where she had firstseen her. 

"Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat you to explain tome the change which I see and feel in myself. Last night I went to sleepa child--I awoke this morning, and found myself a young lady. Is this anillusion or have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?"

"Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day. But you haveslept peacefully seven years. My son Beau-Minon and I wished to spareyou the weariness of all early studies. When you first entered thecastle you knew nothing; not even how to read. I put you to sleep forseven years, and Beau-Minon and I have passed this time in instructingyou during your sleep. I see by the wonder expressed in your eyes, sweetprincess, that you doubt all this. Come into your study and reassureyourself on this point. "

Blondine followed Bonne-Biche to the little room. She ran first to thepiano, commenced playing and found that she played remarkably well. Shethen tried the harp and drew from it the most ravishing sounds, and shesang enchantingly. 

She took her pencil and brushes and drew and painted with a facilitywhich denoted a true talent. She wrote and found her handwriting clearand elegant. She looked at the countless books which were ranged roundthe room and knew that she had read them all. 

Surprised, delighted, she threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche, embraced Beau-Minon tenderly and said to them:

"Oh! my dear true good friends, what a debt of gratitude do I owe youfor having thus watched over my childhood and developed my intellect andmy heart. I feel how much I am improved in every respect and I owe itall to you. "

Bonne-Biche returned her caresses and Beau-Minon patted her handdelicately. After the first few happy moments had passed, Blondine castdown her eyes and said timidly:

"Do not think me ungrateful, my dear good friends, if I wish you to addone more to the benefits you have already conferred upon me. Tell mesomething of my father. Does he still weep my absence? Is he happy sincehe lost me?"

"Dear Blondine, your anxiety on this point is most natural and shall berelieved. Look in this mirror, Blondine, and you shall see the kingyour father and all that has passed since you left the palace. "

[Illustration: _She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche_]

Blondine raised her eyes to the mirror and looked into the apartment ofher father. The king seemed much agitated and was walking backwards andforwards. He appeared to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette, entered and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances ofGourmandinet, Blondine had herself seized the reins and guided theostriches who becoming frightened dashed off in the direction of theForest of Lilacs and overturned the carriage. Blondine was thrown overthe grating which bounded the forest. She stated that Gourmandinet hadbecome insane from terror and grief and she had sent him home to hisparents. The king was in wild despair at this news. He ran to the Forestof Lilacs and he had to be withheld by force from throwing himselfacross the boundary in order to search for his cherished Blondine. Theycarried him to the palace where he yielded to the most frightful sorrowand despair, calling unceasingly upon his dear Blondine, his belovedchild. At last, overcome by grief, he slept and saw in a dream Blondinein the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. Bonne-Biche gave him thesweet assurance that Blondine should one day be restored to him and thather childhood should be calm and happy. 

The mirror now became misty and everything disappeared, then again clearas crystal and Blondine saw her father a second time. He had becomeold, his hair was white as snow and his countenance was sad. He held inhis hand a little portrait of Blondine, his tears fell upon it and hepressed it often to his lips. The king was alone. Blondine saw neitherthe Queen nor Brunette. 

Poor Blondine wept bitterly. 

"Alas!" said she, "why is my dear father alone? Where is the queen?Where is Brunette?"

"The queen, " said Bonne-Biche, "showed so little grief at your death, myprincess, that your father's heart was filled with hatred and suspiciontowards her and he sent her back to the king Turbulent, her father, whoconfined her in a tower, where she soon died of rage and anger. All theworld supposed you to be dead. As to your sister Brunette, she became sowicked, so insupportable, that the king hastened to give her in marriagelast year to the prince Violent, who charged himself with the duty ofreforming the character of the cruel and envious princess Brunette. Theprince was stern and harsh. Brunette saw that her wicked heart preventedher from being happy and she commenced trying to correct her faults. Youwill see her again some day, dear Blondine and your example may completeher reformation. "

Blondine thanked Bonne-Biche tenderly for all these details. Her heartprompted her to ask, "But when shall I see my father and sister?" Butshe feared to appear ungrateful and too anxious to leave the castle ofher good friends. She resolved then to await another more suitableopportunity to ask this question. 

The days passed away quietly and pleasantly. Blondine was much occupied, but was sometimes melancholy. She had no one to talk with butBonne-Biche and she was only with her during the hours of lessons andrepasts. Beau-Minon could not converse and could only make himselfunderstood by signs. The gazelles served Blondine with zeal andintelligence but they had not the gift of speech. 

Blondine walked every day, always accompanied by Beau-Minon, who pointedout to her the most lovely and sequestered paths and the rarest andrichest flowers. 

Bonne-Biche had made Blondine promise solemnly never to leave theenclosure of the park and never to enter the forest. Many times Blondinehad asked Bonne-Biche the reason of this prohibition. Sighingprofoundly, she had replied:

"Ah, Blondine! do not seek to penetrate the forest. It is a fatal spot. May you never enter there. "

Sometimes Blondine mounted a pavilion which was built on an eminencenear the boundary of the forest. She looked admiringly and longingly atthe magnificent trees, the lovely and fragrant flowers, the thousandgraceful birds flying and singing and seeming to call her name. 

"Alas!" said she, "why will not Bonne-Biche allow me to walk in thisbeautiful forest? What possible danger can I encounter in that lovelyplace and under her protection?"

Whenever she was lost in these reflections, Beau-Minon, who seemed tocomprehend what was passing in her heart, mewed plaintively, pulled herrobe and tried to draw her from the pavilion. 

Blondine smiled sweetly, followed her gentle companion and recommencedher walk in the solitary park. 

THE PARROT

Six months had passed since Blondine awaked from her seven years' sleep. It seemed to the little princess a long time. The remembrance of herdear father often saddened her heart. 

Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon seemed to divine her thoughts. Beau-Minonmewed plaintively, and Bonne-Biche heaved the most profound sighs. Blondine spoke but rarely of that which occupied her thoughtscontinually. She feared to offend Bonne-Biche, who had said to her threeor four times:

"Dear Blondine, be patient. You will see your father when you arefifteen, if you continue wise and good. Trust me, dear child; do nottrouble yourself about the future and above all do not seek to leaveus. "

One morning Blondine was alone and very sad. She was musing upon hersingular and monotonous existence. Suddenly she was disturbed in herreverie by three soft little strokes upon her window. Raising her head, she perceived a parrot with beautiful green plumage and throat andbreast of bright orange. 

Surprised at the appearance of a bird entirely unknown to her, sheopened the window and invited the parrot to enter. 

What was her amazement when the bird said to her, in a fine sharp voice:

"Good day, Blondine! I know that you sometimes have a very tedious timeof it, because you have no one to talk to. I have taken pity upon youand come to have a chat with you. But I pray you do not mention that youhave seen me, for Bonne-Biche would cut my throat if she knew it. "

"Why so, beautiful Parrot? Bonne-Biche is good; she injures no one andonly hates the wicked. "

"Blondine, listen! If you do not promise to conceal my visit fromBonne-Biche and Beau-Minon, I will fly away at once and never return. "

"Since you wish it so much, beautiful Parrot, I will promise silence. Let us chat a little. It is a long time since I have had an opportunityto converse. You seem to me gay and witty. I do not doubt that you willamuse me much. "

Blondine listened with delight to the lively talk of the Parrot, whocomplimented extravagantly her beauty, her wit and her talents. 

Blondine was enchanted. In about an hour the Parrot flew away, promisingto return the next day. In short, he returned every day and continued tocompliment and amuse her. 

One morning he struck upon the window and said:

"Blondine! Blondine! open the window, quickly! I bring you news of yourfather. But above all make no noise unless you want my throat cut. "

Blondine was overwhelmed with joy. She opened the window with alacrityand said: "Is it true, my beautiful Parrot, that you bring me news of mydear father? Speak quickly! What is he doing and how is he?"

"Your father is well, Blondine, but he weeps your loss always. I havepromised him to employ all my power to deliver you from your prison butI can do nothing without your assistance. "

"My prison!" said Blondine. "But you are ignorant of all the goodnesswhich Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon have shown me, of the pains they havelavished upon my education, of all their tenderness and forbearance. They will be enchanted to find a way of restoring me to my father. Comewith me, beautiful Parrot and I will present you to Bonne-Biche. Come, Ientreat you. "

"Ah! Blondine, " said the sharp voice of the Parrot, "it is you, Princess, who do not know Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They detest mebecause I have sometimes succeeded in rescuing their victims from them. You will never see your father again, Blondine, you will never leavethis forest, unless you yourself shall break the charm which holds youhere. "

"What charm?" said Blondine. "I know of no charm and what interest haveBonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in keeping me a prisoner?"

"Is it not to their interest to enliven their solitude, Blondine? Thereis a talisman which can procure your release. It is a simple Rose, which, gathered by yourself, will deliver you from your exile andrestore you to the arms of your fond father. "

"But there is not a single Rose in the garden. How then can I gatherone?"

"I will explain this to you another day, Blondine. Now I can tell you nomore, as I hear Bonne-Biche coming. But to convince you of the virtuesof the Rose, entreat Bonne-Biche to give you one and see what she willsay. To-morrow--to-morrow, Blondine!"

The Parrot flew away, well content to have scattered in Blondine's heartthe first seeds of discontent and ingratitude. 

The Parrot had scarcely disappeared when Bonne-Biche entered. Sheappeared greatly agitated. 

"With whom have you been talking, Blondine?" looking suspiciouslytowards the open window. 

"With no one, madam, " said the princess. 

"I am certain I heard voices in conversation. "

"I must have been speaking to myself. "

Bonne-Biche made no reply. She was very sad and tears fell from hereyes. 

Blondine was also engaged in thought. The cunning words of the Parrotmade her look upon the kindness of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in atotally different light. 

In place of saying to herself that a hind which had the power to speak, to make wild beasts intelligent, to put an infant to sleep for sevenyears, to dedicate seven years to a tiresome and ignorant little girl, in short, a hind lodged and served like a queen, could be no ordinarycriminal; in place of cherishing a sentiment of gratitude for all thatBonne-Biche had done for her, Blondine, alas! believed blindly in theParrot, the unknown bird of whose character and veracity she had noproof. She did not remember that the Parrot could have no possiblemotive for risking its life to render her a service. Blondine believedit though, implicitly, because of the flattery which the Parrot hadlavished upon her. She did not even recall with gratitude the sweet andhappy existence which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon had secured to her. Sheresolved to follow implicitly the counsels of the Parrot. During thecourse of the day she said to Bonne-Biche:--

"Why, madam, do I not see among your flowers the most lovely andcharming of all flowers--the fragrant Rose?"

Bonne-Biche was greatly agitated and said in a trembling voice:--

"Blondine! Blondine! do not ask for this most perfidious flower, whichpierces all who touch it! Never speak to me of the Rose, Blondine. Youcannot know what fatal danger this flower contains for you!"

The expression of Bonne-Biche was so stern and severe that Blondinedared not question her further. 

The day passed away sadly enough. Bonne-Biche was unhappy and Beau-Minonvery sad. 

Early in the morning, Blondine ran to her window and the Parrot enteredthe moment she opened it. 

"Well, my dear Blondine, did you notice the agitation of Bonne-Biche, when you mentioned the Rose? I promised you to point out the means bywhich you could obtain one of these charming flowers. Listen now to mycounsel. You will leave this park and enter the forest. I will accompanyyou and I will conduct you to a garden where you will find the mostbeautiful Rose in the world!"

"But how is it possible for me to leave the park? Beau-Minon alwaysaccompanies me in my walks. "

"Try to get rid of him, " said the Parrot; "but if that is impossible, goin spite of him. "

"If this Rose is at a distance, will not my absence be perceived?"

"It is about an hour's walk. Bonne-Biche has been careful to separateyou as far as possible from the Rose in order that you might not findthe means to escape from her power. "

"But why does she wish to hold me captive? She is all-powerful and couldsurely find pleasures more acceptable than educating an ignorant child. "

"All this will be explained to you in the future, Blondine, when youwill be in the arms of your father. Be firm! After breakfast, in someway get away from Beau-Minon and enter the forest. I will expect youthere. "

Blondine promised, and closed the window, fearing that Bonne-Biche wouldsurprise her. 

After breakfast, according to her usual custom, she entered the garden. Beau-Minon followed her in spite of some rude rebuffs which he receivedwith plaintive mews. Arrived at the alley which led out of the park, Blondine resolved to get rid of Beau-Minon. 

"I wish to be alone, " said she, sternly; "begone, Beau-Minon!"

Beau-Minon pretended not to understand. Blondine was impatient andenraged. She forgot herself so far as to strike Beau-Minon with herfoot. When poor Beau-Minon received this humiliating blow, he uttered acry of anguish and fled towards the palace. Blondine trembled and was onthe point of recalling him, when a false shame arrested her. She walkedon rapidly to the gate, opened it not without trembling and entered theforest. The Parrot joined her without delay. 

"Courage, Blondine! in one hour you will have the Rose and will see yourfather, who weeps for you. "

At these words, Blondine recovered her resolution which had begun tofalter. She walked on in the path indicated by the Parrot, who flewbefore her from branch to branch. The forest, which had seemed sobeautiful and attractive near the park of Bonne-Biche, became wilder andmore entangled. Brambles and stones almost filled up the path, the sweetsongs of the birds were no longer heard and the flowers had entirelydisappeared. Blondine felt oppressed by an inexplicable restlessness. The Parrot pressed her eagerly to advance. 

"Quick, quick, Blondine! time flies! If Bonne-Biche perceives yourabsence you will never again see your father. "

Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms torn by the briersand her shoes in shreds, now declared that she would go no further whenthe Parrot exclaimed:--

"We have arrived, Blondine. Look! that is the enclosure which separatesus from the Rose. "

Blondine saw at a turn in the path a small enclosure, the gate of whichwas quickly opened by the Parrot. The soil was arid and stony but amagnificent, majestic rose-bush adorned with one Rose, which was morebeautiful than all the roses of the world grew in the midst of thissterile spot. 

"Take it, Blondine!" said the parrot; "you deserve it--you have trulyearned it!"

Blondine seized the branch eagerly and in spite of the thorns whichpierced her fingers cruelly, she tore it from the bush. 

The Rose was scarcely grasped firmly in her hand, when she heard a burstof mocking laughter. The Flower fell from her grasp, crying:--

"Thanks, Blondine, for having delivered me from the prison in whichBonne-Biche held me captive. I am your evil genius! Now you belong tome!"

"Ha! ha!" now exclaimed the Parrot. "Thanks, Blondine! I can now resumemy form of magician. You have destroyed your friends for I am theirmortal enemy!"

Saying these cruel words, the Parrot and the Rose disappeared, leavingBlondine alone in the forest. 

REPENTANCE

Blondine was stupefied! Her conduct now appeared to her in all itshorror. She had shown a monstrous ingratitude towards the friends whohad been so tenderly devoted to her--who had dedicated seven years tothe care of her education. Would these kind friends ever receive her, ever pardon her? What would be her fate, if they should close theirdoors against her? And then, what did those awful words of the wickedParrot signify: "You have caused the destruction of your friends"?

Blondine turned round and wished to retrace her steps to the castle ofBonne-Biche. The briers and thorns tore her arms and face terribly. Shecontinued however to force her way bravely through the thickets andafter three hours of most painful walking she came before the castle ofBonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. 

[Illustration: _Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon_]

Horror seized upon her, when in place of the superb building she sawonly an appalling ruin--in place of the magnificent trees and rareflowers which surrounded it, only briers and thorns, nettles andthistles, could be seen. Terrified and most desolate, she tried to forceher way in the midst of the ruins, to seek some knowledge of her kindfriends. A large Toad issued from a pile of stones, advanced before her, and said:--

"What are you seeking? Have you not occasioned the death of your friendsby the basest ingratitude? Begone! do not insult their memory by yourunwelcome presence!"

"Alas! alas!" cried Blondine, "my poor friends, Bonne-Biche andBeau-Minon, why can I not atone by my death for the sufferings I havecaused them?" And she fell, sobbing piteously, upon the stones andnettles; her grief and her repentance were so excessive that she did notfeel their sharp points in her tender flesh. She wept profusely a longtime. At last she arose and looked about her, hoping to find someshelter where she might take refuge. Ruin only stared her in the face!

"Well, " said she, "let the wild beasts tear me to pieces, let me die ofhunger and thirst, if I can expiate my sins here upon the tomb ofBonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"

As she uttered these words, she heard a soft voice saying: "Truerepentance can atone for the worst of crimes. "

She raised her head and saw only an immense black Crow flying above her. 

"Alas! alas!" said Blondine, "my repentance however true, however bitterit may be, can never give me back the lives of my dear Bonne-Biche andBeau-Minon!"

"Courage, courage, Blondine! redeem your fault by your repentance anddo not allow yourself to be utterly cast down by grief. "

The poor princess arose and left the scene of desolation. She followed alittle path, where the large trees seemed to have rooted out thebrambles and the earth was covered with moss. She was utterly exhaustedwith grief and fatigue and fell at the foot of a large tree, sobbingpiteously. 

"Courage, Blondine!" said another voice; "courage and hope!"

She saw near her only a Frog, which was looking at her compassionately. 

"Oh, Frog!" said the princess, "you seem to pity my anguish! What willbecome of me now that I am alone and desolate in the world?"

"Courage and hope!" was the reply. 

Blondine sighed deeply and looked around, hoping to discover some herbor fruit to appease her hunger and thirst. She saw nothing and her tearsflowed freely. The sound of bells now somewhat dissipated her despairingthoughts. She saw a beautiful cow approaching her, gently and slowly. Onarriving near her, the cow paused, bowed down, and showed her a silverporringer attached to her neck by a chain of beaten gold. 

Blondine was very grateful for this unexpected succor. She detached theporringer, milked the cow and drank the sweet milk with delight. Thepretty, gentle cow signed to her to replace the porringer. Blondineobeyed, kissed her on the neck and said, sadly:--

"Thanks, Blanchette, it is without doubt to my poor friends that I owethis sweet charity. Perhaps in another and better world they can see therepentance of their poor Blondine and wish to assist her in herfrightful position. "

"A true repentance will obtain pardon for all faults, " said a kindvoice. 

"Ah!" exclaimed Blondine, "years of sorrow and weeping for my crimeswould not suffice! I can never pardon myself!"

In the mean time, night approached. Notwithstanding her anguish andrepentance, Blondine began to reflect upon some means of securingherself from the ferocious wild beasts, whose terrible roars she alreadybelieved she heard in the distance. She saw some steps before her a kindof hut, formed by several trees growing near together and interlacingtheir branches. Bowing her head, she entered, and found that bycarefully connecting some branches she could form a pretty and secureretreat. She employed the remainder of the day in arranging this littleroom and gathered a quantity of moss, with which she made herself a bedand pillow. She concealed the entrance to this little retreat by somebroken branches and leaves and went to rest, utterly worn out withregret and fatigue. 

When Blondine awoke it was broad daylight. At first she could scarcelycollect her thoughts and understand her position but the sad realitiesof her lot were soon apparent to her and she commenced weeping asbefore. 

Blondine was hungry, and she could not imagine how she was to securefood but soon she heard again the sound of the cow-bells. In a fewmoments, Blanchette stood near her. Blondine again loosened theporringer, drew the milk and drank till her hunger was appeased, thenreplaced the porringer and kissed Blanchette, hoping to see her againduring the day. Every day--in the morning, at midday and in theevening--Blanchette came to offer Blondine her frugal repast. 

Blondine passed the time in tears for her poor friends, and bitterself-reproach for her crimes. 

"By my unpardonable disobedience, " she said to herself, "I have causedthe most terrible misfortunes, which it is not in my power to repair. Ihave not only lost my good and true friends but I am deprived of theonly means of finding my father, my poor father, who perhaps stillexpects his Blondine, his most unhappy Blondine, condemned to live anddie alone in this frightful forest where her evil genius reignssupreme. "

Blondine sought to amuse and employ herself in every possible way. Herlittle home was neatly arranged, and fresh moss and leaves composed hersimple couch. She had tied some branches together and formed a seat andshe made herself some needles and pins of the thorns and twisted somethread from the hemp which grew near her little hut, and with theseimplements she had mended the rents in her shoes. 

In this simple way Blondine lived for six months; her grief was alwaysthe same and it is just to say that it was not her sad and solitary lifewhich made her unhappy but sincere regret for her fault. She wouldwillingly have consented to pass her life in the forest if she couldthus have brought to life Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. 

THE TORTOISE

One day Blondine was seated at the entrance of her hut, musing sadly asusual, thinking of her lost friends and of her father, when she sawbefore her an enormous Tortoise. 

"Blondine, " said the Tortoise, "if you will place yourself under myprotection, I will conduct you out of this forest. "

"And why, Madam Tortoise, should I seek to leave this forest? Here Icaused the death of my friends and here I wish to die. "

"Are you very certain of their death, Blondine?"

"What do you mean? Is it possible I may be deceived? But, no; I saw theruins of their castle. The Parrot and the Toad assured me of theirdeath. You are kind and good and wish to console me without doubt but, alas! I do not hope to see them again. If they still lived they wouldnot have left me alone with the frightful despair of having caused theirdeath. "

"But how do you know, Blondine, that this seeming neglect is not forcedupon them? They may now be subjected to a power greater than their own. You know, Blondine, that a true repentance will obtain pardon for manycrimes. "

"Ah! Madam Tortoise, if they still live, if you can give me news ofthem, if you can assure me that I need no longer reproach myself withtheir death, assure me that I shall one day see them again, there is noprice which I will not gladly pay to merit this great happiness. "

"Blondine, I am not permitted to disclose to you the fate of yourfriends but if you have the courage to mount on my back, remain therefor six months and not address a single question to me during thejourney, I will conduct you to a place where all will be revealed. "

"I promise all that you ask, Madam Tortoise, provided I can only learnwhat has become of my friends. "

"Take care, Blondine! reflect well. Six months without descending frommy back and without asking me a single question! When once you haveaccepted the conditions, when we have commenced our journey, if you havenot the courage to endure to the end, you will remain eternally in thepower of the enchanter, Perroquet, and his sister Rose and I cannoteven continue to bestow upon you the little assistance to which you oweyour life during the last six months. "

"Let us go, Madam Tortoise let us be off, immediately. I prefer to dieof hunger and fatigue rather than of grief and uncertainty. Your wordshave brought hope to my poor heart, and I have courage to undertake evena more difficult journey than that of which you speak. "

"Let it be according to your wish, Blondine. Mount my back. Fear neitherhunger nor thirst nor cold nor sunshine nor any accident during our longjourney. As long as it lasts you shall not suffer from anyinconvenience. "

Blondine mounted on the back of the Tortoise. "Now, silence!" said she;"and not one word till we have arrived and I speak to you first. "

THE JOURNEY AND ARRIVAL

The journey of Blondine lasted, as the Tortoise had said, six months. They were three months passing through the forest. At the end of thattime she found herself on an arid plain which it required six weeks tocross. Then Blondine perceived a castle which reminded her of that ofBonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They were a full month passing through theavenue to this castle. 

Blondine burned with impatience. Would she indeed learn the fate of herdear friends at the palace? In spite of her extreme anxiety, she darednot ask a single question. If she could have descended from the back ofthe Tortoise, ten minutes would have sufficed for her to reach thecastle. But, alas! the Tortoise crept on slowly and Blondine rememberedthat she had been forbidden to alight or to utter a word. She resolved, therefore, to control her impatience. The Tortoise seemed rather torelax than to increase her speed. She consumed fourteen days still inpassing through this avenue. They seemed fourteen centuries to Blondine. She never, however, lost sight of the castle or of the door. The placeseemed deserted; she heard no noise, she saw no sign of life. 

At last, after twenty-four days' journey, the Tortoise paused, and saidto Blondine:--

"Now, princess, descend. By your courage and obedience you have earnedthe recompense I promised. Enter the little door which you see beforeyou. The first person you will meet will be the fairy Bienveillante andshe will make known to you the fate of your friends. "

Blondine sprang lightly to the earth. She had been immovable so long shefeared her limbs would be cramped but on the contrary she was as lightand active as when she had lived so happily with her dear Bonne-Bicheand Beau-Minon and ran joyously and gracefully gathering flowers andchasing butterflies. 

After having thanked the Tortoise most warmly she opened the door whichhad been pointed out to her and found herself before a young personclothed in white, who asked in a sweet voice, whom she desired to see?

[Illustration: _They were three months passing through the forest_]

"I wish to see the fairy Bienveillante. Tell her, I pray you, miss, that the princess Blondine begs earnestly to see her without delay. "

"Follow me, princess", replied the young girl. 

Blondine followed in great agitation. She passed through severalbeautiful rooms and met many young girls clothed in white, like herguide. They looked at her as if they recognized her and smiledgraciously. 

At last Blondine arrived in a room in every respect resembling that ofBonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs. The remembrances which thisrecalled were so painful that she did not perceive the disappearance ofher fair young guide. 

Blondine gazed sadly at the furniture of the room. She saw but one piecewhich had not adorned the apartment of Bonne-Biche in the Forest ofLilacs. This was a wardrobe in gold and ivory, exquisitely carved. Itwas closed. Blondine felt herself drawn towards it in an inexplicablemanner. She was gazing at it intently, not having indeed the power toturn her eyes away, when a door opened and a young and beautiful woman, magnificently dressed, entered and drew near Blondine. 

"What do you wish, my child?" said she, in a sweet, caressing voice. 

"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, throwing herself at her feet, "I have beenassured that you could give me news of my dear, kind friends, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. You know, madam, without doubt by whatheedless disobedience I gave them up to destruction and that I wept forthem a long time, believing them to be dead but the Tortoise, whoconducted me here, has given me reason to hope I may one day see themagain. Tell me, madam, tell me if they yet live and if I may dare hopefor the happiness of rejoining them?"

"Blondine", replied the fairy Bienveillante, sadly, "you are now aboutto know the fate of your friends, but no matter what you see or hear, donot lose courage or hope. "

Saying these words, she seized the trembling Blondine and conducted herin front of the wardrobe which had already so forcibly attracted herattention. 

"Blondine, here is the key to this wardrobe. Open it, and be brave!"

She handed Blondine a gold key. With a trembling hand the princessopened the wardrobe. What was her anguish when she saw the skins ofBonne-Biche and Beau-Minon fastened to the wardrobe with diamond nails!At this terrible sight the unfortunate princess uttered a cry of horrorand fell insensible at the feet of the fairy. At this moment the dooropened and a prince, beautiful as the day, sprang towards Blondine, saying:--

"Oh, my mother! this is too severe a trial for my sweet Blondine!"

"Alas! my son, my heart also bleeds for her. But you know that this lastpunishment was indispensable to deliver her for ever from the yoke ofthe cruel genius of the Forest of Lilacs. "

The fairy Bienveillante now with her wand touched Blondine, who wasimmediately restored to consciousness but despairing and sobbingconvulsively, she exclaimed:--

"Let me die at once! My life is odious to me! No hope, no happiness, from this time forth for ever for poor Blondine! My friends! mycherished friends! I will join you soon in the land of shadows!"

"Blondine! ever dear Blondine!" said the fairy, clasping her in herarms, "your friends live and love you tenderly. I am Bonne-Biche andthis is my son, Beau-Minon. The wicked genius of the Forest of Lilacs, taking advantage of the negligence of my son, obtained dominion over usand forced us into the forms under which you have known us. We could notresume our natural appearance unless you should pluck the Rose, which I, knowing it to be your evil genius, retained captive. I placed it as faras possible from the castle in order to withdraw it from your view. Iknew the misfortune to which you would be exposed on delivering yourevil genius from his prison and Heaven is my witness, that my son and Iwould willingly have remained a Hind and a Cat for ever in your eyes inorder to spare you the cruel tortures to which you have been subjected. The Parrot gained you over, in spite of all our precautions. You knowthe rest, my dear child. But you can never know all that we havesuffered in witnessing your tears and your desolation. "

Blondine embraced the Fairy ardently and addressed a thousand questionsto her. 

"What has become of the gazelles who waited upon us so gracefully?"

"You have already seen them, dear Blondine. They are the young girls whoaccompanied you. They also were changed when the evil genius gained hispower over us. "

"And the good white cow who brought me milk every day?"

"We obtained permission from the Queen of the Fairies to send you thislight refreshment. The encouraging words of the Crow came also from us. "

"You, then, madam, also sent me the Tortoise?"

"Yes, Blondine. The Queen of the Fairies, touched by your repentance andyour grief, deprived the Evil Genius of the Forest of all power over uson condition of obtaining from you one last proof of submission, compelling you to take this long and fatiguing journey and inflictingthe terrible punishment of making you believe that my son and I had diedfrom your imprudence. I implored, entreated the Queen of the Fairies tospare you at least this last anguish but she was inflexible. "

Blondine gazed at her lost friends, listened eagerly to every word anddid not cease to embrace those she had feared were eternally separatedfrom her by death. The remembrance of her dear father now presenteditself. The prince Parfait understood her secret desire and made itknown to his mother, the fairy Bienveillante. 

"Prepare yourself, dear Blondine, to see your father. Informed by me, henow expects you. "

At this moment, Blondine found herself in a chariot of gold and pearls, the fairy Bienveillante seated at her right hand, and the prince Parfaitat her feet, regarding her kindly and tenderly. The chariot was drawn byfour swans of dazzling whiteness. They flew with such rapidity, thatfive minutes brought them to the palace of King Benin. All the court wasassembled about the king, all were expecting the princess Blondine. 

When the chariot appeared, the cries of joy and welcome were sotumultuous that the swans were confused and almost lost their way. Prince Parfait, who guided them, succeeded in arresting their attentionand the chariot drew up at the foot of the grand stairway. King Beninsprang towards Blondine who, jumping lightly from the chariot, threwherself in her father's arms. They remained a long time in this positionand everybody wept tears of joy. 

When King Benin had somewhat recovered himself he kissed, respectfullyand tenderly, the hand of the good fairy who, after having protected andeducated the princess Blondine had now restored her to him. He embracedthe prince Parfait whom he found most charming. 

There were eight resplendent gala days in honor of the return ofBlondine. At the close of this gay festival, the fairy Bienveillanteannounced her intention of returning home. But Prince Parfait andBlondine were so melancholy at the prospect of this separation that KingBenin resolved they should never quit the place. He wedded the fairy andBlondine became the happy wife of Prince Parfait who was always for herthe Beau-Minon of the Forest of Lilacs. 

Brunette, whose character had entirely changed, came often to seeBlondine. Prince Violent, her husband, became more amiable as Brunettebecame more gentle and they were very happy. 

As to Blondine, she had no misfortunes, no griefs. She had lovelydaughters, who resembled her, and good and handsome sons, the image oftheir manly father, Prince Parfait. Everybody loved them and every oneconnected with them was happy ever after. 

Good Little Henry

GOOD LITTLE HENRY

THE POOR SICK MOTHER

There was a poor woman, a widow, who lived alone with her little sonHenry. She loved him tenderly and she had good reason to do so, for noone had ever seen a more charming child. Although he was but seven yearsold, he kept the house while his good mother labored diligently and thenleft home to sell her work and buy food for herself and her littleHenry. He swept, he washed the floor, he cooked, he dug and cultivatedthe garden and when all this was done he seated himself to mend hisclothes or his mother's shoes and to make stools and tables--in short, to do everything his strength would enable him to do. 

The house in which they lived belonged to them, but it was verylonesome. In front of their dwelling there was a lofty mountain so highthat no one had ever ascended to its summit, and besides it wassurrounded by a rushing torrent, by high walls and insurmountableprecipices. 

The mother and her little boy were happy but alas! one day the poormother fell sick. They knew no doctor and besides they had no money topay for one. Poor Henry did not know how to cure her. He brought herfresh cool water for he had nothing else to give her, he stayed by hernight and day and ate his little morsel of dry bread at the foot of herbed. When she slept he looked at her sadly and wept. The sicknessincreased from day to day and at last the poor woman was almost in adying condition. She could neither speak nor swallow and she no longerknew her little Henry, who was sobbing on his knees near her bed. In hisdespair, he cried out:

"Fairy Bienfaisante, come to my help! Save my mother!"

Henry had scarcely pronounced these words, when a window opened and alady richly dressed entered and in a soft voice, said to him:

"What do you wish of me, my little friend? You called me--here I am!"

"Madam, " cried Henry, throwing himself on his knees and clasping hishands, "if you are the fairy Bienfaisante, save my poor mother who isabout to die and leave me alone in the world. "

The good fairy looked at Henry most compassionately and then, withoutsaying a word, she approached the poor woman, bent over her, examinedher attentively, breathed upon her and said:

"It is not in my power, my poor child, to cure your mother; her lifedepends upon you alone, if you have the courage to undertake the journeyI will point out to you. "

"Speak, madam! I entreat you to speak! there is nothing I will notundertake to save the life of my dear mother. "

The fairy replied, "You must go and seek the plant of life, which grows on top of themountain that you see from this window. When you have obtained thisplant, press its juice into the mouth of your mother and she will beimmediately restored to health. "

"I will start out immediately, madam. But who will take care of my poormother during my absence? And, moreover, " said he, sobbing bitterly, "she will be dead before my return. "

"Do not worry, my dear child. If you go to seek the plant of life, yourmother will need nothing before your return; she will remain preciselyin the condition in which you leave her. But you must dare many dangersand endure many things before you pluck the plant of life. Great courageand great perseverance are necessary on your part. "

"I fear nothing, madam, my courage and perseverance shall not fail. Tellme only how I shall know this plant amongst all the others which coverthe top of the mountain. "

"When you reach the summit, call the doctor who has charge of thisplant, inform him that I have sent you and he will give you a branch ofthe plant of life. "

Henry kissed the good fairy's hands and thanked her heartily, took asorrowful leave of his mother, covering her with kisses, put some breadin his pocket and set out, after saluting the fairy respectfully. 

The fairy smiled encouragingly at this poor child who so bravelyresolved to ascend a mountain so dangerous that none of those who hadattempted it had ever reached the summit. 

THE CROW, THE COCK, AND THE FROG

Little Henry marched resolutely to the mountain which he found much moredistant than it had appeared to him. Instead of arriving in a half houras he had expected, he walked rapidly the whole day without reaching itsbase. 

About one-third of the way he saw a Crow which was caught by the claw ina snare which some wicked boy had set for him. The poor Crow sought invain to release himself from this trap which caused him cruelsufferings. Henry ran to him, cut the cord which bound him and set himat liberty. The poor Crow flew off rapidly, after having said to Henry, "Thanks, my brave Henry, I will see you again. "

Henry was much surprised to hear the Crow speak but he did not relax hisspeed. 

Some time afterwards while he was resting in a grove and eating a morselof bread, he saw a Cock followed by a fox and about to be taken by himin spite of his efforts to escape. The poor frightened Cock passed verynear to Henry, who seized it adroitly, and hid it under his coat withoutthe fox having seen him. The fox continued his pursuit, supposing thatthe Cock was before him. Henry did not move till he was entirely out ofsight. He then released the Cock, who said to him in a low voice:

"Many thanks, my brave Henry, I will see you again. "

Henry was now rested. He rose and continued his journey. When he hadadvanced a considerable distance he saw a poor Frog about to be devouredby a serpent. The Frog trembled and, paralyzed by fear, could not move. The serpent advanced rapidly, its horrid mouth open. Henry seized alarge stone and threw it so adroitly that it entered the serpent'sthroat the moment it was about to devour the Frog. The frightened Frogleaped to a distance and cried out, "Many thanks, brave Henry; we will meet again. "

Henry, who had before heard the Crow and the Cock speak, was not nowastonished at these words of the Frog and continued to walk on rapidly. 

A short time after he arrived at the foot of the mountain but he wasgreatly distressed to see that a large and deep river ran at its foot, so wide that the other side could scarcely be seen. Greatly at a loss hepaused to reflect. 

[Illustration: _A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain_]

"Perhaps, " said he, hopefully, "I may find a bridge, or ford, or aboat. "

Henry followed the course of the river which flowed entirely around themountain but everywhere it was equally wide and deep and he saw neitherbridge nor boat. Poor Henry seated himself on the bank of the river, weeping bitterly. 

"Fairy Bienfaisante! Fairy Bienfaisante! come to my help, " heexclaimed. "Of what use will it be to me to know that there is a plantat the top of the mountain which will save the life of my poor mother, if I can never reach its summit?"

At this moment the Cock whom he had protected from the fox appeared onthe borders of the river, and said to him:

"The fairy Bienfaisante can do nothing for you. This mountain is beyondher control. But you have saved my life and I wish to prove mygratitude. Mount my back, Henry, and by the faith of a Cock I will takeyou safe to the other side. "

Henry did not hesitate. He sprang on the Cock's back, fully expecting tofall into the water but his clothes were not even moist. The Cockreceived him so adroitly on his back that he felt as secure as if he hadbeen on horseback. He held on firmly to the crest of the Cock who nowcommenced the passage. 

The river was so wide that he was flying constantly twenty-one daysbefore he reached the other shore; but during these twenty-one daysHenry was not sleepy and felt neither hunger nor thirst. 

When they arrived, Henry thanked the Cock most politely, who graciouslybristled his feathers and disappeared. A moment after this Henry turnedand to his astonishment the river was no longer to be seen. 

"It was without doubt the genius of the mountain who wished to preventmy approach, " said Henry. "But, with the help of the good fairyBienfaisante, I think I shall yet succeed in my mission. "

THE HARVEST

Henry walked a long, long time but he walked in vain for he saw that hewas no farther from the foot of the mountain and no nearer to the summitthan he had been when he crossed the river. Any other child would haveretraced his steps but the brave little Henry would not allow himself tobe discouraged. Notwithstanding his extreme fatigue he walked ontwenty-one days without seeming to make any advance. At the end of thistime he was no more discouraged than at the close of the first day. 

"If I am obliged to walk a hundred years, " he said aloud, "I will go ontill I reach the summit. "

"You have then a great desire to arrive there, little boy?" said an oldman, looking at him maliciously and standing just in his path. "What areyou seeking at the top of this mountain?"

"The plant of life, my good sir, to save the life of my dear mother whois about to die. "

The little old man shook his head, rested his little pointed chin on thetop of his gold-headed cane and after having a long time regarded Henry, he said:

"Your sweet and fresh face pleases me, my boy. I am one of the genii ofthis mountain. I will allow you to advance on condition that you willgather all my wheat, that you will beat it out, make it into flour andthen into bread. When you have gathered, beaten, ground and cooked it, then call me. You will find all the necessary implements in the ditchnear you. The fields of wheat are before you and cover the mountain. "

The old man disappeared and Henry gazed in terror at the immense fieldsof wheat which were spread out before him. But he soon mastered thisfeeling of discouragement--took off his vest, seized a scythe andcommenced cutting the wheat diligently. This occupied him a hundred andninety-five days and nights. 

When the wheat was all cut, Henry commenced to beat it with a flailwhich he found at hand. This occupied him sixty days. 

When the grain was all beaten out he began to grind it in a mill whichrose up suddenly near him. This occupied him seventy days. 

When the wheat was all ground he began to knead it and to cook it. Hekneaded and cooked for a hundred and twenty days. 

As the bread was cooked he arranged it properly on shelves, like booksin a library. 

When all was finished Henry was transported with joy and called thegenius of the mountain who appeared immediately and counted four hundredand sixty-eight thousand three hundred and twenty-nine new loaves ofbread. He bit and ate a little end off of two or three, drew near toHenry, tapped him on the cheek and said:

"You are a good boy and I wish to pay you for your work. "

He drew from his pocket a little wooden box which he gave to Henry andsaid, maliciously:

"When you return home, open this box and you will find in it the mostdelicious tobacco you have ever seen. "

Now Henry had never used tobacco and the present of the little geniusseemed to him very useless but he was too polite to let this be seen andhe thanked the old man as if satisfied. 

The old one smiled, then burst out laughing and disappeared. 

THE VINTAGE

Henry began to walk rapidly and perceived with great delight that everystep brought him nearer to the summit of the mountain. In three hours hehad walked two-thirds of the way. But suddenly he found himself arrestedby a very high wall which he had not perceived before. He walked aroundit, and found, after three days' diligent advance, that this wallsurrounded the entire mountain and that there was no door, not thesmallest opening by which he could enter. 

Henry seated himself on the ground, to reflect upon his situation. Heresolved to wait patiently--he sat there forty-five days. At the end ofthis time he said:

"I will not go back if I have to wait here a hundred years. "

He had scarcely uttered these words when a part of the wall crumbledaway with a terrible noise and he saw in the opening a giant, brandishing an enormous cudgel. 

"You have then a great desire to pass here, my boy? What are you seekingbeyond my wall?"

"I am seeking the plant of life, Master Giant, to cure my poor motherwho is dying. If it is in your power and you will allow me to pass thiswall, I will do anything for you that you may command. "

"Is it so? Well, listen! Your countenance pleases me. I am one of thegenii of this mountain. I will allow you to pass this wall if you willfill my wine-cellar. Here are all my vines. Gather the grapes, crushthem, put the juice in the casks and arrange them well in mywine-cellar. You will find all the implements necessary at the foot ofthis wall. When it is done, call me. "

The Giant disappeared, closing the wall behind him. Henry looked aroundhim and as far as he could see, the vines of the Giant were growingluxuriously. 

"Well, well, " said Henry to himself, "I cut all the wheat of the littleold man--I can surely also gather the grapes of the big Giant. It willnot take me so long and it will not be as difficult to make wine ofthese grapes as to make bread of the wheat. "

[Illustration: _A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise_]

Henry took off his coat, picked up a pruning-knife which he saw at hisfeet and began to cut the grapes and throw them into the vats. It tookhim thirty days to gather this crop. When all was finished, hecrushed the grapes, poured the juice into the casks and ranged them inthe cellar, which they completely filled. He was ninety days making thewine. 

When the wine was ready and everything in the cellar in complete order, Henry called the Giant who immediately appeared, examined the casks, tasted the wine, then turned towards Henry and said:

"You are a brave little man and I wish to pay you for your trouble. Itshall not be said that you worked gratis for the Giant of the mountain. "

He drew a thistle from his pocket, gave it to Henry and said:

"After your return home, whenever you desire anything, smell thisthistle. "

Henry did not think the Giant very generous but he received the thistlewith an amiable smile. 

Then the Giant whistled so loudly that the mountain trembled and thewall and Giant disappeared entirely and Henry was enabled to continuehis journey. 

THE CHASE

Henry was within a half-hour's walk of the summit of the mountain whenhe reached a pit so wide that he could not possibly jump to the otherside and so deep that it seemed bottomless. Henry did not lose courage, however. He followed the borders of the pit till he found himself wherehe started from and knew that this yawning pit surrounded the mountain. 

"Alas! what shall I do?" said poor Henry; "I scarcely overcome oneobstacle when another more difficult seems to rise up before me. Howshall I ever pass this pit?"

The poor child felt for the first time that his eyes were filled withtears. He looked around for some means of passing over but saw nopossible chance and seated himself sadly on the brink of the precipice. Suddenly he heard a terrible growl. He turned and saw within ten stepsof him an enormous Wolf gazing at him with flaming eyes. 

"What are you seeking in my kingdom?" said the Wolf, in a threateningvoice. 

"Master Wolf, I am seeking the plant of life which alone can save mydear mother who is about to die. If you will assist me to cross thispit, I will be your devoted servant and will obey any command you maygive me. "

"Well, my boy, if you will catch all the game which is in my forests, birds and beasts, and make them up into pies and nice roasts, by thefaith of the genius of the mountain, I will pass you over to the otherside. You will find near this tree all the instruments necessary tocatch the game and to cook it. When your work is done, call me. "

Saying these words, he disappeared. 

Henry took courage. He lifted a bow and arrow which he saw on theground, and began to shoot at the partridges, woodcocks, pheasants andgame of all kinds which abounded there. But, alas! he did not understandit and killed nothing. 

During eight days he was shooting right and left in vain and was at lastwearied and despairing, when he saw near him the Crow whose life he hadsaved in the commencement of his journey. 

"You rescued me from mortal danger, " said the Crow, "and I told you Ishould see you again. I have come to redeem my promise. If you do notfulfil your promise to the Wolf, he will change you into some terriblewild beast. Follow me. I am going a-hunting and you have only to gatherthe game and cook it. "

Saying these words, the Crow flew above the trees of the forest and withhis beak and his claws killed all the game to be found. In fact, duringone hundred and fifty days he caught one million eight hundred and sixtythousand seven hundred and twenty-six animals and birds, squirrels, moor-cocks, pheasants, and quails. As the Crow killed them, Henryplucked the feathers, skinned them, cut them up and cooked them inroasts or pies. When all was cooked he arranged them neatly and then theCrow said to him:

"Adieu, Henry. There remains one obstacle yet to overcome but in thatdifficulty I cannot aid you. But do not be discouraged. The good fairiesprotect filial love. "

Before Henry had time to thank the Crow, he had disappeared. He thencalled the Wolf and said to him:

"Master Wolf, here is all the game of your forest. I have prepared it asyou ordered and now will you assist me to pass this precipice?"

The Wolf examined a pheasant, crunched a roast squirrel and a pie, licked his lips and said to Henry:

"You are a brave and good boy. I will pay you for your trouble. It shallnot be said that you have worked for the Wolf of the mountain withoutreceiving your reward. "

Saying these words, he gave Henry a staff which he cut in the forest andsaid to him:

[Illustration: _Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back_]

"When you have gathered the plant of life and wish yourself transportedto any part of the world, mount the stick and it will be your horse. "

Henry was on the point of throwing this useless stick into the woods buthe wished to be polite, and receiving it smilingly, he thanked the Wolfcordially. 

"Get on my back, Henry, " said the Wolf. 

Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back and he made a bound so prodigiousthat they landed immediately on the other side of the precipice. 

Henry dismounted, thanked the Wolf and walked on vigorously. 

THE FISHING

At last, after so many labors and perils, Henry saw the lattice of thegarden in which the plant of life was growing and his heart bounded forjoy. He looked always upward as he walked, and went on as rapidly as hisstrength would permit, when suddenly he fell into a hole. He sprangbackwards, looked anxiously around him and saw a ditch full of water, large and long, so long indeed that he could not see either end. 

"Without doubt this is that last obstacle of which the Crow spoke tome, " said Henry to himself. "Since I have overcome all my otherdifficulties with the help of the good fairy Bienfaisante, she willassist me to surmount this also. It was surely she who sent me the Cock, the Crow and the Old Man, the Giant and the Wolf. I will wait patientlytill it shall please her to assist me this time. "

On saying these words, Henry began to walk along the ditch, hoping tofind the end. He walked on steadily two days and found himself at theend of that time just where he had started. Henry would not give way todistress, he would not be discouraged; he seated himself on the bordersof the ditch and said:

"I will not move from this spot till the genius of the mountain allowsme to pass this ditch. "

Henry had just uttered these words when an enormous Cat appeared beforehim and began to mew so horribly that he was almost deafened by thesound. The Cat said to him:

"What are you doing here? Do you not know that I could tear you topieces with one stroke of my claws?"

"I do not doubt your power, Mr. Cat, but you will not do so when youknow that I am seeking the plant of life to save my poor mother who isdying. If you will permit me to pass your ditch, I will do anything inmy power to please you. "

"Will you?" said the Cat. "Well, then, listen; your countenance pleasesme. If, therefore, you will catch all the fish in this ditch and saltand cook them, I will pass you over to the other side, on the faith of aCat!"

Henry advanced some steps and saw lines, fish-hooks, bait, and nets onthe ground. He took a net, and hoped that by one vigorous haul he wouldtake many fish and that he would succeed much better than with a lineand hook. He threw the net and drew it in with great caution. But alas!he had caught nothing!

Disappointed, Henry thought he had not been adroit. He threw the netagain and drew it very softly: still nothing!

Henry was patient. For ten days he tried faithfully without havingcaught a single fish. Then he gave up the net and tried the hook andline. He waited an hour, two hours;--not a single fish bit at the bait!He moved from place to place, till he had gone entirely around theditch. He tried diligently fifteen days and caught not a single fish. Heknew not now what to do. He thought of the good fairy Bienfaisante, whohad abandoned him at the end of his undertaking. He seated himself sadlyand gazed intently at the ditch when suddenly the water began to boiland he saw the head of a Frog appear. 

"Henry, " said the Frog, "you saved my life--I wish now to save yours inreturn. If you do not execute the orders of the Cat of the mountain hewill eat you for his breakfast. You cannot catch the fish because thewater is so deep and they take refuge at the bottom. But allow me to actfor you. Light your fire for cooking and prepare your vessels forsalting. I will bring you the fish. "

Saying these words, the Frog plunged back into the water. Henry saw thatthe waves were agitated and boiling up, as if a grand contest was goingon at the bottom of the ditch. In a moment, however, the Frogreappeared, sprang ashore and deposited a superb salmon which he hadcaught. Henry had scarcely time to seize the salmon when the Frog leapedashore with a carp. During sixty days the Frog continued his labors. Henry cooked the large fish and threw the little ones into the casks tobe salted. Finally, at the end of two months, the Frog leaped towardsHenry and said:

"There is not now a single fish in the ditch. You can call the Cat ofthe mountain. "

Henry thanked the Frog heartily, who extended his wet foot towards him, in sign of friendship. Henry pressed it affectionately and gratefullyand the Frog disappeared. 

It took Henry fifteen days to arrange properly all the large fish he hadcooked and all the casks of small fish he had salted. He then called theCat, who appeared immediately. 

"Mr. Cat, " said Henry, "here are all your fish cooked and salted. Willyou now keep your promise and pass me over to the other side?"

The Cat examined the fish and the casks; tasted a salted and a cookedfish, licked his lips, smiled and said to Henry:

"You are a brave boy! I will recompense your fortitude and patience. Itshall never be said that the Cat of the mountain does not pay hisservants. "

Saying these words, the Cat tore off one of his own claws and said, handing it to Henry:

"When you are sick or feel yourself growing old, touch your foreheadwith this claw. Sickness, suffering and old age will disappear. Thismiraculous claw will have the same virtue for all that you love and allwho love you. "

Henry thanked the Cat most warmly, took the precious claw and wished totry its powers immediately, as he felt painfully weary. The claw hadscarcely touched his brow when he felt as fresh and vigorous as if hehad just left his bed. 

The Cat looked on smiling, and said: "Now get on my tail. "

Henry obeyed. He was no sooner seated on the Cat's tail than he saw thetail lengthen itself till it reached across the ditch. 

THE PLANT OF LIFE

When he had saluted the Cat respectfully, Henry ran towards the gardenof the plant of life, which was only a hundred steps from him. Hetrembled lest some new obstacle should retard him but he reached thegarden lattice without any difficulty. He sought the gate and found itreadily, as the garden was not large. But, alas! the garden was filledwith innumerable plants utterly unknown to him and it was impossible toknow how to distinguish the plant of life. Happily he remembered thatthe good fairy Bienfaisante had told him that when he reached the summitof the mountain he must call the Doctor who cultivated the garden of thefairies. He called him then with a loud voice. In a moment he heard anoise among the plants near him and saw issue from them a little man, notaller than a hearth brush. He had a book under his arm, spectacles onhis crooked little nose and wore the great black cloak of a doctor. 

[Illustration: "_What are you seeking little one?_"]

"What are you seeking, little one?" said the Doctor; "and how is itpossible that you have gained this summit?"

"Doctor, I come from the fairy Bienfaisante, to ask the plant of life tocure my poor sick mother, who is about to die. "

"All those who come from the fairy Bienfaisante, " said the littleDoctor, raising his hat respectfully, "are most welcome. Come, my boy, Iwill give you the plant you seek. "

The Doctor then buried himself in the botanical garden where Henry hadsome trouble in following him, as he was so small as to disappearentirely among the plants. At last they arrived near a bush growing byitself. The Doctor drew a little pruning-knife from his pocket, cut abunch and gave it to Henry, saying:

"Take this and use it as the good fairy Bienfaisante directed but do notallow it to leave your hands. If you lay it down under any circumstancesit will escape from you and you will never recover it. "

Henry was about to thank him but the little man had disappeared in themidst of his medicinal herbs, and he found himself alone. 

"What shall I do now in order to arrive quickly at home? If I encounteron my return the same obstacles which met me as I came up the mountain, I shall perhaps lose my plant, my dear plant, which should restore mydear mother to life. "

Happily Henry now remembered the stick which the Wolf had given him. 

"Well, let us see, " said he, "if this stick has really the power tocarry me home. "

Saying this, he mounted the stick and wished himself at home. In thesame moment he felt himself raised in the air, through which he passedwith the rapidity of lightning and found himself almost instantly by hismother's bed. 

Henry sprang to his mother and embraced her tenderly. But she neithersaw nor heard him. He lost no time, but pressed the plant of life uponher lips. At the same moment she opened her eyes, threw her arms aroundHenry's neck and exclaimed:

"My child! my dear Henry! I have been very sick but now I feel almostwell. I am hungry. "

Then, looking at him in amazement, she said: "How you have grown, mydarling! How is this? How can you have changed so in a few days?"

Henry had indeed grown a head taller. Two years, seven months and sixdays had passed away since he left his home. He was now nearly ten yearsold. Before he had time to answer, the window opened and the good fairyBienfaisante appeared. She embraced Henry and, approaching the couch ofhis mother, related to her all that little Henry had done and suffered, the dangers he had dared, the fatigues he endured; the courage, thepatience, the goodness he had manifested. Henry blushed on hearinghimself thus praised by the fairy. His mother pressed him to her heart, and covered him with kisses. After the first moments of happiness andemotion had passed away, the fairy said:

"Now, Henry, you can make use of the present of the little Old Man andthe Giant of the mountain. "

Henry drew out his little box and opened it. Immediately there issuedfrom it a crowd of little workmen, not larger than bees, who filled theroom. They began to work with such promptitude that in a quarter of anhour they had built and furnished a beautiful house in the midst of alovely garden with a thick wood on one side and a beautiful meadow onthe other. 

"All this is yours, my brave Henry, " said the fairy. "The Giant'sthistle will obtain for you all that is necessary. The Wolf's staff willtransport you where you wish. The Cat's claw will preserve your healthand your youth and also that of your dear mother. Adieu, Henry! Be happyand never forget that virtue and filial love are always recompensed. "

Henry threw himself on his knees before the fairy who gave him her handto kiss, smiled upon him and disappeared. 

Henry's mother had a great desire to arise from her bed and admire hernew house, her garden, her woods and her meadow. But, alas! she had nodress. During her first illness she had made Henry sell all that shepossessed, as they were suffering for bread. 

"Alas! alas! my child, I cannot leave my bed. I have neither dresses norshoes. "

"You shall have all those things, dear mother, " exclaimed Henry. 

Drawing his thistle from his pocket, he smelled it while he wished fordresses, linen, shoes for his mother and himself and also for linen forthe house. At the same moment the presses were filled with linen, hismother was dressed in a good and beautiful robe of merino and Henrycompletely clothed in blue cloth, with good, substantial shoes. Theyboth uttered a cry of joy. His mother sprang from her bed to run throughthe house with Henry. Nothing was wanting. Everywhere the furniture wasgood and comfortable. The kitchen was filled with pots and kettles; butthere was nothing in them. 

Henry again put his thistle to his nose and desired to have a gooddinner served up. 

A table soon appeared, with good smoking soup, a splendid leg of lamb, aroasted pullet and good salad. They took seats at the table with theappetite of those who had not eaten for three years. The soup was soonswallowed, the leg of lamb entirely eaten, then the pullet, then thesalad. 

When their hunger was thus appeased, the mother, aided by Henry, tookoff the cloth, washed and arranged all the dishes and then put thekitchen in perfect order. They then made up their beds with the sheetsthey found in the presses and went happily to bed, thanking God and thegood fairy Bienfaisante. The mother also gave grateful thanks for herdear son Henry. 

They lived thus most happily, they wanted nothing--the thistle providedeverything. They did not grow old or sick--the claw cured every ill. They never used the staff, as they were too happy at home ever to desireto leave it. 

Henry asked of his thistle only two cows, two good horses and thenecessaries of life for every day. He wished for nothing superfluous, either in clothing or food and thus he preserved his thistle as long ashe lived. It is not known when they died. It is supposed that the Queenof the Fairies made them immortal and transported them to her palace, where they still are. 

The Princess Rosette

HISTORY OF PRINCESS ROSETTE

THE FARM

There was once a king and queen, who had three daughters. The two eldestwere twins--Orangine and Roussette--and their parents loved them verydearly. They were beautiful and intelligent, but they were not verygood. In this they resembled the king and queen. The third princess wascalled Rosette and was three years younger than her sisters. She was asamiable as she was handsome, as good as she was beautiful. 

The fairy Puissante was Rosette's godmother and this made her twosisters, Orangine and Roussette, very jealous. They were angry becausethey also had not a fairy for their godmother. 

Some days after the birth of Rosette, the king and queen sent her to thecountry, on a farm, to be nursed. Rosette lived happily here for fifteenyears without her parents coming once to see her. Every year they sent asmall sum of money to the farmer to pay Rosette's expenses and askedsome questions as to her health, but they never came to see her nordisturbed themselves about her education. 

Rosette would indeed have been very rude and ignorant if her goodgodmother, the fairy Puissante, had not sent her teachers and all thatwas necessary. In this way Rosette learned to read, to write, to keepaccounts and to work beautifully. She became an accomplished musician, she knew how to draw and spoke several languages. 

Rosette was the most beautiful, the most attractive, the most amiableand the most excellent princess in the whole world. She had neverdisobeyed her nurse or godmother, and had therefore never been reproved. She did not regret her father and mother, as she did not know them andshe did not desire any other home than the farm where she had been sohappy. 

One day when Rosette was seated on a bench before the door, she saw aman arrive in a laced hat and coat; he approached her and asked if hecould speak to the princess Rosette. 

"Yes, without doubt, " answered the princess; "I am the princessRosette. "

[Illustration: _She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat_]

"Then, princess, " said the man, respectfully taking off his hat, "begraciously pleased to receive this letter, which the king your fatherhas charged me to deliver to you. "

Rosette took the letter, opened it, and read the following:

 "Rosette: Your sisters are now eighteen years old and it is time they were married. I have invited the princes and princesses of all the kingdoms of the earth to come and assist at a festival which I intend to give in order to choose husbands for Orangine and Roussette. You are now fifteen years old and can properly appear at this festival. You may come and pass three days with me. I will send for you in eight days. I cannot send you any money for your toilet as I am now at great expense for your sisters; besides, no one will look at you. Come, therefore, in any clothes you please. 

 "The King Your Father. "

Rosette ran quickly to show this letter to her nurse. 

"Are you pleased, Rosette, to go to this festival?"

"Yes, my good nurse, I am delighted. I will enjoy myself and becomeacquainted with my father, mother and my sisters and then I will returnto you. "

"But, " said the nurse, shaking her head, "what dress will you wear, mypoor child?"

"My beautiful robe of white percale which I always wear on holidays, mydear nurse. "

"My poor little one, that robe is indeed very suitable for the countrybut would appear miserably poor at a party of kings and princes. "

"Of what consequence is all this, nurse? My father himself has said thatno one will look at me. This thought will make me much more at my ease. I shall see all and no one will see me. "

The nurse sighed but said nothing and began immediately to mend, whitenand smooth Rosette's white robe. 

The day before the king was to send for her, the nurse called her andsaid:

"My dear child, here is your dress for the king's festival; be verycareful with it as I shall not be there to whiten and smooth it foryou. "

"Thanks, my good nurse; be satisfied--I will take great care. "

The nurse now packed in a little trunk the percale robe and white skirt, a pair of cotton stockings and black shoes and then a little bouquet offlowers for Rosette to wear in her hair. Just as she was about to closethe trunk, the window opened violently and the fairy Puissante entered. 

"You are going, then, to your father's court, my dear Rosette?" said thefairy. 

"Yes, dear godmother, but only for three days. "

"But what dress have you prepared for those three days?"

"Look, godmother! look!" and she pointed to the trunk, which was stillopen. 

The fairy smiled, drew a small bottle from her pocket and said: "Iintend that my dear Rosette shall make a sensation by her dress. This isunworthy of her. "

The fairy opened the bottle, and threw some drops of the liquid itcontained upon the robe, which became a coarse India rubber cloth; thena drop upon the cotton stockings, which changed into blue yarn; a thirddrop upon the bouquet, which became a hen's egg; a fourth upon theshoes, and they immediately changed into coarse felt. 

"In this manner, " said she, with a gracious air, "do I wish my Rosetteto appear. You must attire yourself in all this and, to complete yourtoilette, here is a necklace of nuts, a band for your hair of burrs, andbracelets of dried beans. " She kissed Rosette who was completelystupefied. The fairy then disappeared and the nurse burst into tears. 

"Alas! it was not worth my while to give myself all the trouble ofpreparing this poor robe. Oh, my poor Rosette! Do not go to thisfestival. Pretend you are ill, my child. "

"No, " said Rosette; "that would be to displease my godmother. I am surethat she does what is best for me. She is much wiser than I am. I willgo and I will wear all that my godmother has brought me. " And the goodand obedient Rosette thought no more of her dress. She went to bed andslept tranquilly. 

She had scarce arranged her hair and dressed herself in the morning whenthe chariot of the fairy came for her. She embraced her nurse, took herlittle trunk and departed. 

ROSETTE AT THE COURT OF THE KING HER FATHER

They were but two hours on the way, for the king's capital was only tenleagues from the farm. When Rosette arrived, she was surprised to seethat she had to descend in a little, dirty court-yard, where a pageattended her. 

"Come, princess, I am commissioned to conduct you to your chamber. "

"Can I not see the queen my mother?" asked Rosette, timidly. 

"In two hours, princess, when they are assembled for dinner, you willsee her. In the mean time you can dress. "

Rosette followed the page, who led her through a long corridor, at theend of which was a narrow staircase. She ascended, slowly, after a long, long time arriving at another corridor where she entered the chamberdestined for her. The queen had lodged Rosette in one of the servants'rooms. The little page placed Rosette's modest trunk in a corner andsaid, with an air of embarrassment, "Pardon me, princess, for having led you into this chamber, so unworthyof you. The queen has disposed of all the other apartments for herguests, the kings, queens, princes and princesses. There was no otherroom vacant and----"

"Well, well, " said Rosette, smiling, "I shall not blame you. Besides, Ishall be very comfortable. "

"I will come for you, princess, to lead you to the king and queen at theproper hour. "

"I will be ready, " said Rosette, "adieu, pretty page. "

Rosette now unpacked her trunk. Her heart was beating and swellingtumultuously. Sighing heavily, she drew out her robe of coarse cloth andthe other articles of her toilette. Rosette was very adroit. Shearranged her exquisite blonde hair most beautifully, with a pullet'sfeather and a band made of burrs. Her head-dress was indeed so charmingthat it made her a hundred times more lovely. When she had put on hershoes and stockings and her robe, what was her amazement to see that itwas made of gold brocade, embroidered with rubies of marvellous beauty;her coarse heavy shoes were now white satin, adorned with buckles of onesingle ruby of wonderful splendour; her stockings were of silk and asfine as a spider's web; her necklace was of rubies surrounded withlarge diamonds; her bracelets of diamonds, the most splendid that hadever been seen. 

Rosette now ran to the glass and saw that the pullet's wing had become amagnificent locket and that the pendant was a carbuncle of such beautyand brilliancy that a fairy alone could possess it. 

Rosette, happy, delighted, exultant, danced around the little room andthanked her good godmother aloud for having tested her obedience andthus magnificently rewarded it. 

The page now knocked at the door, entered and started back, dazzled bythe beauty of Rosette and the magnificence of her toilette. Rosettefollowed him. They descended the stairs, passed through many apartmentsand at last entered a suite of superb salons, filled with kings, queensand nobles. Every one who saw Rosette paused and turned to admire her. The modest princess, however, was ashamed to be thus gazed at and didnot dare raise her eyes. At last the page paused and said to Rosette:

"Princess, behold the queen your mother and the king!"

Rosette raised her eyes and saw just before her the king and queen whoregarded her with a comic surprise. 

"Madam, " said the king at last to her, "be graciously pleased to tell meyour name. You are no doubt some great queen or still greater fairywhose unexpected presence is an honor and a happiness for us. "

"Sire, " said Rosette, falling gracefully upon her knees, "I am neithera great queen nor a powerful fairy but your daughter Rosette, for whomyou were kind enough to send. "

"Rosette!" exclaimed the queen; "Rosette clothed more magnificently thanI have ever been! Who, then, miss, has given you all these beautifulthings?"

"My godmother, madam. Graciously permit me, madam, to kiss your hand andpresent me to my sisters. "

The queen gave her hand coldly. Then pointing to Orangine and Roussette, who were by her side, she said: "There are your sisters. "

Poor Rosette, saddened by this cold welcome from her father and mother, turned gladly towards her sisters and wished to embrace them but theydrew back with terror, fearing that while embracing them Rosette woulddisplace the red and white with which they were painted. Oranginecovered herself with white to conceal her yellow skin and Roussette tohide her ugly freckles. 

Rosette was repulsed by her sisters but was soon surrounded by theladies of the court and all the invited princes. As she conversed withready grace and goodness and spoke several languages she charmed allthose who approached her. Orangine and Roussette were frightfullyjealous. The king and queen were furious for Rosette absorbed allattention; no one paid any attention to the sisters. 

At table the young prince Charmant, who was monarch of the mostmagnificent and beautiful of all the kingdoms of the earth and whomOrangine hoped to wed, placed himself by the side of Rosette and wascompletely absorbed in her during the repast. 

After dinner, Orangine and Roussette, in order to draw some attentiontowards themselves, sang a duet. They sang indeed admirably andaccompanied themselves on the harp. Rosette who was truly good andwished her sister to love her, applauded them rapturously andcomplimented them on their talent. 

Orangine, in place of being touched by this generous sentiment andhoping to play her sister a malicious trick, now insisted upon hersinging. Rosette for some time modestly refused. Her sisters, whosupposed that she did not know how to sing, were insistent. The queenherself, desiring to humiliate poor Rosette, joined her entreaties tothose of Orangine and Roussette and in fact commanded the young princessto sing. 

Rosette curtsied to the queen. "I obey, madam, " said she. 

She took the harp and the enchanting grace of her position astonishedher sisters. They would have been glad indeed to interrupt her when shecommenced her prelude for they saw at a glance that her talent was muchsuperior to theirs. But when, in a beautiful and melodious voice, shesang a romance, composed by herself on the happiness of being good andbeloved there was an outbreak of admiration, the enthusiasm becamegeneral and her sisters almost fainted with jealousy and envy. 

Charmant was transported with admiration. He approached Rosette, hiseyes moistened with tears and said to her:

"Enchanting and lovely princess, I have never heard so touching a voice. Can I not have the happiness of hearing you once more?"

Rosette, who was painfully aware of the jealousy of her sisters, excusedherself, saying she was fatigued. Prince Charmant, who had clearintellect and penetration, divined the true motive of her refusal andadmired Rosette still more for her delicacy. The queen, irritated by thesuccess of Rosette, terminated the party at an early hour and retired. 

Rosette returned to her little room and undressed herself. She removedher robe and her ornaments and put them in a superb case of ebony whichshe found in her room. Much to her surprise, she found in her littletrunk the robe of coarse cloth, the pullet feather, the necklace ofnuts, the burrs, the dry beans, the coarse shoes of felt and the blueyarn stockings. She would not allow herself, however, to be disquieted, certain that her good godmother would come to her assistance at theproper time. Rosette was indeed saddened by the coldness of her parentsand the jealousy of her sisters; but, as she scarcely knew them, thispainful impression was effaced by the remembrance of the PrinceCharmant, who appeared so good and who had been so flattering in hisattention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully and awoke late in themorning. 

FAMILY COUNCIL

While Rosette was only occupied with smiling and pleasant thoughts, theking, the queen and the princesses Orangine and Roussette were chokingwith rage. They had all assembled in the queen's apartment. 

"This is too horrible, " said the princesses. "Why did you send for thisRosette, who has such dazzling jewels and makes herself admired andsought after by all these foolish kings and princes? Was it to humiliateus, my father, that you called us to the court at this time?"

"I swear to you, my beautiful darlings, " said the king, "that it was bythe order of the fairy Puissante I was compelled to write for her tocome. Besides, I did not know that she was so beautiful and that----"

"So beautiful!" interrupted the princesses. "Where do you find her sobeautiful? She is indeed ugly and coarse. It is her magnificent attirealone which makes her admired. Why have you not given to us your mostsuperb jewels and your richest robes? We have the air of young slovensby the side of this proud princess. "

"And where could I possibly have found jewels as magnificent as hers? Ihave none which would compare with them. It is her godmother, the fairyPuissante, who has lent her these jewels. "

"Why, then, did you summon a fairy to be the godmother of Rosette, whenyou gave to us only queens for our godmothers?"

"It was not your father who called her, " cried the queen. "The fairyPuissante herself, without being called, appeared to us and signifiedthat she would be Rosette's godmother. "

"It is not worth while to spend the time in disputing and quarrelling, "said the king. "It is better to occupy ourselves in finding some meansof getting rid of Rosette and preventing Prince Charmant from seeing heragain. "

"Nothing more easy than that, " said the queen. "I will have herdespoiled to-morrow of her rare jewels and her beautiful robes. I willorder my servants to seize her and carry her back to the farm which sheshall never leave again. "

The queen had scarcely uttered these words, when the fairy Puissanteappeared with an angry and threatening air. "If you dare to touchRosette, " said she, with a thundering voice, "if you do not keep her atthe palace, if she is not present at all the parties, you shall feelthe terrible effects of my anger. You unworthy king and you heartlessqueen, you shall be changed into toads and you, odious daughters andsisters, shall become vipers. Dare now to touch Rosette!"

Saying these words, she disappeared. 

The king, the queen and princesses were horribly frightened andseparated without saying a single word but their hearts were filled withrage. The princesses slept but little and were yet more furious in themorning when they saw their eyes heavy and their features convulsed byevil passions. In vain they used rouge and powder and beat their maids. They had no longer a vestige of beauty. The king and queen were asunhappy and as despairing as the princesses and indeed they saw noremedy for their grief and disappointment. 

SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL

In the morning a coarse servant brought Rosette bread and milk andoffered her services to dress her. Rosette, who did not wish this rudedomestic to see the change in her dress, thanked her smilingly andreplied that she was in the habit of arranging her hair and dressingherself. Rosette then began her toilette. When she had washed and combedher hair she wished to arrange it with the superb carbuncle she had wornthe day before but she saw with surprise that the ebony case haddisappeared and in its place was a small wooden trunk, upon which therelay a folded paper. She took it and read the following directions:

 "Here are your things, Rosette. Dress yourself as you were dressed yesterday, in the clothing you brought from the farm. "

Rosette did not hesitate an instant, certain that her godmother wouldcome to her help at the proper time. She arranged her pullet wing in adifferent manner from that of the day before, put on her dress, hernecklace, her shoes, her bracelets and then stood before the glass. 

When she saw her own reflection in the mirror she was amazed. She wasattired in the richest and most splendid riding-suit of sky-blue velvetand pearl buttons as large as walnuts; her stockings were bordered witha wreath of pearls; her head-dress was a cap of sky-blue velvet with along plume of dazzling whiteness, which floated down to her waist andwas attached by a single pearl of unparalleled beauty and splendor. Theboots were also of blue velvet embroidered in gold and pearls. Herbracelets and necklace also were of pearls, so large and so pure that asingle one would have paid for the king's palace. 

At the moment when Rosette was about to leave her chamber to follow thepage, a sweet voice whispered in her ear, "Rosette, do not mount anyother horse than the one the prince Charmant will present you. "

She turned and saw no one; but she felt convinced that this counsel camefrom her good godmother. 

"Thanks, dear godmother, " she said, in low tones. She felt a sweet kissupon her cheek and smiled with happiness and gratitude. 

The little page conducted her, as the day before, into the royal salon, where her appearance produced a greater effect than before. Her fine, sweet countenance, her splendid figure, her magnificent dress, alluredall eyes and captivated all hearts. 

The prince Charmant, who was evidently expecting her, advanced to meether, offered his arm and led her to the king and queen who received herwith more coldness than the day before. Orangine and Roussette werebursting with spite at the sight of the splendid appearance of Rosette. They would not even say good-day to their sister. 

The good, young princess was of course somewhat embarrassed by thisreception but the prince Charmant, seeing her distress, approached andasked permission to be her companion during the chase in the forest. 

"It will be a great pleasure to me, " replied Rosette, who did not knowhow to dissimulate. 

"It seems to me, " said he, "that I am your brother, so great is theaffection which I feel for you, charming princess. Permit me to remainby your side and to defend you against all enemies. "

"It will be an honor and a pleasure for me to be protected by a king soworthy of the name he bears. "

Prince Charmant was enchanted by this gracious reply and, notwithstanding the malice of Orangine and Roussette, who tried in everypossible way to attract him to themselves, he did not leave Rosette'sside for a moment. 

After breakfast they descended to the court for a ride on horseback. Apage advanced to Rosette, leading a splendid black horse, which couldscarcely be held by the grooms, it was so wild and vicious. 

"You must not ride this horse, princess, " said Prince Charmant, "it willcertainly kill you. Bring another horse for the princess, " he said, turning to the page. 

"The king and the queen gave orders that the princess should ride noother horse than this, " said the page. At this the prince exclaimed:

"Dear princess, wait but for a moment; I myself will bring you a horseworthy of you but I implore you not to mount this dangerous animal. "

"I will wait your return, " said Rosette, with a gracious smile. 

A few moments afterwards Prince Charmant appeared, leading a magnificenthorse, white as snow. The saddle was of blue velvet, embroidered inpearls and the bridle was of gold and pearls. When Rosette wished tomount, the horse knelt down and rose quietly when she had placed herselfin the saddle. 

Prince Charmant sprang lightly upon his beautiful steed Alezan andplaced himself by the side of the princess Rosette. The king, the queenand the princesses, who had seen all this, were pale with rage but theydared say nothing for fear of the fairy Puissante. 

The king gave the signal to depart. Every lady had her attendantgentleman. Orangine and Roussette were obliged to content themselveswith two insignificant princes who were neither so young nor so handsomeas Prince Charmant. Orangine and Roussette were so sulky that even theseprinces declared they would never wed princesses so uninteresting. 

In place of following the chase, Prince Charmant and Rosette wandered inthe beautiful shady walks of the forest, talking merrily and givingaccounts of their past lives. 

"But, " said Charmant, "if the king your father has not allowed you toreside in his palace, how is it that he has given you such beautifuljewels, worthy of a fairy?"

"It is to my good godmother that I owe them, " replied Rosette. And thenshe told Prince Charmant how she had been educated on a farm and thatshe was indebted to the fairy Puissante for everything that she knew andeverything she valued. The fairy had watched over her education andgranted her every wish of her heart. 

Charmant listened with a lively interest and a tender compassion. Andnow, in his turn, he told Rosette that he had been left an orphan at theage of seven years; that the fairy Puissante had presided over hiseducation; that she had also sent him to the festivals given by theking, telling him he would find there the perfect woman he was seeking. 

"In short, I believe, dear Rosette, that I have found in you thecharming and perfect creature of whom the fairy spoke. Deign, princess, to connect your life with mine and authorize me to demand your hand ofyour parents. "

"Before answering, dear prince, I must obtain permission of my godmotherbut you may be sure that I shall be very happy to pass my life withyou. "

The morning thus passed away most agreeably for Rosette and Charmant andthey returned to the palace to dress for dinner. 

Rosette entered her ugly garret and saw before her a magnificent box ofrosewood, wide open. She undressed and as she removed her articles ofclothing they arranged themselves in the box, which then closed firmly. She arranged her hair and dressed herself with her usual neatness andthen ran to the glass. She could not suppress a cry of admiration. 

Her robe was of gauze and was so fine and light, and brilliant it lookedas if woven of the wings of butterflies. It was studded with diamonds asbrilliant as stars. The hem of this robe, the corsage and the waist weretrimmed with diamond fringe which sparkled like suns. Her hair waspartly covered with a net of diamonds from which a tassel of immensediamonds fell to her shoulders. Every diamond was as large as a pear andwas worth a kingdom. Her necklace and bracelets were so immense and sobrilliant that you could not look at them fixedly without beingblinded. 

The young princess thanked her godmother most tenderly and felt againupon her fair cheek the sweet kiss of the morning. She followed the pageand entered the royal salon. Prince Charmant was awaiting her at thedoor, offered her his arm and conducted her to the apartment of the kingand queen. Rosette advanced to salute them. 

Charmant saw with indignation the glances of rage and revenge which theking, queen and princesses cast upon poor Rosette. He remained by herside as he had done in the morning and was witness to the admirationwhich she inspired and the malice and envy of her sisters. 

Rosette was indeed sad to find herself the object of hatred to herfather, mother and sisters. Charmant perceived her melancholy and askedthe cause. She explained it to him frankly. 

"When, oh! when, my dear Rosette, will you permit me to ask your hand ofyour father? In my kingdom every one will love you and I more than allthe rest. "

"To-morrow, dear prince, I will send you the reply of my godmother whomI shall question on the subject this evening. "

They were now summoned to dinner. Charmant placed himself at Rosette'sside and they conversed in a most agreeable manner. 

After dinner the king gave orders for the ball to commence. Orangine andRoussette, who had taken lessons for ten years, danced well but withoutany peculiar grace. They believed that Rosette had never had anyopportunity to dance and with a mocking, malicious air, they nowannounced to her that it was her turn. 

The modest Rosette hesitated and drew back because it was repugnant toher to show herself in public and attract the general regard. But themore she declined, the more her envious sisters insisted, hoping thatshe would at last suffer a real humiliation. 

The queen now interfered and sternly commanded Rosette to dance. Rosetterose at once to obey the queen. Charmant, seeing her embarrassment, saidto her in low tones:

"I will be your partner, dear Rosette. If you do not know a single step, let me execute it for you alone. "

"Thanks, dear prince. I recognize and am grateful for your courtesy. Iaccept you for my partner and hope that you will not have occasion toblush for your generosity. "

And now Rosette and Charmant commenced. A more animated, graceful andlight dance was never seen. All present gazed at them with everincreasing admiration. Rosette was so superior in dancing to Orangineand Roussette, that they could scarcely suppress their rage. They wishedto throw themselves upon the young princess, choke her and tear herdiamonds from her. The king and queen, who had been watching them anddivined their intention, stopped them, and whispered in their ears:

"Remember the threats and power of the fairy Puissante! To-morrow shallbe the last day. "

When the dance was concluded, the most rapturous applause resoundedthroughout the hall and every one entreated Charmant and Rosette torepeat the dance. As they felt no fatigue they did not wish to seemdisobliging and executed a new dance, more graceful and attractive thanthe first. 

Orangine and Roussette could no longer control themselves. They weresuffocating with rage, fainted and were carried from the room. They hadbecome so marked by the passions of envy and rage that they had lostevery vestige of beauty and no one had any sympathy for them, as all hadseen their jealousy and wickedness. 

The applause and enthusiasm for Rosette and Charmant were sooverpowering that they sought refuge in the garden. They walked side byside during the rest of the evening, and talked merrily and happily overtheir plans for the future, if the fairy Puissante would permit them tounite the smooth current of their lives. The diamonds of Rosettesparkled with such brilliancy that the alleys where they walked and thelittle groves where they seated themselves, seemed illuminated by athousand stars. At last it was necessary to separate. 

[Illustration: _They walked side by side during the rest of theevening_]

"To-morrow!" said Rosette, "to-morrow I hope to say, _yours eternally_. "

Rosette entered her little room. As she undressed, her clothing arrangeditself as the day before in the case. This new case was of carved ivoryand studded with turquoise nails. When Rosette had lain down peacefullyupon her bed she put out the light, and said, in a low voice:

"My dear, good godmother, to-morrow I must give a definite answer toPrince Charmant. Dictate my response, dear godmother. I will obey yourcommand, no matter how painful it may be. "

"Say yes, my dear Rosette, to Prince Charmant, " replied the soft voiceof the fairy. "I myself arranged this marriage. It was to make youacquainted with Prince Charmant that I forced your father to invite youto this festival. "

Rosette thanked the kind fairy and slept the sleep of innocence, afterhaving felt the maternal lips of her good protectress upon her cheeks. 

THIRD AND LAST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL

While Rosette was thus sleeping peacefully, the king, the queen, andOrangine and Roussette, purple with rage, were quarrelling and disputingamongst themselves. Each was accusing the other of having brought aboutthe triumph of Rosette and their own humiliating defeat. One last hoperemained for them. In the morning there was to be a chariot race. Eachchariot was to be drawn by two horses and driven by a lady. It wasresolved to give Rosette a very high chariot, drawn by two wild, untrained and prancing horses. 

"Prince Charmant will have no chariot and horses to exchange, " said thequeen, "as he had this morning in the case of the riding-horse. It iseasy to find a horse for the saddle but it will be impossible for him tofind a chariot ready for the course. "

The consoling thought that Rosette might be killed or grievouslywounded and disfigured on the morrow brought peace to these four wickedbeings. They retired and dreamed of the next best means of riddingthemselves of Rosette if the chariot race failed. Orangine and Roussetteslept but little so that in the morning they were still uglier and moreunprepossessing than they had appeared the day before. 

Rosette, who had a tranquil conscience and contented heart, slept allnight calmly. She had been much fatigued and did not wake till a latehour. Indeed, on rising she found she had scarcely time to dress. Thecoarse kitchen girl brought her a cup of milk and a piece of bread. Thiswas by order of the queen who directed that she should be treated like aservant. 

Rosette was not difficult to please. She ate the coarse bread and milkwith appetite and began to dress. The case of carved ivory haddisappeared. She put on as usual her robe of coarse cloth, her pullet'swing, and all the rude ornaments she had brought from the farm and thenlooked at herself in the glass. 

She was attired in a riding habit of straw-colored satin, embroidered infront and at the hem with sapphires and emeralds. Her hat was of whitevelvet, ornamented with plumes of a thousand colors, taken from theplumage of the rarest birds and attached by a sapphire larger than anegg. On her neck was a chain of sapphires, at the end of which was awatch, the face of which was opal, the back a carved sapphire and theglass diamond. This watch was always going, was never out of order andnever required to be wound up. 

Rosette heard her page at the door and followed him. On entering thesalon she perceived Prince Charmant, who was awaiting her with the mostlively impatience. He sprang forward to receive her, offered his arm andsaid with eagerness:--

"Well, dear princess, what did the fairy say to you? What answer do yougive me?"

"That which my heart dictated, sweet prince. I consecrate my life to youas you have dedicated yours to me. "

"Thanks! a thousand times thanks, dear and bewitching Rosette. When mayI demand your hand of the king your father?"

"At the close of the chariot race, dear prince. "

"Permit me to add to my first petition that of being married to you thisvery day. I cannot bear to see you subjected to the tyranny of yourfamily and I wish to conduct you at once to my kingdom. "

Rosette hesitated. The soft voice of the fairy whispered in her ear, "Accept. " The same voice whispered to Charmant, "Press the marriage, prince and speak to the king without delay. Rosette's life is in dangerand during eight days from the setting of the sun this evening I cannotwatch over her. "

Charmant trembled and repeated the fairy's words to Rosette, who repliedthat it was a warning they must not neglect as it undoubtedly came fromthe fairy Puissante. 

The princess now advanced to salute the king, the queen and her sistersbut they neither looked at her nor spoke to her. She was howeverimmediately surrounded by a crowd of kings and princes, each one of whomhad himself proposed to ask her hand in marriage that evening but no onehad an opportunity to speak to her as Charmant never left her side asingle moment. 

After the repast they went down to get into the chariots. The kings andprinces were to go on horseback and the ladies to drive the chariots. 

The chariot designed for Rosette by the queen was now brought forward. Charmant seized Rosette at the moment she was about to take the reinsand lifted her to the ground. 

"You shall not enter this chariot, princess. Look at these wildungovernable horses. "

Rosette now saw that it took four men to hold each of the horses andthat they were prancing and jumping alarmingly. 

At this instant a pretty little jockey, attired in a straw-colored satinvest, with blue ribbon knots, exclaimed in silvery tones:--

"The equipage of the Princess Rosette!"

And now a little chariot of pearls and mother-of-pearl, drawn by twomagnificent steeds with harness of straw-colored velvet ornamented withsapphires, drew up before the princess. 

Charmant scarcely knew whether to allow Rosette to mount this unknownchariot for he still feared some cunning wickedness of the king andqueen. But the voice of the fairy sounded in his ear:--

"Allow Rosette to ascend the chariot; these horses are a present fromme. Follow them wherever they may take Rosette. The day is advancing. Ihave but a few hours left in which I can be of service to Rosette andshe must be safe in your kingdom before the day closes. "

Charmant assisted Rosette to ascend the chariot and sprang upon hishorse. A few moments afterwards, two chariots driven by veiled womenadvanced in front of Rosette. One of them dashed her chariot with suchviolence against that of Rosette, that the little chariot ofmother-of-pearl would inevitably have been crushed had it not beenconstructed by fairies. The heavy and massive chariot was dashed topieces instead of Rosette's. The veiled woman was thrown upon thestones, where she remained immovable whilst Rosette, who had recognizedOrangine, tried to stop her own horses. The other chariot now dashedagainst that of Rosette and was crushed like the first and the veiledwoman was also dashed upon the stones, which seemed placed there toreceive her. 

Rosette recognised Roussette and was about to descend from her chariotwhen Charmant interfered, and said: "Listen, Rosette!"

A voice whispered, "Go, flee quickly! The king is pursuing you with agreat company to kill you both. The sun will set in a few hours. I havebarely time to rescue you from this danger so give my horses the reins;Charmant, abandon yours. "

Charmant sprang into the chariot by the side of Rosette, who was moredead than alive. The superb steeds set off with such marvellous speedthat they made more than twenty leagues an hour. For a long time theyknew that they were pursued by the king with a numerous troop of armedmen but they could not overtake the horses of the fairy. The chariotstill flew on with lightning haste; the horses increased their speedtill at last they made a hundred leagues an hour. During six hours theykept up this rate and then drew up at the foot of the stairs of PrinceCharmant. 

The whole palace was illuminated and all the courtiers were waiting atthe entrance in their most magnificent costumes to welcome the princessand the prince. 

The prince and Rosette were amazed, not knowing how to understand thisunexpected reception. Charmant had just assisted the princess to descendfrom the chariot, when they saw before them the fairy Puissante, whosaid:--

"Most welcome to your kingdom. Prince Charmant, follow me; all isprepared for your marriage. Conduct Rosette to her room that she maychange her dress, whilst I explain to you all the events of this daywhich seem so incomprehensible to you. I have one hour at my disposal. "

The fairy and Charmant now led Rosette to an apartment, ornamented withthe most exquisite taste, where she found her maids waiting to attendupon her. 

"I will return to seek you in a short time, my dear Rosette, " said thefairy; "my moments are counted. "

She departed with Charmant and said to him:--

"The hatred of the king and queen against Rosette had become so intensethat they had blindly resolved to defy my vengeance and to get rid ofRosette. Seeing that their cunning arrangements in the chariot race hadnot succeeded after I substituted my horses for those which wouldcertainly have killed Rosette, they resolved to have recourse toviolence. The king employed a band of brigands, who swore to him a blindobedience; they pursued your steps with vengeance in their hearts and asthe king knew your love for Rosette and foresaw that you would defendher to the death, he was resolved to sacrifice you also to his hatred. Orangine and Roussette, ignorant of this last project of the king, attempted to kill Rosette, as you have seen, by dashing their heavychariots violently against the light chariot of the princess. I havepunished them as they deserved. 

"Orangine and Roussette have had their faces so crushed and wounded bythe stones that they have become frightful. I have aroused them fromtheir state of unconsciousness, cured their wounds but left the hideousscars to disfigure them. I have deprived them of all their rich clothingand dressed them like peasants and I married them at once to two brutalostlers whom I commissioned to beat and maltreat them until their wickedhearts are changed--and this I think will never take place. 

"As to the king and queen, I have changed them into beasts of burden andgiven them to wicked and cruel masters who will make them suffer for alltheir brutality to Rosette. Besides this, they have all been transportedinto your kingdom and they will be compelled to hear unceasingly thepraises of Rosette and her husband. 

"I have but one piece of advice to give you, dear prince; hide fromRosette the punishment I have inflicted upon her parents and sisters. She is so good and tender-hearted that her happiness would be affectedby it, but I ought not and will not take pity upon wicked people whosehearts are so vicious and unrepentant. "

Charmant thanked the fairy eagerly and promised silence. They nowreturned to Rosette, who was clothed in her wedding-robe, prepared bythe fairy Puissante. 

It was a tissue of dazzling golden gauze, embroidered with garlands offlowers and birds, in stones of all colors, of admirable beauty; thejewels which formed the birds were so disposed as to produce, at everymotion of Rosette, a warbling more melodious than the sweetest music. Upon her head was a crown of flowers made of gems still more beautifuland rare than those on her robe. Her neck and arms were covered withcarbuncles more brilliant than the sun. 

Charmant was completely dazzled by his bride's beauty but the fairyrecalled him from his ecstasy by saying:--

"Quick! quick! onward! I have but half an hour, after which I must givemyself up to the queen of the fairies and lose my power for eight days. We are all subject to this law and nothing can free us from it. "

Charmant presented his hand to Rosette and the fairy preceded them. Theywalked towards the chapel which was brilliantly illuminated and hereCharmant and Rosette received the nuptial benediction. On returning tothe parlor, they perceived that the fairy had disappeared, but, as theywere sure of again seeing her in eight days her absence caused them noanxiety. Charmant presented the new queen to his court. Everybody foundher as charming and good as the prince and they felt disposed to loveher as they loved him. 

With a most amiable and thoughtful attention, the fairy had transportedthe farm, upon which Rosette had been so happy, and all its occupantsinto Charmant's kingdom. This farm was placed at the end of the park, so that Rosette could walk there every day and see her good nurse. Thefairy had also brought into the palace all those cases which containedthe rich dresses in which Rosette had been so triumphant at thefestivals. 

[Illustration: _The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose herpower for eight days_]

Rosette and Charmant were very happy and loved each other tenderlyalways. Rosette never knew the terrible punishment of her father, motherand sisters. When she asked Charmant the fate of her sisters, he toldher that their faces were much disfigured by their fall amongst thestones but they were well and married and the good fairy expresslyforbade Rosette to think of them. She spoke of them no more. 

As to Orangine and Roussette, the more unhappy they were, the more crueland wicked their hearts became, so the fairy allowed them to remainalways ugly and in the most degraded ranks of life. 

The king and queen, changed into beasts of burden, found their onlyconsolation in biting and kicking everything that came within theirreach. They were obliged to carry their masters to festivals given inhonor of Rosette's marriage and they were mad with rage when they heardthe praises lavished upon the young couple and in seeing Rosette passby, beautiful, radiant and adored by Charmant. 

The fairy had resolved that they should not return to their originalforms till their hearts were changed. It is said that six thousand yearshave passed, and they are still beasts of burden. 

The Little Grey Mouse

THE LITTLE GREY MOUSE

THE LITTLE HOUSE

There was once a man named Prudent, who was a widower and he lived alonewith his little daughter. His wife had died a few days after the birthof this little girl, who was named Rosalie. 

Rosalie's father had a large fortune. He lived in a great house, whichbelonged to him. This house was surrounded by a large garden in whichRosalie walked whenever she pleased to do so. 

She had been trained with great tenderness and gentleness but her fatherhad accustomed her to the most unquestioning obedience. He forbade herpositively to ask him any useless questions or to insist upon knowinganything he did not wish to tell her. In this way, by unceasing careand watchfulness, he had almost succeeded in curing one of Rosalie'sgreat faults, a fault indeed unfortunately too common--curiosity. 

[Illustration: _Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded byhigh walls_]

Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls. Shenever saw any one but her father. They had no domestic in the house;everything seemed to be done of itself. She always had what shewanted--clothing, books, work, and playthings. Her father educated herhimself and although she was nearly fifteen years old, she was neverweary and never thought that she might live otherwise and might see moreof the world. 

There was a little house at the end of the park without windows and withbut one door, which was always locked. Rosalie's father entered thishouse every day and always carried the key about his person. Rosaliethought it was only a little hut in which the garden-tools were kept. She never thought of speaking about it but one day, when she was seekinga watering-pot for her flowers, she said to him:--

"Father, please give me the key of the little house in the garden. "

"What do you want with this key, Rosalie?"

"I want a watering-pot and I think I could find one in that littlehouse. "

"No, Rosalie, there is no watering-pot there. "

Prudent's voice trembled so in pronouncing these words that Rosalielooked up with surprise, and saw that his face was pale and his foreheadbathed in perspiration. 

"What is the matter, father?" said she, alarmed. 

"Nothing, daughter, nothing. "

"It was my asking for the key which agitated you so violently, father. What does this little house contain which frightens you so much?"

"Rosalie, Rosalie! you do not know what you are saying. Go and look foryour watering-pot in the green-house. "

"But, father, what is there in the little garden-house?"

"Nothing that can interest you, Rosalie. "

"But why do you go there every day without permitting me to go withyou?"

"Rosalie, you know that I do not like to be questioned and thatcuriosity is the greatest defect in your character. "

Rosalie said no more but she remained very thoughtful. This littlehouse, of which she had never before thought, was now constantly in hermind. 

"What can be concealed there?" she said to herself. "How pale my fatherturned when I asked his permission to enter! I am sure he thought Ishould be in some sort of danger. But why does he go there himself everyday? It is no doubt to carry food to some ferocious beast confinedthere. But if it was some wild animal, would I not hear it roar or howlor shake the house? No, I have never heard any sound from this cabin. Itcannot then be a beast. Besides, if it was a ferocious beast, it woulddevour my father when he entered alone. Perhaps, however, it is chained. But if it is indeed chained, then there would be no danger for me. Whatcan it be? A prisoner? My father is good, he would not deprive anyunfortunate innocent of light and liberty. Well, I absolutely mustdiscover this mystery. How shall I manage it? If I could only secretlyget the key from my father for a half hour! Perhaps some day he willforget it. "

Rosalie was aroused from this chain of reflection by her father, whocalled to her with a strangely agitated voice. 

"Here, father--I am coming. "

She entered the house and looked steadily at her father. His pale, sadcountenance indicated great agitation. 

More than ever curious, she resolved to feign gaiety and indifference inorder to allay her father's suspicions and make him feel secure. In thisway she thought she might perhaps obtain possession of the key at somefuture time. He might not always think of it if she herself seemed tohave forgotten it. 

They seated themselves at the table. Prudent ate but little and was sadand silent, in spite of his efforts to appear gay. Rosalie, however, seemed so thoughtless and bright that her father at last recovered hisaccustomed good spirits. 

Rosalie would be fifteen years old in three weeks. Her father hadpromised an agreeable surprise for this event. A few days passedpeacefully away. There remained but fifteen days before her birth-day. One morning Prudent said to Rosalie:--

"My dear child, I am compelled to be absent for one hour. I must go outto arrange something for your birth-day. Wait for me in the house, mydear. Do not yield yourself up to idle curiosity. In fifteen days youwill know all that you desire to know, for I read your thoughts and Iknow what occupies your mind. Adieu, my daughter, beware of curiosity!"

Prudent embraced his daughter tenderly and withdrew, leaving her withgreat reluctance. 

As soon as he was out of sight, Rosalie ran to her father's room andwhat was her joy to see the key forgotten upon the table! She seized itand ran quickly to the end of the park. Arrived at the little house, sheremembered the words of her father, "Beware of curiosity!" Shehesitated, and was upon the point of returning the key without havinglooked at the house, when she thought she heard a light groan. She puther ear against the door and heard a very little voice singing softly:--

 "A lonely prisoner I pine, No hope of freedom now is mine; I soon must draw my latest breath, And in this dungeon meet my death. "

"No doubt, " said Rosalie to herself, "this is some unfortunate creaturewhom my father holds captive. "

Tapping softly upon the door, she said: "Who are you, and what can I dofor you?"

"Open the door, Rosalie! I pray you open the door!"

"But why are you a prisoner? Have you not committed some crime?"

"Alas! no, Rosalie. An enchanter keeps me here a prisoner. Save me andI will prove my gratitude by telling you truly who I am. "

Rosalie no longer hesitated: her curiosity was stronger than herobedience. She put the key in the lock, but her hand trembled so thatshe could not open it. She was about to give up the effort, when thelittle voice continued:--

"Rosalie, that which I have to tell you will teach you many things whichwill interest you. Your father is not what he appears to be. "

At these words Rosalie made a last effort, the key turned and the dooropened. 

THE FAIRY DETESTABLE

Rosalie looked in eagerly. The little house was dark; she could seenothing but she heard the little voice:--

"Thanks, Rosalie, it is to you that I owe my deliverance. "

The voice seemed to come from the earth. She looked, and saw in a cornertwo brilliant little eyes gazing at her maliciously. 

"My cunning trick has succeeded, Rosalie, and betrayed you into yieldingto your curiosity. If I had not spoken and sung you would have returnedwith the key and I should have been lost. Now that you have set me atliberty, you and your father are both in my power. "

Rosalie did not yet fully comprehend the extent of the misfortune shehad brought about by her disobedience. She knew, however, that it was adangerous foe which her father had held captive and she wished to retireand close the door. 

"Stop, Rosalie! It is no longer in your power to keep me in this odiousprison from which I never could have escaped if you had waited untilyour fifteenth birth-day. "

At this moment the little house disappeared entirely, and Rosalie sawwith the greatest consternation that the key alone remained in her hand. She now saw at her side a small gray mouse who gazed at her with itssparkling little eyes and began to laugh in a thin, discordant voice. 

"Ha! ha! ha! What a frightened air you have, Rosalie! In truth you amuseme very much. But it is lucky for me that you had so much curiosity. Ithas been nearly fifteen years since I was shut up in this frightfulprison, having no power to injure your father, whom I hate, or to bringany evil upon you, whom I detest because you are his daughter. "

"Who are you, then, wicked mouse?"

"I am the mortal enemy of your family, my pet. I call myself the fairyDetestable and the name suits me, I assure you. All the world hates meand I hate all the world. I shall follow you now for the rest of yourlife, wherever you go. "

"Go away at once, miserable creature! A mouse is not to be feared and Iwill find a way to get rid of you. "

"We shall see, my pet! I shall remain at your side wherever you go!"

[Illustration: _The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned herhands_]

Rosalie now ran rapidly towards the house; every time she turned she sawthe mouse galloping after her, and laughing with a mocking air. Arrivedat the house, she tried to crush the mouse in the door, but it remainedopen in spite of every effort she could make and the mouse remainedquietly upon the door-sill. 

"Wait awhile, wicked monster!" cried Rosalie, beside herself with rageand terror. 

She seized a broom and tried to dash it violently against the mouse butthe broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands; she threwit quickly to the floor and pushed it into the chimney with her foot, lest it should set fire to the house. Then seizing a kettle which wasboiling on the fire, she emptied it upon the mouse but the boiling waterwas changed into good fresh milk and the mouse commenced drinking it, saying:--

"How exceedingly amiable you are, Rosalie! Not content with havingreleased me from captivity, you give me an excellent breakfast. "

Poor Rosalie now began to weep bitterly. She was utterly at a loss whatto do, when she heard her father entering. 

"My father!" cried she, "my father! Oh! cruel mouse, I beseech you inpity to go away that my father may not see you!"

"No, I shall not go but I will hide myself behind your heels until yourfather knows of your disobedience. "

The mouse had scarcely concealed herself behind Rosalie, when Prudententered. He looked at Rosalie, whose paleness and embarrassed airbetrayed her fear. 

"Rosalie, " said Prudent, with a trembling voice, "I forgot the key ofthe little garden-house; have you found it?"

"Here it is, father, " said Rosalie, presenting it to him, and coloringdeeply. 

"How did this cream come to be upset on the floor?"

"Father, it was the cat. "

"The cat? Impossible. The cat brought a vessel of milk to the middle ofthe room and upset it there?"

"No! no! father, it was I that did it; in carrying it, I accidentallyoverturned it. "

Rosalie spoke in a low voice, and dared not look at her father. 

"Take the broom, Rosalie, and sweep up this cream. "

"There is no broom, father. "

"No broom! there was one when I left the house. "

"I burned it, father, accidentally, by---- by----"

She paused--her father looked fixedly at her, threw a searching unquietglance about the room, sighed and turned his steps slowly towards thelittle house in the garden. 

Rosalie fell sobbing bitterly upon a chair; the mouse did not stir. Afew moments afterwards, Prudent entered hastily, his countenance markedwith horror. 

"Rosalie! unhappy child! what have you done? You have yielded to yourfatal curiosity and released our most cruel enemy from prison. "

"Pardon me, father! oh pardon me!" she cried, throwing herself at hisfeet; "I was ignorant of the evil I did. "

"Misfortune is always the result of disobedience, Rosalie; disobedientchildren think they are only committing a small fault, when they aredoing the greatest injury to themselves and others. "

"But, father, who and what then is this mouse, who causes you thisterrible fear? How, if it had so much power, could you keep it so long aprisoner and why can you not put it in prison again?"

"This mouse, my unhappy child, is a wicked fairy, but very powerful. Formyself, I am the genius Prudent and since you have given liberty to myenemy, I can now reveal to you that which I should have concealed untilyou were fifteen years old. 

"I am, then, as I said to you, the genius Prudent; your dear mother wasa simple mortal but her virtues and her graces touched the queen of thefairies and also the king of the genii and they permitted me to wed her. I gave a splendid festival on my marriage-day. Unfortunately I forgot toinvoke the fairy Detestable, who was already irritated against me forhaving married a princess, after having refused one of her daughters. She was so exasperated against me that she swore an implacable hatredagainst me, my wife and my children. I was not terrified at her threats, as I myself had a power almost equal to her own and I was much belovedby the queen of the fairies. Many times by the power of my enchantments, I triumphed over the malicious hatred of the fairy Detestable. 

"A few hours after your birth your mother was thrown into the mostviolent convulsions which I could not calm. I left her for a few momentsto invoke the aid of the queen of the fairies. When I returned yourmother was dead. 

"The wicked fairy Detestable had profited by my absence and caused herdeath. She was about to endow you with all the passions and vices ofthis evil world, when my unexpected return happily paralyzed herefforts. I interrupted her at the moment when she had endowed you with acuriosity sufficient to make you wretched and to subject you entirely toher power at fifteen years of age. By my power, united to that of thequeen of the fairies, I counter-balanced this fatal influence and wedecided that you should not fall under her power at fifteen years ofage, unless you yielded three times under the gravest circumstances toyour idle curiosity. 

"At the same time the queen of the fairies, to punish the fairyDetestable, changed her into a mouse, shut her up in the little gardenhouse, and declared that she should never leave it unless youvoluntarily opened the door. Also, that she should never resume heroriginal form of fairy unless you yielded three times to your criminalcuriosity before you were fifteen years of age. Lastly, that if youresisted once the fatal passion you should be for ever released, as wellas myself, from the power of the fairy Detestable. 

"With great difficulty I obtained all these favors and only by promisingthat I would share your fate and become, like yourself, the slave ofthe fairy Detestable, if you weakly allowed yourself to yield threetimes to your curiosity. I promised solemnly to educate you in such amanner as to destroy this terrible passion, calculated to cause so manysorrows. 

"For all these reasons I have confined myself and you, Rosalie, in thisenclosure. I have permitted you to see no one, not even a domestic. Iprocured by my power all that your heart desired and I have been feelingquite satisfied in having succeeded so well with you. In three weeks youwould have been fifteen, and for ever delivered from the odious yoke ofthe fairy Detestable. 

"I was alarmed when you asked for the key of the little house, of whichyou had never before seemed to think. I could not conceal the painfulimpression which this demand made upon me. My agitation excited yourcuriosity. In spite of your gaiety and assumed thoughtlessness, Ipenetrated your thoughts, and you may judge of my grief when the queenof the fairies ordered me to make the temptation possible and theresistance meritorious by leaving the key at least once in your reach. Iwas thus compelled to leave it, that fatal key, and thus facilitate bymy absence my own and your destruction. 

"Imagine, Rosalie, what I suffered during the hour of my absence, leaving you alone with this temptation before your eyes and when I sawyour embarrassment and blushes on my return, indicating to me too wellthat you had allowed your curiosity to master you. 

"I was commanded to conceal everything from you; to tell you nothing ofyour birth or of the dangers which surround you, until your fifteenthbirthday. If I had disobeyed, you would at once have fallen into thepower of the fairy Detestable. 

"And yet, Rosalie, all is not lost. You can yet repair your fault byresisting for fifteen days this terrible passion. At fifteen years ofage you were to have been united to a charming prince, who is related tous, the prince Gracious. This union is yet possible. 

"Ah, Rosalie! my still dear child, take pity on yourself, if you have nomercy for me and resist your curiosity. "

Rosalie was on her knees before her father, her face concealed in herhands and weeping bitterly. At these words she took courage, embracedhim tenderly and said to him:--

"Oh, father! I promise you solemnly that I will atone for this fault. Donot leave me, dear father! With you by me, I shall be inspired with acourage which would otherwise fail me. I dare not be deprived of yourwise paternal counsel. "

"Alas! Rosalie! it is no longer in my power to remain with you for I amnow under the dominion of my enemy. Most certainly she will not allow meto stay by your side and warn you against the snares and temptationswhich she will spread at your feet. I am astonished at not having seenmy cruel foe before this time. The view of my affliction and despairwould have for her hard heart an irresistible charm. "

"I have been near you all the time, at your daughter's feet, " said thelittle gray mouse, in a sharp voice, stepping out and showing herself tothe unfortunate genius. "I have been highly entertained at the recitalof all that I have already made you suffer, and the pleasure I felt inhearing you give this account to your daughter induced me to concealmyself till this moment. Now say adieu to your dear but curious Rosalie;she must accompany me, and I forbid you to follow her. "

Saying these words, she seized the hem of Rosalie's dress with her sharplittle teeth and tried to draw her away. Rosalie uttered a piercing cryand clung convulsively to her father but an irresistible force bore heroff. The unfortunate genius seized a stick and raised it to strike themouse but before he had time to inflict the blow the mouse placed one ofher little paws on the genius's foot and he remained as immovable as astatue. Rosalie embraced her father's knees and implored the mouse totake pity upon her but the little wretch gave one of her sharp, diabolical laughs and said:--

"Come, come, my pretty! Pity it is not here that you will find thetemptations to yield twice to your irresistible fault! We will travelall over the world together and I will show you many countries infifteen days. "

The mouse pulled Rosalie without ceasing. Her arms were still claspedaround her father, striving to resist the overpowering force of herenemy. The mouse uttered a discordant little cry and suddenly the housewas in flames. Rosalie had sufficient presence of mind to reflect thatif she allowed herself to be burned there would be no means left ofsaving her father, who must then remain eternally under the power ofDetestable. Whereas, if she preserved her own life there remained alwayssome chance of rescuing him. 

"Adieu, adieu, dear father!" she cried; "we will meet again in fifteendays. After having given you over to your enemy, your Rosalie will yetsave you. "

She then tore herself away, in order not to be devoured by the flames. She ran on rapidly for some time without knowing where she was going. She walked several hours but at last, exhausted with fatigue and halfdead with hunger, she resolved to approach a kind-looking woman who wasseated at her door. 

"Madam, " said she, "will you give me a place to sleep? I am dying withhunger and fatigue. Will you not be so kind as to allow me to enter andpass the night with you?"

"How is it that so beautiful a girl as yourself is found upon thehighways and what ugly animal is that with the expression of a demonwhich accompanies you. "

Rosalie turned round and saw the little gray mouse smiling upon hermockingly. She tried to chase it away but the mouse obstinately refusedto move. The good woman, seeing this contest, shook her head and said:--

"Go on your ways, my pretty one. The Evil One and his followers cannotlodge with me. "

Weeping bitterly, Rosalie continued her journey, and wherever shepresented herself they refused to receive her and the mouse, who neverquitted her side. She entered a forest where happily she found a brookat which she quenched her thirst. She found also fruits and nuts inabundance. She drank, ate and seated herself near a tree, thinking withagony of her father and wondering what would become of him during thefifteen days. 

While Rosalie was thus musing she kept her eyes closed so as not to seethe wicked little gray mouse. Her fatigue, and the silence and darknessaround her, brought on sleep and she slept a long time profoundly. 

THE PRINCE GRACIOUS

While Rosalie was thus quietly sleeping, the prince Gracious was engagedin a hunt through the forest by torch-light. The fawn, pursued fiercelyby the dogs, came trembling with terror to crouch down near the brook bywhich Rosalie was sleeping. The dogs and gamekeepers sprang forwardafter the fawn. Suddenly the dogs ceased barking and grouped themselvessilently around Rosalie. The prince dismounted from his horse to set thedogs again upon the trail of the deer but what was his surprise to see alovely young girl asleep in this lonely forest! He looked carefullyaround but saw no one else. She was indeed alone--abandoned. Onexamining her more closely, he saw traces of tears upon her cheeks andindeed they were still escaping slowly from her closed eyelids. 

Rosalie was simply clothed but the richness of her silk dress denotedwealth. Her fine white hands, her rosy nails, her beautiful chestnutlocks, carefully and tastefully arranged with a gold comb, her elegantboots and necklace of pure pearls indicated elevated rank. 

Rosalie did not awake, notwithstanding the stamping of the horses, thebaying of the dogs and the noisy tumult made by a crowd of sportsmen. 

The prince was stupefied and stood gazing steadily at Rosalie. No onepresent recognized her. Anxious and disquieted by this profound sleep, Prince Gracious took her hand softly. Rosalie still slept. The princepressed her hand lightly in his but even this did not awaken her. 

Turning to his officers, he said: "I cannot thus abandon thisunfortunate child, who has perhaps been led astray by some design, thevictim of some cruel wickedness. "

"But how can she be removed while she is asleep, prince, " said Hubert, his principal gamekeeper, "can we not make a litter of branches and thusremove her to some hostel in the neighborhood while your highnesscontinues the chase?"

"Your idea is good, Hubert. Make the litter and we will immediatelyplace her upon it, only you will not carry her to a hostel, but to mypalace. This young maiden is assuredly of high birth, and she isbeautiful as an angel. I will watch over her myself, so that she mayreceive the care and attention to which she is entitled. "

Hubert, with the assistance of his men, soon arranged the litter uponwhich Prince Gracious spread his mantle; then approaching Rosalie, whowas still sleeping softly, he raised her gently in his arms and laid herupon the cloak. At this moment Rosalie seemed to be dreaming. She smiledand murmured, in low tones:--

"My father! my father! saved for ever! The Queen of the Fairies! ThePrince Gracious! I see him; he is charming!"

The prince, surprised to hear his name pronounced, did not doubt thatRosalie was a princess under some cruel enchantment. He commanded hisgamekeepers to walk very softly so as not to wake her and he walked bythe side of the litter. 

On arriving at the palace, Prince Gracious ordered that the queen'sapartment should be prepared for Rosalie. He suffered no one to touchher but carried her himself to her chamber and laid her gently upon thebed, ordering the women who were to wait upon and watch over her toapprise him as soon as she awaked. Then, casting a farewell look uponthe sad, sweet face of the sleeper, he strode from the room. 

Rosalie slept tranquilly until morning. The sun was shining brightlywhen she awoke. She looked about her with great surprise. The wickedmouse was not near her to terrify her--it had happily disappeared. 

"Am I delivered from this wicked fairy Detestable?" said she, joyfully. "Am I in the hands of a fairy more powerful than herself?"

Rosalie now stepped to the window and saw many armed men and manyofficers, dressed in brilliant uniforms. More and more surprised, shewas about to call one of the men, whom she believed to be either geniior enchanters, when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned and sawthe prince Gracious, clothed in an elegant and rich hunting-dress, standing before her and regarding her with admiration. Rosalieimmediately recognized the prince of her dream and cried outinvoluntarily:--

"The prince Gracious!"

"You know me then?" said the prince, in amazement. "How, if you haveever known me, could I have forgotten your name and features?"

"I have only seen you in my dreams, prince, " said Rosalie, blushing. "Asto my name, you could not possibly know it, since I myself did not knowmy father's name until yesterday. "

"And what is the name, may I ask, which has been concealed from you solong?"

Rosalie then told him all that she had heard from her father. Shefrankly confessed her culpable curiosity and its terrible consequences. 

"Judge of my grief, prince, when I was compelled to leave my father inorder to escape from the flames which the wicked fairy had lighted;when, rejected everywhere because of the wicked mouse, I found myselfexposed to death from hunger and thirst! Soon, however, a heavy sleeptook possession of me, during which I had many strange dreams. I do notknow how I came here or whether it is in your palace that I findmyself. "

Gracious then related to Rosalie how he had found her asleep in theforest and the words which he had heard her utter in her dream. He thenadded:--

"There is one thing your father did not tell you, Rosalie; that is, thatthe queen of the fairies, who is our relation, had decided that weshould be married when you were fifteen years of age. It was no doubtthe queen of the fairies who inspired me with the desire to go huntingby torchlight, in order that I might find you in the forest where youhad wandered. Since you will be fifteen in a few days, Rosalie, deign toconsider my palace as your own and command here in advance, as my queen. Your father will soon be restored to you and we will celebrate our happymarriage. "

Rosalie thanked her young and handsome cousin heartily and then returnedto her chamber, where she found her maids awaiting her with a wonderfulselection of rich and splendid robes and head-dresses. Rosalie, who hadnever given much attention to her toilet, took the first dress that waspresented to her. It was of rose-colored gauze, ornamented with finelace with a head-dress of lace and moss rosebuds. Her beautiful chestnuthair was arranged in bands, forming a crown. When her toilet wascompleted, the prince came to conduct her to breakfast. 

Rosalie ate like a person who had not dined the day before. After therepast, the prince led her to the garden and conducted her to thegreen-houses, which were very magnificent. At the end of one of thehot-houses there was a little rotunda, ornamented with choice flowers;in the centre of this rotunda there was a large case which seemed tocontain a tree but a thick heavy cloth was thrown over it and tightlysewed together. Through the cloth however could be seen a number ofpoints of extraordinary brilliancy. 

THE TREE IN THE ROTUNDA

Rosalie admired all the flowers very much but she waited with someimpatience for the prince to remove the cloth which enveloped thismysterious tree. He left the green-house, however, without having spokenof it. 

"What then, my prince, is this tree which is so carefully concealed?"

"It is the wedding present which I destined for you but you cannot seeit until your fifteenth birthday, " said the prince, gayly. 

"But what is it that shines so brilliantly under the cloth?" said she, importunately. 

"You will know all in a few days, Rosalie, and I flatter myself that youwill not find my present a common affair. "

"And can I not see it before my birthday?"

"No, Rosalie; the queen of the fairies has forbidden me, under heavypenalties, to show it to you until after you become my wife. I do hopethat you love me enough to control your curiosity till that time. "

These last words made Rosalie tremble, for they recalled to her thelittle gray mouse and the misfortunes which menaced her as well as herfather, if she allowed herself to fall under the temptation, which, without doubt, her enemy the fairy Detestable had placed before her. Shespoke no more of the mysterious case, and continued her walk with theprince. The day passed most agreeably. The prince presented her to theladies of his court and commanded them to honor and respect in her theprincess Rosalie, whom the queen of the fairies had selected as hisbride. Rosalie was very amiable to every one and they all rejoiced inthe idea of having so charming and lovely a queen. 

The following days were passed in every species of festivity. The princeand Rosalie both saw with joyous hearts the approach of the birth-daywhich was to be also that of their marriage:--the prince, because hetenderly loved his cousin, and Rosalie because she loved the prince, because she desired strongly to see her father again, and also becauseshe hoped to see what the case in the rotunda contained. She thought ofthis incessantly. She dreamed of it during the night and whenever shewas alone she could with difficulty restrain herself from rushing tothe green-house to try to discover the secret. 

Finally, the last day of anticipation and anxiety arrived. In themorning Rosalie would be fifteen. The prince was much occupied with thepreparations for his marriage; it was to be a very grand affair. All thegood fairies of his acquaintance were to be present as well as the queenof the fairies. Rosalie found herself alone in the morning and sheresolved to take a walk. While musing upon the happiness of the morrow, she involuntarily approached the green-house. She entered, smilingpensively, and found herself face to face with the cloth which coveredthe treasure. 

"To-morrow, " said she, "I shall at last know what this thick clothconceals from me. If I wished, indeed I might see it to-day, for Iplainly perceive some little openings in which I might insert my fingersand by enlarging just a little----. In fact, who would ever know it? Iwould sew the cloth after having taken a glimpse. Since to-morrow is sonear, when I am to see all, I may as well take a glance to-day. "

Rosalie looked about her and saw no one; and, in her extreme desire togratify her curiosity, she forgot the goodness of the prince and thedangers which menaced them all if she yielded to this temptation. 

She passed her fingers through the little apertures and strained themlightly. The cloth was rent from the top to the bottom with a noiselike thunder and Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellousbeauty, with a coral trunk and leaves of emeralds. The seeming fruitswhich covered the tree were of precious stones of all colors--diamonds, sapphires, pearls, rubies, opals, topazes, all as large as the fruitsthey were intended to represent and of such brilliancy that Rosalie wascompletely dazzled by them. But scarcely had she seen this rare andunparalleled tree, when a noise louder than the first drew her from herecstasy. She felt herself lifted up and transported to a vast plain, from which she saw the palace of the king falling in ruins and heard themost frightful cries of terror and suffering issue from its walls. SoonRosalie saw the prince himself creep from the ruins bleeding and hisclothing almost torn from him. He advanced towards her and said sadly:--

"Rosalie! ungrateful Rosalie! see what you have done to me, not only tome, but to my whole court. After what you have done, I do not doubt thatyou will yield a third time to your curiosity; that you will complete mymisfortunes, those of your unhappy father and your own. Adieu, Rosalie, adieu! May sincere repentance atone for your ingratitude towards anunhappy prince who loved you and only sought to make you happy!"

Saying these words, he withdrew slowly. 

Rosalie threw herself upon her knees, bathed in tears and called himtenderly but he disappeared without ever turning to contemplate herdespair. Rosalie was about to faint away, when she heard the littlediscordant laugh of the gray mouse and saw it before her. 

"Your thanks are due to me, my dear Rosalie, for having assisted you sowell. It was I who sent you those bewitching dreams of the mysterioustree during the night. It was I who nibbled the cloth, to help you inyour wish to look in. Without this last artifice of mine, I believe Ishould have lost you, as well as your father and your prince Gracious. One more slip, my pet, and you will be my slave for ever!"

The cruel mouse, in her malicious joy, began to dance around Rosalie;her words, wicked as they were, did not excite the anger of the guiltygirl. 

"This is all my fault, " said she; "had it not been for my fatalcuriosity and my base ingratitude, the gray mouse would not havesucceeded in making me yield so readily to temptation. I must atone forall this by my sorrow, by my patience and by the firmness with which Iwill resist the third proof to which I am subjected, no matter howdifficult it may be. Besides, I have but a few hours to wait and my dearprince has told me that his happiness and that of my dearly loved fatherand my own, depends upon myself. "

Before her lay the smouldering ruins of the palace of the PrinceGracious. So complete had been its destruction that a cloud of dust andsmoke hung over it, and hardly one stone remained upon another. Thecries of those in pain were borne to her ears and added to herbitterness of feeling. 

Rosalie continued to lie prone on the ground. The gray mouse employedevery possible means to induce her to move from the spot. Rosalie, thepoor, unhappy and guilty Rosalie, persisted in remaining in view of theruin she had caused. 

THE CASKET

Thus passed the entire day. Rosalie suffered cruelly with thirst. 

"Ought I not suffer even more than I do?" she said to herself, "in orderto punish me for all I have made my father and my cousin endure? I willawait in this terrible spot the dawning of my fifteenth birthday. "

The night was falling when an old woman who was passing by, approachedand said:--

"My beautiful child, will you oblige me by taking care of this casket, which is very heavy to carry, while I go a short distance to see one ofmy relations?"

"Willingly, madam, " replied Rosalie, who was very obliging. The oldwoman placed the casket in her hands, saying:--

"Many thanks, my beautiful child! I shall not be absent long. But Ientreat you not to look in this casket, for it contains things--thingssuch as you have never seen--and as you will never have an opportunityto see again. Do not handle it rudely, for it is of very fragile wareand would be very easily broken and then you would see what it containsand no one ought to see what is there concealed. "

The old woman went off after saying this. Rosalie placed the casket nearher and reflected on all the events which had just passed. It was nownight and the old woman did not return. Rosalie now threw her eyes onthe casket and saw with surprise that it illuminated the ground allaround her. 

"What can there be in this casket which is so brilliant?" said she. 

She turned it round and round and regarded it from every side butnothing could explain this extraordinary light and she placed itcarefully upon the ground, saying:--

"Of what importance is it to me what this casket contains? It is notmine but belongs to the old woman who confided it to me. I will notthink of it again for fear I may be tempted to open it. "

In fact, she no longer looked at it and endeavored not to think of it;she now closed her eyes, resolved to wait patiently till the dawn. 

"In the morning I shall be fifteen years of age. I shall see my fatherand Gracious and will have nothing more to fear from the wicked fairy. "

"Rosalie! Rosalie!" said suddenly the small voice of the little mouse, "I am near you once more. I am no longer your enemy and to prove that Iam not, if you wish it, I will show you what this casket contains. "

Rosalie did not reply. 

"Rosalie, do you not hear what I propose? I am your friend, believe me. "

No reply. 

Then the little gray mouse, having no time to lose, sprang upon thecasket and began to gnaw the lid. 

"Monster!" cried Rosalie, seizing the casket and pressing it against herbosom, "if you touch this casket again I will wring your neck. "

The mouse cast a diabolical glance upon Rosalie but it dared not braveher anger. While it was meditating some other means of exciting thecuriosity of Rosalie, a clock struck twelve. At the same moment themouse uttered a cry of rage and disappointment and said to Rosalie:--

"Rosalie, the hour of your birth has just sounded. You are now fifteen;you have nothing more to fear from me. You are now beyond my power andmy temptations as are also your odious father and hated prince. As tomyself, I am compelled to keep this ignoble form of a mouse until I cantempt some young girl beautiful and well born as yourself to fall intomy snares. Adieu, Rosalie! you can now open the casket. "

Saying these words, the mouse disappeared. 

Rosalie, wisely distrusting these words of her enemy, would not followher last counsel, and resolved to guard the casket carefully till thedawn. Scarcely had she taken this resolution, when an owl, which wasflying above her head, let a stone fall upon the casket, which brokeinto a thousand pieces. Rosalie uttered a cry of terror and at the samemoment she saw before her the queen of the fairies, who said:--

"Come Rosalie, you have finally triumphed over the cruel enemy of yourfamily. I will now restore you to your father but first you must eat anddrink, as you are much exhausted. "

The fairy now presented her with a rare fruit, of which a singlemouthful satisfied both hunger and thirst. Then a splendid chariot, drawn by two dragons, drew up before the fairy. She entered andcommanded Rosalie to do the same. Rosalie, as soon as she recovered fromher surprise, thanked the queen of the fairies with all her heart forher protection and asked if she was not to see her father and the princeGracious. 

"Your father awaits you in the palace of the prince. "

"But, madam, I thought that the palace of the prince was destroyed andhe himself wounded sadly?"

"That, Rosalie, was only an illusion to fill you with horror and remorseat the result of your curiosity and to prevent you from falling beforethe third temptation. You will soon see the palace of the prince just asit was before you tore the cloth which covered the precious tree hedestined for you. "

As the fairy said this the chariot drew up before the palace steps. Rosalie's father and the prince were awaiting her with all the court. Rosalie first threw herself in her father's arms, then in those of theprince, who seemed to have no remembrance of the fault she had committedthe day before. All was ready for the marriage ceremony which was to becelebrated immediately. All the good fairies assisted at this festivalwhich lasted several days. 

Rosalie's father lived with his child and she was completely cured ofher curiosity. She was tenderly loved by Prince Gracious whom she lovedfondly all her life. They had beautiful children, for whom they chosepowerful fairies as godmothers in order that they might be protectedagainst the wicked fairies and genii. 

OURSON

OURSON

THE LARK AND THE TOAD

There was once a pretty woman named Agnella, who cultivated a farm. Shelived alone with a young servant named Passerose. The farm was small butbeautiful and in fine order. She had a most charming cow, which gave aquantity of milk, a cat to destroy the mice and an ass to carry herfruit, butter, vegetables, eggs, and cheese to markets every Wednesday. 

No one knew up to that time how Agnella and Passerose had arrived atthis unknown farm which received in the county the name of the WoodlandFarm. 

One evening Passerose was busy milking the pretty white cow whileAgnella prepared the supper. At the moment she was placing some goodsoup and a plate of cream upon the table, she saw an enormous toaddevouring with avidity some cherries which had been put on the ground ina vine-leaf. 

"Ugly toad!" exclaimed Agnella, "I will teach you how to eat mycherries!" At the same moment she lifted the leaves which contained thecherries, and gave the toad a kick which dashed it off about ten steps. She was about to throw it from the door, when the toad uttered a sharpwhistle and raised itself upon its hind legs; its great eyes wereflashing, and its enormous mouth opening and shutting with rage, itswhole ugly body was trembling and from its quivering throat was heard aterrible bellowing. 

Agnella paused in amazement; she recoiled, indeed, to avoid the venom ofthe monstrous and enraged toad. She looked around for a broom to ejectthis hideous monster, when the toad advanced towards her, made with itsfore paws a gesture of authority, and said in a voice trembling withrage:--

"You have dared to touch me with your foot! You have prevented me fromsatisfying my appetite with the cherries which you had placed within myreach! You have tried to expel me from your house! My vengeance shallreach you and will fall upon that which you hold most dear! You shallknow and feel that the fairy Furious is not to be insulted withimpunity. You shall have a son, covered with coarse hair like a bear'scub and----"

"Stop, sister, " interrupted a small voice, sweet and flute-like, whichseemed to come from above. Agnella raised her head and saw a larkperched on the top of the front door. "You revenge yourself too cruellyfor an injury inflicted, not upon you in your character of a fairy butupon the ugly and disgusting form in which it has pleased you todisguise yourself. By my power, which is superior to yours, I forbid youto exaggerate the evil which you have already done in your blind rageand which, alas! it is not in my power to undo. And you, poor mother, "she continued, turning to Agnella, "do not utterly despair; there is apossible remedy for the deformity of your child. I will accord to himthe power of changing his skin with any one whom he may, by his goodnessand service rendered, inspire with sufficient gratitude and affection toconsent to the change. He will then resume the handsome form which wouldhave been his if my sister, the fairy Furious, had not given you thisterrible proof of her malice and cruelty. "

"Alas! madam Lark, " replied Agnella, "all this goodness cannot preventmy poor, unhappy son from being disgusting and like a wild beast. Hisvery playmates will shun him as a monster. "

"That is true, " replied the fairy Drolette; "and the more so as it isforbidden to yourself or to Passerose to change skins with him. But Iwill neither abandon you nor your son. You will name him Ourson untilthe day when he can assume a name worthy of his birth and beauty. Hemust then be called the prince Marvellous. "

Saying these words, the fairy flew lightly through the air anddisappeared from sight. 

The fairy Furious withdrew, filled with rage, walking slowly and turningevery instant to gaze at Agnella with a menacing air. As she movedslowly along, she spat her venom from side to side and the grass, theplants and the bushes perished along her course. This was a venom sosubtle that nothing could ever flourish on the spot again and the pathis called to this day the Road of the Fairy Furious. 

When Agnella found herself alone, she began to sob. Passerose, who hadfinished her work and saw the hour of supper approaching, entered thedining-room and with great surprise saw her mistress in tears. 

"Dear queen, what is the matter? Who can have caused you this greatgrief? I have seen no one enter the house. "

"No one has entered, my dear, except those who enter everywhere. Awicked fairy under the form of a toad and a good fairy under theappearance of a lark. "

"And what have these fairies said to you, my queen, to make you weep sopiteously? Has not the good fairy interfered to prevent the misfortuneswhich the wicked fairy wished to bring about?"

"No, my dear friend. She has somewhat lightened them but it was not inher power to set them aside altogether. "

[Illustration: _Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud_]

Agnella then recounted all that had taken place and that she would havea son with a skin like a bear. At this narrative Passerose wept asbitterly as her mistress. 

"What a misfortune!" she exclaimed. "What degradation and shame, thatthe heir of a great kingdom should be a bear! What will King Ferocious, your husband, say if he should ever discover us?"

"And how will he ever find us, Passerose? You know that after our flightwe were swept away by a whirlwind and dashed from cloud to cloud fortwelve hours with such astonishing rapidity that we found ourselves morethan three thousand leagues from the kingdom of Ferocious. Besides, youknow his wickedness. You know how bitterly he hates me since I preventedhim from killing his brother Indolent and his sister Nonchalante. Youknow that I fled because he wished to kill me also. I have no reason tofear that he will pursue me for I am sure that he will wish never to seeme again. "

Passerose, after having wept and sobbed some time with the Queen Aimee, for that was her true name, now entreated her mistress to be seated atthe table. 

"If we wept all night, dear queen, we could not prevent your son frombeing shaggy but we will endeavor to educate him so well, to make him sogood, that he will not be a long time in finding some good and gratefulsoul who will exchange a white skin for this hairy one which the evilfairy Furious has put upon him. A beautiful present indeed! She wouldhave done well to reserve it for herself. "

The poor queen, whom we will continue to call Agnella for fear of givinginformation to King Ferocious, rose slowly, dried her eyes and succeededin somewhat overcoming her sadness. Little by little the gay andcheering conversation of Passerose dissipated her forebodings. Beforethe close of the evening, Passerose had convinced her that Ourson wouldnot remain a long time a bear; that he would soon resume a form worthyof a noble prince. That she would herself indeed be most happy toexchange with him, if the fairy would permit it. 

Agnella and Passerose now retired to their chambers and sleptpeacefully. 

BIRTH AND INFANCY OF OURSON

Three months after the appearance of the toad and the cruel sentence ofthe fairy Furious, Agnella gave birth to a boy whom she named Ourson, asthe fairy Drolette had commanded. Neither Agnella nor Passerose coulddecide if he was ugly or handsome for he was so hairy, so covered withlong brown bristles, you could see nothing but his eyes and his mouth, and not even these unless he opened them. 

If Agnella had not been his mother and if Passerose had not loved herlike a sister, poor Ourson would have died from neglect for he was sofrightful no one would have dared to touch--he would have been taken fora little cub and killed with pitchforks. But Agnella was his mother andher first movement was to embrace him lovingly and, bathed in tears, toexclaim:--

"Poor little Ourson! who can ever love you well enough to deliver youfrom this horrible curse? Alas! why will not the fairy permit me to makethis exchange, which is allowed to another who may love you? No one canever love you as I do. "

Ourson did not reply to these endearments; he slept peacefully. 

Passerose wept also in sympathy with Agnella but she was not in thehabit of afflicting herself for a long time on any occasion so she driedher eyes and said to Agnella:--

"Dear queen, I am very certain that your dear son will be clothed but ashort time with this villainous bear-skin and from this day I shall callhim Prince Marvellous. "

"I beseech you not to do so, " said the queen, anxiously; "you know thatthe fairies love to be obeyed. "

Passerose took the child, clothed it in the linen that had been preparedfor it and leaned over to embrace it but she pricked her lips againstthe rough bristles of Ourson and drew back precipitately. 

"It will not be I who will embrace you frequently, my boy, " said she, ina low voice; "you prick like a real hedgehog. "

It was Passerose, however, to whom Agnella gave the charge of the littleOurson. He had nothing of the bear but his skin: he was thesweetest-tempered, the most knowing, the most affectionate child thatever was seen. Passerose soon loved him with all her heart. 

As Ourson grew up he was sometimes permitted to leave the farm. He wasin no danger for no one knew him in the country. The children always ranaway at his approach and the women repulsed him. Men avoided him--theylooked upon him as something accursed. Sometimes when Agnella went tomarket she put him on her donkey and took him with her and on those daysshe found more difficulty in selling her vegetables and cheese. Themothers fled from her, fearing that Ourson would come too near them. 

Agnella wept often and vainly implored the fairy Drolette. Whenever alark flew near her, hope was born in her breast. But the larks, alas, were real larks, fit only to make pies and not fairies in disguise. 

VIOLETTE

Ourson at eight years of age was tall and strong, with magnificent eyesand a sweet voice; his bristles were no longer stiff but his hair wassoft as silk, and those who loved him could embrace him without beingscratched, as Passerose had been the day of his birth. Ourson loved hismother tenderly and Passerose almost as well but he was often alone andvery sad. He saw too well the horror he inspired and he saw also that hewas unlike other children. 

One day he was walking along a beautiful road which bordered on thefarm. He had walked a long time and overcome with heat and fatigue helooked about him for some fresh and quiet spot for repose when hethought he saw a little object, fair and rosy, a few steps from him. Drawing near with precaution he saw a little girl asleep. She seemed tobe about three years old and she was beautiful as the Loves and Graces. Her blonde hair partly covered her fair and dimpled shoulders while hersoft cheeks were round and fresh and dimpled and a half smile playedupon her rosy and parted lips, through which small teeth, white and evenas pearls, could be seen. Her charming head was reposing upon a lovelyrounded arm and the little hand was beautifully formed and white assnow. The attitude of this little girl was so graceful, so enchanting, that Ourson stood before her immovable with admiration. He watched withas much surprise as pleasure, this child sleeping as soundly andpeacefully in the wood as if she had been at home in her own little bed. Ourson looked at her a long time and examined her toilet which was morerich and elegant than anything he had ever seen. Her dress was of whitesilk embroidered in gold; her boots were of blue satin also embroideredin gold; her stockings were silk and fine as a spider's web; magnificentbracelets were sparkling upon her arms and the clasp seemed to containher portrait; a string of beautiful pearls encircled her throat. 

A lark now commenced its song just above the lovely little girl andawakened her from her profound slumber. She looked about her, called hernurse but finding herself alone in the woods, began to weep bitterly. 

Ourson was much affected at her tears and his embarrassment was verygreat. 

"If I show myself, " said he to himself, "this poor little one will takeme for some wild beast of the forest. If she sees me she will beterrified; she will take to flight and wander still further from herhome. If I leave her here, she will die of terror and hunger. What shallI do!"

Whilst Ourson reflected thus, the little girl turned around, saw him, uttered a cry of alarm, tried to flee and fell back in a panic. 

"Do not fly from me, dear little one, " said Ourson, in his sad, softvoice; "I would not injure you for the whole world; on the contrary, Iwill assist you to find your father and mother. "

The child gazed at him with staring eyes and seemed much alarmed. 

"Speak to me, little one, " said Ourson; "I am not a bear, as you mightsuppose, but a poor and most unfortunate little boy, who inspires everyone with terror and whom everybody avoids. "

The sweet child's eyes became calmer and softer, her fear seemed meltingaway and she looked undecided. 

Ourson took one step towards her but she became greatly frightened, uttered a sharp cry and tried again to rise and run off. Ourson pausedand began to weep bitterly. 

"Unfortunate wretch that I am, " he said; "I cannot even assist this poorlost child. My appearance fills her with terror! She would rather belost than have help from me!"

So saying, poor Ourson covered his face with his hands and sobbingpiteously threw himself on the ground. A few moments afterwards he felta little hand seeking to take possession of his own. He raised his headand saw the child standing before him, her eyes filled with tears. Shecaressed and patted the hairy cheeks of poor Ourson. 

"Don't cry, little cub, don't cry, " said she. "Violette is no longerafraid, she will not run away again. Violette will love poor little cub. Won't little cub give his hand to Violette? And if you cry again, Violette will embrace you, poor little cub. "

Tears of happiness and tenderness succeeded those of despair in Ourson. Violette, seeing that he was again weeping, approached her soft rosylips to Ourson's hairy cheek and gave him several kisses. 

"You see, little cub, that Violette is no longer afraid. Violette kissesyou! The little cub won't eat Violette--she will follow you!"

If Ourson had followed the dictates of his heart, he would have pressedher to his bosom and covered with kisses the good and charming child whoovercame her natural terror in order to assuage the grief andmortification of a poor being whom she saw unfortunate and miserable. But he feared to arouse her terrors. 

"She would think that I was about to devour her, " he said. 

He contented himself, therefore, with clasping her hands softly, andkissing them delicately. Violette permitted this smilingly. 

"Now little cub is satisfied. Little cub will love Violette, poorViolette, who is lost!"

Ourson understood well that her name was Violette; but he could notcomprehend how this little girl, so richly clad, was left alone in theforest. 

"Where do you live, my dear little Violette?"

"Yonder--yonder--with papa and mamma. "

"What is the name of your papa?"

"He is the king and dear mamma is the queen. "

Ourson was more and more surprised and asked:

"Why are you alone in this forest?"

"Violette doesn't know. Poor Violette rode on a big dog--he ran, oh! sofast--so fast, a long time! Violette was so tired, she fell down andslept!"

"And the dog, where is he?"

Violet turned in every direction and called softly:

"Ami! Ami!"

No dog appeared. 

"Alas! Ami has gone! Poor Violette is alone--alone!"

Ourson took Violette's hand and she did not withdraw it but smiledsweetly. 

"Shall I go and seek mamma, Violette?"

"No, no! Violette cannot stay all alone in this wood. Violette willgo. "

"Come, then, with me, dear little girl. I will take you to my mother. "

Ourson and Violette now turned their steps towards the farm. Oursongathered strawberries and cherries for Violette, who would not touchthem till Ourson had eaten half. When she found that he still held hishalf in his hand, she took them, and placed them herself in his mouth, saying:

"Eat--eat, little cub. Violette will not eat unless you eat. Violettecannot have little cub unhappy. Violette will not see you weep. "

She looked at him to see if he was content and happy. Ourson was reallyhappy. He saw that his good and pretty little companion not onlytolerated him but was interested in him and sought to make herselfagreeable. His eyes were sparkling with joy, his voice, always soft andsad, was now tender. After half an hour's walk, he said to her:

"Violette, you are no longer afraid of poor Ourson, are you?"

"Oh! no, no, no!" exclaimed she. "Ourson is good--Violette will notleave him. "

"You are willing, then, that I shall embrace you? you are no longerafraid of me?"

Violette, without further reply, threw herself in his arms. Oursonembraced her tenderly and pressed her to his heart. 

"Dear Violette, I will always love you. I will never forget that youare the only child who was ever willing to speak to me, touch me orembrace me. "

A short time after they arrived at the farm. Agnella and Passerose wereseated at the door, talking together. When they saw Ourson arriveholding a little girl richly dressed by the hand, they were so surprisedthat neither could utter a word. 

"Dear mamma, here is a good and charming little girl whom I foundsleeping in the forest. She is called Violette. She is very well bredand is not afraid of me. She even embraced me when she saw me weeping. "

"And why did you weep, my poor boy?" said Agnella. 

"Because the little girl was afraid of me, " said Ourson, in a sad andtrembling voice, "and hurt herself when trying to run away from me. "

"Violette is not afraid now, " said she, interrupting him hastily. "Violette gave her hand to poor Ourson, embraced him and fed him withcherries and strawberries. "

"But what is all this about?" said Passerose. "Why has our Ourson thecharge of this little girl? why was she alone in the wood? who is she?Answer, Ourson, I do not understand this. "

"I know nothing more than yourself, dear Passerose, " said Ourson. "I sawthis little child asleep in the wood all alone. She awoke and began toweep. Suddenly she saw me and cried out in terror. I spoke to her andbegan to approach her; but she screamed again with fright. I wassorrowful--oh! so very sorrowful! I wept bitterly. "

"Hush! hush! poor Ourson, " exclaimed Violette, putting her little handon his mouth; "Violette will certainly never make you cry again. "

While saying these words Violette's voice was trembling and her sweeteyes were full of tears. 

"Good little girl!" said Agnella, embracing her; "you love our poorOurson, who is so unhappy!"

"Oh, yes! Violette loves Ourson--will always love Ourson!"

Agnella and Passerose asked Violette many questions about her father, mother and country; but they could learn nothing more from her than shehad already told Ourson. Her father was a king, her mother a queen andshe did not know how she came to be alone in the forest. 

Agnella did not hesitate to take under her protection this poor lostchild. She loved her already because of the affection the little oneseemed to entertain for Ourson and because of the happiness Ourson'swhole manner expressed on seeing himself loved by some one else than hismother and Passerose. 

It was now the hour for supper. Passerose laid the cloth and they alltook their seats at the table. Violette asked to be put at Ourson'sside. She was gay and laughed and talked merrily. Ourson was more happythan he had ever been. Agnella was contented, and Passerose jumped forjoy on seeing a little playmate for her dear Ourson. In her transportsshe spilled a pan of cream which was not lost, however, as a cat cameand licked it up to the last drop. After supper, Violette fell asleep inher chair. 

"Where shall we lay her?" said Agnella. "I have no bed for her. "

"Give her mine, dear mamma, " said Ourson; "I can sleep quite as well inthe stable. "

Agnella and Passerose at first refused but Ourson insisted so much uponbeing allowed to make this little sacrifice, that they at lastconsented. Passerose carried Violette still sleeping in her arms, undressed her without awaking her and laid her quietly in Ourson's bed, near that of Agnella. Ourson went to sleep in the stable on the bundlesof hay. He slept peacefully with content in his heart. 

Passerose rejoined Agnella in the parlor. She found her meditating, withher head resting on her hand. 

"Of what are you thinking, dear queen?" said she; "your eyes are sad, your lips do not smile. I am come to show you the bracelets of thelittle stranger. This medallion ought to open but I have tried in vainto open it. Perhaps we shall find here a portrait or a name. "

"Give it to me, my child. These bracelets are beautiful; they may aidus, perhaps, in finding a resemblance which presents itself vaguely tomy remembrance and which I am trying in vain to make clear. "

Agnella took the bracelets and turned them from side to side and pressedthem in every way, trying to open the medallion, but she succeeded nobetter than Passerose had done. 

At the moment when, weary of her vain efforts, she returned them toPasserose, she saw in the middle of the room a woman glittering as thesun; her face was of dazzling whiteness, her hair seemed made of threadsof gold and a crown of glittering stars adorned her brow. Her waist wassmall and her person seemed transparent, it was so delicate andluminous; her floating robe was studded with stars like those whichformed her crown. Her glance was soft yet she smiled maliciously butstill with goodness. 

"Madam, " said she to Agnella, "you see in me the fairy Drolette, theprotectress of your son and of the little princess whom he brought homethis morning from the forest. This princess is nearly related to you forshe is your niece--the daughter of your brother-in-law Indolent andsister-in-law Nonchalante. Your husband succeeded after your flight inkilling Indolent and Nonchalante, who did not distrust him and whopassed all their time in sleeping, eating and lounging. Unfortunately, Icould not prevent this crime as I was absent assisting at the birth of aprince whose parents are under my protection, and I forgot myself whileplaying tricks upon a wicked old maid of honor and an old chamberlainwho was cruel and avaricious, both of them friends of my sister, thefairy Furious. But I arrived in time to save the princess Violette, onlydaughter and heiress of King Indolent and Queen Nonchalante. She wasplaying in the garden while the king Ferocious was seeking her with hisponiard in his hand. I induced her to mount on the back of my dog Ami, who was ordered to leave her in the forest and to that point I directedthe steps of the prince your son. Conceal from both of them their birthand your own and do not allow Violette to see these bracelets, whichcontain the portraits of her father and mother, nor the rich clothingwhich I have replaced by other articles better suited to the quietexistence she will lead here. I have here, " said the fairy, "a casket ofprecious stones. It contains the happiness of Violette but you must hidethem from all eyes and not open the casket until she shall have beenlost and found. "

"I will execute your orders most faithfully, madam, but I pray you tellme if my unhappy son must long wear his frightful covering. "

"Patience! patience!" cried the fairy, "I watch over you, over Violetteand over your son. Inform Ourson of the faculty he has of exchanging hisskin with any one who loves him well enough to make this sacrifice forhis sake. Remember that no one must know the rank of Ourson or ofViolette. Passerose, on account of devotion, deserves to be the only oneinitiated into this mystery and she can always be trusted. Adieu, queen; count always upon my protection. Here is a ring, which you mustplace upon your little finger. As long as you wear it there you willwant for nothing. "

Waving her farewell with her hand, the fairy took the form of a lark andflew away singing merrily. 

Agnella and Passerose looked at each other. Agnella sighed, Passerosesmiled. 

"Let us hide this precious casket, dear queen, and the clothing ofViolette. I am going now to see what the fairy has prepared forViolette's dress to-morrow morning. "

She ran quickly and opened the wardrobe, and found it filled withclothing, linen and hosiery, all plain but good and comfortable. Afterhaving looked at all, counted all and approved all and after havingassisted Agnella to undress, Passerose went to bed and was soon soundasleep. 

THE DREAM

In the morning Ourson was the first awake, aroused by the lowing of thecow. He rubbed his eyes and looked about him and asked himself why hewas in a stable. Then he recalled the events of the day before, sprangup from his bundle of hay and ran quickly to the fountain to wash hisface. 

While he was washing, Passerose, who had like Ourson risen at a veryearly hour and had come out to milk the cow, left the house-door open. Ourson entered quietly and proceeded to the chamber of his mother, whowas still sleeping. He drew back the curtains from Violette's bed andfound her sleeping as peacefully as Agnella. 

Ourson watched her for a long time and was happy to see that she smiledin her dreams. Suddenly Violette's brow contracted and she uttered a cryof alarm, half raised herself in the bed, and throwing her little armsaround Ourson's neck, she exclaimed:

"Ourson! good Ourson! save poor Violette! poor Violette is in the waterand a wicked toad is pulling Violette!"

She now awoke, weeping bitterly, with all the symptoms of great alarm. She clasped Ourson tightly with her little arms: he tried in vain toreassure and control her but she still exclaimed:

"Wicked toad! good Ourson! save Violette!"

Agnella, who had awaked at her first cry, could not yet understandViolette's alarm but she succeeded at last in calming her and the childtold her dream. 

"Violette was walking with Ourson but he did not give his hand toViolette nor look at her. A wicked toad came and pulled Violette intothe water; she fell and called Ourson; he came and saved Violette. Sheloves good Ourson, " she added, in a tender voice; "will never forgethim. "

Saying these words, Violette threw herself into his arms. He, no longerfearing the effect of his bear-skin, embraced her a thousand times andcomforted and encouraged her. 

Agnella had no doubt that this dream was a warning sent by the fairyDrolette. She resolved to watch carefully over Violette and to makeknown to Ourson all that she could reveal to him without disobeying thefairy. 

When she had washed and dressed Violette, she called Ourson tobreakfast. Passerose brought them a bowl of milk fresh from the cow, some good brown bread and a pot of butter. Violette, who was hungry, shouted for joy when she saw this good breakfast. 

"Violette loves good milk, good bread, good butter, loves everythinghere, with good Ourson and good Mamma Ourson!"

"I am not called Mamma Ourson, " said Agnella, laughing; "call me onlyMamma. "

"Oh no, no! not mamma!" cried Violette, shaking her head sadly. "Mamma!mamma is lost! she was always sleeping, never walking, never taking careof poor Violette, never kissing little Violette, Mamma Ourson speaks, walks, kisses Violette and dresses her. I love Mamma Ourson, oh, somuch!" she said, seizing Agnella's hand and pressing it to her heart. 

Agnella replied by clasping her tenderly in her arms. 

Ourson was much moved--his eyes were moist. Violette perceived this andpassing her hand over his eyes, she said, entreatingly:

"I pray you don't cry, Ourson; if you cry, Violette must cry too. "

"No, no, dear little girl, I will cry no more. Let us eat our breakfastand then we will take a walk. "

They breakfasted with good appetites. Violette clapped her handsfrequently and exclaimed:

"Oh how good it is! I love it! I am very glad!"

After breakfast, Ourson and Violette went out to walk while Agnella andPasserose attended to the house. Ourson played with Violette andgathered her flowers and strawberries. She said to him:

"We will always walk with each other. You must always play withViolette. "

"I cannot always play, little girl. I have to help mamma and Passeroseto work. "

"What sort of work, Ourson?"

"To sweep, scour, take care of the cow, cut the grass and bring wood andwater. "

"Violette will work with Ourson. "

"You are too little, dear Violette, but still you can try. "

When they returned to the house, Ourson started on his various tasks. Violette followed him everywhere, she did her best and believed that shewas helping him but she was really too small to be useful. After somedays had passed away, she began to wash the cups and saucers, spread thecloth, fold the linen and wipe the table. She went to the milking withPasserose, helped to strain the milk and skim it and wash the marbleflag-stones. She was never out of temper, never disobedient and neveranswered impatiently or angrily. 

Ourson loved her more and more from day to day. Agnella and Passerosewere also very fond of her and the more so because they knew that shewas Ourson's cousin. 

Violette loved them but Ourson most of all. How could she help lovingthis good boy, who always forgot himself for her, who was constantlyseeking to amuse and please her and who would indeed have been willingto die for his little friend?

One day, when Passerose had taken Violette with her to market, Agnellarelated to Ourson the sad circumstances which had preceded his birth. She revealed to him the possibility of his getting rid of his hairy skinand receiving a smooth white skin in exchange if he could ever find anyone who would voluntarily make this sacrifice from affection andgratitude. 

"Never, " cried Ourson, "never will I propose or accept such a sacrifice. I will never consent to devote a being who loves me to that life ofwretchedness which the vengeance of the fairy Furious has condemned meto endure; never, from a wish of mine, shall a heart capable of such asacrifice suffer all that I have suffered and all that I still sufferfrom the fear and antipathy of men. "

Agnella argued in vain against this firm and noble resolve of Ourson. Hedeclared that she must never again speak to him of this exchange, towhich he would most assuredly never give his consent and that it mustnever be named to Violette or any other person who loved him. 

Agnella promised compliance, after a few weak arguments. In reality sheapproved and admired his sentiments. She could not but hope, however, that the fairy Drolette would recompense the generous and noblecharacter of her little charge and, by some extraordinary exercise ofher power, release him from his hairy skin. 

THE TOAD AGAIN

Some years passed away in this peaceful manner without the occurrence ofany remarkable event. Ourson and Violette both grew rapidly. Agnellathought no more of Violette's frightful dream; her vigilance had greatlyrelaxed and she often allowed her to walk alone or under the care ofOurson. 

Ourson was now fifteen years of age and he was tall and strong. No onecould say whether he was handsome or homely for his long black haircovered his body and face entirely. He was good, generous andloving--always ready to render a service, always contented and cheerful. Since the day when he had found Violette in the wood his melancholy haddisappeared; he was utterly indifferent to the general antipathy whichhe inspired and he no longer walked in uninhabited places but livedhappily in the circle of the three beings whom he cherished and wholoved him supremely. 

Violette was now ten years old and she had not lost a single sweet charmof her beauty in growing up. Her eyes were softer and more angelic, hercomplexion fresher and purer, her mouth more beautiful and arch in itsexpression. She had grown much in height--was tall, light and gracefuland her rich blonde hair, when unbound, fell to her feet and entirelyenveloped her like a veil. Passerose had the care of this superb hairand Agnella never ceased to admire it. 

Violette had learned many things during those seven years. Agnella hadtaught her how to do housework. In other things, Ourson had been herteacher. He had taught her to read, write and keep accounts and he oftenread aloud to her while she was sewing. Instructive and amusing bookswere found in her room without any one knowing where they came from. There was also clothing and other necessary objects for Violette, Ourson, Agnella and Passerose. There was no longer any necessity forgoing to market to sell or the neighboring village to buy. Through theagency of the ring on Agnella's little finger everything they wishedfor, or had need of, was speedily brought to them. 

One day when Ourson was walking with Violette she stumbled against astone, fell and hurt her foot. Ourson was frightened when he saw hischerished Violette bleeding. He did not know what to do to relieve her;he saw how much she suffered, for, notwithstanding all her efforts, shecould not suppress the tears which escaped from her eyes but finally heremembered that a brook flowed not ten paces from them. 

"Dear Violette, " he said, "lean upon me and we will endeavor to reachthe rivulet--the fresh water will relieve you. "

Violette tried to walk while Ourson supported her. He succeeded inseating her on the borders of the stream where she took off her shoe andbathed her delicate little foot in the fresh flowing water. 

"I will run to the house, dear Violette, and bring some linen to wrap upyour foot. Wait for me, I shall not be long absent and take good carenot to get nearer the stream for this little brook is deep and if youslip you might drown. "

When Ourson was out of sight Violette felt an uneasiness which sheattributed to the pain caused by her wound. An unaccountable repulsionmade her feel inclined to withdraw her foot from the water in which itwas hanging. Before she decided to obey this strange impulse she saw thewater troubled and the head of an enormous toad appear upon the surface. The great swollen angry eyes of the loathsome animal were fixed uponViolette, who since her dream had always had a dread of toads. Theappearance of this hideous creature, its monstrous swollen body andmenacing glance, froze her with such horror that she could neither movenor cry out. 

[Illustration: _"Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!"_]

"Ah! ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!" said the toad. "Iam the fairy Furious, the enemy of your family. I have been lying inwait for you a long time and should have had you before if my sister, the fairy Drolette, had not protected you and sent you a dream to warnyou against me. Ourson whose hairy skin is a talisman of safety is nowabsent, my sister is on a journey and you are at last mine. "

Saying these words, she seized Violette's foot with her cold and shiningpaws and tried to draw her down into the water. Violette uttered themost piercing shrieks; she struggled and caught hold of the plants andshrubs growing on the borders of the stream. The first, alas, gave way, and Violette in despair seized hold of others. 

"Ourson! oh, Ourson! help! help! dear Ourson, save me, save your poorViolette! I am perishing! save me! help! help!"

The fairy Furious, in the form of a toad, was about to carry her off. The last shrub had given way and Violette's last cry was hushed. 

The poor Violette disappeared under the water just as another cry, moredespairing, more terrible, answered to her own. But, alas! her hairalone appeared above the water when Ourson reached the spot, breathlessand panting with terror. He had heard Violette's cries and had turnedback with the rapidity of lightning. 

Without a moment's hesitation he sprang into the water and seizedViolette by her long hair but he felt instantly that he was sinkingwith her. The fairy Furious was drawing them to the bottom of thestream. He knew he was sinking but he did not lose his self-possession. Instead of releasing Violette, he seized her both arms and invoked thefairy Drolette. When they reached the bottom, he gave one vigorousstroke with his heel which brought him again to the surface. HoldingViolette securely with one arm, he swam sturdily with the other andthrough some supernatural force he reached the shore where he depositedthe unconscious Violette. 

Her eyes were closed, her teeth tightly clenched and the pallor of deathwas on her face. Ourson threw himself on his knees by her side weepingbitterly. Brave Ourson, whom no dangers could intimidate, no privation, no suffering could master, now wept like a child. His sweet sister, sowell beloved! his only friend, his consolation, his happiness was lyingthere motionless, lifeless! Ourson's strength and courage had desertedhim and he sank down without consciousness by the side of his belovedViolette. 

At this moment a lark flew rapidly up, approached Violette and Ourson, gave one stroke of her little beak to Ourson and another to Violette anddisappeared. 

Ourson was not the only one who replied to the shrieks of Violette. Passerose had heard them and then the more terrible cry of Ourson whichsucceeded them. She ran to the house to apprise Agnella and they bothran rapidly toward the stream from which the cries for help seemed tocome. 

On approaching, they saw with surprise and alarm that Violette andOurson were lying on the ground in a state of unconsciousness. Passeroseplaced her hand on Violette's heart and felt it still beating. Agnellaascertained at the same moment that Ourson was still living. Shedirected Passerose to take Violette home, undress her and put her to bedwhile she endeavored to restore consciousness to Ourson with salts andother restoratives before conducting him to the farm. Ourson was tootall and heavy to be carried while Violette, on the contrary, was lightand it was easy for Passerose to carry her to the house. When shearrived there, she was soon restored to animation. It was some momentsbefore she was conscious. She was still agitated with a vagueremembrance of terror but without knowing what had alarmed her. 

During this time the tender care of Agnella had restored Ourson to life. He opened his eyes, gazed tenderly at his mother and threw himselfweeping upon her neck. 

"Mother, dear mother!" he exclaimed, "my Violette, my beloved sister, has perished! Let me die with her!"

"Be composed, my son, " replied Agnella; "Violette still lives. Passerosehas carried her to the house and will bestow upon her all the attentionshe requires. "

Ourson seemed to revive on hearing these words. He rose and wished torun to the farm but his second thought was consideration for his motherand he restrained his impatience to suit her steps. On their way to thefarm he told his mother all that he knew of the events which had almostcost Violette and himself their lives. He added that the slime from themouth of the fairy Furious had left a strange dulness in his head. 

Agnella now told him how Passerose and herself had found them stretchedunconscious upon the border of the stream. They soon arrived at thefarm, and Ourson, still dripping, rushed into Violette's presence. 

On seeing him Violette remembered everything and she sprang towards him. She threw her arms around him and wept upon his bosom. Ourson also weptand Agnella and Passerose were both in tears. It was a concert ofemotion, enough to soften all hearts. Passerose put an end to it bycrying out:

"Would not one say--ha! ha!--that we were the most--ha! ha!--unfortunatepeople--ha! ha!--in the universe!--Look at our poor Ourson, wet as awater-reed, bathing himself in his own and Violette's tears. Courage, children, courage and happiness! See, we are all alive, thanks toOurson. "

"Oh, yes!" interrupted Violette; "thanks to Ourson--to my dear, mywell-beloved Ourson. How shall I ever repay him for all I owe him? Howcan I ever testify my profound gratitude, my tender affection?"

"By loving me always as you do now, my dear Violette, my sister. Ah! ifit has indeed been in my power to render you some little service, haveyou not changed my whole existence? Have you not made me gay andhappy--me who was so wretched and so miserable before? Are you not everyday and every hour of the day the consolation and happiness of my lifeand of that of my excellent mother?"

Violette was still weeping and she answered only by pressing moretenderly to her heart her Ourson, her adopted brother. 

"Dear son, " said his mother, "you are dripping wet. Go and change yourclothing. Violette has need of some hours' repose. We will meet again atdinner. "

Violette consented to go to bed but did not sleep for her heart wasmelting, overflowing with gratitude and tenderness. She sought in vainfor some means of rewarding the devotion of Ourson. She could think ofno other way than that of trying to become perfect so as to increase thehappiness of Ourson and Agnella. 

VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE

When the dinner hour came, Violette arose, dressed herself and enteredthe dining-room where Agnella and Passerose were awaiting her. Oursonwas not there. 

"Ourson is not with you, mother, " said Violette. 

"I have not seen him, " said Agnella. 

"Nor I, " said Passerose; "I will go and seek him. "

She entered his chamber and found him seated upon his bed, his headresting upon his arm. 

"Come, Ourson, come quick; we are waiting dinner for you. "

"I cannot come, " said Ourson, in a weak voice; "I have a strangeheaviness in my head. "

Passerose flew to inform Agnella and Violette of his illness and theywere by his side in an instant. Ourson made an effort to rise in orderto reassure them but he fell upon a chair. Agnella found that he had aviolent fever and she prevailed upon him to lie down. Violetteabsolutely refused to leave him. 

"I am the cause of his illness, " she said, "and I will not leave hisside till he is well. I shall die of anxiety if you force me to leave mydear brother. "

Agnella and Passerose also installed themselves near their dear invalidbut alas! soon poor Ourson did not recognise them. He was delirious! Hecalled his mother and Violette every moment and continued to call themmost importunately and to complain of their absence, even while theywere holding him in their arms. 

Agnella and Violette never left him day nor night during all hissickness. The eighth day, Agnella, exhausted with fatigue, had fallenasleep near the poor sufferer's bed; his difficult respiration andlifeless eye seemed to announce the near approach of death. Violette wason her knees, holding and pressing in her fine white hands the hairyhands of Ourson and covering them with tears and kisses. 

In the midst of this scene of desolation, a clear sweet song interruptedthe mournful silence of the chamber of the dying boy. Violette started. This soft melody seemed to bring consolation and happiness; she raisedher head and saw a lark perched upon the open shutter. 

"Violette!" said the lark. 

Violette trembled fearfully. 

"Violette, " repeated the little soft voice of the lark, "do you loveOurson?"

"Do I love him? Ah! love him--I love him more than any one else--morethan I love myself. "

"Would you purchase his life at the price of your happiness?"

"Yes, gladly would I purchase life for him by the sacrifice of myhappiness and of my own life. "

"Listen, then, Violette. I am the fairy Drolette. I love Ourson, I loveyou and I love your family. The venom which my sister the fairy Furioushas blown upon the head of Ourson is sufficient to cause his death. Nevertheless, if you are sincere, if you really feel for Ourson thesentiments of gratitude and tenderness which you express, his life is inyour hands. You are permitted to redeem it! But remember that you willsoon be called upon to give the most terrible proof of your attachmentand that if he lives you will pay for his existence by a most horriblesacrifice. "

"Oh, madam! quick, quick, tell me what I am to do to save my dearOurson. Nothing will be terrible to me, all will be joy and happiness ifyou aid me to save my brother Ourson. "

"Well, my child, very well, " replied the fairy. "Kiss his left ear threetimes, saying at each kiss: _'To thee!--For thee!--With thee!'_ Reflectagain, Violette, before undertaking this cure. If you are not preparedfor the most difficult sacrifices, the greatest misfortunes willoverwhelm you and my sister Furious will be the mistress of your life. "

As her only reply, Violette crossed her hands upon her breast, cast uponthe fairy, who was about to fly away, a look of tender gratitude, and, throwing herself upon Ourson, she kissed his left ear three times, saying, with an accent loving and penetrating:

"To thee!--For thee!--With thee!"

Scarcely had she said these words, when Ourson uttered a profound sigh, opened his eyes, perceived Violette and seizing her hands carried themto his lips, saying:

"Violette, dear Violette! it seems to me I am awaking from a long dream. Tell me all that has passed. Why am I here? Why are you so pale andthin? Your cheeks are hollow, you seem to have grown old and yourbeautiful eyes are red with weeping. "

"Hush!" said Violette, "do not wake your mother, who is sleeping by yourside. She has not slept for a long time and is much fatigued. You havebeen very ill, Ourson!"

"And you, dear Violette, have you been resting?"

Violette blushed and hesitated. 

"How could I sleep, dear Ourson, when I was the cause of all yoursufferings?"

Ourson was silent. He looked at her tenderly, kissed her hands and againasked her to tell him what had passed. She told him but she was toomodest and too truly devoted to reveal to him the price that the fairyhad affixed to his cure. Ourson, therefore, was far from knowing thetruth. 

Ourson now felt himself restored to health, rose up, proceeded to hismother softly and awakened her by a kiss. Agnella thought he wasdelirious and called Passerose who was astonished when Violette toldthem that Ourson had been restored by the good fairy Drolette. 

After all this, Ourson and Violette loved each other more tenderly thanever and they never left each other unless their occupations forced themto be apart. 

THE WILD BOAR

Two years passed. One day Ourson had been cutting wood in the forest. Violette was to bring him his dinner and return with him in the evening. At midday Passerose hung on Violette's arm a basket containing wine, bread, a little pot of butter, some ham and some cherries. Violette setoff eagerly. The morning had appeared to her very long and she wasimpatient to be again with Ourson. To shorten the way she went throughthe forest which was composed of large trees under which she couldeasily walk. There were neither briars nor thorns in her way and a soft, thick moss covered the earth. 

Violette stepped lightly for she was happy to have found a shorter pathto her dear Ourson. When she had passed over about half the distance sheheard the noise of a heavy and precipitate step but too far off for herto imagine what it could be. After some moments of expectation she sawan enormous wild boar coming towards her. He seemed greatly enraged, ploughed the ground with his tusks and rubbed the bark from the trees ashe passed along. His heavy snorting and breathing were as distinctlyheard as his step. Violette did not know where to fly or to hideherself. While she was hesitating the wild boar came in sight, saw her, and paused. His eyes were flaming, his whole body bristling, his tusksclashing together. He uttered a ferocious grunt, and sprang towardsViolette. Happily she was near a tree whose branches were within herreach. She seized one, sprang up with it, and climbed from branch tobranch, until she knew she was beyond his reach. Scarcely was she insafety when the savage animal precipitated himself with all his weightagainst the tree in which she had taken refuge. Furious at thisobstacle, he commenced tearing the bark from the tree and gave it suchfurious blows with his snout that Violette was terribly frightened. Theconcussion caused by these violent and repeated blows might at lastcause the fall of the tree. She clung tightly and trembling to the tree. The wild boar at last weary of his useless attacks laid himself down atthe foot of the tree casting from time to time a menacing look atViolette. 

Many hours passed in this painful situation, Violette trembling butholding on steadily and the wild boar, sometimes calm, sometimes in aterrible rage, springing against the tree and tearing it with histusks. 

[Illustration: _Violette takes refuge from the wild boar_]

Violette called on her brother, her dear Ourson, for help. At every newattempt of the wild boar she renewed her cries for aid but alas! Oursonwas too far off and he could not hear. No one came to her aid. 

Discouragement and despair gained upon her; she began to feel hunger. She had thrown away the basket of provisions when she sprang up thetree, the wild boar had trampled upon it, crushed it and eaten upeverything it contained. 

Whilst Violette was a prey to these terrors and vainly calling for helpOurson was amazed at not seeing her come with the dinner. 

"Can they have forgotten me?" he said to himself. "No, neither my mothernor Violette could have forgotten me. I could not have explained myselfwell. Without doubt they expected me back to dinner; they are lookingfor me now and are perhaps uneasy. "

At this thought Ourson abandoned his work and commenced walkingprecipitately towards the house. He also wished to shorten the way anddetermined to cross the forest. Soon he thought he heard plaintive criesof distress. He paused--he listened, his heart beat violently as hebelieved he recognized the voice of Violette. But, no--he heard nothingnow. He was about to resume his march when he heard a more distinct andpiercing cry. 

Now he knew that it must be Violette, his Violette, who was in dangerand calling upon Ourson for help. He ran in the direction from which thenoise seemed to come. Approaching, he heard not only calls for help butroars and growls accompanied by ferocious cries and violent blows. PoorOurson ran on with the speed of despair. At last he perceived the wildboar shaking with his snout the tree upon which Violette was stillcrouched in safety though pale and overcome. 

This sight gave him new strength. He invoked the protection of the goodfairy Drolette and rushed upon the wild boar with his axe in his hand. The wild boar in his rage bellowed furiously. He gnashed his formidabletusks one against the other and sprang towards Ourson, who dodged theattack and jumped to one side. The boar passed beyond him, paused amoment, then turned more furious than ever against Ourson who had nowtaken breath and with his axe raised in his hand awaited his enemy. 

The wild boar sprung on Ourson and received on his head a most violentblow but his bones were so hard he scarcely seemed to feel it. Theviolence of the attack overthrew Ourson. The wild boar, seeing his enemyon the ground, did not give him time to rise but sprang upon him andwith his tusks endeavored to tear him to pieces. 

Ourson now thought himself lost, indeed he thought no more of himself, he prayed only for Violette's safety. 

Whilst the wild boar was thus trampling and kicking his enemy, a jeeringsong was heard just above the combatants. The wild boar shuddered, suddenly quitted Ourson, raised his head and saw a lark flying abovethem. The mocking song continued and the brute, uttering a cry of rage, lowered his head and withdrew slowly without once turning round. 

Violette at sight of Ourson's danger had fainted away but had restedsupported by the branches of the tree. Ourson, who thought himself tornto pieces, scarcely dared attempt to move but feeling no pain he rosepromptly to assist Violette. His heart was full of gratitude to thefairy Drolette to whom he attributed his rescue. At this moment the larkflew towards him, pecked his cheeks and whispered in his ear:

"Ourson, it was the fairy Furious who sent this wild boar. I arrived intime to save you. Profit by the gratitude of Violette and change skinswith her. She will consent joyfully. "

"Never!" cried Ourson. "I would rather be a bear all my life--ratherdie. Poor Violette! I should indeed be base if I abused her tendernesstowards me in this way. "

"Good-bye, obstinate one!" said the lark, flying away singing, "till wemeet again. I shall come again--and then----"

"The result will be the same, " said Ourson. 

He then climbed the tree, took Violette in his arms, and descended. Helaid her upon the soft green moss and bathed her forehead with a littlewine he found in a broken bottle. 

In a few moments Violette was restored to consciousness. She couldscarcely believe her senses when she saw Ourson, living and unwounded, kneeling by her side and bathing her forehead and temples. 

"Ourson! dear Ourson! again you have saved my life. Tell me, oh! tellme, what can I do to prove my gratitude?"

"Do not speak of gratitude, my cherished Violette. Do I not owe all myhappiness to you? In saving your life I save my own and all I value. "

"All that you say, dear brother, is sweet and tender but I desire noless to render you some real and signal service, which will show all thegratitude and all the love with which my heart is filled. "

"Good! good! we shall see, " said Ourson, laughing. "In the mean time letus think of preserving our lives. You have eaten nothing since morning, poor Violette, for I see on the ground the remnants of the provisionsyou brought, as I suppose, for our dinner. It is late and the day isdeclining so we must hurry to return to the farm before dark. "

Violette now tried to rise but her terror and her long fast had weakenedher so much that she fell to the ground. 

"I cannot stand, Ourson, I am too weak. What will become of us?"

Ourson was greatly embarrassed. Violette was no longer a child and hadgrown so large that he could not carry her so far, neither could heleave her exposed to the attacks of the ferocious beasts of the forestand he feared she could not do without food till the morning. In thisperplexity he saw a packet fall at his feet. He raised it, opened it andfound a pie, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. Ourson knew that thisbounty was from the hand of the fairy Drolette and with a heart full ofgratitude he put the bottle to Violette's lips. One mouthful of thisgood wine which was indeed unequalled restored a portion of Violette'sstrength. The pie and the bread completely restored her as well asOurson who did full honor to the repast. While eating and drinking theyconversed of their past terrors and present happiness. 

Now, however, it was night and neither Violette nor Ourson knew whichway to turn their steps in order to reach the farm. They were in themidst of a wood. Violette was reclining against the tree which had beenher refuge from the wild boar. They dared not quit this spot lest in theobscurity they might not find as comfortable a one. 

"Well, dear Violette, do not be alarmed. It is warm, the weather isbeautiful and you are reclining upon a bed of soft green moss. Let uspass the night where we are. I will cover you with my coat and I willlie at your feet to protect you from all danger and alarm. Mamma andPasserose will not be very anxious for they are ignorant of the dangerswe have encountered and you know that we have often on a lovely eveninglike this reached home after they had retired. "

Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest. In thefirst place, they could not do otherwise; secondly, she was never afraidwith Ourson and always thought that what he decided to do was right. 

[Illustration: _Violette consented willingly to pass the night in theforest_]

Ourson now arranged Violette's bed of moss in the best possible manner, took off his coat and in spite of her resistance spread it over her. Then, after having seen Violette's eyes close and sleep take possessionof all her senses he lay at her feet and soon slept most profoundly. 

Violette was the first awake in the morning. She walked around the treewhich had sheltered them during the night. Ourson awaked and not seeingViolette he sprang up in an instant and called her name in a voicechoking with terror. 

"I am here! I am here, dear brother!" she replied, running towards him;"I am seeking the path to the farm. But what is the matter? youtremble!"

"I thought you had been carried away by some wicked fairy, dearViolette, and I reproached myself for having fallen asleep. Let us gonow quickly in order to reach home before mamma and Passerose areawake. "

Ourson knew the forest well. He soon found the path to the farm and theyarrived some moments before Agnella and Passerose awoke. They agreed toconceal from Agnella the dangers to which they had been exposed, tospare her anguish and disquietude for the future. Passerose alone wasmade the confidant of their dangerous adventures. 

THE CONFLAGRATION

Ourson now forbade Violette to go alone in the forest. She was no longerallowed to carry him his dinner so he always returned to the house atmidday. Violette never left the farm without Ourson. 

Three years after the event in the forest, Ourson saw Violette arise inthe morning pale and exhausted. She was seeking him. 

"Come, come, " she said, drawing him along, "I have something tosay--something to relate--Oh, come!"

Ourson was much alarmed and followed her precipitately. 

"What is it, dear Violette? For the love of Heaven, speak to me! Whatcan I do for you?"

"Nothing, nothing, dear Ourson; you can do nothing--only listen to me. You remember the dream I had in my childhood, of the toad! the river!the danger! Well, last night I had this same dream again. It isterrible! terrible! Ourson, dear Ourson, your life is menaced! If youdie, I will die also!"

"How! By whom is my life threatened?"

"Listen! I was sleeping and a toad--still a toad--always a toad--came tome and said:

"'The moment approaches when your dear Ourson is to resume his naturalskin. To you he is to be indebted for this change. I hate him! I hateyou! You shall not make each other happy! Ourson shall perish and youcannot accomplish the sacrifice which in your folly you meditate. In afew days, yes, perhaps in a few hours I shall take a signal vengeanceupon you both. Good-bye--do you hear?--till we meet again!'

"I awoke, suppressed a cry which was about to issue from my lips andsaw, as I saw on that day in which you saved me from the water, thehideous toad creeping upon the shutter and gazing at me menacingly. Itdisappeared, leaving me more dead than alive. I arose dressed myself andcame to find you my brother, my friend to warn you against the vengeanceof the fairy Furious and to entreat you to seek the aid of the goodfairy Drolette. "

Ourson listened in great alarm. He was not frightened by the fate whichmenaced himself--he was agitated by the sacrifice which Furiousannounced and which he understood but too well. The thought alone of hisdear and lovely Violette being muffled up in his hideous bear's skinthrough devotion to him made him tremble and he preferred death. Ourson's anguish was pictured in his countenance, and Violette, who waswatching him closely, threw herself upon his neck and sobbed violently. 

"Alas! my brother, my dear brother, you will soon be torn from me. You, who do not know what it is to fear, now tremble. You who comfort meencourage me and sustain me in all my fears have now no word to utter torestore my failing courage. You who have combated the most terribledangers now bow your head and are resigned to fate. "

"No, Violette, it is not fear which makes me tremble--it is not fearwhich agitates me. It is a word which the fairy Furious has uttered, ofwhich you do not comprehend the meaning but which I understandperfectly. The threat was addressed to you, my Violette. It is for you Itremble!"

Violette divined from this that the moment of sacrifice had come, thatshe was about to be called upon to keep the promise she had made to thefairy Drolette. In place of trembling and shrinking, she felt the mostlively joy. She could now at last make some return for the devotion, theincessant watchful tenderness of her dear Ourson--could in her turn beuseful to him. She made no response to the fears expressed by Ourson butthanked him and spoke to him more tenderly than ever before, thinkingthat soon perhaps she would be separated from him by death. Ourson hadthe same thought. They both fervently invoked the protection of thefairy Drolette. Ourson, indeed, called upon her in a loud voice but shedid not respond to his appeal. 

The day passed away sadly. Neither Ourson nor Violette spoke to Agnellaon the subject of their disquiet for fear of aggravating her melancholywhich had been constantly increasing as Ourson grew to manhood. 

"Already twenty years old!" thought she. "If he persists in living inthis solitude and seeing no one and in refusing to change with Violette, who asks nothing better, I am certain, I am convinced, he will wear thisbear-skin till his death. "

Agnella wept, often wept; but her tears brought her no remedy. 

The day Violette had her frightful dream, Agnella also had a dream. Thefairy Drolette had appeared to her:

"Courage, queen, " she said to her, "in a few days Ourson will lose hisbear's skin and you can give him his true name of Prince Marvellous. "

Agnella had awaked full of hope and happiness. She redoubled hertenderness to Violette, believing that it was to her she would owe thehappiness of her son. 

Every one retired at night with different feelings. Violette and Ourson, full of anxiety for the future which appeared so threatening, Agnella'sheart bounding with joy at that same future which appeared so near andso replete with happiness, Passerose, astonished at the melancholy ofthe one and the joy of the other and ignorant of the cause of both. 

All slept, however. Violette after weeping profusely. Ourson afterhaving invoked the fairy Drolette; Agnella after smiling and thinking ofOurson handsome and attractive and Passerose after saying to herself ahundred times: "But what is the matter with them all to-day?"

Scarcely an hour after all at the farm were asleep, Violette was arousedby the smell of fire and smoke. Agnella awoke at the same moment. 

"Mother, " said Violette, "do you not smell something?"

"The house is on fire, " said Agnella. "Look what a light is round aboutus!"

They sprang from their beds and ran to the parlor. The flames hadalready taken possession of it and of the neighboring chambers. 

"Ourson! Passerose!" cried Agnella. 

"Ourson! Ourson!" exclaimed Violette. 

Passerose sprang half clothed into the parlor. 

"We are lost, madam! The flames are all through the house. The doors andwindows are firmly closed--it is impossible to open them. "

"My son! my son!" cried Agnella. 

"My brother! my brother!" exclaimed Violette. 

They ran to the doors; all their efforts to open them or the windowswere ineffectual. 

"Oh! my terrible dream!" murmured Violette. "Dear Ourson, adieu forever!"

Ourson had also been awakened by the flames and smoke. He slept out ofthe farm-house, and near the stable. His first impulse was to run to thefront of the house but notwithstanding his extraordinary strength hecould not open it. One would have thought that the door would break topieces under his efforts. It was evidently held fast by the fairyFurious. 

Ourson sprang upon a ladder and passed across the flames into a granarythrough an open window, then descended into the room where his motherand Violette were embracing, expecting instant death. Before they hadtime to recognize him he seized them in his arms and cried to Passeroseto follow him. He ran along the granary and descended the ladder withhis mother in one arm and Violette in the other and followed byPasserose. The moment after they reached the ground in safety, theladder and granary became a prey to the flames. 

Ourson led Agnella and Violette some distance from the fire. Passerosewas self-possessed: she had quite a large package of clothing which shehad collected at the commencement of the fire. Agnella and Violette hadescaped barefooted and in their night robes, and the clothing broughtby Passerose was thus very necessary to protect them from the cold. After having thanked Ourson for saving their lives at the peril of hisown they complimented Passerose upon her forethought. 

"See, " said Passerose, "the advantage of not losing one's senses. Whilstyou two were only thinking of your Ourson, I made up this package ofnecessary things. "

"That is true, my good Passerose; but what purpose would your packagehave served, if my mother and Violette had perished in the flames?"

"Oh, I knew very well that you would not allow them to be burned upalive. Is any one ever in danger when you are present? Is not this thethird time you have saved Violette's life?"

Violette pressed Ourson's hands tenderly and carried them to her lips. Agnella embraced her and said:

"Dear Violette, Ourson is happy in your tenderness which fully rewardshim for all he has done for you. I feel assured that on your part youwould be happy to sacrifice yourself for him if an occasion offered, that only too willingly would you help him. "

Before Violette could speak, Ourson said with animation:

"Mother, do not say anything to Violette of sacrificing herself for me. You know the thought alone makes me wretched. "

In place of replying to Ourson, Agnella placed her hand on her foreheadand cried out anxiously:

"The casket, Passerose! the casket! Have you saved the casket?"

"I forgot it, madam, " said Passerose. 

The countenance of Agnella expressed such regret and anxiety, thatOurson questioned her as to this precious casket which seemed to troubleher so much. 

"The casket was a present of the fairy Drolette. She told me that thehappiness of Violette was contained in it. It was in the wardrobe, atthe foot of my bed. Alas! by what fatality did I forget it?"

She had scarcely uttered these words when the brave Ourson sprangtowards the burning house and notwithstanding the tears andsupplications of Agnella, Violette and Passerose, disappeared in theflames exclaiming:

"You shall have the casket, mother, or I will perish with it!"

A horrible silence followed this act of Ourson. Violette fell on herknees with her arms extended towards the burning house, Agnella with herhands clasped looked with straining eyes at the opening through whichOurson had entered while Passerose was motionless, hiding her face withher hands. Some moments passed thus and they appeared ages to the threewomen who were expecting a sentence of life or death. 

Ourson did not reappear. The crackling of the burning wood, the flashingof the flames, increased in violence. Suddenly, a frightful noise madeViolette and Agnella utter a cry of despair. 

The roof, covered with flames, had fallen in and Ourson was buried underthe ruins--crushed by the ruins, consumed by the fire. 

The silence of death succeeded this dreadful catastrophe. The flamesdiminished, then died away--no sound now interrupted the despair ofAgnella and Violette. 

Violette had fallen into the arms of Agnella and they sobbed thus a longtime in silence. Passerose contemplated the smoking ruins and wept. PoorOurson was buried there a victim of his courage and his devotion!Agnella and Violette still wept bitterly; they appeared neither to hearnor understand what was passing around them. 

"Let us leave this place, " said Passerose, at last. 

Agnella and Violette made no response. 

Passerose tried to lead Violette away. 

"Come, " said she; "come, Violette, let us seek a shelter for thenight--the evening fortunately is mild. "

"What shelter do I want?" said Violette. "What is the evening to me orthe morning? There are no more beautiful days for me! The sun will shineno more but to illumine my despair!"

"But if we remain here weeping we shall die of hunger, Violette, and inspite of the bitterest grief, we must think of the necessities of life. "

"Better to die of hunger than of grief! I will not leave this placewhere I saw my dear Ourson for the last time--where he perished, avictim of his tenderness for us. "

Passerose shrugged her shoulders; she remembered that the stable had notbeen burned so she ran there with all speed, milked the cow, drank acupful of milk and tried in vain to make Agnella and Violette do thesame. 

Agnella rose and said to Violette in a solemn tone:

"Your grief is just, my daughter. Never did a more noble or generousheart beat in a human form than Ourson's and he loved you more than heloved himself--to spare your grief he sacrificed his happiness and hislife. "

Agnella now recounted to Violette the scene which preceded Ourson'sbirth, the power Violette had to deliver him from his deformity byaccepting it for herself and Ourson's constant prayer that Violetteshould never be informed of the possibility of such a sacrifice. 

It is easy to comprehend the feelings of loving tenderness and regretwhich filled the heart of Violette after this confidence and she weptmore bitterly than ever. 

"And now, my daughter, " continued Agnella, "there remains one duty tofulfil, that is to give burial to my son. We must clear away these ruinsand remove the ashes and when we have found the remains of ourwell-beloved Ourson----"

Sobs interrupted her speech; she could say no more. 

THE WELL

Agnella, Violette and Passerose walked slowly towards the burned wallsof the farmhouse. With the courage of despair they removed the smokingruins. They worked diligently two days before this work was completed. No vestige of poor Ourson appeared and yet they had removed piece bypiece, handful by handful, all that covered the site. On removing thelast half-burned planks, Violette perceived an aperture, which shequickly enlarged. It was the orifice of a well. Her heart beatviolently--a vague hope inspired it. 

"Ourson!" cried she, with a faint voice. 

"Violette! dear Violette! I am here; I am saved!"

Violette could reply only by a smothered cry; she lost her consciousnessand fell into the well which enclosed her dear Ourson. If the good fairyDrolette had not watched over her fall, she would have broken her headand limbs against the sides of the well. But their kind protectress, who had already rendered them so many services, sustained her and shefell safely at Ourson's feet. 

Violette soon returned to consciousness. Their happiness was too greatto be believed in--to be trusted. They did not cease to give the mosttender assurances of affection. And now they were aroused from theirecstasy by the cries of Passerose, who, losing sight of Violette andseeking her amongst the ruins, discovered the open well. Peering intothe darkness she saw Violette's white robe and she imagined that thepoor girl had thrown herself intentionally into the well and there foundthe death she sought. Passerose screamed loud enough to destroy herlungs. Agnella came slowly forward to know the cause of this alarm. 

"Be silent, Passerose, " cried Ourson in a loud voice; "you arefrightening our mother. I am in the well with Violette; we are happy andwant for nothing. "

"Oh blessed news! blessed news!" cried Passerose; "I see them! I seethem! Madam, madam, come quickly, quickly! They are here--they arewell--they have need of nothing!"

Agnella, pale, and half dead with emotion, listened to Passerose withoutcomprehending her. She fell on her knees and had not strength to rise. But when she heard the voice of her dear Ourson calling to her: "Mother, mother, your poor son Ourson still lives!" she sprang toward the well, and would have precipitated herself within, had not Passerose seized herby the arms and drawn her back suddenly. 

"For the love of Ourson, dear queen, do not throw yourself into thishole; you will kill yourself! I will restore Ourson and Violette to youunharmed. "

Agnella, trembling with happiness, comprehended the wisdom of thecounsel given by Passerose. She remained rooted to the spot butshuddering with agitation while Passerose ran to seek a ladder. 

Passerose was absent a long time which was excusable as she was somewhatconfused. First she seized a cord, then a pitchfork, then a chair. Foran instant she thought of lowering the cow to the bottom of the well sothat poor Ourson might have a drink of fresh warm milk. At last shefound the ladder before her eyes, almost in her hands, but she had notseen it. 

While Passerose was seeking the ladder, Ourson and Violette talkedincessantly of their present happiness and the despair and anguish theyhad endured. 

"I passed uninjured through the flames, " said Ourson, "and soughtgroping about for the wardrobe of my mother. The smoke suffocated andblinded me. Then I felt myself raised by the hair and cast to the bottomof this well where you have come to join me, dear Violette. 

"In place of finding water, or even moisture here, I felt at once asweet, fresh air. A soft carpet was spread on the bottom: you see it isstill here. There was from some source sufficient light around me. Ifound ample provisions at my side. Look at them, Violette, I have nottouched them. A few drops of wine was all I could swallow. 

"The knowledge of your despair and that of my mother rendered me toounhappy and the fairy Drolette took pity on me. She appeared to me underyour form, dear Violette, and I took her for you and sprang forward toseize you in my arms but I embraced only a vague form of air or vapor. Icould see her but I could not touch her. 

"'Ourson', said the fairy, smiling sweetly upon me, 'I have assumedViolette's form to testify my friendship in the most agreeable way. Becomforted; you shall see her to-morrow. She weeps bitterly, because shebelieves you to be dead but I will send her to you to-morrow. She willmake you a visit at the bottom of this well. She will accompany you whenyou go forth from this tomb and you shall see your mother and the blueheavens and the dazzling sun which neither your mother nor Violette wishto look upon since your loss, but which appeared beautiful to them whileyou were with them. You will return once more to this well for itcontains your happiness. '

"'My happiness!' I exclaimed to the fairy; 'when I have found my motherand my Violette I shall be in possession of all my happiness. '

"'Believe implicitly what I say. This well contains your happiness andthat of Violette. '

"'Violette's happiness, madam, is to live with me and my mother. '"

"Ah! you replied well, " interrupted Violette. "But what said the fairy?"

"'I know what I say, ' she answered. 'In a few days something will bewanting to complete your happiness. You will find it here. We will meetagain, Ourson. Remember what I have said. '

"'Yes, madam; I hope it will be soon. '

"'When you see me again, my poor child, you will be scarcely content andthen you will wish that you had never seen me. Silence and farewell. '

"She flew away smiling sweetly, leaving behind her a delicious perfumeand an atmosphere so soft and heavenly that it diffused a peaceful calmin my heart. I suffered no more--I expected you. "

Violette on her part comprehended better than Ourson why the next returnof the fairy would be painful to him. Since Agnella had revealed to herin confidence the nature of the sacrifice that she could impose uponherself, she was resolved to accomplish it, in spite of the oppositionof Ourson. She thought only of the delight of giving an immense proof ofher affection. This hope tempered her joy at having found him. 

When Ourson had completed his narrative, they heard the shrill voice ofPasserose crying out to them:

"Look, look, my children! the ladder. I will put it down to you. Takecare that it does not fall on your heads. You must have some provisionsdown there; send them up, if you please; we are somewhat destitute abovehere. For two days I have only had a little milk to drink and a crust. Your mother and Violette have lived upon the air and their tears. Softly! softly! take care not to break the ladder. Madam! madam! herethey are: here are Ourson's and Violette's heads--Good! Step up! Thereyou are!"

Agnella, still pallid and trembling, was immovable as a statue. 

After having seen Violette in safety, Ourson sprang from the well andthrew himself into his mother's arms. She covered him with tears andkisses and held him a long time clasped to her heart. After havingthought him dead during so many painful hours, it seemed a dream to heralmost impossible to realize that she was holding him safe once more. Finally Passerose terminated this melting scene by seizing Ourson andsaying to him:

"Now it is my turn! I am forgotten, forsooth, because I do not bathemyself in tears; because I keep my head cool and preserve my strength. Was it not Passerose, after all, who got you out of that terrible hole?Speak the truth. "

"Yes, yes, my good Passerose! You may believe that I love you andindeed I thank you for drawing me out of it where, however, I was doingvery well after my sweet Violette came down to me. "

"But now I think of it, " said Passerose, "tell me, Violette, how did youget to the bottom of that well without killing yourself?"

"I did not go down purposely. I fell and Ourson received me in hisarms. "

"All this is not very clear, " said Passerose. "The fairy Drolette hadsomething to do with it. "

"Yes, the good and amiable fairy, " said Ourson. "She is alwayscounteracting the cruelties of her wicked sister. "

While thus talking merrily, their stomachs gave indication that theywere suffering for dinner. Ourson had left in the well the provisionsfurnished by the fairy. The rest of the happy family were stillembracing and weeping over past remembrances but Passerose withoutsaying a word descended into the well and remounted with the provisionswhich she placed on a bundle of straw; she then placed around the tablefour other bundles of straw for seats. 

"Dinner is ready, " said she; "come and eat; you all need food. The goodqueen and Violette will soon fall from exhaustion. Ourson has had alittle wine but he has eaten nothing. Here is a pie, a ham, bread andwine. Long life to the good fairy!"

Agnella, Violette and Ourson did not require to be told a second timebut placed themselves gayly at the table. Their appetites were good andthe repast excellent. Happiness illuminated every countenance; theytalked, laughed, clasped each other's hands and were in paradise. 

When dinner was over, Passerose was surprised that the fairy Drolettehad not provided for all their wants. 

"Look, " said she, "the house is in ruins, we are destitute ofeverything! The stable is our only shelter, the straw our only bed andthe provisions I brought up from the well our only food. Formerlyeverything was provided before we had the time to ask for it. "

Agnella looked suddenly at her hand--the ring was no longer there! Theymust now gain their bread by the sweat of their brows. Ourson andViolette seeing her air of consternation demanded the cause of it. 

"Alas! my children, you will no doubt think me very ungrateful to feeldisquieted about the future in the midst of our great happiness but Iperceive that during the fire I have lost the ring given me by the goodfairy and this ring would have furnished us with all the necessaries oflife so long as it was upon my finger. Alas! I have it no longer. Whatshall we do?"

"Dismiss all anxiety, dear mother, " said Ourson. "Am I not tall andstrong? I will seek for work and you can all live on my wages. "

"And I, too, " said Violette, "can I not assist my good mother andPasserose? In seeking work for yourself, Ourson, you can also findsomething for me to do. "

"I will go at once and seek work, " said Ourson. "Adieu, mother. We willmeet again, Violette. "

Kissing their hands, he set off with a light step. 

He had no presentiment, poor boy, of the reception which awaited him inthe three houses where he sought employment. 

THE FARM--THE CASTLE--THE FORGE

Ourson walked more than three hours before he arrived at a large andbeautiful farm where he hoped to obtain employment. He saw from adistance the farmer and his family seated before his front door takingtheir evening meal. 

He was but a short way off when one of the children, a little boy aboutten years of age, perceived him. He sprang from his seat, uttered a cryof terror and fled into the house. 

A second child, a little girl eight years old, hearing the cry of herbrother turned towards Ourson and commenced the most piercing shrieks. 

All the family now followed the movement of the children and turnedaround. At the sight of Ourson the women cried out with terror and thechildren fled in wild alarm. The men seized sticks and pitchforksexpecting to be attacked by poor Ourson whom they took for someextraordinary animal escaped from a menagerie. 

Ourson, seeing this movement of terror and preparation for attack, spoketo them hoping to dissipate their fears. 

"I am not a bear, as you seem to suppose, but a poor boy seeking workand who would be very glad if you should give him employment. "

The farmer was greatly amazed to hear a bear speak. He did not knowwhether to fly or to interrogate him further. He resolved, however, tospeak. 

"Who are you and from whence do you come?"

"I come from the Woodland Farm and I am the son of Agnella, " Oursonreplied. 

"Ah, then it was you who in your childhood went with your mother tomarket and frightened all our children to death. You have lived in thewoods and done without our help. Why do you seek us now? Go away andlive as you have lived heretofore. "

"Our farm-house is burned to the ground. I have to work now with myhands to support my mother and sister. For this reason, I pray you togive me work. I will do all you command me. "

"Do you suppose, boy, that I will take into my service a villainousanimal like you who will frighten my wife and my servants to death andthrow my children into convulsions? I am not quite such a fool, my boy;not quite such a fool. Enough of this. Be off, and allow us to finishour dinner. "

"Master farmer, be merciful. Only try my work. Place me altogether bymyself; then no one will fear me. I will conceal myself so well thatyour children shall not see me. "

"Will you be done talking, wicked bear? Go instantly; if you don't youshall feel the teeth of my pitchfork. "

Poor Ourson bowed his head. Tears of humiliation and disappointmentglittered in his eyes. He withdrew slowly, followed by the coarse laughand shouts of the farm hands. 

When out of sight he no longer restrained his tears, but in all thisshame and despair the thought that Violette could take upon herself hisugly covering did not enter his thoughts. 

Ourson walked on till he came in sight of a castle where he saw a crowdof men coming, going and laboring at every kind of work. Some weremowing, some raking, some currying horses, some sweeping, some wateringplants, some sowing. 

"Here is a house where I shall certainly find work, " said Ourson tohimself. "I see neither women nor children and I think the men will notbe afraid of me. "

Ourson drew near without being seen. He took off his hat and stoodbefore a man who seemed to be the superintendent. 

"Sir--" said he. 

The man looked up, recoiled a step when he saw Ourson and examined himwith the greatest surprise. 

"Who are you and what do you want?" said he, in a rude voice. 

"Sir, I am the son of Agnella, mistress of the Woodland Farm. "

"Well! and what has brought you here?"

"Our house is burned down, sir. I am seeking work in order to support mymother and sister. I hope you will be good enough to give meemployment. "

"Give employment to a bear?"

"Sir, I have only the appearance of a bear. Under this rough outside, which is so repugnant to you, there beats a human heart--a heart capableof gratitude and affection. You shall have no reason to complain eitherof my work or of my good will. "

Whilst Ourson spoke and the superintendent listened with a mocking air, a great noise was heard amongst the horses. They began to kick andprance and the grooms could scarcely hold them. Some of them indeedescaped and fled in terror to the woods. 

"It is the bear! It is the bear!" cried the grooms. "It has terrifiedthe horses. Drive it off! Chase it away! We cannot control our horses. "

"Off with you!" cried the superintendent. 

Ourson was stupefied by his misfortunes and was immovable. 

"Ha! you will not go, " vociferated the man. "Wait a few moments, youhairy beast. I will give you something to run for. Halloa, men! bringout the dogs, and set them upon this animal. Hurry!--see him scamperingoff!"

In fact Ourson, more dead than alive at this cruel treatment, precipitately withdrew from the presence of these wicked and inhumanmen. This second attempt had failed utterly but he would not allowhimself to be discouraged. 

"It is still three or four hours before sunset so I have time tocontinue my search for work. "

He directed his steps towards a forge which was some distance fromWoodland Farm. The master of the forge employed a great many workmen. Hegave work to those who asked it, not in charity, but in view of his owninterest. He was feared but he was not loved. He developed the riches ofthe country but no one thanked him for it because he alone profited byit. By his avidity and his opulence he ground down the poor workmen whocould only find employment with this new Marquis of Carabas. 

Poor Ourson arrived at the forge. The master was at the door, scoldingsome, threatening others and terrifying all. 

"Sir, " said Ourson, drawing near, "have you any work to give me?"

"Certainly. What kind of work----?"

He raised his head at these words for he had replied without looking atOurson. When his eye fell upon him he did not finish his phrase; hiseyes flashed with rage and he stammered out:--

"What foolery is this? Are we in the midst of the Carnival, that aworkman ventures upon such a ridiculous masquerade? Throw off your uglybear's skin instantly or I will crisp your bristles for you in my fire. "

"This, sir, is no masquerade, " replied Ourson, sadly; "it is, alas! mynatural skin but if you will be humane enough to employ me you will seethat my strength is equal to my goodwill. "

"I give work to you, you vile animal!" cried the master of the forge, foaming with rage: "I will put you into a sack and send you to amenagerie or I will throw you into a den with your brother bears. Youwill have work enough to defend yourself from their claws. Be off!"

And brandishing his club he would have dealt Ourson a heavy blow if thepoor boy had not made a hasty retreat. 

THE SACRIFICE

Ourson turned his steps homeward, discouraged and exhausted. He walkedslowly and arrived at the farm late. Violette ran to meet him, took himby the hand, and without saying a word led him to his mother. There shefell on her knees and said:--

"My mother, I know what our well-beloved Ourson has suffered to-day. During his absence the fairy Furious has told me all and the good fairyDrolette has confirmed her story. My mother, when our Ourson was, as webelieved, lost to us for ever and lost for my sake you revealed to methat which in his nobility and goodness he wished to conceal. I knowthat by changing skins with him I can restore to him his originalbeauty. Happy, a hundred times happy in having this opportunity torecompense the tenderness and devotion of my dearly-loved brotherOurson, I demand to make this exchange allowed by the fairy Drolette andI entreat her to complete the transfer immediately. "

"Violette! Violette!" exclaimed Ourson, in great agitation, "take backyour words! You do not know to what you engage yourself; you areignorant of the life of anguish and misery unparalleled, the life ofsolitude and isolation to which you thus condemn yourself; you know notthe unceasing desolation you will feel at knowing that you are an objectof fear to all mankind. Violette, Violette, in pity to me, withdraw yourwords!"

"Dear Ourson, " said Violette, calmly, but resolutely, "in making whatyou believe to be so great a sacrifice, I accomplish the dearest wish ofmy heart; I secure my own happiness; I satisfy an ardent and imperiousdesire to testify my tenderness and my gratitude. I esteem myself fordoing what I propose. I should despise myself if I left it undone. "

"Pause, Violette, for one instant longer, I beseech you! Think of mygrief, when I no longer see my beautiful Violette, when I think of youexposed to the railleries, the horror of men. Oh! Violette, do notcondemn your poor Ourson to this anguish. "

The lovely face of Violette was veiled with sadness. The fear thatOurson would feel repugnance towards her made her heart tremble; butthis thought, which was wholly personal, was very fleeting--it could nottriumph over her devoted tenderness. Her only response was to throwherself in the arms of Agnella, and say:--

"Mother, embrace your fair and pretty Violette for the last time. "

Whilst Agnella, Ourson and Passerose embraced her and looked lovinglyupon her--whilst Ourson, on his knees, supplicated her to leave him hisbear-skin to which he had been accustomed for twenty years--Violettecalled out again in a loud voice:--

"Fairy Drolette! Fairy Drolette! come and accept the price of the lifeand health of my dear Ourson. "

At this moment the fairy Drolette appeared in all her glory. She wasseated in a massive chariot of gold, drawn by a hundred and fifty larks. She was clothed with a robe of butterflies' wings, of the most brilliantcolors while from her shoulders fell a mantle of network of diamonds, which trailed ten feet behind her and it was so fine in texture that itwas light as gauze. Her hair, glittering like tissue of gold, wasornamented by a crown of carbuncles more brilliant than the sun; each ofher slippers was carved from a single ruby and her beautiful face, soft, yet gay, breathed contentment. She fixed upon Violette a mostaffectionate regard. 

"You wish it, then, my daughter?" said she. 

"Madam, " cried Ourson, falling at her feet, "deign to listen to me. You, who have loaded me with undeserved benefits--you, who have inspired mewith boundless gratitude--you, good and just--will you execute the madwish of my dear Violette? Will you make my whole life wretched byforcing me to accept this sacrifice? No, no, charming and humane fairy, you could not, you will not do it!"

Whilst Ourson was thus supplicating, the fairy gave Violette a lighttouch with her wand of pearl and Ourson another--then said:--

"Let it be according to the wish of your heart, my daughter. Let it becontrary to your ardent desires, my son. "

At the same moment, the face, arms and the whole body of the lovelyyoung girl were covered with the long hair which Ourson had worn, andOurson appeared with a white smooth skin, which set off his extremebeauty to advantage. 

Violette gazed at him with admiration, while he, his eyes cast down andfull of tears, dared not look at his poor Violette, so horriblymetamorphosed. At last he looked up, threw himself in her arms, and theywept together. 

Ourson was marvellously handsome. Violette was, as Ourson had been, without form, without beauty, but not ugly. When Violette raised herhead and looked at Agnella, the latter extended her hands towards her, and said:--

"Thanks, my daughter, my noble, generous child. "

"Mother, " said Violette, in low voice, "do you love me still?"

"Do I love you, my cherished child? Yes, a hundred times, a thousandtimes more than ever before. "

"Violette, " said Ourson, "never fear being ugly in our eyes. To myeyes, you are a hundred times more beautiful than when clothed with allyour loveliness. To me you are a sister--a friend incomparable. You willalways be the companion of my life, the ideal of my heart. "

THE COMBAT

Violette was about to reply, when a kind of roaring was heard in theair, and they saw descend a chariot made of crocodile's skin, drawn byfifty enormous toads. All the toads were hissing and blowing, and wouldhave cast their infectious venom in every direction, if they had notbeen restrained by the power of the fairy Drolette. 

When the chariot reached the ground, the fairy Furious, a huge and heavycreature, issued from it. Her big eyes seemed bursting from theirsockets, her large flat nose covered her wrinkled, withered cheeks, hermonstrous mouth extended from ear to ear and when it was open a longpointed black tongue was seen licking her horrid teeth. 

She was not more than three feet in height and was very corpulent; hergrizzly skin was gluey and cold, like a snail's and her thin red hairfell in locks of unequal length around her throat, which was disfiguredby a goitre. Her large, flat hands looked like the fins of a shark, herdress was made of snail's skins and her mantle of the skins of toads. 

She advanced towards Ourson (who shall hereafter be known by his truename of Prince Marvellous) with a slow step. She paused in front of himand casting a furious glance upon the fairy Drolette and an eye ofmocking triumph upon Violette, she folded her great cold arms and saidin a sharp yet hoarse voice:--

"My sister has triumphed over me, Prince Marvellous. I have, however, one consolation: you will not be happy, because you have obtained youroriginal beauty at the expense of that little fool, who is now frightfuland repugnant and whom you will now never wish to approach. Yes! yes!weep, my handsome Ourson! You will weep a long time, Violette, and youwill regret bitterly, if you do not already regret, that you have givenyour beautiful skin to the prince Marvellous. "

"Never, madam, never! My only regret is that I did not know sooner whatI could do to testify my gratitude. "

The fairy Drolette, whose countenance had assumed an unaccustomedexpression of severity and irritation, now waved her wand and said:--

"Silence, sister! You shall not triumph long over the misfortunes ofViolette. I will provide a remedy for those misfortunes: her generousdevotion merits recompense. "

"I defy you to come to her assistance under penalty of my wrath, " saidFurious. 

"I do not doubt your rage, sister, but I disdain to punish you for it, "replied Drolette. 

"To punish me!--Do you dare to threaten me?" said Furious. And hissingfuriously, she called her chariot, mounted it, rose in the air and triedto launch upon Drolette all the venom of her toads in order to suffocateher. 

But Drolette knew her sister perfectly. Her faithful larks held the doorof her chariot open and she sprang within. The larks rose in the air, hovered above the toads, and then lowered themselves rapidly upon them. The toads, in spite of their weight, escaped the blows by turningadroitly to one side. They however threw their venom on the larks whichwere nearest to them, who died instantly. 

Drolette detached them with the rapidity of a thunder-bolt, rose againin the air and fell so adroitly on the toads, that the larks tore outtheir eyes with their claws, before Furious had time to come to therescue of her army. 

The outcries of the toads and the hissing of the larks made a deafeningnoise; and the fairy Drolette called out to her friends, who wereregarding the combat with terror:--

"Withdraw immediately and stop your ears!"

Which was done instantly, in obedience to her command. 

The fairy Furious made one last effort. She guided her blinded toads insuch a way as to meet the larks face to face, and to dart their venomupon them. 

But Drolette rose higher and higher in the air and Furious found herselfalways under her sister's chariot. 

At last, unable to contain her rage, Furious cried out:--

"You are assisted by the queen of the fairies, an old fool whom I shouldgladly see in the lower regions!"

Scarcely had she pronounced these words when her chariot fell heavily tothe earth. The toads perished and the chariot disappeared. The fairyFurious only remained, in the form of an enormous toad. She wished tospeak but she could only bellow and snuffle. She gazed at Drolette andher larks--at Prince Marvellous, Violette and Agnella, in a transport ofrage but her power was destroyed. 

The fairy Drolette lowered her chariot, descended to the earth andsaid:--

"The queen of the fairies has punished you for your audacity, sister. Repent, if you wish to obtain pardon. "

The only answer of Furious was to spit forth her poisonous venom, whichhappily reached no one. 

Drolette extended her wand towards her and said:

"I command you to disappear and never to appear again to the princeMarvellous, to Violette or to their mother. "

Drolette had scarcely uttered these words when the toad disappeared;there remained no vestige of the chariot or of herself. 

Drolette remained some time motionless. She passed her hand over herbrow, as if to chase away a sad thought; then approaching PrinceMarvellous, she said to him:--

"Prince, the title which I give you indicates your birth. You are theson of King Ferocious and the queen Aimee, concealed till now under theappearance of a modest farmer woman. The name of your fathersufficiently indicates his character. Your mother having prevented himfrom killing his brother Indolent and his sister-in-law Nonchalante, heturned his rage against her. I was her protectress, and carried her offwith her faithful Passerose in a cloud. 

"And you, Princess Violette, your birth is equal to that of PrinceMarvellous. Your father and mother were that same King Indolent andQueen Nonchalante who, saved once by Queen Aimee, became at last thevictims of King Ferocious and their own apathy. Since that time KingFerocious has been killed by his subjects who could no longer supporthis cruel yoke. 

"They expect you, prince, to reign over them. I have revealed to themyour existence and I have promised them that you will take a wife worthyof you. You can select from the twelve princesses whom your fatherretained captive after having slain their parents. They are all wise andbeautiful and each has a kingdom for her marriage portion. "

Surprise had kept Prince Marvellous silent. At the last words of thefairy he turned towards Violette, and seeing that she was weeping, hesaid:--

"Why do you weep, my Violette? Do you fear that I will blush foryou--that I will not dare to testify before my whole court thetenderness with which you inspire me? That I will conceal what you havedone for me or forget the bonds which attach me to you for ever? Can youbelieve that I will be ungrateful enough to seek any other affectionthan yours and fill your place by any of those princesses held captiveby my father? No, dearest Violette! Until this time I have seen in youonly a sister but from this moment you are the companion of my life, mysole friend, my wife!"

"Your wife, dear brother? That is impossible! How can you seat upon yourthrone a creature so repulsive as your poor Violette? How will you dareto brave the raillery of your subjects and of the neighboring kings? Andhow could I show my deformity in the midst of the festivals given onyour return to your kingdom? No, no, my brother! Let me live near you, near to your mother, alone, unknown, covered with a veil. I cannot beyour wife! No one shall blame you for having made so sad a choice. "

The prince insisted long and firmly. Violette could scarcely control heremotions but she resisted with as much resolution as devotion. Agnellasaid nothing. She would have been willing that her son should accepteven this last sacrifice from poor Violette and simply allow her tolive near to them but hidden from the world. 

Passerose wept and in a low tone encouraged the prince in hisdetermination. 

"Violette, " said the prince, at last, "since you absolutely refuse toascend the throne with me, I abandon it and all royal power in order tolive with you as before in solitude and happiness. Without your sweetpresence, the sceptre would be a heavy burden; with you at my side, ourlittle farm will be a paradise! Say, dear Violette, shall it be so?"

"Yes, dear brother, you have triumphed; let us live as we have lived somany years: modest in our lives, happy in our affections. "

"Noble prince and generous princess, " said the fairy, "you shall berecompensed for this rare and devoted tenderness. Prince, in the well towhich I carried you during the fire, there is a priceless treasure forViolette and yourself. Descend into the well, seek for it, and when youhave found it bring it to me. I will teach you its value. "

The prince did not wait to be told a second time; he ran towards thewell; the ladder was still there and he descended. On arriving at thebottom, he saw nothing but the carpet which had been there from thefirst; he searched the walls of the well, but saw no indication oftreasure. Finally he raised the carpet, and perceived a black stone witha ring attached; he raised the stone and discovered a casket whichglittered like a constellation. 

"This must contain the treasure spoken of by the fairy, " said he. 

The prince seized the casket; it was as light as a nutshell. He ascendedthe ladder hastily, holding the casket carefully in his arms. 

They were awaiting his return with impatience. He handed the casket tothe fairy. Agnella exclaimed:--

"This is the same casket you confided to me, madam, and which I supposedI had lost in the fire. "

"It is the same, " replied the fairy. "Here is the key; open it, prince. "

Prince Marvellous hastened to open it. But who can describe the generaldisappointment, when, in place of some rich treasure which they supposedit contained, they found only the bracelets which Violette had worn whenher cousin found her sleeping in the wood, and a vial of perfumed oil!

The fairy looked from one to the other, and enjoyed their surprise andconsternation. She took the bracelets and gave them to Violette. 

"This is my bridal present, my dear child; every one of these diamondshas the property of guarding from all evil influences the person whowears it, and of endowing its wearer with every virtue, enormous richesand resplendent beauty, with wit, intellect and all desirable happiness. Use them for the children who will be born of your union with PrinceMarvellous. 

"As to this vial of perfumed oil, it is the wedding gift of the princeyour cousin. I know you love perfumes, this has peculiar virtues; use itto-day. To-morrow I will return to seek you and carry you all to yourkingdom, " she said. 

"I renounce my kingdom, madam, " said Ourson. 

"Who will govern your people?" said Agnella. 

"You, my mother, if you are willing, " replied Ourson. 

The queen was about to refuse, when the fairy interfered. 

"We will speak of this to-morrow, " said she. "You, madam, I know, desireto accept the crown which you are about to refuse. I forbid you, however, to accept it before my return. And you, dear and amiableprince, " added she, in a sweet voice, accompanied with an affectionateglance, "I forbid you to repeat this offer before my return. Adieu tillto-morrow. When you are truly happy, my dear children, think kindly ofyour friend the fairy Drolette. "

The fairy ascended her chariot. The larks flew like lightning and shesoon disappeared, leaving behind her a delicious perfume. 

THE RECOMPENSE

Prince Marvellous looked at Violette and sighed heavily; Violette gazedat the prince and smiled sweetly. 

"How handsome you are, my dear cousin! I am so happy to have it in mypower to restore you your beauty. And now I will pour some of thisperfumed oil upon my hands; since I cannot please your eye, I will atleast embalm you, " said she, laughing. 

She uncorked the vial, and entreated Marvellous to sprinkle some dropson her forehead and cheeks. The heart of the prince was too full forwords. He took the vial and obeyed the order of his cousin. Theirsurprise and joy were indescribable on seeing that as soon as the oiltouched Violette's forehead the hair disappeared and her skin resumedits original purity and dazzling whiteness. 

The prince and Violette, on seeing the virtue of this wonderful oil, uttered loud cries of delight and ran towards the stable where they sawAgnella and Passerose. They called their attention to the happy effectof this perfumed oil given them by the fairy. Both joined in theirhappiness. The prince could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses. And now nothing could prevent his union with Violette, so good, sodevoted, so tender, so lovely, so well constituted to make him supremelyhappy. 

The queen thought of the morrow--of her return to her kingdom, which shehad abandoned twenty years ago. She wished that she herself, thatViolette, that her son the prince had clothing worthy of so great anoccasion but, alas! she had neither the time nor the means to procurethem: they would therefore be compelled to wear their coarse clothing, and thus show themselves to their people. Violette and Marvellouslaughed at this distress of their mother. 

"Do you not think, mamma, " said Violette, "that our dear prince issufficiently adorned with his rare beauty and that a rich and royal robewould not make him more beautiful or more amiable?"

"And do you not agree with me, my dear mother, " said Marvellous, "inthinking that our dear Violette is lovely enough in the simplestclothing, that the lustre of her eyes surpasses the most brilliantdiamonds, that the clear whiteness of her teeth rivals successfully therarest pearls, that the richness of her blonde hair surpasses a crown ofbrilliants?"

"Yes, yes, my children, " replied Agnella, "without doubt, you are bothof you handsome and attractive but a rich dress spoils nothing, not evenbeauty. Jewels, embroidery and heavy brocades would detract nothing fromyour charms. And I who am old----"

"But not ugly, madam, " interrupted Passerose, hastily. "You are stillamiable and handsome, in spite of your little country cap, your skirtsof coarse striped cloth, your waist of red camlet and your stomacher ofsimple cloth. Besides, when you return to your kingdom, you can buyevery kind of dress your heart desires. "

The evening passed away gayly and there seemed no anxiety about thefuture. The fairy had provided their supper; they passed the night onthe bundles of hay in the stable and as they were all fatigued by theemotions of the day they slept profoundly. The sun had been shining along time and the fairy Drolette was with them, before they awoke. 

A soft "Hem! hem!" of the fairy aroused them. The prince was the firstto open his eyes; he threw himself on his knees before the fairy andthanked her with such warmth and gratitude that her heart was touched. 

Violette was on her knees by his side and joining her thanks to those ofthe prince. 

"I do not doubt your gratitude, dear children, " said the fairy; "but Ihave much to do. I am expected in the kingdom of the king Benin where Iam to attend at the birth of the third son of the princess Blondine. This prince is to be the husband of your first daughter, PrinceMarvellous, and I am resolved to endow him with all the qualities whichwill obtain for him the warm love of your daughter. And now I mustconduct you to your kingdom; I will return in time to be present at yourwedding. Queen, " she continued, turning to Aimee, who was now justopening her eyes, "we are about to set out immediately for your son'skingdom. Are you and your faithful Passerose ready for the journey?"

"Madam, " replied the queen, with a slight embarrassment, "we are readyto follow you but will you not blush for our dress, so little worthy ofour rank?"

"It is not I who will blush, queen, " said the fairy, smiling, "butrather yourself who have this sensation of shame. But I will remedy thisevil also. "

Saying this, she described a circle with her wand above the head of thequeen, who in the same moment found herself clothed in a robe of goldbrocade. Upon her head was a hat with splendid plumes, fastened with aband of superb diamonds and her boots were of velvet, spangled withgold. 

Aimee looked at her robe with an air of complaisance. 

"And Violette and my son the prince, will you not extend your goodnessto them also?"

"Violette and the prince have asked for nothing. I will do as they wish. Speak, Violette, do you desire to change your costume?"

"Madam, " replied Violette, casting down her sweet eyes and blushing, "Ihave been sufficiently happy in this robe of simple cloth. In thiscostume my brother knew me and loved me. Permit me to continue to wearit as far as regard for my station allows and allow me to preserve italways in remembrance of the happy years of my childhood. "

The prince thanked Violette for these sweet words, and pressed her handtenderly. 

The fairy kindly nodded her approval and called for her chariot, whichwas waiting a few steps from them. She entered and placed the queen nextherself, then the prince, Violette and Passerose. 

In less than an hour the larks had flown over the three thousand leagueswhich separated them from the kingdom of Prince Marvellous. All hiscourt and all his subjects, apprised beforehand by the fairy, expectedhim. The streets and the palaces were filled by the eager, happy crowd. 

When the chariot appeared in sight, the people uttered cries of joywhich were redoubled when it drew up before the great entrance of thepalace, when they saw descend Queen Aimee, a little older, no doubt, butstill pretty and gracious, and the Prince Marvellous, whose naturalbeauty and grace were enhanced by the splendor of his clothing, glittering with gold and precious stones, which were also a present fromthe fairy. 

But the acclamations arose to frenzy when the prince, taking Violetteby the hand, presented her to the people. 

Her sweet, attractive countenance, her superb and elegant form, wereadorned with a dress with which the fairy had clothed her by one strokeof her wand. 

Her robe was of gold lace, while her waist, her arms and shoulders shonewith innumerable larks formed of diamonds larger than humming-birds. Onher graceful head she wore a crown of larks made of precious stones ofall colors. Her countenance, soft but gay, her grace, her beauty, wonthe hearts of all. 

For a long time nothing was heard but shouts of "Long live KingMarvellous! Long live Queen Violette!" The noise and tumult were sogreat that many persons became deaf. The good fairy, who desired thatonly joy and happiness should prevail throughout the kingdom on thisauspicious day, cured them instantly at the request of Violette. 

There was a magnificent feast spread for the court and the people. Amillion, three hundred and forty-six thousand, eight hundred andtwenty-two persons dined at the expense of the fairy and each guest waspermitted to carry away enough for eight days. 

During the repast the fairy set off for the kingdom of King Benin, promising to return in time for the wedding of Marvellous and Violette. During the eight days of the fairy's absence Marvellous, who saw thathis mother was a little sad at not being queen, entreated her earnestlyto accept Violette's kingdom and she consented to reign there oncondition that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come every yearand pass three months with her. 

Queen Aimee, before parting with her children, wished to witness theirmarriage. The fairy Drolette and many other fairies of her acquaintanceand many genii were invited to the marriage. They all received the mostmagnificent presents, and were so satisfied with the welcome given themby King Marvellous and Queen Violette that they graciously promised toreturn whenever they were invited. 

Two years afterwards they received an invitation to be present at thebirth of the first child of King Marvellous. There came to QueenViolette a daughter, who, like her mother, was a marvel of goodness andbeauty. 

The king and queen could not fulfil the promise they had made to QueenAimee. One of the genii who had been invited to the wedding ofMarvellous and Violette, found in Queen Aimee so much of goodness, sweetness, and beauty, that he loved her, and, visiting her severaltimes in her new kingdom and being affectionately and graciouslyreceived by her, he carried her off one day in a whirlwind. Queen Aimeewept for a while but as she loved the genius she was not inconsolable;indeed, she promptly consented to wed him. The king of the genii grantedto her as a wedding present the power of participating in all theprivileges of her husband: never to die, never to grow old and theability to transport herself in the twinkling of an eye wherever shewished to go. Aimee used this power very often to visit her son and hischildren. 

King Marvellous and Queen Violette had eight sons and four daughters andthey were all charming. They were happy, without doubt, for they lovedeach other tenderly and their grandmother, who, it was said spoiled thema little induced their grandfather, the genius Bienveillant, tocontribute all in his power to their happiness. Consequently, theyreceived many rich gifts. 

Passerose, who was warmly attached to Queen Aimee, had followed her intoher new kingdom but when the genius carried her off in a whirlwind, Passerose, seeing herself forgotten and not being able to follow hermistress was so sad in the loneliness caused by the departure of Aimee, that she prayed the fairy Drolette to transport her to the kingdom ofKing Marvellous and Queen Violette. She remained with them and took careof their children to whom she often recounted the adventures of Oursonand Violette. She still remains, it is said, though the genius and hisqueen have made her many excuses for not having carried her off in thewhirlwind. 

"No, no, " Passerose replied to all these explanations; "let us remain aswe are. You forgot me once--you might forget me another time. Here, mydear Ourson and my sweet Violette never forget their old nurse. I lovethem and I will remain with them. They loved me and they will take careof me. "

The farmer, the superintendent, and the master of the forge who had beenso cruel to Ourson were severely punished by the fairy Drolette. 

The farmer was devoured by a bear, some hours after he had chased awayOurson. 

The superintendent was dismissed by his master for having let loose thedogs, who escaped and never could be found. The same night he was bittenby a venomous serpent and expired some moments afterwards. 

The master of the forge having reprimanded his workmen too brutally, they resolved upon vengeance: seized him and cast him into the blazingfurnace where he perished miserably.