[Illustration: FRONTISPIECE. _Page 23. _]

_Published by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown, London, April, 6, 1816. _

 THE FLOWER BASKET. 

 A FAIRY TALE. 

 --------------I never may believe These antick fables, nor these fairy toys. 

 London:

 PRINTED FOR LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, _PATERNOSTER ROW_. 

 1816. 

 BARNARD AND FARLEY, _Skinner-Street, London_. 

PREFACE. 

Whoever honours the following little Tale with a perusal, will probablyanticipate in the Preface, the so-often-framed apology, that it was notwritten with an intention of being published. Yet stale as the assurancemay be, it is in this instance strictly true. 

It was composed solely at the request, and for the amusement of, thechildren of a friend; nor would it ever have entered my head to offerany thing in the shape of a Fairy Tale to this enlightened age, whensuch productions have long been banished from all juvenile libraries. Among the innumerable works which do so much credit to the talents andinvention of the writers, that have been substituted for them, it mayadmit of a question, whether beings, not professedly ideal, are notsometimes pourtrayed nearly as imaginary as any that ever "wielded wand, or worked a spell. " I believe (for I have never happened to meet withthe book, since it was first published) I have the sanction of one ofthe most celebrated female writers of the age, in her "Thoughts on theEducation of a Young Princess, " for supposing that the mind of a childis less likely to be misled by what is avowedly fictitious, than bythose high wrought characters of perfection, which they would havelittle better chance of meeting with in the world, than with thefantastic agents of Oberon. 

However true this may be, I certainly did not feel entitled to opposemy sentiments to popular opinion; but the few friends, to whoseinspection this trifle was submitted, pronounced it worthy ofpublication. I am aware, that it may be said, more partiality thanjudgment was evinced in this decision; but there was amongst the number, one whose knowledge of the public taste cannot be disputed, and whosename, affixed as the publisher, may be considered as a passport initself. Under such unquestionable recommendation, I am induced to hope, that "The Flower Basket" may find admittance into the literarycollections of the youthful members of society; and, though consciousthat it will add nothing to their store of information, I flatter myselfit will not diminish the correctness of their principles. 

THE FLOWER BASKET. 

_A FAIRY TALE. _

Adrian and Amaranthé were born in an old castle, that had once been thescene of splendour and festivity, but, together with the fortunes of itsowners, had fallen very much into decay. Their parents, in proudresentment of the fancied neglect and ingratitude of the world, hadlived retired in the only habitable part of it from the time of theirbirth, associating but little with the surrounding neighbourhood. Theworld, however, is not ungrateful, nor neglectful of real merit, but itis wise, and when people squander their fortunes rather with a view todisplay their own consequence than to gratify or benefit their fellowbeings, they must not expect that others will come forward to re-instatethem in their grandeur, though they would readily do so to relieveunavoidable distress. 

The establishment consisted of a few domestics, and an old governesswho was retained in that capacity rather from known worthiness ofcharacter and attachment to the family, than from any knowledge oracquirements she possessed, that befitted her for such an office. Therewas besides a little orphan girl, a niece of the lady's, who had beenbred up with them from the time she was five years of age. From thedisadvantages under which they laboured, it may be supposed these poorchildren had not many attractions to boast of. Adrian had the benefit ofrather more education than his sister and cousin, as his father wouldsometimes devote himself to his instruction, but listless fromdisappointment, and out of humour with a world in which he despaired ofhis son ever appearing with the distinctions of rank and fortune, hislessons were never regularly given, or enforced in a manner likely tomake any profitable impression on the mind of a playful thoughtless boy. He had a good natural disposition, was spirited and generous, and feltthat his wishes were not bounded by the retirement in which he lived, but from his total ignorance of all beyond it, he was unable to definewhat those wishes were. Amaranthé was well-grown, lively, and notill-tempered, notwithstanding having been always injudiciously flatteredand indulged by her doating governess. From the stories she had read, orheard her relate, she had formed a general idea of the advantage ofpersonal attractions, which, in her own person robust and awkward, hadno great chance of being displayed. 

Claribel, who was rather younger than her cousins, was also less of herage. She was pretty and sweet-tempered, but timid and without energy ofcharacter. Her timidity and her littleness made her the jest of hercompanions, and in their play-hours she had often cause to feel andacknowledge their superiority in age and size; but as their teasing ofher proceeded more from unchecked liveliness than real ill-nature, andas she was too gentle to retort upon them, their childish squabblesnever amounted to serious disagreements, and they lived in perfectharmony together. She was too docile to be naughty, would seldom fail tolearn the task that was given her, but never felt a desire to learnmore. 

From the continual ill health of the lady, her daughter and niece werealmost wholly consigned to the care and culture of the faithful Ursula. She had taught all the children to read, write, and spell, and as muchof arithmetic as enabled them to cast up a sum that was not verydifficult. She was also anxious that her "own blessed young ladies"should be proficients in the various kinds of needlework, on which shehad valued herself in her "better days. " In order to accomplish this, and prevent the work being twitched out of their hands, and themselvesdragged off by Adrian to play at ball or shuttlecock with him, she wouldsecure the quietness and attention of the party by singing old ballads, and relating marvellous histories, to which they would listen with aneagerness and interest that banished all wish for any other kind ofentertainment. Of these she had an abundant store, but what afforded thehighest delight to her auditors, was the dexterous feats, or beneficentacts, that she would record of fairies, a race of beings that sheprofessed to have personal knowledge of. She once incautiously hinted, that had not their father, by his pride, offended one of the order, theyshould all have been in a more prosperous state; but no sooner had thewords escaped her than she repented having uttered them, nor could allthe entreaties of her pupils ever prevail upon her to satisfy theircuriosity upon the subject. 

Adrian had nearly completed his twentieth year, Amaranthé was eighteen, and Claribel near sixteen, when a messenger arrived at the castle, bringing with him a packet addressed to its master, the contents ofwhich announced the landing of a very old friend at a place on the coastat a considerable distance. He mentioned having intelligence of infiniteconsequence to impart, and his intention of proceeding directly to thecastle for that purpose, but that he had been only a few hours on shorewhen he was seized with an illness which prevented his travelling. Hetherefore besought the gentleman and his lady to lose no time inrepairing to the place where he was confined, that they might themselvesreceive his communications. 

On examining the letter they found that some length of time had elapsedsince its date, for those days boasted not of turnpike roads and mailcoaches, and the bearer had had a tedious journey of it. When theyquestioned him concerning their friend, they could gain no fartherinformation, than that, on finding himself too ill to attempttravelling, he had intrusted him with the packet, with strictinjunctions to deliver it safely, but of the nature of his disorder theycould extort no satisfactory account from him. 

The case admitted of no deliberation, and Adrian and Amaranthé foundthemselves, for the first time in their lives, going to be separatedfrom their parents. 

The lively emotions of interest produced by the bustle and novelty ofpreparation for their departure, and the eager curiosity excited by theextraordinary occurrence that occasioned it, at first predominated overevery other feeling; but when the carriage came to the door that was toconvey their father and mother from them, a sensation of concern anddismay extinguished their vivacity at once. The former, with anagitation and warmth of manner unusual in him, embraced his children andniece, saying, as he parted from them, "It is for your sakes, mydarlings, that I quit a retreat, from which I believed no considerationcould ever again have drawn me, but my absence shall not be long. If Ifind my old friend able to undertake the journey, we will bring him backwith us, and you will soon know how to value such an acquisition to ourdomestic party. If he should decline accompanying us at present, we willwait but to learn what he has to disclose, and return to you forthwith. It is only the hope of that disclosure producing advantage to you infuture that now tempts me from my home. " The lady, whose heart seemedtoo much oppressed by her feelings to give vent to them in words, clasped each of them in silence to her bosom, and with a deep-drawnsigh, and look of anguish that foreboded evil, followed her husband intothe carriage. It drove off, attended only by the old and faithfulGabriel, who had for many years acted in the double capacity of butlerand steward. 

The young people gazed after it, till the closing of the great gates atthe end of the avenue excluded it from their view. They returned intothe hall, preserving for some time a mournful silence, when Adrian, whothought tears would be disgraceful to his manhood, rushed into anadjoining apartment, and resting his folded arms upon a table, hid hisface in them. Amaranthé began to sob audibly, while tears flowedplentifully down the cheeks of the gentle Claribel. 

Though that sweet familiar, yet judicious intercourse, which so happilyunites affection with respect, had but little subsisted between theseyoung people and their parents, (for in that light Claribel alwaysconsidered her uncle and aunt) they both loved and revered them. Neverhad they experienced severity from them, and but seldom received even areprimand. When the reserve of their father, and languor of theirmother, occasionally gave way to the natural bias of tenderness, andthey would testify pleasure and gratification in the society of theyoung people, the latter felt such occasions to be those of theirhighest enjoyments. They had sense to discern the difference of theconversation they were then entertained with from that of Ursula, oldGabriel, or other domestics, whom they were too much in the habit ofassociating with. Sure of meeting only with indulgence and kindness, they eagerly sought every opportunity of admission to the authors oftheir being, and protectors of their infancy. 

Sadly passed the hours that succeeded their departure, and few were theoccupations that could beguile the tediousness of time. Adrian hadoutgrown his boyish amusements, and found himself very scantily providedwith substitutes for them. He had naturally some taste for literature, but though, as has before been said, it was sometimes assisted by hisfather, it had never been properly cultivated or usefully directed. Hewould frequently have recourse to books for employment, but from want ofhabitual application soon grew weary even of those that most engaged hisattention. 

Amaranthé and Claribel had long satisfied all the pride of Ursula'sheart, by the perfection they had attained in the important branchesof embroidery that she had taken such pains to instruct them in, butto themselves they failed to afford any source of enjoyment. Theyfelt that they had nothing to work for, and could take little pridein performances which they had nobody to commend. The poor governesshad exhausted all her store of histories, as well as all her stock ofknowledge, upon her pupils, and they could no longer be entertainedwith narratives which they could now relate in better wordsthemselves. 

The party were generally employed in sauntering about the groundstogether, wishing for their parents' return, and forming differentconjectures concerning the stranger, and the important intelligencethat he was the bearer of. 

A fortnight elapsed, and no tidings of the travellers arrived. Anotherweek passed over, and nothing was heard of them; and the inhabitants ofthe castle began to grow uneasy, and feel some alarm for their safety. It was so unusual a circumstance for letters to be brought thither, thatit occurred to Ursula that some might be lying at the post-officeneglected to be forwarded. A messenger was therefore despatched to thepost town to inquire for such, but none were there. 

Six dreary weeks were gone, and governess, pupils, and the remainingdomestics, were obliged to endure all the misery of suspense andapprehension, without any means of obtaining relief of their anxiety. 

At the end of that time, as Adrian, his sister, and cousin, were oneday standing at a window with their eyes fixed on the avenue, theyperceived the gates at the end open, and the carriage that hadconveyed their parents from them entering into it. Transported withjoy they flew to communicate the glad news through the castle, andthen hastened to plant themselves at the great hall door to be inreadiness to receive the welcome wanderers. 

Slowly drove the vehicle up the avenue, but so eagerly did they watchits approach, that they remarked not at the time that Gabriel was notattending it. At length it stopped; but what was their surprise anddismay, when, instead of springing into the arms of their parents, asthey were preparing to do, they saw only Gabriel, looking more deadthan alive, and clad in deep mourning, alight from it!

Gazing on him in speechless terror, they mechanically followed hisfootsteps into the hall, without one of them having the power toinquire the cause of his extraordinary and alarming appearance. The poor old man dropped into the first seat that offered itself, overcome by his emotions. There he was instantly surrounded byUrsula, and the rest of the household, who, at the same time, and in loud voices, beset him with a multitude of questions. Itwas some time before he could recover himself sufficiently toanswer them, or look up; at last after wiping his swollen eyes, and heaving a deep sigh, he began his narrative. 

"Dreadful, my beloved children, is the tale I have to relate! Iattended my ever-honoured master and mistress, as you know, on theirjourney. Tedious and wearisome it proved, for the roads were bad, theweather unfavourable, and horses sometimes not to be had, so that it wastwo days later than the time we had calculated upon when we reached thefatal sea-port. Would to heaven we had never entered its gates! Theplace and the few inhabitants we saw looked gloomy, as we did so; and onarriving at the inn, from whence my master's friend had dated hisletter, we were informed, with little ceremony or preparation, that heexpired the day but one after he had despatched the messenger to thecastle. Too soon we learned the direful cause, a malignant epidemicdisorder was raging in the place, and daily sweeping off scores of itsinhabitants. The poor gentleman, they told us, when he found himselfdying, sent for a priest to pray by him, to whose care he consigned aparcel, with a charge to deliver it in safety to the friends who wouldcome to inquire for him. I was sent in search of this priest, as soon aswe could procure his direction. Alas! the poor man had himself soonafter fallen a victim to the distemper, and none of his household knewany thing of a parcel, or had ever heard of the gentleman. The people ofthe inn were honest; they had taken good care of what effects he hadwith him, and delivered them to my master. The magistrates having issuedstrict orders, that all bodies should without loss of time be interredin an adjacent ground allotted for the purpose, to prevent, as much aspossible, the infection spreading. 

"Your dear father appeared overwhelmed with this unexpected calamity;and my excellent lady declared herself so fatigued in body, and harassedin mind, that it was absolutely necessary she should have some days ofrest, before she undertook travelling again. In vain did I urge them toquit instantly a place, the remaining in which might be attended with somuch danger. My master busied himself in inspecting all the propertythat had belonged to the deceased. He found clothes, money, and manyletters, but none that gave him any insight into what so nearlyconcerned himself. On the second evening he felt ill, and retired earlyto his bed, from whence he never again arose. An hour or two served toconvince us, that he was seized with the fatal disorder; and so rapidwas its progress, that a few more decided that no hopes of recoverycould be entertained. My poor dear distracted mistress quitted not hisbedside night or day, though I plainly perceived by her looks on thethird morning, that she had taken the infection. I too was growing veryill, but of myself I could take no thought. On the fourth day, myever-honoured and lamented master breathed his last. Well do I rememberthe look of silent agony with which your blessed mother contemplated hisremains! I remember too her being conveyed into another apartment, and aphysician administering a medicine to her. After that, all is a blank inmy mind. I knew nothing that passed, and the first consciousness ofexistence I experienced, was awaking, as it appeared, from a stupor, andfinding myself in bed, with an old woman, who looked like a nurse, sitting at some distance from it. On hearing me move she came to me, gave me something to moisten my mouth, and going out of the room, returned with the physician I had seen before, who feeling my pulse, told the woman the crisis was over, and taking a favourable turn; butthat I must be kept quite quiet. Some days passed before I had strengthto rise, or to hear the particulars the people had to relate. Too soon, however, was I made acquainted with the awful facts. My mistresssurvived her loved lord but three days, and both had long been consignedto the earth. The physician, who was remarkably humane, had himselfattended to the care of their effects, and visited me constantly duringmy delirium. 

"To what misery did I recover! and what torture to me was the sight ofevery object in this scene of disease and desolation! As soon as mydebilitated frame would permit me, I set out on my dreary journey, to bethe bearer of these dismal tidings. "

Gabriel had proceeded thus far in his melancholy detail uninterruptedby a word, or even a voice, so deeply was the attention of his audiencerivetted upon him; but now sobs and groans resounded on every side. Adrian held his hands to his head, which seemed bursting with theviolence of his feelings. The castle rang with the screams of Amaranthé, and Claribel fell senseless into the arms of a maid servant who stoodnear her. 

Miserable, indeed, was the situation of these unfortunate orphans. Leftwithout fortune, without protection, in this joyless abode, lifepresented a gloomy prospect before them; yet, how were they to enter aworld in which they would feel themselves total strangers, and of theways of which they were wholly ignorant? Adrian had gathered justknowledge enough from the discontented murmurings of his father, tobelieve that riches would secure the best reception in it; and histhoughts were continually turned towards the attainment of them; but, uninstructed in all the employments of life, what method could he takein the pursuit? Many vague and romantic schemes presented themselves tohis mind, with which he would entertain his sister and cousin, and towhich they listened with interest, but without the power of assisting oradvising him. 

One afternoon, as the mournful trio were sitting together in a saloon, that opened with glass doors upon the lawn, bewailing the loss of theirparents, and their own helpless state, there suddenly appeared beforethem a lady, whose countenance was fair and captivating; her figuregraceful, and her dress light and flowing. They involuntarily rose ather entrance, though astonishment kept them silent. She approached themwith a gracious smile, holding in her hand a basket, which appeared tobe filled with a profusion of beautiful flowers. "My children, " saidshe, "I am of a race of beings of whom I know you have heard, thoughprobably never expected to be acquainted with. I am the Fairy Felicia; Iwould have been the friend of your father, but his own conduct preventedit. My elder sister, Benigna, who is more powerful than I am, had longbeen the friend and protector of your mother: she is all excellence, butmore strict, and imposes greater restraint upon those she takes underher care than I do. She disapproved the marriage with your father, whichoffended him so highly, that he forbade his lady ever holding fartherintercourse with her; and Benigna, in return, forbade me ever attemptingto serve or befriend him, which I was well disposed to do. The errors ofthe father, however, are not to be visited upon the children. Moved withcompassion for your hapless situation, I am come to take you under myfuture patronage, if you choose to accept of it. "

Adrian and his sister, bounding with joy, threw themselves at thefairy's feet, while the former exclaimed, "O, Madam, how can wesufficiently thank you for thus taking pity on our forlorn state. Weare, indeed, miserable orphans, without a friend in the world; and howrejoiced must we be to place ourselves under so powerful a protector!"Claribel too, though not given to raptures, endeavoured to express hersatisfaction, but in a voice so low that it was scarcely audible by theside of her vociferous cousins. 

"Observe then, " said the fairy, "that you secure my good offices onlyby deserving them. If you prove unworthy of my kindness, I shall feel itproper to forsake you; and you will be left in a more deplorable statethan this from which I am now desirous to relieve you. " The brother andsister protested again and again, that they should never forgivethemselves if they could be guilty of any thing that would incur thedispleasure of so good and generous a friend. 

"I shall judge of your wisdom, " answered Felicia, with a smile, "by yourchoice. " She then displayed her basket, and they discovered that thoughthey thought it had contained a variety of flowers, there were but threesorts. These consisted of the finest damask roses, in full blow;beautiful hyacinths of the brightest azure blue; and simple lilies ofthe valley, but whose fragrance was delicious to the senses. 

"This, " said the fairy, holding up one of the first, "will bestowimmense, but not inexhaustible riches on its possessor. As long as theymake a right use of their wealth, they will find no end to it; but ifspent in licentious profusion, that gratifies only luxury and pride, orchurlishly grasped solely for their own advantage, without a wish torelieve the necessitous, or benefit their fellow creatures by it, thenwill the rose begin to wither, and the riches, and its bloom disappearat the same time. 

"This, " said she, producing a hyacinth, "has the power to endow theperson of its possessor with the brightest and most captivating beauty. Admiration will follow their footsteps, and the homage of crowds be paidto their charms. But even you, my children, uninformed as you are, mustknow that beauty at best is but a fading flower, and the adoration itexcites equally transitory. If in those who derive it from this gift, itbe accompanied with modesty and humility, it will insure to them all thehappiness and gratification that a consciousness of the power to pleasemust naturally confer. But if, on the contrary, it renders them vain, haughty, and unfeeling, demanding universal admiration, and jealous ofall who have any claim to share it with them; regardless of the painthey inflict on those whose affections they have seduced, or glorying inthe victims of their coquetry, they will find this coveted beauty thesource of shame and mortification. Then will the bright tint of thisadmired flower turn to a sickly and disgusting hue, and the latebeauteous person share its fate. 

"But here, " continued the fairy, taking up one of the lilies, "is mybest and most valuable gift. This modest flower will neither change itshue or lose its fragrance. The person who wisely chuses this, will enjoythe inestimable blessing of content in whatever situation they areplaced. No envy will torment their heart at the prosperity of others; norepining at their own less exalted lot; their wishes will be bounded bythe sphere in which they move, and care or disappointment be a strangerto their breast. 

"And now, " she added, "it remains for you all to make your election;remember my words, and prove by your prudence what influence they havehad upon you. " "Ah, " cried Adrian, "how can I hesitate? poor anddestitute as we are left, it is fortune I know that is wanting tore-instate us in ease and independence, and to secure us the respect ofthe world. But, gracious fairy, do not, I beseech you, think me capableof making an ill use of the wealth you will bestow upon me. Believe me, the greatest pleasure I feel in the thoughts of possessing it, is thepower it will give me of assisting others, and making all around mehappy. " "Rash boy, " answered Felicia, "how can you pretend to judge ofwhat your feelings and conduct will be in a situation so wholly new toyou? The obscurity in which you have lived, has ill fitted you toencounter the snares and temptations of an interested world. You will bethe prey of designers, and repent when too late of the inconsideratechoice you have made. But now, Amaranthé, for your decision. " Amaranthéfelt a little awkward in declaring her choice, after what the fairy hadsaid; but at length, in some confusion, replied, "I have always longedto be handsome. My governess has told me such pretty stories ofbeautiful ladies, and of their being so followed and admired, and everybody being desirous to serve and please them, that I am sure they mustbe the happiest of all creatures. " "Your governess was very foolish, "said the fairy; "she had better have told you of the heart-aches anddiscontent that generally fall to the lot of beauties. " "How can thatbe?" inquired the astonished girl, "surely being courted and caressed byothers, must make one anxious to please and oblige in return. I shouldbe too happy to be proud and ill-natured. " Poor Amaranthé spoke thetruth at the time. Her innocent mind was unacquainted with the failings, that the fairy had stated as being usually attendant on beauty. Havingnever met with competitors, she had not experienced the grievances ofrivalship or jealousy; and vanity and coquetry were hardly known to herby name. 

"I perceive, " said the offended fairy, "you are as opinionated as yourbrother. I fear the time may come when you will both repent not havingpaid more regard to my admonitions. And which of these, my gentleClaribel, (turning to her, ) shall I present to you?" Claribel timidlyanswered, "I am not ambitious of riches, they would but embarrass me;neither do I covet beauty--to be an object of general notice, would tome be only distressing. A contented mind must surely be the greatest ofall blessings: at least, I can neither imagine or desire a greater. Ishall therefore gratefully accept one of your favourite flowers, "looking at the lilies. 

"Amiable girl, " exclaimed the fairy, "there is no fear of your everrepenting of your choice. How may your cousins wish they had partaken ofyour prudence; but it is not yet too late to repair their error. I giveyou, " addressing Adrian and Amaranthé, "the remainder of the evening toconsider of what I have said. Before you retire to rest, your choicemust be finally fixed, for to-morrow it will be irrevocable. " With thesewords, she and the flower-basket disappeared in a moment from theirsight. 

They remained for some minutes motionless, almost doubting their senses, or whether such an extraordinary visitation had really occurred to them;at length, arousing from their stupor, they agreed to seek Ursula, andrelate the adventure to her. 

The joy of the poor governess almost exceeded that of her pupils. "Ah, "cried she, "it is indeed the sweet fairy Felicia; well do I know her. Donot you remember my children, that I once nearly betrayed the secret ofher existence to you? Benigna is, as she says, an excellent fairy, butterribly strict in her notions. She was the friend and guardian of mydear lady from her infancy; but your father could not endure what hecalled her severity, or forgive her opposition to his marriage with yourmother. All intercourse ceased between them; and Felicia was obliged towithdraw her protection from your father. This gave him a disgust to thewhole race of fairies, and he would not suffer you to know that he hadever had any connexion with them. "

The simple Ursula could not disapprove the choice of Adrian andAmaranthé. To see him surrounded with splendour, and her with admirers, would gratify the fondest wishes of her heart. Gabriel was now summonedto the conference. He by no means agreed with Ursula in her approbation. "Alas, my dear, young master, " said he to Adrian, "it was riches thatproved the bane of your father's happiness and comfort. He mistook thecourt that was paid him while in possession of them, for the realrespect and good will that he fancied was his due, though to say truthhe took no other means of obtaining them. When his fortune was gone, hispretended friends soon followed; and that occasioned the reserve andmoroseness with which you must have observed his temper was tinctured. Inexperienced as you are in the world, wealth may prove but atreacherous snare; and as the fairy wisely says, you will probably falla prey to wicked designers. " "A truce, I beseech you, " cried theimpatient Adrian, "with these dismal forebodings. Neither you nor thefairy can make me believe, that being happy myself, and having the powerto make others so, can prove my destruction. Depend upon it, old man, "continued he, with an arch smile, and laying his hand on Gabriel'sshoulder, "when you begin to reap the advantages of my fortune, whichyou shall certainly do, you will be vastly glad that I did not listen toyour preaching!" Gabriel shook his head with a look of distrust. "Andwhat, my sweet young lady, " addressing Amaranthé, "can beauty do foryou? I remember your dear mother the fairest of the fair, and yet herlot in life was far from a happy one. " "O dear Gabriel, " interruptedshe, "you are ten times more disagreeable than the fairy. Here is thevery thing offered to me that I have all my life been wishing for, andthen I am told I must not accept of it. What evil can attend beinghandsome? I shall like to look at myself in the glass; I shall like tosee other people looking at me; shall be pleased and happy all the daylong; and what harm is there in that?"

"Well, " said Gabriel with a sigh, "I am still of opinion that yourcousin has made the wisest choice. " "O yes, the wisest choice forClaribel, doubtless. As long as she may go creeping unnoticed about theworld, taking no trouble herself, or being troubled by others, that isall she desires. I have no notion of such tame satisfaction. " To thisClaribel only answered by a smile. 

They all retired at the usual hour to their beds, but to Adrian and hissister it was not to rest. The thoughts of what the morrow would producekept them waking the greater part of the night. Soon as the sun dartedhis first rays into the chamber, Adrian sprang from his bed, and lookingeagerly around, discovered the desired rose appearing with luxuriantglow upon the toilet before him. Enraptured, he hastened to seize hisprize, when he perceived a folded paper lying by it, in which onopening, he found these lines:

 Since Adrian, spite of warning voice, This specious gift decides thy choice, Slight not the counsel that would fain Preserve thee from remorse and pain. 

 While boasting coffers richly stor'd, And plenty smiling on thy board, In grandeur's costly garbs array'd, With servile homage basely paid From summon'd tribes of venal bands, That wanton luxury commands, Let thy untainted mind beware And shun corruption's lurking snare. 

 If, when of long-sought wealth possess'd, Thou fail to succour the distress'd; And flatterers feed in splendid state, Yet drive the needy from thy gate, Soon will destructive vice impart, Her baneful influence to thy heart, Chasing those purer feelings thence The meed of blameless innocence. Then shall this drooping rose decree The loss of fortune and of me; For harden'd heart and vicious mind From fairies ne'er protection find. 

 Yet let discretion bounty guide, Nor succour sloth, nor pamper pride, To suff'ring want give ready ear, And dry the modest suppliant's tear, Yet still the grateful boon dispense With lib'ral hand, but guarded sense. 

 Then may this dangerous treasure deal Those blessings virtuous mortals feel, And favour'd Adrian haply prove Deserving of esteem and love. 

Charming fairy, he exclaimed, mistrust me not; I value this preciousgift too highly ever to abuse it; so saying he ran off to findAmaranthé, whom he met coming as hastily from her apartment with thehyacinth in her hand. Look, look, shouted Adrian, here is my darlingrose;--and see, answered his sister, I have got my sweet hyacinth, butwith it I found this paper, containing some mighty crabbed, dismalwords, that I could very well have dispensed with. "Aye, my gift wasaccompanied with a sort of a lecture too. It is very strange that sopowerful a fairy should not be able to discern my good intentions, without my making so many protestations of them, --but what says yourpaper?" and unfolding it read as follows:

 Beauty, that peerless gem whose magic smile Can teach the frigid heart with warmth to glow, Or smooth the frowning Cynic's sullen brow, And the cold glance of cautious age beguile;

 Still decks the nymph who wears her potent spell With sparkling eye, and gaily dimpled cheek That sportive ease and conscious pow'r bespeak, Nor dreads that time her cherish'd pride may quell. 

 While flatt'ring crowds proclaim unrivall'd sway With haughty triumph glows her radiant bloom, But soon the bright illusion fades away And yields to vanity's unwelcome doom. So, Amaranthé, may this flower decay And blighted beauty seek the shelt'ring tomb. 

They then proceeded together to the apartment of Claribel, whom theyfound in a sweet slumber, from which their exclamations soon arousedher. "Look at this stupid girl, " cried Amaranthé, "if she be notsleeping as soundly and unconcernedly as if she had never heard of thewonderful events this morning was to produce. " "And yet, " said Adrian, "I dare to say the fairy has not forgotten her, " and casting his eyesround soon espied the lily. "Aye, there is the favourite flower, and Ihope accompanied by some sage admonitions as well as ours. "--Thenadvancing towards it, "Sure enough, here is the attendant scroll, " andopening it immediately, read aloud:

 When mild contentment rules the breast Unchecked the pleasure, sweet the rest, The passing hours that close; No fruitless wish disturbs the maid, No blasted hopes her peace invade Who courts the calm repose. 

 The placid smile, the brow serene, Unstudied glance, unruffled mien, Glad approbation gain; From rankling spleen, and envy free, The venomed pang of jealousy Essays to wound in vain. 

 Fair as the lily's polished hue Impending fate shall meet her view Who shuns ambition's lure; And thus shall gentle Claribel In tranquil ease serenely dwell From vain regrets secure. 

Well, the fairy promises you fair at least, cousin, said he, and yourlily smells very sweet, and I hope we shall all be very happy togetherwith our separate gifts!

Fairies had such dexterous, ingenious methods of bringing to pass, whatever they projected, that it is not necessary to inquire by whatmeans Adrian soon found himself master of wealth to the utmost extent ofhis wishes, or that the plain features and awkward person of Amaranthéwere changed into the most dazzling beauty of countenance, and perfectsymmetry of form. In Claribel the effects of the fairy's power were theleast visible. Her nature had always been so placid, that it could admitof no great increase of contentment, but she was perfectly at peace withherself and others, and free from any portion of envy at the riches ofone cousin, or the beauty of the other. 

The news was soon circulated through the surrounding country thatthe old melancholy castle was now become the scene of affluence andhospitality. In consequence it was not long before visitors andpetitioners poured in from every quarter. The now superbly furnishedmansion, and magnificent establishment of Adrian, did not prove moreattractive than the charms of his sister, which excited the wonder andadmiration of all beholders. The native modesty of a young person bredup in seclusion, for some time prevailed over every other sensation, andshe almost repented of the gift she had solicited. She shrunk abashedfrom the perpetual and ardent gaze of all who approached her, and theadmiration she had thought so desirable, was at first oppressive andpainful to her. Pure and genuine feelings of uncorrupted nature, why areye ever subdued? what art or ornament can ever replace the fascinatingblush that mantles on the cheek of innocence!

Adrian found himself at the summit of his wishes. His dwelling wasthronged with joyous spirits like himself, who courted and flatteredhim, always extolling in exaggerated terms his generosity and powers ofpleasing. Invitations came from far and near, and neighbouring familiesvied with each other in giving costly entertainments to this charmingbrother and sister, nor was Claribel ever left out of the party. Adrianforgot not the injunctions of his patroness. He gave orders that noobject of charity should ever be turned without relief from the castle, but absorbed in the pursuit of pleasure, he gave himself no leisure tolearn the nature of their wants, or to ascertain that that they were infact objects of charity. 

Amongst other sources of festivity, games were instituted in which theskill and activity of the rival youths were exerted, and on suchoccasions the prize adjudged to the victor, was generally laid as atrophy at the feet of the beautiful Amaranthé. This indeed was a trialto poor mortal vanity. She soon grew so accustomed to the distinctionpaid to her charms, that instead of oppresive it became necessary toher. The brother and sister who fondly loved each other, who from theirinfancy had shared all their little joys, and little griefs together, were mutually delighted at the praises the other received. Amaranthéloved to hear of the excellent qualities of the heart, and liberaltemper and vivacity of her brother, and Adrian's heart bounded with joyand swelled with pride at the homage paid to the beauty of his sister. But too soon these exquisite feelings, derived from the purest source ofaffection human nature is capable of, were extinguished. Engaged in thepursuit of their separate enjoyments, they ceased to feel an interest inthose of each other. Claribel was the quiet spectator of thedistinctions of her cousins. She served as a sort of cabinet toAmaranthé, in which she deposited all the little histories of hertriumphs, and the flattery that had been amply bestowed upon her; andClaribel would listen to the details with kind complacency, andsometimes an idea would occur to her that the extravagant joy andgratification they appeared to produce in her cousin, must be worthsharing, but the gift of the fairy secured her from any anxious wish todo so. --Though she occasionally obtained notice from those whom she metin the parties in which she mixed, for no one could fail to feelcourtesy towards so mild and inoffensive a being, she was aware that shewas considered as little more than a cypher by the side of her cousins, but she was not liable to discontent, and repined not at theobservation. 

Adrian had been too much occupied by his lively companions to think ofmaking inquiries after the objects of his bounty, but a long list wasbrought him by Gabriel of mendicants, who had been relieved, whichamounted to a sum that astonished him. Is it possible, said he, therecan be so many unfortunate creatures in want? It is well the fairy hassupplied me so liberally, or I might soon come to be in want myself, butI think, he proudly added, she must be satisfied with my manner ofemploying my wealth. One day a person desired to be admitted to him, whotold him a long pitiful story of his being reduced from easycircumstances by a rich and powerful man, who in revenge for someoffence he had given him, had contrived his ruin, and driven him with alarge helpless family to beggary. The natural good disposition of Adrianwas manifested at this recital. He exclaimed, with honest warmth againstsuch shameful cruelty, and gave the man a large sum of money toalleviate his unmerited misfortune. The petitioner was profuse in hisacknowledgments, expatiated on the benefit of riches, when entrusted insuch hands, and retired invoking a thousand blessings on his benefactor. 

Adrian felt all the satisfaction of the most approving self-complacency. Excellent Felicia, he exclaimed aloud, your's is indeed a most preciousgift, to be enabled to perform such actions, and merit such gratitude, and I flatter myself you will allow that I have strictly obeyed yourinjunctions!

The next day Gabriel informed him that he had discovered the person tobe a worthless impostor, who had ruined himself by extravagance andprofligacy, and in return for Adrian's generosity, had gone about makinga jest of his credulity. Adrian uttered the most vehement expressions ofresentment and indignation. To find himself only a dupe when he hadthought himself a pattern of benevolence, was a sore check upon his selfapplause, and he formed many prudent resolutions to be more upon hisguard in future. Some days after, in passing through his grounds, he wasaccosted by a man who exhibited an appearance of extreme wretchedness. His face was wan, and his features sunken. His dimmed eye seemed hardlyable to discern the object on which it gazed; and his tottering limbswith difficulty supported his feeble frame. His moving lips appeared tobe framing a prayer for compassion, but his hollow voice had not powerto give it sound. Adrian involuntarily stopped, regarding him with looksof commiseration, but suddenly recollecting himself--No, said he, I willnot again be imposed upon; I must not forget that the fairy enjoinsdiscretion as well as charity, and hastily passed on, congratulatinghimself on this effort of prudence. 

It was not long before he learned that the unfortunate being had, indespair of obtaining any relief of his sufferings, sought an obscureshelter, in which he soon terminated his miserable existence. 

Adrian's heart smote him severely; he felt that he would have given halfhis possessions to have recalled the past hours; and the circumstancefor a short period dwelt heavily on his mind; but contrition was sooneffaced by dissipation. 

When this brother and sister, who had suddenly burst in such radianceupon the astonished neighbourhood, had ceased to be novelties, it wasnot long before they ceased also to excite the interest and good likingthat their first appearance had created. 

All the rational members of their acquaintance, who had been agreeablystruck with Adrian's good humoured vivacity and generous spirit, grewdisappointed and displeased at finding they must look for nothingbeyond. Uninformed in almost every branch of knowledge, destitute of theacquirements generally possessed by, and absolutely indispensable in ayoung man at his time of life, and of the rank in which he appeared init, they discovered that though he could laugh with the joyous, he wasincapable of conversing with the serious, and it was chiefly by the idleand ignorant like himself, that his society continued to be sought. 

The astonishment that the outward attractions of Amaranthé had producedin all beholders, was soon succeeded by astonishment that she possessedno others. No improved understanding, no cultivated taste, accompaniedthe charms of person, and it was agreed that she must be looked at, andnot listened to. The graces of figure could not compensate for the wantof graces of mind, nor a polished skin be deemed a substitute for apolished manner. The gift of the fairy had secured her from awkwardnessof gesture, but it could not conceal awkwardness of expression andaddress. 

Still, however, both continued to have followers in abundance. Thecastle was the constant resort of gay dissipated youths, who, in thegood spirits and good cheer of Adrian, enjoyed all they wished or caredfor; and who took pains to initiate him in all their vicious courses. Hehad no real relish for the pleasures of the bottle, but was soon laughedout of his moderation; and rather than be thought wanting in spirit, poor Adrian plunged into excesses for which he had no natural taste, andin which he found little acquired gratification. They thought properalso to find fault with the decorations of the castle, on which Adrianhad valued himself, and suggested many useless and expensivealterations. These were immediately ordered, but when the poortradesmen, who had worked hard to oblige him, made their demands, hischoice companions exclaimed in terms of violent wrath against them, assuring him it was extremely insolent in those people to expect paymentas soon as their work was done, and that he ought to make them wait hisleisure. The fact was, these wicked advisers, who were ignorant of thesource from whence his fortune was derived, were afraid, if he paid hisdebts, he would not have money left to squander upon them. Adrian hadnot the slightest intention of defrauding any of the persons to whom hewas indebted; he felt secure of being able to pay them whenever he choseit, and honestly intended to do so; but too weak in mind to bid defianceto the ridicule of those whom he ought to have despised, he sufferedhimself to be guided by them. In vain did Gabriel remonstrate; Gabrielhad long lost his influence, though his young master's heart was not yetso corrupted as to dismiss the worthy man from his service, which hisassociates, who called him a tiresome preaching old fellow, would fainhave persuaded him to do. 

Several gentlemen who wished to pay their addresses to Amaranthé, hadapplied to Adrian for his interest, and also for information respectingthe fortune they were to receive with her. Adrian expressed greatindignation at such inquiries being made. He had really, in his heart, formed the most generous intentions towards his sister, but in theenthusiasm with which he first contemplated her beauty, and from thesincere affection he then felt for her, he conceived that she deservedthe most disinterested attachment, and refused to make any promise ofbestowing a portion upon her. 

The first person who paid any serious attention to Amaranthé, was inher opinion, as, generally speaking, I fancy in that of all other youngladies in the same case, the most charming creature in the world. He wasfollowed by a second, and she found him as charming; but when asuccession of adorers appeared, she was completely perplexed. Her heartwas incapable of making an election, and she began to think it would bevery dull to fix upon one, and by that means lose the adulation andflattery of all the others. She therefore received them all alike, anddivided her attention and her smiles equally amongst them. Thus theinnocent Amaranthé, who was unacquainted with the name of coquetry, soongrew expert in the practice. On her first entrance into society she hadformed an intimate acquaintance with Ethelinde, the daughter of a familydistinguished for goodness and benevolence, and who lived in a handsome, though not profuse style. Ethelinde had nothing of the dazzling beautyof Amaranthé to boast of, her features were not so perfect, nor hercomplexion so brilliant, but her countenance was enlightened byintelligence, and her smiles were the smiles of modesty, and sweetnessof temper. She was always unstudied and unaffected, and in her personand appearance were combined ease and elegance, with the irresistiblecharm of the most engaging feminine softness. Her understanding wasexcellent, and well cultivated, her manners correct, and her heart theseat of virtue and purity. Perfectly free from any meanness of temper, she felt no envy at the beauty of Amaranthé, but was, on the contrary, an unfeigned admirer of it, and eagerly sought her friendship. Amaranthé, who for some time felt gratified and obliged by Ethelinde'searly notice, was equally desirous of cultivating her's, but ere manyweeks had elapsed, they mutually discovered that they were notcompanions for each other. Ethelinde grew weary of hearing no otherconversation than descriptions of the fine dresses her friend had wornat the different entertainments she had been at, or repetitions of allthe nonsense that had been addressed to her there, and Amaranthé thoughther deplorably dull and disagreeable, for wanting to talk of any thingelse. Ethelinde was both too kind-hearted and too well-bred to appear toshun Amaranthé, and Amaranthé, who felt quite secure of never finding arival in Ethelinde, continued to call her friend. She began, however, bydegrees to suspect that she had been a little mistaken in thissatisfactory point. It is true that whenever she appeared in public shewas immediately surrounded by all the gentlemen in the room, but shecould not avoid observing, that when Ethelinde was there also, many ofthem would turn to her, and when once engaged in conversation with her, never again quit her side, for that of her friend. This was sufficientground for her conceiving a rooted dislike to the unassuming andunsuspicious Ethelinde. 

An important addition was now made to the society into which Adrian andAmaranthé had been introduced, by the arrival of a young gentlemanlately returned from travelling, to take possession of a large estate, and noble mansion annexed to it, in that country. Lionel had every thingthat could recommend him to the favour of all to whom he was made known. Handsome and elegant in his person, his mind was stored withinformation, his taste refined, his conversation instructive andentertaining, and his manners affable and polished. Every father openlycourted him as a companion and example to his son, and every mothersecretly wished him to become the husband of her daughter. 

Lionel was charmed with the brother and sister on his firstintroduction to them. He liked the frank cordiality of Adrian, andbecame the professed slave of Amaranthé's beauty. It required no lengthof time for penetration like Lionel's to discover his error in regard toAdrian; he found he had mistaken vivacity for genius, and frankness ofmanner for generosity of heart, when in fact his favourite provedunformed and untaught, indifferent to the opinion of all whom he oughtto have valued, and given up to idleness and self-indulgence. Such acompanion was quitted without any effort of resolution, but the sister'spower over him did not yield so easily. Amaranthé's vanity had been toomuch flattered by such a conquest, for her to endeavour to conceal thesatisfaction it afforded her, and the enamoured Lionel was willing toattribute the approbation she evinced, to genuine affection. Heconfessed himself disappointed in her mental qualities, but he laid allthat to the want of education, and the blame upon those who brought herup. He delighted in the thought of instructing and cultivating her mindhimself, and dwelt with rapture on the prospect of possessing such acreature, formed exactly to his own taste, and according to his ownrules of right. The devoted lover indulged himself, in these pleasingexpectations during several interviews that he had with his idol, whennot interrupted by the presence of any other candidates for her favour;but when he saw her in company with some of her previous adorers, andobserved the evident pleasure and complacency with which she listened tothem all by turns, nothing could exceed his surprise and indignation. What! had she no more regard for him than for any of these senselesscoxcombs? Were the smiles and attention that had so captivated him to beequally shared by them? This was not to be borne. He could have enduredher ignorance, even a fool might be tolerated, but an unfeeling coquettenever could. From that moment Amaranthé, with all her beauty, wasdismissed from his heart for ever. 

During his attendance on Amaranthé, Lionel had often remarked withapprobation the meek and unaffected demeanor of Claribel. He had neverindeed heard her converse much, but he judged that her silence was owingto timidity, and fancied that under so retired a manner, might beconcealed solid sense, taste, and judgment. Her person, though notstrikingly handsome, was pleasing, and her temper and dispositionappeared to be perfectly amiable. He began therefore to pay her veryserious attention, but here again poor Lionel had only to lament hismistake. He found Claribel quite as untutored as her cousins, without aspark more desire of improvement. He was not likely to meet with arepulse from so gentle a creature, but the acquiescence with which shereceived his assiduities seemed more the result of habitual passivenessthan of reciprocal attachment. She betrayed no emotion of pleasure athis approach, or of concern at his departure. She listened to hisconversation as he hoped with interest, but when describing what heconsidered as requisite points to insure happiness and respectability, he could perceive no symptoms of regret that their sentiments so littlecorresponded, nor could his avowed opinions awaken in her any exertionto render herself more acceptable to him. When he had taken sufficienttime to study her character, he decided that the inelegant mirth, andungoverned vanity of Amaranthé were preferable to the dawdlinginsipidity of Claribel. After this decision Lionel ceased to be avisitor at the castle. 

The pride of Amaranthé had never before experienced so severe a wound. Her consequence was lessened in her own eyes, and she felt that it wouldbe so in those of others, by the desertion of such a lover, for she hadsense enough to discern the superiority of Lionel over all her otheradmirers. She could appreciate his worth, but she could not controul herown too long indulged inclinations, and was still too artless to concealthe wrong bias they had taken. The disappointment had a visible effectupon her temper: she grew peevish, and dissatisfied with every thingabout her. She resolved to leave no means untried to regain the heart ofLionel, and the suggestion of a rival in his affection made herabsolutely outrageous. She had so little considered Claribel in thatlight, that she had not deigned to notice Lionel's attention to her, which indeed her vanity whispered was merely a feint to pique herself, and to give him an opportunity of still hovering near her. The gift ofthe fairy, which had operated so much to Claribel's disadvantage in theopinion of her lover, secured her from sharing the keen mortification ofher cousin at his loss. 

Some time after this had happened, an invitation was sent to theinhabitants of the castle to an entertainment, which was to consist of atrial of skill in archery in the morning, and a ball in the evening. Adrian, who was now wholly devoted to his ill-chosen companions, hadmade some engagement he liked better with them, and would not go, andClaribel was confined at home by indisposition. Amaranthé looked forwardwith the most flattering anticipation to this proving the scene of hertriumph, and restoring all her power over Lionel, who she knew was to bea principal guest there. She exhausted all her invention in contrivingthe most becoming dresses for both occasions, and selected everyornament that she thought would add lustre to her beauty. The anxiouslyexpected morning arrived, and Amaranthé set forth in all her glory. Shefound a large company assembled in the part of the grounds marked outfor the archery, where a tent was erected ingeniously fitted up, and ahandsome collation prepared in it. The gentlemen who were to engage inthe contest were all properly equipped for the purpose. Amongst the mostconspicuous was Lionel, who with his bow in his hand and quiver on hisshoulder, was compared by some of the company to the god of love. In agroup of ladies opposite to her, Amaranthé discerned Ethelinde verysimply attired, but looking so elegant, so unaffectedly good humoured, and desirous to please and be pleased, that no one could behold herwithout being prepossessed in her favour. She accosted Amaranthé withthe utmost kindness, who very coldly accepted her proffered hand, forshe felt an inward acknowledgment of superiority that fretted her beyondendurance. Nor could she at all account for it, having settled in herown mind, quite to her satisfaction, that she had never seen any thinghalf so ugly or so ill dressed. 

The game began, and after each candidate for victory had exerted hisstrength and skill, Lionel was unanimously proclaimed the conqueror. Themistress of the feast had tastefully entwined a wreath of laurel, whichstepping forward she, with an appropriate and polite compliment, placedupon the head of Lionel. Amaranthé's heart beat violently, for she feltassured of receiving her accustomed homage, and had ready all hersweetest smiles, and most engaging complaisance, as she saw Lionelapproach the spot where she was seated. She found, however, that shemight as well have reserved them for a fitter occasion, for he passedher without notice, and with a graceful bow, and look that bespokerespect and esteem, laid his trophy at the feet of Ethelinde. Amaranthéhad no strength of mind to command herself on such a trial, nor couldshe conceal the disappointment and vexation it cost her, and was stillmore insupportably irritated by the general murmur of approbation thataccompanied this action of Lionel. She refused to partake of therefreshments, and went home burning with feelings of resentment againsthim, and of most malignant animosity towards Ethelinde. Still her vanitywas not subdued: she determined that the ball, where she meant to appearin a blaze of glittering ornaments, that she believed would render herbeauty irresistible, should repay her for all the mortifications of themorning. She recounted the insult, as she thought fit to call it, thathad been offered to her, in terms of bitter wrath to Claribel, whoattended her toilet; but comforted herself with the near prospect ofrecrimination, and declared she should have far more pleasure incrushing the pride of that insolent little ugly moppet Ethelinde, thanin captivating the first lord in the land. Claribel listened withpatience and pity to the detail of her lamentable misfortunes, anddisclosure of her amiable intentions, and at last ventured to say--"But, my dear cousin, are you not afraid of incurring the displeasure of thefairy, by falling into the errors she cautioned you against? You mayremember she threatened to withdraw her favour if you were guilty ofjealousy and envy, and do you know, I do not think you look near so wellas you used to do. "

To this remark Amaranthé for some moments answered only by surveyingher cousin with a look of ineffable scorn, at last, her lips quiveringwith anger, she said--"Really, my dainty Claribel, whatever the fairymay do by me, I am afraid her precious gift to you has failed in itseffect. I thought _you_, at any rate, were to be secured from thedominion of envy and spite. " "Upon my word, cousin, " answered Claribelmildly, "I am unconscious of ever having been subject to either. Sincethe fairy first appeared to us, I never felt less disposed to envy herfavours to you than at this moment, and what can there be spiteful inthinking you do not look so well as you used to do?"

Ursula, who was present, assented to the opinion of Claribel. "Indeed, my sweet young lady, " said she, "your cousin is right. I have latelyobserved, with pain and apprehension, your altered looks. I believe theracketing life you have led so long disagrees with you, and am seriouslyfearful that you will injure your health if you continue it. "

It was in vain to urge any arguments against the self-conceit ofAmaranthé: that her beauty could be in any degree diminished was asupposition that she would not admit into her thoughts. She added moreornaments to the profusion that already glittered on her person, anddoubted not that, with such aids, she should eclipse every belle whowould appear at the entertainment. Under this happy persuasion sheentered the ball-room, but did not long remain under its cheeringinfluence. No emotion seemed excited by her appearance, no gaze followedher footsteps; those of her former admirers, whom she saw there, rathershunned than approached her, and those who were strangers did not appearto notice her. After she had been seated some little time however, shewas in joyful expectation of having her best wishes fulfilled, for shesaw Lionel advancing, who, on coming opposite to her, stopped short, andfixed his eyes intently upon her. 

Much as her heart fluttered, and her cheeks glowed at this almostunhoped for circumstance, she could not avoid discovering that his looksbetrayed more of astonishment than of admiration. Suddenly seeming torecollect himself he slightly bowed, and passing on went up toEthelinde, whom he immediately engaged for his partner. Fortunately forAmaranthé the bustle and confusion of the dance just then beginning, screened her from the observations that her violent agitation mustotherwise have drawn upon her. The dance indeed began, but no onesolicited the honour of her fair hand. Amazed, appalled, she knew notwhat to make of it, at length, rising up, she drew near a party who werein earnest conversation, and did not perceive her. "Is it possible, " sheheard one of them say, "that that ordinary awkward looking girl, sobedizened with finery, should be the beautiful Amaranthé, of whom I haveheard so much, and who my chief purpose in coming hither was to see?""Believe me, " answered another, "what I tell you is true. What hashappened to her I cannot conjecture, but I do assure you that not manyweeks ago she was the most beautiful creature my eyes ever beheld. "

"Oh, oh, " said Amaranthé to herself, "now I discern the truth. Thisis a vile conspiracy amongst my enemies. Some of my wicked rivals, unable to submit to my superior attractions, have planned this scheme onpurpose to mortify me, but they shall find themselves defeated in theiratrocious designs. " She then reared up her head, and stalked along theroom with all the stately airs she could assume, but all in vain. Few ofthe company noticed her at all, and to those who did, she was evidentlyan object of ridicule. She had not command enough over herself to endurethis long with patience. Abruptly quitting the assembly, she returnedhome in a state of mind and temper that threatened her with insanity. When arrived there she tore off all her gaudy apparel without oncelooking in the glass, and threw herself into bed, where for some hoursshe lay tumbling and tossing, but at last fell into a doze, from whichshe did not awake until mid-day. As soon as she arose she summonedClaribel, that she might give vent to her fury at the detestable eventsof the evening. Claribel heard the relation of her disgrace withunfeigned concern, but all the time she was speaking looked earnestly ather with marks of excessive surprise. After some hesitation, she, trembling as she spoke, said, "Pray, cousin, have you lately looked atyour hyacinth?" The question operated like an electric shock uponAmaranthé. The truth flashed across her mind. She considered a moment, and then rushed to the cabinet where Felicia's pernicious gift wasdeposited. There indeed she found it with its "bright tint turned to asickly and disgusting hue. " She contemplated it with an aspect of wilddespair, then with an effort of desperate resolution flew back to theglass, where, for the first time for many months, she looked at herselfwith eyes not blinded by vanity. What a spectacle presented itself toher view! Gladly would she have found herself only reduced to heroriginal plainness. Her eyes then, though they sparkled not with thelustre with which the fairy afterwards endowed them, were yet brightenedby the vivacity of youth. The texture of her skin was not so delicate, but her cheeks glowed with ruddy health, and though no fascinatingdimples accompanied her smiles, they were the playful smiles ofinnocence. Now, sad reverse! her eyes were dimmed and sunk in her head, her cheeks hollow and of ghastly paleness, and the malevolent passionsthat had corroded her heart, were traced in deep furrows over hercountenance. Almost frozen with horror she uttered a piercing shriek, and fell lifeless on the floor. Claribel affrighted, endeavoured toraise her, and called for assistance, but no one came near her. Shethought she heard an unusual disturbance in the castle. Sounds ofstrange voices speaking loud, trampling of feet, and clapping of doorsmet her ear, and appeared as if a general uproar prevailed throughout. After she had for some time tried in vain to recover Amaranthé, Ursulahastily entered the apartment, her face pale with terror and dismay, which were increased by seeing the alarming state of her young mistress. Claribel, while she assisted in restoring her, briefly related what hadhappened, and the poor governess, on hearing it, broke out into bitterlamentations. "Ah! wicked, treacherous fairy, " said she, "how have youabused my poor innocent children! would that you had never appeared withyour vile gifts, only to betray them to their ruin, and plunge them intoa thousand times greater misery than they could have experienced hadthey never seen you. "

Claribel earnestly enquired her meaning, and the cause of theconfusion she had heard, and with difficulty, amidst her sobs and moans, gathered what Ursula had herself learned from Gabriel. The creditors ofAdrian, hearing of the extravagant style in which he lived, concluded hemust soon expend his fortune, and that they should then have no chanceof receiving what was due to them. They, therefore, determined to comein a body, and insist upon immediate payment. Adrian, though extremelyenraged, resolved, in spite of the opposition of his associates, tosatisfy all their demands at once that he might be rid of them. Heaccordingly repaired to the coffers where his treasures were secured, but on opening found them all empty. He exclaimed loudly that he hadbeen basely robbed; then flew to every chest, desk, or bureau in whichhe had been used to seek a supply, but found not a single piece ofmoney, or article of value of any kind: while searching the last placeof safety he could think of, he was suddenly struck with the sight ofhis rose, which had fallen from the stalk, and every leaf withered anddead: frantic with despair, he rushed all over the castle proclaiminghimself ruined, but hardly sensible of what he said or did. On hearingthis, the profligate crew, who had called themselves his friends, speedily made off, nor would stay even to offer him consolation. Thecreditors incensed at being thus defrauded of their right, thought itbest to make themselves what amends they could, and began tearing awayall the costly furniture, and seizing upon every thing valuable theycould find. The servants too, thinking they should have no other methodof being paid, had joined in the general plunder, and were all takingtheir departure as soon as they could secure what they had pillaged. 

Amaranthé revived before Ursula had finished her dismal narrative, butshe attended not to it, nor seemed conscious of any thing that passed. Claribel and Ursula continued administering restoratives to her, whenthe door opened, and the form of Adrian, but far more resembling that ofa spectre, slowly entered. He placed himself on a seat, and fixed hishaggard eyes upon his sister. She raised her's to him, but no sound gaveutterance to the feelings their looks mutually expressed. It was not themild grief that could be soothed by sympathy; it was the gloomy anguishof remorse, the humiliating sense of unworthiness, the incurable tortureof shame. Claribel and Ursula looked at them in speechless sorrow, forno ray of comfort presented itself to alleviate their sufferings. 

Thus were these unfortunate young people, by the indulgence of theirown wishes, and the attainment of what they supposed could produce onlygratification and happiness, reduced to a state of apparentlyirremediable distress. Even Claribel shared in the general misery. Notthat the gift of the fairy had lost its influence upon her; the lily wasfresh as ever. She was contented in her own person, and formed no wishesfor herself; but she could not behold the wretched condition of herfriends unmoved. Though not subject to strong emotions, her heart wastender and affectionate. Her cousins were her sole objects ofattachment, and it was still unabated towards them. Ursula could donothing but bewail their sad destiny; she was weak and helpless. Gabrielwas the only rational person of the party. He collected together thelittle that remained out of the wreck of the possessions, and tried toput things in some order to make them more comfortable. The generous oldman never reminded them of the advice he had given, or took to himselfthe credit that was his due for his better judgment. 

Claribel had used all the arguments she could devise to reconcileAmaranthé to her altered state, but with little success. One remarkablyfine day she prevailed upon her to go out into the air: they walked to apart of the grounds that had in their childhood been appropriated astheir play place. Here, while resting on a bench, they were joined byAdrian. The brother and sister now found words to relieve the weight ofwoe that oppressed them, but it was by heaping invectives on thedeceitful Felicia. From accusing the fairy they began to upbraid eachother. "You, Amaranthé, " said Adrian, "have no right to complain: youmight at least have been spared the misfortune of poverty. Had it notbeen for your abominable vanity and coquetry, you might have beenhappily and nobly settled. "

"You are unjust to say so, Adrian, " retorted his sister; "you know verywell it was your refusing to bestow a fortune upon me, that preventedmany of my lovers from soliciting my hand in marriage; but you weregiven up to selfishness, and cared not what became of me. "

"For pity's sake, my dear cousins, " cried Claribel, "do not quarrel. Remember, destitute orphans as we are, we have nothing left in thisworld but each other, and if we are not united, what is to become ofus?"

Adrian was touched; looking tenderly on his sister, "Claribel isright, " said he. "We are, indeed, bereaved of every thing else, andshall we forsake each other? Ah, Amaranthé!" he continued, his eyesswimming in tears, "time was when all our joys and all our wishescentred in each other. How fondly you once loved me--and is it at anend? Will you love me no more?" The native good feelings of Amaranthé'sheart, that had so long lain dormant, were now revived. Bursting into anagony of crying, she threw her arms round her brother's neck, and sobbedout, "Yes, yes, dear Adrian; I love you better than ever. Oh, do but bekind to me, and I will cease to deplore the loss of my beauty. " Afterembracing her affectionately, Adrian, looking mournfully round, observed--"This was the scene of our childish sports. How joyously webounded like fawns over this lawn! When turning our hoops or tossing ourballs, how little cared I for riches or you for beauty! And there, "pointing with his hand, "is the shrubbery where we used to play at hideand seek, and laugh at poor Claribel for not being able to find us. Seethe woodbine that you and she used to twine round my hat and crook, whenI played at being a shepherd. "

"And those, " said Amaranthé, "are the trees you so often climbed to getbirds' eggs for Claribel and me to string, when we pretended to behermits, and called them our rosaries!"

"Happy, happy days of blessed innocence!" groaned out her brother;"would to heaven ye could be recalled! Never again would I barter ye forgrandeur and licentiousness!"

While the unhappy trio continued weeping over these painfulrecollections, they suddenly observed an extraordinary appearance in theair. A large machine, resembling a car, was hovering in it, and atlength descending slowly to the earth fixed itself at no great distancefrom them. They then saw a lady clad in a purple robe, with a long whitewand in her hand, step out of it and advance towards them. They wereimmediately struck with the belief that it was the fairy, but with whatdifferent sensations did the brother and sister now greet her, to thosewhich her first appearance had occasioned! Confused and dismayed, theywould have fled from her presence had not terror rendered themmotionless, for they doubted not that she was come to reproach them, ifnot to punish their ill conduct. When she drew nearer, and they venturedto look at her again, they discovered that the figure was taller andmore dignified than that of Felicia. Her face was not so fair, and itsexpression was more solemn, but her countenance was more commanding, andher aspect altogether inspired awe and veneration. "Perhaps, " whisperedClaribel, "it is the fairy Benigna. " The minds of her cousins assentedto this suggestion, but it by no means diminished their apprehensions. If they had so much cause to dread the censure of Felicia, what had theyto hope from the severe Benigna?

Trembling, and not daring to speak or move, they stood before her, while she regarded them for some time in silence, with looks that lostmuch of their solemnity, and expressed pity and benevolence. Then, in amild tone, said, "Poor hapless victims of ignorance and error, yourconsciences tell you that I am come to inflict the chastisement due toyour folly and guilt; but lay aside your fears. I can allow for andcompassionate the offences of feeble mortality. I am come to take youfrom this scene of desolation and disgrace, which can only remind you oflost happiness. Are you willing to trust yourselves with me?" Whateverthe private inclinations of the party might be, they were too much inawe of this powerful being to offer any resistance to her will: theyonly bowed in token of submission. She then placed them all in the car, and mounting it herself after them, waved her wand when the machinearose with a gentle motion into the air, which it wafted them through, but at what rate, or whither to, they could not judge. They were soamazed, and their senses so bewildered, that they almost doubted if theywere awake, or whether all that had passed were not a dream!

They could not calculate how long they had been travelling in this easymanner, when they found the vehicle again descending to the earth, whereit rested before a white house, that had every appearance of neatnessand comfort, though not of magnificence. 

It was situated in the middle of a garden, laid out in excellent taste, and well stored with fruits, flowers, and shrubs of all kinds, boundedby verdant meadows, with a fine river passing through them, and thesurrounding country richly cultivated, and luxuriantly beautiful. 

Their conductress desired them to enter the house, where the firstobjects that met their view, were Ursula and Gabriel, who had beenconveyed thither by the agents of the fairy, and who welcomed them withraptures of joy. 

Benigna led them through the apartments which were sufficiently spaciousfor convenience, and fitted up with elegance and propriety. The last sheintroduced them into was, a library, furnished with a large collectionof books, maps, globes, &c. "And now, my young friends, " said she, "doyou think you can be happy in such a habitation as this?" Adrian, willing to ingratiate himself in her opinion, promptly replied, "Ah, Madam, we shall be most happy to receive any favour from you. You, nodoubt, will always continue your generous kindness, and not desert uslike the treacherous Felicia. "

"Presumptuous mortal!" answered Benigna, with a frown, "what righthave you or your sister to call Felicia treacherous? Did you notobstinately persist in choosing the gifts she warned you against? Anddid either of you practise the good precepts she gave you with them? Hadthey been observed, you are conscious that you might still have beenrich, and Amaranthé handsome. But come, " she added, observing the effecther words had upon them, "be not alarmed. My design is not to arraign, but to instruct. The fact is, my sister is not treacherous, but she isinjudicious. Her power is very limited, and the few gifts she has tobestow, are more likely to ensnare than to benefit those whom she meansto serve. She gave you, indeed, good advice, but she could not endow youwith the good sense that would enable you to follow it. Even you, myquiet Claribel, have not, I fancy, profited much by her favor. Say, wereyou very happy in the possession of your lily?" Claribel, afterconsidering a little, answered, "I do not know that I was absolutelyhappy. I was, indeed, always contented, as she promised I should be, andnever felt inclined to repine, or be vexed at any thing; but I do notremember ever experiencing any particular pleasure. " "No, " returned thefairy, "nor would any one under such circumstances. The content Feliciabestowed on you, was not the happy result of a well-regulated mind, satisfied with its own exertions, and the performance of those dutiesincumbent on all rational beings. It was indolence, mistaken for avirtue. A being endued with reason, of which it obeys not the dictates;with faculties, of which it makes no use, but is content to occupy itsstation in life without fulfilling the purposes for which it was placedthere, is scarcely less censurable than those who waste their time inriot and dissipation. Others may reap some advantage from their follies, but no benefit can be derived from a mere moving machine. "

The vaunted favorite of Felicia found herself no higher in the esteemof Benigna than her indiscreet cousins, and felt ready to sink under herreproving eye; but, resuming her benevolent aspect, the fairy continuingher discourse, said, "take courage, my children, you are none of youirreclaimable, and may hope, by your future conduct, to make some amendsfor past transgressions. The fault has not been so much in yourselves, as in those whose duty it was to have prepared you for the trials andtemptations, that you had little chance of passing through the worldwithout encountering. Now, let me try if this wand cannot confer morelasting happiness than the roses and hyacinths of my sister. " So saying, she waved it gently over their heads. In a moment, they all felt likenew-created beings. They seemed to awaken to a different sense ofexistence. They became painfully sensible of their own deficiencies, andof the deplorable want of education, yet the pain was alleviated by thecheering influence of the light let in upon them, and the earnest desirethey felt for improvement. 

"You are now, " said Benigna, "all conscious of the folly and uselessnessof your past lives; and if my wand has done its duty, you are equallywilling to repair the evils they have been the cause of. As I beforesaid, you have been less to blame than others. You wanted instruction inevery thing, but the chief and most important instruction you wanted, was--principle! Had that been properly inculcated into you, all the illsthat have befallen you, might have been avoided. In this apartment, (looking round, ) you will find store for your minds, and employment ofthe most pleasing kind for your time; but this (placing her hand on avery large volume that was on a desk before her) must be your first andmost assiduous study. In these writings you will find how unnecessary isthe aid of fairies to your welfare, when by humbly imploring that of theall-powerful Being who never forsakes those who resort to him, you willsecure those endless blessings that magic has not to bestow. 

"But you probably wish to know where you are. Learn then that thisabode, and the fortune annexed to it, is no gift of mine; it is thebequest of your uncle, who died in a foreign country. He, as well as therest of her friends, disapproved of his sister's connexion with a personwho had always conducted himself very ill towards him; and when themarriage took place, his resentment was so great, that he forsook hisnative country, accompanied by the friend whose return to it cost youthe loss of your parents. On his death-bed, your uncle's heart relentedin favour of his sister, to whom and her children, he bequeathed hisproperty, with an equal portion to his niece, Claribel. He consigned thedeed of gift to that friend, exacting a promise from him, that he woulddeliver it only into your mother's hands. You already know how he wasprevented doing that; and when the priest, to whom he entrusted it, alsodied, I took care to secure the deed for the purpose of restoring it toyour mother; but death defeated all our intentions. 

"I should not have withheld your own property so long from you, had notmy sister taken you so hastily under her protection; but as I surmisedwhat the result of her patronage would be, I determined to reserve thisresource against the hour of distress, to which I had little doubt herfavours would reduce you. And now, my children, it only remains for youto make a right use of these valuable possessions. You have notboundless riches, but have sufficient to satisfy all your own reasonablewants, and to administer to the wants of your suffering fellow beings. Ihave furnished you with the means, as well as the desire of improvement. Let the remembrance of your past errors, and the folly of your firstwishes, operate on your future conduct. Fail not to observe theseinjunctions, and you will secure the love and esteem of all whose goodopinion you wish to obtain; and though I may never appear to you again, my attendant spirit and good offices shall not be withdrawn. "

So saying, the excellent fairy Benigna, casting on them all a look ofmaternal affection, again gently waved her powerful wand, and vanished!

The fairy indeed vanished, and the wand was seen no more; but theirinfluence was still felt by the now happy and deserving orphans. Theyassiduously obeyed her commands in seeking knowledge and instruction andtook care that their first study should be that volume to which she haddirected their attention. There Adrian learned that "in Godliness isgreat riches, " and Amaranthé found in "the beauty of holiness"--thatpure gratification and unabated happiness, that beauty of person, had nochance of bestowing. Claribel, by "faith and good works, " experiencedcontent, accompanied by real enjoyment, instead of the negativesatisfaction derived from her lily. She became as animated and active asshe had before been indolent and helpless. 

Adrian, in acquiring wisdom, was able to indulge his natural goodpropensities. He knew how to manage the fortune he possessed, and bylearning to be frugal could afford to be generous. His vivacity, nowtempered by good sense, was the delight of all to whom he was known; andthe happiness springing from a cultivated mind and corrected heart, rendered him once more a joyous, but never a licentious spirit. 

Amaranthé, though never restored to the radiant beauty of the hyacinth, regained her original healthy and sprightly looks. The ease of her heartwas manifested in her countenance. She could behold beauty in otherswithout a repining sigh, nor coveted any other admiration than what heruniform good conduct and commendable desire to please and oblige, alwaysprocured for her. 

Ursula had often the gratification of seeing her sweet young ladiesemployed in the embroidery she had so industriously taught them for thebenefit of their indigent neighbours; and the faithful Gabriel enjoyedthe exquisite delight of knowing that his honoured young master andmistresses obtained the blessings of the poor, and the respect of therich. 

Thus these children of the old castle, whose lives began under suchunpromising auspices, and for whom I hope my young readers areexcessively interested, ended them as prosperously as mere human beingscan ever hope to do. They were happy because they were rational; andbeing rational, they felt well disposed to laugh heartily at all absurdstories about Fairies, Flower Baskets, and White Wands!

THE END. 

 BARNARD AND FARLEY, _Skinner-Street_, _London_. 

Transcriber's Note:

Spelling variations for choose/chuse, as well as archaic spellingfor controul and pourtrayed have been retained as the appear inthe original publication.