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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30129 ***
+
+[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 by
+The 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 loved
+him; he was just and the wicked feared him. His wife, the Queen
+Doucette, was also good, and much beloved.
+
+This happy pair had a daughter called the Princess Blondine, because of
+her superb fair hair, and she was as amiable and charming as her father
+the king and her mother the queen.
+
+Unfortunately, the poor queen died a short time after the birth of
+Blondine 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 not
+weep but continued to laugh, to play and to sleep peacefully. The king
+loved her tenderly and she loved him more than all the world. He gave
+his little daughter the most beautiful jewels, the finest bonbons, and
+the most rare and delicious fruits. Blondine was very happy.
+
+One day it was announced to the king, that all his subjects demanded
+that he should marry again in order to have a son who should reign after
+him. He refused at first but finally yielded to the pressing desires of
+his people and said to his minister Leger:--
+
+"My dear friend, my subjects wish me to marry again but my heart is so
+sad because of the death of my cherished queen Doucette that I cannot
+undertake the task of seeking another wife. Go, then, my good Leger and
+find me a princess who will make my sweet Blondine happy. Go; I ask for
+nothing more. When you have found a perfect woman, you will demand her
+hand in marriage and conduct her to my court."
+
+Leger set off immediately, visited many courts and saw innumerable
+princesses--ugly, humpbacked and wicked.
+
+At last he arrived at the kingdom of the monarch Turbulent, who had a
+lovely daughter, bright, winning and apparently good. Leger found her so
+charming, that he asked her hand in marriage for his king Benin, without
+sufficiently inquiring into her real character.
+
+[Illustration: _Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette_]
+
+Turbulent was enchanted at the prospect of getting rid of his daughter
+who was jealous, proud and wicked. Also, her presence often interfered
+with his excursions for pleasure, with the chase and with his various
+entertainments at the palace.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation, he acceded to the Prime Minister's
+request, and he returned with the princess to the kingdom of the good
+king Benin.
+
+The princess Fourbette was accompanied by four thousand mules, loaded
+with the jewels and wardrobe of the charming bride.
+
+King Benin had been apprised of their approach by a courier and went
+forward to receive the princess Fourbette. He found her beautiful but he
+noted the absence of the mild and attractive expression of the poor lost
+Doucette.
+
+When Fourbette's eyes fell upon Blondine her glance was so cruel, so
+wicked, that the poor child, who was now three years old, was greatly
+terrified and began to weep bitterly.
+
+"What is the matter?" said the king. "Why does my sweet and sensible
+Blondine weep like a bad little girl?"
+
+"Papa! dear papa!" cried Blondine, throwing herself into the arms of the
+king, "do not give me into the hands of this princess. I am afraid of
+her--her eyes are cruel!"
+
+The king was much surprised. He turned so suddenly towards the princess
+Fourbette that she had no time to control herself and he perceived the
+terrible glance with which she regarded the little Blondine.
+
+Benin immediately resolved that Blondine should be wholly separated from
+the new queen and remain as before under the exclusive protection of the
+nurse who had taken care of her and who loved her tenderly.
+
+The queen thus saw Blondine rarely, and when she met her by chance she
+could 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 the
+raven's wing.
+
+Brunette was pretty but not so lovely as Blondine; moreover she was as
+wicked as her mother. She detested Blondine and played all sorts of
+cruel tricks upon her, bit her, pinched her, pulled her hair, broke her
+toys and tore her beautiful dresses.
+
+The good little Blondine was never in a passion with her sister but
+always tried to make excuses for her conduct.
+
+"Oh, papa!" she said to the king, "do not scold Brunette; she is so
+little! 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 knew
+that Brunette was cruel and wicked; that Blondine was too gentle and
+good to accuse her. He loved Blondine, therefore, more and more from day
+to day and his heart grew cold to Brunette.
+
+The ambitious queen Fourbette saw all this clearly and hated intensely
+the innocent and gentle Blondine. If she had not feared the rage of the
+king she would have made Blondine the most wretched child in the world.
+
+Benin had commanded that Blondine should never be left alone with the
+queen. He was known to be just and good but he punished disobedience
+severely 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 by
+ostriches, and a little coachman ten years of age, who was the nephew of
+her 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 thousand
+acts of kindness.
+
+But Gourmandinet had one terrible fault; he was a gourmand--was so fond
+of dainties and sweet things, that for a paper of bonbons he would
+commit almost any wicked action. Blondine often said to him:
+
+"I love you dearly, Gourmandinet, but I do not love to see you so
+greedy. I entreat you to correct this villainous fault which will make
+you despised by all the world."
+
+Gourmandinet kissed her hand and promised to reform. But, alas! he
+continued to steal cakes from the kitchen and bonbons from the
+store-room. Often, indeed, he was whipped for his disobedience and
+gluttony.
+
+The queen Fourbette heard on every hand the reproaches lavished upon the
+page and she was cunning enough to think that she might make use of this
+weakness of Gourmandinet and thus get rid of poor Blondine.
+
+The garden in which Blondine drove in her little carriage, drawn by
+ostriches and guided by her little coachman, Gourmandinet, was separated
+by a grating from an immense and magnificent forest, called the Forest
+of Lilacs because during the whole year these lilacs were always covered
+with superb flowers.
+
+No one, however, entered these woods. It was well known that it was
+enchanted ground and that if you once entered there you could never hope
+to escape.
+
+Gourmandinet knew the terrible secret of this forest. He had been
+severely forbidden ever to drive the carriage of Blondine in that
+direction lest by some chance Blondine might pass the grating and place
+her little feet on the enchanted ground.
+
+Many times the king Benin had sought to build a wall the entire length
+of the grating or to secure it in some way so as to make an entrance
+there impossible. But the workmen had no sooner laid the foundation than
+some unknown and invisible power raised the stones and they disappeared
+from sight.
+
+The queen Fourbette now sought diligently to gain the friendship of
+Gourmandinet by giving him every day some delicious dainties. In this
+way she made him so complete a slave to his appetite that he could not
+live without the jellies, bonbons and cakes which she gave him in such
+profusion. At last she sent for him to come to her, and said:--
+
+"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself whether you shall have
+a large trunk full of bonbons and delicious dainties or never again eat
+one 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 you
+should 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. I
+shall 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 near
+to the Forest of Lilacs; that you encourage her to descend from the
+carriage, to cross the grating and enter the enchanted ground."
+
+"But, madam," replied Gourmandinet, turning very pale, "if the princess
+enters this forest she can never escape from it. You know the penalty of
+entering upon enchanted ground. To send my dear princess there is to
+give her up to certain death."
+
+"For the third and last time," said the queen, frowning fearfully, "I
+ask if you will take the princess to the forest? Choose! either an
+immense box of bonbons which I will renew every month or never again to
+taste the delicacies which you love."
+
+"But how shall I escape from the dreadful punishment which his majesty
+will inflict upon me?"
+
+"Do not be disquieted on that account. As soon as you have induced
+Blondine to enter the Forest of Lilacs, return to me. I will send you
+off out of danger with your bonbons, and I charge myself with your
+future fortune."
+
+"Oh! madam, have pity upon me. Do not compel me to lead my dear princess
+to destruction. She who has always been so good to me!"
+
+"You still hesitate, miserable coward! Of what importance is the fate of
+Blondine to you? When you have obeyed my commands I will see that you
+enter the service of Brunette and I declare to you solemnly that the
+bonbons shall never fail."
+
+Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments longer and, alas! at
+last resolved to sacrifice his good little mistress to his gluttony.
+
+The remainder of that day he still hesitated and he lay awake all night
+weeping bitter tears as he endeavored to discover some way to escape
+from the power of the wicked queen; but the certainty of the queen's
+bitter revenge if he refused to execute her cruel orders, and the hope
+of rescuing Blondine at some future day by seeking the aid of some
+powerful fairy, conquered his irresolution and decided him to obey the
+queen.
+
+In the morning at ten o'clock Blondine ordered her little carriage and
+entered it for a drive, after having embraced the king her father and
+promised him to return in two hours.
+
+The garden was immense. Gourmandinet, on starting, turned the ostriches
+away from the Forest of Lilacs. When, however, they were entirely out of
+sight of the palace, he changed his course and turned towards the
+grating which separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad and
+silent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience.
+
+"What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You say nothing Are you
+ill, Gourmandinet?"
+
+"No, my princess, I am well."
+
+"But how pale you are! Tell me what distresses you, poor boy, and I
+promise to do all in my power to make you happy."
+
+Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened the hard heart
+of Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the bonbons promised by the
+wicked queen, Fourbette, soon chased away his good resolutions. Before
+he had time to reply, the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest of
+Lilacs.
+
+"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how fragrant--how
+delicious! I must have a bouquet of those beautiful flowers for my good
+papa. Get down, Gourmandinet and bring me some of those superb
+branches."
+
+"I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might run away with you
+during my absence."
+
+"Do not fear," replied Blondine; "I could guide them myself to the
+palace."
+
+"But the king would give me a terrible scolding for having abandoned
+you, 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 poor
+Gourmandinet."
+
+While saying these words she sprang lightly from the carriage, crossed
+the 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 was
+only ten steps from him,--although he saw her perfectly--she could not
+hear his voice, and in a short time she was lost to view in the
+enchanted forest.
+
+For a long time Gourmandinet wept over his crime, cursed his gluttony
+and despised the wicked queen Fourbette.
+
+At last he recalled to himself that the hour approached at which
+Blondine would be expected at the palace. He returned to the stables
+through the back entrance and ran at once to the queen, who was
+anxiously expecting him.
+
+On seeing him so deadly pale and his eyes inflamed from the tears of
+awful 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 the
+mules which had brought her jewelry.
+
+"I confide this box to Gourmandinet, in order that he may take it to my
+father," she said. "Go, boy, and return in a month for another." She
+placed in his hand at the same time a purse full of gold.
+
+Gourmandinet mounted the mule in perfect silence and set off in full
+gallop. The mule was obstinate and wilful and soon grew restive under
+the weight of the box and began to prance and kick. He did this so
+effectually that he threw Gourmandinet and his precious box of bonbons
+upon the ground.
+
+Gourmandinet, who had never ridden upon a horse or mule, fell heavily
+with 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 beautiful
+branches of lilacs. She rejoiced in their profusion and delighted in
+their fragrance.
+
+As she made her selection, it seemed to her that those which were more
+distant 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 to
+suffer from the heat and to feel great fatigue. She found the branches
+of lilacs heavy to carry and thought it was time to return to the
+palace. She looked around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. She
+called Gourmandinet but no one replied.
+
+"I have wandered further than I intended," said Blondine. "I will return
+at once, though I am very weary. Gourmandinet will hear me and will
+surely come to meet me."
+
+Blondine walked on rapidly for some time but she could not find the
+boundaries of the forest.
+
+Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandinet but he did not respond
+and at last she became terribly frightened.
+
+"What will become of me, all alone in this vast forest? What will my
+poor papa think when I do not return? And Gourmandinet, how will he dare
+go back to the palace without me? He will be scolded, perhaps beaten and
+all 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 this
+forest if the wolves do not eat me up this night."
+
+Weeping bitterly, Blondine fell on the ground at the foot of a large
+tree. She wept a long time. At last her great fatigue mastered her
+grief. She placed her little head upon her bundle of lilacs, and slept
+peacefully.
+
+
+
+
+BLONDINE'S AWAKENING--BEAU-MINON
+
+
+Blondine slept calmly all night; no ferocious beast came to trouble her
+slumbers. She did not suffer from the cold and awakened at a late hour
+in the morning. She rubbed her eyes, much surprised to see herself
+surrounded 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. Astonished
+and almost frightened, she looked around and saw at her feet a superb
+white cat, looking gently upon her and continuing to mew plaintively.
+
+"Ah! pretty puss! how beautiful you are!" cried Blondine, placing her
+little hand caressingly upon the soft fur, white as snow. "I am so happy
+to see you, pretty puss, for you will conduct me to your home. I am
+indeed very hungry and I have not the strength to walk much further
+without food."
+
+Blondine had scarcely uttered these words, when the white pussy mewed
+again 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 it
+contained bread and butter which she found delicious. She gave the
+crumbs to pussy, who munched them with seeming delight.
+
+When they had finished their simple meal, Blondine leaned over towards
+her little companion, and said, caressingly:
+
+"Thanks, pretty puss, for the breakfast you have given me. Now, can you
+conduct me to my papa, who is certainly in despair because of my
+absence?"
+
+Pussy, whom Blondine named Beau-Minon, shook her head and mewed
+plaintively.
+
+"Ah! you understand me, Beau-Minon," said Blondine. "I entreat you to
+have 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 her
+little graceful white head which seemed to say, "I understand you." She
+rose, advanced a few steps and paused to see if Blondine followed her.
+
+"I am here, Beau-Minon; I am following you gladly," said Blondine; "but
+how can we pass through these bushy thickets? I see no path."
+
+Beau-Minon made no reply but sprang lightly into the thicket which
+opened of itself to allow Blondine and Beau-Minon to pass, and then
+closed up immediately.
+
+Blondine walked on for about half an hour. As she advanced, the forest
+became lighter, the grass was finer and the flowers more abundant. She
+saw 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 and
+see her dear father again, was enchanted with all that she saw; she
+wished to pause and gather the lovely wild flowers; but Beau-Minon
+advanced steadily and mewed plaintively whenever Blondine relaxed her
+speed.
+
+In about an hour Blondine perceived an elegant castle. Beau-Minon led
+her to the gilded grating. However, Blondine did not know how to enter.
+There was no bell and the gate was closed. Beau-Minon had disappeared
+and Blondine was once more alone.
+
+
+
+
+BONNE-BICHE
+
+
+Beau-Minon had entered by a little passage, which seemed made expressly
+for him and had probably given notice to some one at the castle, as the
+gate 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 vestibule
+which was of rare white marble. All the doors of the castle now opened
+like the first and the princess passed through a suite of beautiful
+rooms.
+
+At last, in the back part of a charming salon, furnished with blue and
+gold, she perceived a white hind, lying upon a bed of fine and fragrant
+grasses. 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 I
+have expected you for a long time."
+
+At these words, Blondine was much frightened.
+
+"Take courage, princess; you are with friends. I know the king your
+father and I love him and I love you also."
+
+"Oh, madam," said Blondine, "if you know the king my father, I pray you
+to 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 the
+hands of the magician of the Forest of Lilacs. I myself am subject to
+his power which is superior to mine but I can send soft dreams to your
+father, which will reassure him as to your fate and let him know that
+you are safe with me."
+
+"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, in an agony of grief, "shall I never again
+see my father whom I love so tenderly? My poor father!"
+
+"Dear Blondine, do not distress yourself as to the future. Wisdom and
+prudence are always recompensed. You will see your father again but not
+now. In the meantime be good and docile. Beau-Minon and I will do all in
+our power to make you happy."
+
+Blondine sighed heavily and shed a few tears. She then reflected that to
+manifest such grief was a poor recompense for all the goodness of
+Bonne-Biche. She resolved, therefore, to control herself and to be
+cheerful.
+
+Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they had prepared for her. The
+bedroom was hung with rose-colored silk embroidered with gold. The
+furniture was covered with white velvet worked with silks of the most
+brilliant hues. Every species of animal, bird and butterfly were
+represented in rare embroidery.
+
+Adjoining Blondine's chamber was a small study. It was hung with
+sky-blue damask, embroidered with fine pearls. The furniture was covered
+with silver moiré, adorned with nails of turquoise. Two magnificent
+portraits, representing a young and superbly handsome woman and a
+strikingly attractive young man, hung on the walls. Their costumes
+indicated 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 know
+later;--but this is the hour for dinner. Come, Blondine, I am sure you
+are hungry."
+
+Blondine was in fact almost dying of hunger. She followed Bonne-Biche
+and they entered the dining-room where she saw a table strangely served.
+
+An enormous cushion of black satin was placed on the floor for
+Bonne-Biche. On the table before her was a vase filled with the choicest
+herbs, 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 him
+was a little porringer in gold, filled with little fried fish and the
+thighs of snipes. At one side was a bowl of rich crystal full of fresh
+milk.
+
+Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was placed for Blondine. Her
+chair was of carved ivory covered with crimson velvet attached with
+nails of diamonds. Before her was a gold plate richly chased, filled
+with delicious soup made of a young pullet and fig-birds, her glass and
+water-bottle were of carved rock-crystal, a muffin was placed by her
+side, her fork and spoon were of gold and her napkin was of linen, finer
+than anything she had ever seen.
+
+The table was served by gazelles who were marvellously adroit. They
+waited, carved and even divined the wishes of Blondine, Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon. The dinner was exquisite--the chicken was splendid, the game
+and fish most delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine was
+hungry so she ate of all and found all excellent.
+
+After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted the princess into the
+garden. 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 agreed
+joyfully.
+
+Blondine entered her chamber and found two gazelles waiting to attend
+her. They disrobed her with grace and adroitness, placed her in bed and
+seated themselves by her couch to watch over her.
+
+Blondine was soon peacefully asleep--not, however, without having first
+thought of her father and wept bitterly over her cruel separation from
+him.
+
+
+
+
+BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING
+
+
+Blondine slept profoundly, and on awaking she found herself entirely
+changed. Indeed, it seemed to her she could not be the same person. She
+was much taller, her intellect was developed, her knowledge enlarged.
+She remembered a number of books she thought she had read during her
+sleep. She was sure she had been writing, drawing, singing and playing
+on the piano and harp.
+
+She looked around, however, and knew that the chamber was the same to
+which 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 she
+was much grown and she found herself charming, a hundred times more
+beautiful than when she retired the night before. Her fair ringlets fell
+to her feet, her complexion was like the lily and the rose, her eyes
+celestial blue, her nose beautifully formed, her cheeks rosy as the
+morn, and her form was erect and graceful. In short, Blondine thought
+herself the most beautiful person she had ever seen.
+
+Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily and ran to
+seek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the apartment where she had first
+seen her.
+
+"Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat you to explain to
+me the change which I see and feel in myself. Last night I went to sleep
+a child--I awoke this morning, and found myself a young lady. Is this an
+illusion or have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?"
+
+"Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day. But you have
+slept peacefully seven years. My son Beau-Minon and I wished to spare
+you the weariness of all early studies. When you first entered the
+castle you knew nothing; not even how to read. I put you to sleep for
+seven years, and Beau-Minon and I have passed this time in instructing
+you during your sleep. I see by the wonder expressed in your eyes, sweet
+princess, that you doubt all this. Come into your study and reassure
+yourself on this point."
+
+Blondine followed Bonne-Biche to the little room. She ran first to the
+piano, commenced playing and found that she played remarkably well. She
+then tried the harp and drew from it the most ravishing sounds, and she
+sang enchantingly.
+
+She took her pencil and brushes and drew and painted with a facility
+which denoted a true talent. She wrote and found her handwriting clear
+and elegant. She looked at the countless books which were ranged round
+the 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 you
+for having thus watched over my childhood and developed my intellect and
+my heart. I feel how much I am improved in every respect and I owe it
+all to you."
+
+Bonne-Biche returned her caresses and Beau-Minon patted her hand
+delicately. After the first few happy moments had passed, Blondine cast
+down her eyes and said timidly:
+
+"Do not think me ungrateful, my dear good friends, if I wish you to add
+one more to the benefits you have already conferred upon me. Tell me
+something of my father. Does he still weep my absence? Is he happy since
+he lost me?"
+
+"Dear Blondine, your anxiety on this point is most natural and shall be
+relieved. Look in this mirror, Blondine, and you shall see the king
+your 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 of
+her father. The king seemed much agitated and was walking backwards and
+forwards. He appeared to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette,
+entered and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances of
+Gourmandinet, Blondine had herself seized the reins and guided the
+ostriches who becoming frightened dashed off in the direction of the
+Forest of Lilacs and overturned the carriage. Blondine was thrown over
+the grating which bounded the forest. She stated that Gourmandinet had
+become insane from terror and grief and she had sent him home to his
+parents. The king was in wild despair at this news. He ran to the Forest
+of Lilacs and he had to be withheld by force from throwing himself
+across the boundary in order to search for his cherished Blondine. They
+carried him to the palace where he yielded to the most frightful sorrow
+and despair, calling unceasingly upon his dear Blondine, his beloved
+child. At last, overcome by grief, he slept and saw in a dream Blondine
+in the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. Bonne-Biche gave him the
+sweet assurance that Blondine should one day be restored to him and that
+her childhood should be calm and happy.
+
+The mirror now became misty and everything disappeared, then again clear
+as crystal and Blondine saw her father a second time. He had become
+old, his hair was white as snow and his countenance was sad. He held in
+his hand a little portrait of Blondine, his tears fell upon it and he
+pressed it often to his lips. The king was alone. Blondine saw neither
+the 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, my
+princess, that your father's heart was filled with hatred and suspicion
+towards her and he sent her back to the king Turbulent, her father, who
+confined her in a tower, where she soon died of rage and anger. All the
+world supposed you to be dead. As to your sister Brunette, she became so
+wicked, so insupportable, that the king hastened to give her in marriage
+last year to the prince Violent, who charged himself with the duty of
+reforming the character of the cruel and envious princess Brunette. The
+prince was stern and harsh. Brunette saw that her wicked heart prevented
+her from being happy and she commenced trying to correct her faults. You
+will see her again some day, dear Blondine and your example may complete
+her reformation."
+
+Blondine thanked Bonne-Biche tenderly for all these details. Her heart
+prompted her to ask, "But when shall I see my father and sister?" But
+she feared to appear ungrateful and too anxious to leave the castle of
+her good friends. She resolved then to await another more suitable
+opportunity 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 but
+Bonne-Biche and she was only with her during the hours of lessons and
+repasts. Beau-Minon could not converse and could only make himself
+understood by signs. The gazelles served Blondine with zeal and
+intelligence but they had not the gift of speech.
+
+Blondine walked every day, always accompanied by Beau-Minon, who pointed
+out to her the most lovely and sequestered paths and the rarest and
+richest flowers.
+
+Bonne-Biche had made Blondine promise solemnly never to leave the
+enclosure of the park and never to enter the forest. Many times Blondine
+had asked Bonne-Biche the reason of this prohibition. Sighing
+profoundly, 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 eminence
+near the boundary of the forest. She looked admiringly and longingly at
+the magnificent trees, the lovely and fragrant flowers, the thousand
+graceful birds flying and singing and seeming to call her name.
+
+"Alas!" said she, "why will not Bonne-Biche allow me to walk in this
+beautiful forest? What possible danger can I encounter in that lovely
+place and under her protection?"
+
+Whenever she was lost in these reflections, Beau-Minon, who seemed to
+comprehend what was passing in her heart, mewed plaintively, pulled her
+robe and tried to draw her from the pavilion.
+
+Blondine smiled sweetly, followed her gentle companion and recommenced
+her 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 her
+dear father often saddened her heart.
+
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon seemed to divine her thoughts. Beau-Minon
+mewed plaintively, and Bonne-Biche heaved the most profound sighs.
+Blondine spoke but rarely of that which occupied her thoughts
+continually. She feared to offend Bonne-Biche, who had said to her three
+or four times:
+
+"Dear Blondine, be patient. You will see your father when you are
+fifteen, if you continue wise and good. Trust me, dear child; do not
+trouble yourself about the future and above all do not seek to leave
+us."
+
+One morning Blondine was alone and very sad. She was musing upon her
+singular and monotonous existence. Suddenly she was disturbed in her
+reverie by three soft little strokes upon her window. Raising her head,
+she perceived a parrot with beautiful green plumage and throat and
+breast of bright orange.
+
+Surprised at the appearance of a bird entirely unknown to her, she
+opened 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 time
+of it, because you have no one to talk to. I have taken pity upon you
+and come to have a chat with you. But I pray you do not mention that you
+have 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 and
+only hates the wicked."
+
+"Blondine, listen! If you do not promise to conceal my visit from
+Bonne-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 opportunity
+to converse. You seem to me gay and witty. I do not doubt that you will
+amuse me much."
+
+Blondine listened with delight to the lively talk of the Parrot, who
+complimented extravagantly her beauty, her wit and her talents.
+
+Blondine was enchanted. In about an hour the Parrot flew away, promising
+to return the next day. In short, he returned every day and continued to
+compliment and amuse her.
+
+One morning he struck upon the window and said:
+
+"Blondine! Blondine! open the window, quickly! I bring you news of your
+father. But above all make no noise unless you want my throat cut."
+
+Blondine was overwhelmed with joy. She opened the window with alacrity
+and said: "Is it true, my beautiful Parrot, that you bring me news of my
+dear father? Speak quickly! What is he doing and how is he?"
+
+"Your father is well, Blondine, but he weeps your loss always. I have
+promised him to employ all my power to deliver you from your prison but
+I can do nothing without your assistance."
+
+"My prison!" said Blondine. "But you are ignorant of all the goodness
+which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon have shown me, of the pains they have
+lavished upon my education, of all their tenderness and forbearance.
+They will be enchanted to find a way of restoring me to my father. Come
+with me, beautiful Parrot and I will present you to Bonne-Biche. Come, I
+entreat 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 me
+because I have sometimes succeeded in rescuing their victims from them.
+You will never see your father again, Blondine, you will never leave
+this forest, unless you yourself shall break the charm which holds you
+here."
+
+"What charm?" said Blondine. "I know of no charm and what interest have
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in keeping me a prisoner?"
+
+"Is it not to their interest to enliven their solitude, Blondine? There
+is a talisman which can procure your release. It is a simple Rose,
+which, gathered by yourself, will deliver you from your exile and
+restore you to the arms of your fond father."
+
+"But there is not a single Rose in the garden. How then can I gather
+one?"
+
+"I will explain this to you another day, Blondine. Now I can tell you no
+more, as I hear Bonne-Biche coming. But to convince you of the virtues
+of the Rose, entreat Bonne-Biche to give you one and see what she will
+say. To-morrow--to-morrow, Blondine!"
+
+The Parrot flew away, well content to have scattered in Blondine's heart
+the first seeds of discontent and ingratitude.
+
+The Parrot had scarcely disappeared when Bonne-Biche entered. She
+appeared greatly agitated.
+
+"With whom have you been talking, Blondine?" looking suspiciously
+towards 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 her
+eyes.
+
+Blondine was also engaged in thought. The cunning words of the Parrot
+made her look upon the kindness of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in a
+totally 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 seven
+years, to dedicate seven years to a tiresome and ignorant little girl,
+in short, a hind lodged and served like a queen, could be no ordinary
+criminal; in place of cherishing a sentiment of gratitude for all that
+Bonne-Biche had done for her, Blondine, alas! believed blindly in the
+Parrot, the unknown bird of whose character and veracity she had no
+proof. She did not remember that the Parrot could have no possible
+motive for risking its life to render her a service. Blondine believed
+it though, implicitly, because of the flattery which the Parrot had
+lavished upon her. She did not even recall with gratitude the sweet and
+happy existence which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon had secured to her. She
+resolved to follow implicitly the counsels of the Parrot. During the
+course of the day she said to Bonne-Biche:--
+
+"Why, madam, do I not see among your flowers the most lovely and
+charming 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, which
+pierces all who touch it! Never speak to me of the Rose, Blondine. You
+cannot know what fatal danger this flower contains for you!"
+
+The expression of Bonne-Biche was so stern and severe that Blondine
+dared not question her further.
+
+The day passed away sadly enough. Bonne-Biche was unhappy and Beau-Minon
+very sad.
+
+Early in the morning, Blondine ran to her window and the Parrot entered
+the 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 by
+which you could obtain one of these charming flowers. Listen now to my
+counsel. You will leave this park and enter the forest. I will accompany
+you and I will conduct you to a garden where you will find the most
+beautiful Rose in the world!"
+
+"But how is it possible for me to leave the park? Beau-Minon always
+accompanies me in my walks."
+
+"Try to get rid of him," said the Parrot; "but if that is impossible, go
+in 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 separate
+you as far as possible from the Rose in order that you might not find
+the means to escape from her power."
+
+"But why does she wish to hold me captive? She is all-powerful and could
+surely find pleasures more acceptable than educating an ignorant child."
+
+"All this will be explained to you in the future, Blondine, when you
+will be in the arms of your father. Be firm! After breakfast, in some
+way get away from Beau-Minon and enter the forest. I will expect you
+there."
+
+Blondine promised, and closed the window, fearing that Bonne-Biche would
+surprise her.
+
+After breakfast, according to her usual custom, she entered the garden.
+Beau-Minon followed her in spite of some rude rebuffs which he received
+with 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 and
+enraged. She forgot herself so far as to strike Beau-Minon with her
+foot. When poor Beau-Minon received this humiliating blow, he uttered a
+cry of anguish and fled towards the palace. Blondine trembled and was on
+the point of recalling him, when a false shame arrested her. She walked
+on rapidly to the gate, opened it not without trembling and entered the
+forest. The Parrot joined her without delay.
+
+"Courage, Blondine! in one hour you will have the Rose and will see your
+father, who weeps for you."
+
+At these words, Blondine recovered her resolution which had begun to
+falter. She walked on in the path indicated by the Parrot, who flew
+before her from branch to branch. The forest, which had seemed so
+beautiful and attractive near the park of Bonne-Biche, became wilder and
+more entangled. Brambles and stones almost filled up the path, the sweet
+songs of the birds were no longer heard and the flowers had entirely
+disappeared. Blondine felt oppressed by an inexplicable restlessness.
+The Parrot pressed her eagerly to advance.
+
+"Quick, quick, Blondine! time flies! If Bonne-Biche perceives your
+absence you will never again see your father."
+
+Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms torn by the briers
+and her shoes in shreds, now declared that she would go no further when
+the Parrot exclaimed:--
+
+"We have arrived, Blondine. Look! that is the enclosure which separates
+us from the Rose."
+
+Blondine saw at a turn in the path a small enclosure, the gate of which
+was quickly opened by the Parrot. The soil was arid and stony but a
+magnificent, majestic rose-bush adorned with one Rose, which was more
+beautiful than all the roses of the world grew in the midst of this
+sterile spot.
+
+"Take it, Blondine!" said the parrot; "you deserve it--you have truly
+earned it!"
+
+Blondine seized the branch eagerly and in spite of the thorns which
+pierced her fingers cruelly, she tore it from the bush.
+
+The Rose was scarcely grasped firmly in her hand, when she heard a burst
+of mocking laughter. The Flower fell from her grasp, crying:--
+
+"Thanks, Blondine, for having delivered me from the prison in which
+Bonne-Biche held me captive. I am your evil genius! Now you belong to
+me!"
+
+"Ha! ha!" now exclaimed the Parrot. "Thanks, Blondine! I can now resume
+my form of magician. You have destroyed your friends for I am their
+mortal enemy!"
+
+Saying these cruel words, the Parrot and the Rose disappeared, leaving
+Blondine alone in the forest.
+
+
+
+
+REPENTANCE
+
+
+Blondine was stupefied! Her conduct now appeared to her in all its
+horror. She had shown a monstrous ingratitude towards the friends who
+had been so tenderly devoted to her--who had dedicated seven years to
+the care of her education. Would these kind friends ever receive her,
+ever pardon her? What would be her fate, if they should close their
+doors against her? And then, what did those awful words of the wicked
+Parrot signify: "You have caused the destruction of your friends"?
+
+Blondine turned round and wished to retrace her steps to the castle of
+Bonne-Biche. The briers and thorns tore her arms and face terribly. She
+continued however to force her way bravely through the thickets and
+after three hours of most painful walking she came before the castle of
+Bonne-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 saw
+only an appalling ruin--in place of the magnificent trees and rare
+flowers which surrounded it, only briers and thorns, nettles and
+thistles, could be seen. Terrified and most desolate, she tried to force
+her way in the midst of the ruins, to seek some knowledge of her kind
+friends. 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 friends
+by the basest ingratitude? Begone! do not insult their memory by your
+unwelcome presence!"
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried Blondine, "my poor friends, Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon, why can I not atone by my death for the sufferings I have
+caused them?" And she fell, sobbing piteously, upon the stones and
+nettles; her grief and her repentance were so excessive that she did not
+feel their sharp points in her tender flesh. She wept profusely a long
+time. At last she arose and looked about her, hoping to find some
+shelter 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 of
+hunger and thirst, if I can expiate my sins here upon the tomb of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"
+
+As she uttered these words, she heard a soft voice saying: "True
+repentance 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 bitter
+it may be, can never give me back the lives of my dear Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon!"
+
+"Courage, courage, Blondine! redeem your fault by your repentance and
+do not allow yourself to be utterly cast down by grief."
+
+The poor princess arose and left the scene of desolation. She followed a
+little path, where the large trees seemed to have rooted out the
+brambles and the earth was covered with moss. She was utterly exhausted
+with grief and fatigue and fell at the foot of a large tree, sobbing
+piteously.
+
+"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 will
+become 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 herb
+or fruit to appease her hunger and thirst. She saw nothing and her tears
+flowed freely. The sound of bells now somewhat dissipated her despairing
+thoughts. She saw a beautiful cow approaching her, gently and slowly. On
+arriving near her, the cow paused, bowed down, and showed her a silver
+porringer attached to her neck by a chain of beaten gold.
+
+Blondine was very grateful for this unexpected succor. She detached the
+porringer, milked the cow and drank the sweet milk with delight. The
+pretty, gentle cow signed to her to replace the porringer. Blondine
+obeyed, kissed her on the neck and said, sadly:--
+
+"Thanks, Blanchette, it is without doubt to my poor friends that I owe
+this sweet charity. Perhaps in another and better world they can see the
+repentance of their poor Blondine and wish to assist her in her
+frightful position."
+
+"A true repentance will obtain pardon for all faults," said a kind
+voice.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Blondine, "years of sorrow and weeping for my crimes
+would not suffice! I can never pardon myself!"
+
+In the mean time, night approached. Notwithstanding her anguish and
+repentance, Blondine began to reflect upon some means of securing
+herself from the ferocious wild beasts, whose terrible roars she already
+believed she heard in the distance. She saw some steps before her a kind
+of hut, formed by several trees growing near together and interlacing
+their branches. Bowing her head, she entered, and found that by
+carefully connecting some branches she could form a pretty and secure
+retreat. She employed the remainder of the day in arranging this little
+room and gathered a quantity of moss, with which she made herself a bed
+and pillow. She concealed the entrance to this little retreat by some
+broken branches and leaves and went to rest, utterly worn out with
+regret and fatigue.
+
+When Blondine awoke it was broad daylight. At first she could scarcely
+collect her thoughts and understand her position but the sad realities
+of her lot were soon apparent to her and she commenced weeping as
+before.
+
+Blondine was hungry, and she could not imagine how she was to secure
+food but soon she heard again the sound of the cow-bells. In a few
+moments, Blanchette stood near her. Blondine again loosened the
+porringer, drew the milk and drank till her hunger was appeased, then
+replaced the porringer and kissed Blanchette, hoping to see her again
+during the day. Every day--in the morning, at midday and in the
+evening--Blanchette came to offer Blondine her frugal repast.
+
+Blondine passed the time in tears for her poor friends, and bitter
+self-reproach for her crimes.
+
+"By my unpardonable disobedience," she said to herself, "I have caused
+the most terrible misfortunes, which it is not in my power to repair. I
+have not only lost my good and true friends but I am deprived of the
+only means of finding my father, my poor father, who perhaps still
+expects his Blondine, his most unhappy Blondine, condemned to live and
+die alone in this frightful forest where her evil genius reigns
+supreme."
+
+Blondine sought to amuse and employ herself in every possible way. Her
+little home was neatly arranged, and fresh moss and leaves composed her
+simple couch. She had tied some branches together and formed a seat and
+she made herself some needles and pins of the thorns and twisted some
+thread from the hemp which grew near her little hut, and with these
+implements she had mended the rents in her shoes.
+
+In this simple way Blondine lived for six months; her grief was always
+the same and it is just to say that it was not her sad and solitary life
+which made her unhappy but sincere regret for her fault. She would
+willingly have consented to pass her life in the forest if she could
+thus have brought to life Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISE
+
+
+One day Blondine was seated at the entrance of her hut, musing sadly as
+usual, thinking of her lost friends and of her father, when she saw
+before her an enormous Tortoise.
+
+"Blondine," said the Tortoise, "if you will place yourself under my
+protection, I will conduct you out of this forest."
+
+"And why, Madam Tortoise, should I seek to leave this forest? Here I
+caused 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 the
+ruins of their castle. The Parrot and the Toad assured me of their
+death. 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 would
+not have left me alone with the frightful despair of having caused their
+death."
+
+"But how do you know, Blondine, that this seeming neglect is not forced
+upon them? They may now be subjected to a power greater than their own.
+You know, Blondine, that a true repentance will obtain pardon for many
+crimes."
+
+"Ah! Madam Tortoise, if they still live, if you can give me news of
+them, if you can assure me that I need no longer reproach myself with
+their death, assure me that I shall one day see them again, there is no
+price which I will not gladly pay to merit this great happiness."
+
+"Blondine, I am not permitted to disclose to you the fate of your
+friends but if you have the courage to mount on my back, remain there
+for six months and not address a single question to me during the
+journey, I will conduct you to a place where all will be revealed."
+
+"I promise all that you ask, Madam Tortoise, provided I can only learn
+what has become of my friends."
+
+"Take care, Blondine! reflect well. Six months without descending from
+my back and without asking me a single question! When once you have
+accepted the conditions, when we have commenced our journey, if you have
+not the courage to endure to the end, you will remain eternally in the
+power of the enchanter, Perroquet, and his sister Rose and I cannot
+even continue to bestow upon you the little assistance to which you owe
+your life during the last six months."
+
+"Let us go, Madam Tortoise let us be off, immediately. I prefer to die
+of hunger and fatigue rather than of grief and uncertainty. Your words
+have brought hope to my poor heart, and I have courage to undertake even
+a more difficult journey than that of which you speak."
+
+"Let it be according to your wish, Blondine. Mount my back. Fear neither
+hunger nor thirst nor cold nor sunshine nor any accident during our long
+journey. As long as it lasts you shall not suffer from any
+inconvenience."
+
+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 that
+time she found herself on an arid plain which it required six weeks to
+cross. Then Blondine perceived a castle which reminded her of that of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They were a full month passing through the
+avenue to this castle.
+
+Blondine burned with impatience. Would she indeed learn the fate of her
+dear friends at the palace? In spite of her extreme anxiety, she dared
+not ask a single question. If she could have descended from the back of
+the Tortoise, ten minutes would have sufficed for her to reach the
+castle. But, alas! the Tortoise crept on slowly and Blondine remembered
+that she had been forbidden to alight or to utter a word. She resolved,
+therefore, to control her impatience. The Tortoise seemed rather to
+relax than to increase her speed. She consumed fourteen days still in
+passing through this avenue. They seemed fourteen centuries to Blondine.
+She never, however, lost sight of the castle or of the door. The place
+seemed deserted; she heard no noise, she saw no sign of life.
+
+At last, after twenty-four days' journey, the Tortoise paused, and said
+to Blondine:--
+
+"Now, princess, descend. By your courage and obedience you have earned
+the recompense I promised. Enter the little door which you see before
+you. The first person you will meet will be the fairy Bienveillante and
+she will make known to you the fate of your friends."
+
+Blondine sprang lightly to the earth. She had been immovable so long she
+feared her limbs would be cramped but on the contrary she was as light
+and active as when she had lived so happily with her dear Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon and ran joyously and gracefully gathering flowers and
+chasing butterflies.
+
+After having thanked the Tortoise most warmly she opened the door which
+had been pointed out to her and found herself before a young person
+clothed 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 several
+beautiful rooms and met many young girls clothed in white, like her
+guide. They looked at her as if they recognized her and smiled
+graciously.
+
+At last Blondine arrived in a room in every respect resembling that of
+Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs. The remembrances which this
+recalled were so painful that she did not perceive the disappearance of
+her fair young guide.
+
+Blondine gazed sadly at the furniture of the room. She saw but one piece
+which had not adorned the apartment of Bonne-Biche in the Forest of
+Lilacs. This was a wardrobe in gold and ivory, exquisitely carved. It
+was closed. Blondine felt herself drawn towards it in an inexplicable
+manner. She was gazing at it intently, not having indeed the power to
+turn 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 been
+assured that you could give me news of my dear, kind friends,
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. You know, madam, without doubt by what
+heedless disobedience I gave them up to destruction and that I wept for
+them a long time, believing them to be dead but the Tortoise, who
+conducted me here, has given me reason to hope I may one day see them
+again. Tell me, madam, tell me if they yet live and if I may dare hope
+for the happiness of rejoining them?"
+
+"Blondine", replied the fairy Bienveillante, sadly, "you are now about
+to know the fate of your friends, but no matter what you see or hear, do
+not lose courage or hope."
+
+Saying these words, she seized the trembling Blondine and conducted her
+in front of the wardrobe which had already so forcibly attracted her
+attention.
+
+"Blondine, here is the key to this wardrobe. Open it, and be brave!"
+
+She handed Blondine a gold key. With a trembling hand the princess
+opened the wardrobe. What was her anguish when she saw the skins of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon fastened to the wardrobe with diamond nails!
+At this terrible sight the unfortunate princess uttered a cry of horror
+and fell insensible at the feet of the fairy. At this moment the door
+opened 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 last
+punishment was indispensable to deliver her for ever from the yoke of
+the cruel genius of the Forest of Lilacs."
+
+The fairy Bienveillante now with her wand touched Blondine, who was
+immediately restored to consciousness but despairing and sobbing
+convulsively, 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! my
+cherished friends! I will join you soon in the land of shadows!"
+
+"Blondine! ever dear Blondine!" said the fairy, clasping her in her
+arms, "your friends live and love you tenderly. I am Bonne-Biche and
+this is my son, Beau-Minon. The wicked genius of the Forest of Lilacs,
+taking advantage of the negligence of my son, obtained dominion over us
+and forced us into the forms under which you have known us. We could not
+resume our natural appearance unless you should pluck the Rose, which I,
+knowing it to be your evil genius, retained captive. I placed it as far
+as possible from the castle in order to withdraw it from your view. I
+knew the misfortune to which you would be exposed on delivering your
+evil genius from his prison and Heaven is my witness, that my son and I
+would willingly have remained a Hind and a Cat for ever in your eyes in
+order to spare you the cruel tortures to which you have been subjected.
+The Parrot gained you over, in spite of all our precautions. You know
+the rest, my dear child. But you can never know all that we have
+suffered in witnessing your tears and your desolation."
+
+Blondine embraced the Fairy ardently and addressed a thousand questions
+to 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 who
+accompanied you. They also were changed when the evil genius gained his
+power 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 this
+light 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 and
+your grief, deprived the Evil Genius of the Forest of all power over us
+on condition of obtaining from you one last proof of submission,
+compelling you to take this long and fatiguing journey and inflicting
+the terrible punishment of making you believe that my son and I had died
+from your imprudence. I implored, entreated the Queen of the Fairies to
+spare you at least this last anguish but she was inflexible."
+
+Blondine gazed at her lost friends, listened eagerly to every word and
+did not cease to embrace those she had feared were eternally separated
+from her by death. The remembrance of her dear father now presented
+itself. The prince Parfait understood her secret desire and made it
+known to his mother, the fairy Bienveillante.
+
+"Prepare yourself, dear Blondine, to see your father. Informed by me, he
+now 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 Parfait
+at her feet, regarding her kindly and tenderly. The chariot was drawn by
+four swans of dazzling whiteness. They flew with such rapidity, that
+five minutes brought them to the palace of King Benin. All the court was
+assembled about the king, all were expecting the princess Blondine.
+
+When the chariot appeared, the cries of joy and welcome were so
+tumultuous that the swans were confused and almost lost their way.
+Prince Parfait, who guided them, succeeded in arresting their attention
+and the chariot drew up at the foot of the grand stairway. King Benin
+sprang towards Blondine who, jumping lightly from the chariot, threw
+herself in her father's arms. They remained a long time in this position
+and everybody wept tears of joy.
+
+When King Benin had somewhat recovered himself he kissed, respectfully
+and tenderly, the hand of the good fairy who, after having protected and
+educated the princess Blondine had now restored her to him. He embraced
+the prince Parfait whom he found most charming.
+
+There were eight resplendent gala days in honor of the return of
+Blondine. At the close of this gay festival, the fairy Bienveillante
+announced her intention of returning home. But Prince Parfait and
+Blondine were so melancholy at the prospect of this separation that King
+Benin resolved they should never quit the place. He wedded the fairy and
+Blondine became the happy wife of Prince Parfait who was always for her
+the Beau-Minon of the Forest of Lilacs.
+
+Brunette, whose character had entirely changed, came often to see
+Blondine. Prince Violent, her husband, became more amiable as Brunette
+became more gentle and they were very happy.
+
+As to Blondine, she had no misfortunes, no griefs. She had lovely
+daughters, who resembled her, and good and handsome sons, the image of
+their manly father, Prince Parfait. Everybody loved them and every one
+connected 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 son
+Henry. She loved him tenderly and she had good reason to do so, for no
+one had ever seen a more charming child. Although he was but seven years
+old, he kept the house while his good mother labored diligently and then
+left home to sell her work and buy food for herself and her little
+Henry. He swept, he washed the floor, he cooked, he dug and cultivated
+the garden and when all this was done he seated himself to mend his
+clothes 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 very
+lonesome. In front of their dwelling there was a lofty mountain so high
+that no one had ever ascended to its summit, and besides it was
+surrounded by a rushing torrent, by high walls and insurmountable
+precipices.
+
+The mother and her little boy were happy but alas! one day the poor
+mother fell sick. They knew no doctor and besides they had no money to
+pay for one. Poor Henry did not know how to cure her. He brought her
+fresh cool water for he had nothing else to give her, he stayed by her
+night and day and ate his little morsel of dry bread at the foot of her
+bed. When she slept he looked at her sadly and wept. The sickness
+increased from day to day and at last the poor woman was almost in a
+dying condition. She could neither speak nor swallow and she no longer
+knew her little Henry, who was sobbing on his knees near her bed. In his
+despair, he cried out:
+
+"Fairy Bienfaisante, come to my help! Save my mother!"
+
+Henry had scarcely pronounced these words, when a window opened and a
+lady 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 his
+hands, "if you are the fairy Bienfaisante, save my poor mother who is
+about to die and leave me alone in the world."
+
+The good fairy looked at Henry most compassionately and then, without
+saying a word, she approached the poor woman, bent over her, examined
+her attentively, breathed upon her and said:
+
+"It is not in my power, my poor child, to cure your mother; her life
+depends upon you alone, if you have the courage to undertake the journey
+I will point out to you."
+
+"Speak, madam! I entreat you to speak! there is nothing I will not
+undertake 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 the
+mountain that you see from this window. When you have obtained this
+plant, press its juice into the mouth of your mother and she will be
+immediately restored to health."
+
+"I will start out immediately, madam. But who will take care of my poor
+mother 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, your
+mother will need nothing before your return; she will remain precisely
+in the condition in which you leave her. But you must dare many dangers
+and endure many things before you pluck the plant of life. Great courage
+and great perseverance are necessary on your part."
+
+"I fear nothing, madam, my courage and perseverance shall not fail. Tell
+me only how I shall know this plant amongst all the others which cover
+the top of the mountain."
+
+"When you reach the summit, call the doctor who has charge of this
+plant, inform him that I have sent you and he will give you a branch of
+the plant of life."
+
+Henry kissed the good fairy's hands and thanked her heartily, took a
+sorrowful leave of his mother, covering her with kisses, put some bread
+in his pocket and set out, after saluting the fairy respectfully.
+
+The fairy smiled encouragingly at this poor child who so bravely
+resolved to ascend a mountain so dangerous that none of those who had
+attempted it had ever reached the summit.
+
+
+
+
+THE CROW, THE COCK, AND THE FROG
+
+
+Little Henry marched resolutely to the mountain which he found much more
+distant than it had appeared to him. Instead of arriving in a half hour
+as he had expected, he walked rapidly the whole day without reaching its
+base.
+
+About one-third of the way he saw a Crow which was caught by the claw in
+a snare which some wicked boy had set for him. The poor Crow sought in
+vain to release himself from this trap which caused him cruel
+sufferings. Henry ran to him, cut the cord which bound him and set him
+at 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 his
+speed.
+
+Some time afterwards while he was resting in a grove and eating a morsel
+of bread, he saw a Cock followed by a fox and about to be taken by him
+in spite of his efforts to escape. The poor frightened Cock passed very
+near to Henry, who seized it adroitly, and hid it under his coat without
+the fox having seen him. The fox continued his pursuit, supposing that
+the Cock was before him. Henry did not move till he was entirely out of
+sight. 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 had
+advanced a considerable distance he saw a poor Frog about to be devoured
+by a serpent. The Frog trembled and, paralyzed by fear, could not move.
+The serpent advanced rapidly, its horrid mouth open. Henry seized a
+large stone and threw it so adroitly that it entered the serpent's
+throat the moment it was about to devour the Frog. The frightened Frog
+leaped 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 now
+astonished 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 was
+greatly 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 he
+paused 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 a
+boat."
+
+Henry followed the course of the river which flowed entirely around the
+mountain but everywhere it was equally wide and deep and he saw neither
+bridge nor boat. Poor Henry seated himself on the bank of the river,
+weeping bitterly.
+
+"Fairy Bienfaisante! Fairy Bienfaisante! come to my help," he
+exclaimed. "Of what use will it be to me to know that there is a plant
+at 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 on
+the borders of the river, and said to him:
+
+"The fairy Bienfaisante can do nothing for you. This mountain is beyond
+her control. But you have saved my life and I wish to prove my
+gratitude. Mount my back, Henry, and by the faith of a Cock I will take
+you safe to the other side."
+
+Henry did not hesitate. He sprang on the Cock's back, fully expecting to
+fall into the water but his clothes were not even moist. The Cock
+received him so adroitly on his back that he felt as secure as if he had
+been on horseback. He held on firmly to the crest of the Cock who now
+commenced the passage.
+
+The river was so wide that he was flying constantly twenty-one days
+before he reached the other shore; but during these twenty-one days
+Henry was not sleepy and felt neither hunger nor thirst.
+
+When they arrived, Henry thanked the Cock most politely, who graciously
+bristled his feathers and disappeared. A moment after this Henry turned
+and to his astonishment the river was no longer to be seen.
+
+"It was without doubt the genius of the mountain who wished to prevent
+my approach," said Henry. "But, with the help of the good fairy
+Bienfaisante, 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 he
+was no farther from the foot of the mountain and no nearer to the summit
+than he had been when he crossed the river. Any other child would have
+retraced his steps but the brave little Henry would not allow himself to
+be discouraged. Notwithstanding his extreme fatigue he walked on
+twenty-one days without seeming to make any advance. At the end of this
+time 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 on
+till I reach the summit."
+
+"You have then a great desire to arrive there, little boy?" said an old
+man, looking at him maliciously and standing just in his path. "What are
+you seeking at the top of this mountain?"
+
+"The plant of life, my good sir, to save the life of my dear mother who
+is about to die."
+
+The little old man shook his head, rested his little pointed chin on the
+top 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 of
+this mountain. I will allow you to advance on condition that you will
+gather all my wheat, that you will beat it out, make it into flour and
+then into bread. When you have gathered, beaten, ground and cooked it,
+then call me. You will find all the necessary implements in the ditch
+near you. The fields of wheat are before you and cover the mountain."
+
+The old man disappeared and Henry gazed in terror at the immense fields
+of wheat which were spread out before him. But he soon mastered this
+feeling of discouragement--took off his vest, seized a scythe and
+commenced cutting the wheat diligently. This occupied him a hundred and
+ninety-five days and nights.
+
+When the wheat was all cut, Henry commenced to beat it with a flail
+which he found at hand. This occupied him sixty days.
+
+When the grain was all beaten out he began to grind it in a mill which
+rose up suddenly near him. This occupied him seventy days.
+
+When the wheat was all ground he began to knead it and to cook it. He
+kneaded and cooked for a hundred and twenty days.
+
+As the bread was cooked he arranged it properly on shelves, like books
+in a library.
+
+When all was finished Henry was transported with joy and called the
+genius of the mountain who appeared immediately and counted four hundred
+and sixty-eight thousand three hundred and twenty-nine new loaves of
+bread. He bit and ate a little end off of two or three, drew near to
+Henry, 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 and
+said, maliciously:
+
+"When you return home, open this box and you will find in it the most
+delicious tobacco you have ever seen."
+
+Now Henry had never used tobacco and the present of the little genius
+seemed to him very useless but he was too polite to let this be seen and
+he 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 every
+step brought him nearer to the summit of the mountain. In three hours he
+had walked two-thirds of the way. But suddenly he found himself arrested
+by a very high wall which he had not perceived before. He walked around
+it, and found, after three days' diligent advance, that this wall
+surrounded the entire mountain and that there was no door, not the
+smallest opening by which he could enter.
+
+Henry seated himself on the ground, to reflect upon his situation. He
+resolved to wait patiently--he sat there forty-five days. At the end of
+this 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 crumbled
+away 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 seeking
+beyond my wall?"
+
+"I am seeking the plant of life, Master Giant, to cure my poor mother
+who is dying. If it is in your power and you will allow me to pass this
+wall, I will do anything for you that you may command."
+
+"Is it so? Well, listen! Your countenance pleases me. I am one of the
+genii of this mountain. I will allow you to pass this wall if you will
+fill my wine-cellar. Here are all my vines. Gather the grapes, crush
+them, put the juice in the casks and arrange them well in my
+wine-cellar. You will find all the implements necessary at the foot of
+this wall. When it is done, call me."
+
+The Giant disappeared, closing the wall behind him. Henry looked around
+him and as far as he could see, the vines of the Giant were growing
+luxuriously.
+
+"Well, well," said Henry to himself, "I cut all the wheat of the little
+old man--I can surely also gather the grapes of the big Giant. It will
+not take me so long and it will not be as difficult to make wine of
+these 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 his
+feet and began to cut the grapes and throw them into the vats. It took
+him thirty days to gather this crop. When all was finished, he
+crushed the grapes, poured the juice into the casks and ranged them in
+the cellar, which they completely filled. He was ninety days making the
+wine.
+
+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. It
+shall 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 this
+thistle."
+
+Henry did not think the Giant very generous but he received the thistle
+with an amiable smile.
+
+Then the Giant whistled so loudly that the mountain trembled and the
+wall and Giant disappeared entirely and Henry was enabled to continue
+his journey.
+
+
+
+
+THE CHASE
+
+
+Henry was within a half-hour's walk of the summit of the mountain when
+he reached a pit so wide that he could not possibly jump to the other
+side and so deep that it seemed bottomless. Henry did not lose courage,
+however. He followed the borders of the pit till he found himself where
+he started from and knew that this yawning pit surrounded the mountain.
+
+"Alas! what shall I do?" said poor Henry; "I scarcely overcome one
+obstacle when another more difficult seems to rise up before me. How
+shall I ever pass this pit?"
+
+The poor child felt for the first time that his eyes were filled with
+tears. He looked around for some means of passing over but saw no
+possible chance and seated himself sadly on the brink of the precipice.
+Suddenly he heard a terrible growl. He turned and saw within ten steps
+of him an enormous Wolf gazing at him with flaming eyes.
+
+"What are you seeking in my kingdom?" said the Wolf, in a threatening
+voice.
+
+"Master Wolf, I am seeking the plant of life which alone can save my
+dear mother who is about to die. If you will assist me to cross this
+pit, I will be your devoted servant and will obey any command you may
+give 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 the
+faith of the genius of the mountain, I will pass you over to the other
+side. You will find near this tree all the instruments necessary to
+catch 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 the
+ground, and began to shoot at the partridges, woodcocks, pheasants and
+game of all kinds which abounded there. But, alas! he did not understand
+it and killed nothing.
+
+During eight days he was shooting right and left in vain and was at last
+wearied and despairing, when he saw near him the Crow whose life he had
+saved in the commencement of his journey.
+
+"You rescued me from mortal danger," said the Crow, "and I told you I
+should see you again. I have come to redeem my promise. If you do not
+fulfil your promise to the Wolf, he will change you into some terrible
+wild beast. Follow me. I am going a-hunting and you have only to gather
+the game and cook it."
+
+Saying these words, the Crow flew above the trees of the forest and with
+his beak and his claws killed all the game to be found. In fact, during
+one hundred and fifty days he caught one million eight hundred and sixty
+thousand seven hundred and twenty-six animals and birds, squirrels,
+moor-cocks, pheasants, and quails. As the Crow killed them, Henry
+plucked the feathers, skinned them, cut them up and cooked them in
+roasts or pies. When all was cooked he arranged them neatly and then the
+Crow said to him:
+
+"Adieu, Henry. There remains one obstacle yet to overcome but in that
+difficulty I cannot aid you. But do not be discouraged. The good fairies
+protect filial love."
+
+Before Henry had time to thank the Crow, he had disappeared. He then
+called the Wolf and said to him:
+
+"Master Wolf, here is all the game of your forest. I have prepared it as
+you 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 shall
+not be said that you have worked for the Wolf of the mountain without
+receiving your reward."
+
+Saying these words, he gave Henry a staff which he cut in the forest and
+said to him:
+
+[Illustration: _Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back_]
+
+"When you have gathered the plant of life and wish yourself transported
+to 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 but
+he wished to be polite, and receiving it smilingly, he thanked the Wolf
+cordially.
+
+"Get on my back, Henry," said the Wolf.
+
+Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back and he made a bound so prodigious
+that 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 the
+garden in which the plant of life was growing and his heart bounded for
+joy. He looked always upward as he walked, and went on as rapidly as his
+strength would permit, when suddenly he fell into a hole. He sprang
+backwards, 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 to
+me," said Henry to himself. "Since I have overcome all my other
+difficulties with the help of the good fairy Bienfaisante, she will
+assist 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 patiently
+till it shall please her to assist me this time."
+
+On saying these words, Henry began to walk along the ditch, hoping to
+find the end. He walked on steadily two days and found himself at the
+end of that time just where he had started. Henry would not give way to
+distress, he would not be discouraged; he seated himself on the borders
+of the ditch and said:
+
+"I will not move from this spot till the genius of the mountain allows
+me to pass this ditch."
+
+Henry had just uttered these words when an enormous Cat appeared before
+him and began to mew so horribly that he was almost deafened by the
+sound. The Cat said to him:
+
+"What are you doing here? Do you not know that I could tear you to
+pieces with one stroke of my claws?"
+
+"I do not doubt your power, Mr. Cat, but you will not do so when you
+know that I am seeking the plant of life to save my poor mother who is
+dying. If you will permit me to pass your ditch, I will do anything in
+my power to please you."
+
+"Will you?" said the Cat. "Well, then, listen; your countenance pleases
+me. If, therefore, you will catch all the fish in this ditch and salt
+and cook them, I will pass you over to the other side, on the faith of a
+Cat!"
+
+Henry advanced some steps and saw lines, fish-hooks, bait, and nets on
+the ground. He took a net, and hoped that by one vigorous haul he would
+take many fish and that he would succeed much better than with a line
+and 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 net
+again and drew it very softly: still nothing!
+
+Henry was patient. For ten days he tried faithfully without having
+caught a single fish. Then he gave up the net and tried the hook and
+line. 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 the
+ditch. He tried diligently fifteen days and caught not a single fish. He
+knew not now what to do. He thought of the good fairy Bienfaisante, who
+had abandoned him at the end of his undertaking. He seated himself sadly
+and gazed intently at the ditch when suddenly the water began to boil
+and he saw the head of a Frog appear.
+
+"Henry," said the Frog, "you saved my life--I wish now to save yours in
+return. If you do not execute the orders of the Cat of the mountain he
+will eat you for his breakfast. You cannot catch the fish because the
+water is so deep and they take refuge at the bottom. But allow me to act
+for you. Light your fire for cooking and prepare your vessels for
+salting. I will bring you the fish."
+
+Saying these words, the Frog plunged back into the water. Henry saw that
+the waves were agitated and boiling up, as if a grand contest was going
+on at the bottom of the ditch. In a moment, however, the Frog
+reappeared, sprang ashore and deposited a superb salmon which he had
+caught. Henry had scarcely time to seize the salmon when the Frog leaped
+ashore with a carp. During sixty days the Frog continued his labors.
+Henry cooked the large fish and threw the little ones into the casks to
+be salted. Finally, at the end of two months, the Frog leaped towards
+Henry and said:
+
+"There is not now a single fish in the ditch. You can call the Cat of
+the mountain."
+
+Henry thanked the Frog heartily, who extended his wet foot towards him,
+in sign of friendship. Henry pressed it affectionately and gratefully
+and the Frog disappeared.
+
+It took Henry fifteen days to arrange properly all the large fish he had
+cooked and all the casks of small fish he had salted. He then called the
+Cat, who appeared immediately.
+
+"Mr. Cat," said Henry, "here are all your fish cooked and salted. Will
+you 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 cooked
+fish, licked his lips, smiled and said to Henry:
+
+"You are a brave boy! I will recompense your fortitude and patience. It
+shall never be said that the Cat of the mountain does not pay his
+servants."
+
+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 forehead
+with this claw. Sickness, suffering and old age will disappear. This
+miraculous claw will have the same virtue for all that you love and all
+who love you."
+
+Henry thanked the Cat most warmly, took the precious claw and wished to
+try its powers immediately, as he felt painfully weary. The claw had
+scarcely touched his brow when he felt as fresh and vigorous as if he
+had 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 the
+tail lengthen itself till it reached across the ditch.
+
+
+
+
+THE PLANT OF LIFE
+
+
+When he had saluted the Cat respectfully, Henry ran towards the garden
+of the plant of life, which was only a hundred steps from him. He
+trembled lest some new obstacle should retard him but he reached the
+garden lattice without any difficulty. He sought the gate and found it
+readily, as the garden was not large. But, alas! the garden was filled
+with innumerable plants utterly unknown to him and it was impossible to
+know how to distinguish the plant of life. Happily he remembered that
+the good fairy Bienfaisante had told him that when he reached the summit
+of the mountain he must call the Doctor who cultivated the garden of the
+fairies. He called him then with a loud voice. In a moment he heard a
+noise among the plants near him and saw issue from them a little man, no
+taller than a hearth brush. He had a book under his arm, spectacles on
+his 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 it
+possible that you have gained this summit?"
+
+"Doctor, I come from the fairy Bienfaisante, to ask the plant of life to
+cure my poor sick mother, who is about to die."
+
+"All those who come from the fairy Bienfaisante," said the little
+Doctor, raising his hat respectfully, "are most welcome. Come, my boy, I
+will give you the plant you seek."
+
+The Doctor then buried himself in the botanical garden where Henry had
+some trouble in following him, as he was so small as to disappear
+entirely among the plants. At last they arrived near a bush growing by
+itself. The Doctor drew a little pruning-knife from his pocket, cut a
+bunch and gave it to Henry, saying:
+
+"Take this and use it as the good fairy Bienfaisante directed but do not
+allow it to leave your hands. If you lay it down under any circumstances
+it will escape from you and you will never recover it."
+
+Henry was about to thank him but the little man had disappeared in the
+midst of his medicinal herbs, and he found himself alone.
+
+"What shall I do now in order to arrive quickly at home? If I encounter
+on 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 my
+dear 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 to
+carry me home."
+
+Saying this, he mounted the stick and wished himself at home. In the
+same moment he felt himself raised in the air, through which he passed
+with the rapidity of lightning and found himself almost instantly by his
+mother's bed.
+
+Henry sprang to his mother and embraced her tenderly. But she neither
+saw nor heard him. He lost no time, but pressed the plant of life upon
+her lips. At the same moment she opened her eyes, threw her arms around
+Henry's neck and exclaimed:
+
+"My child! my dear Henry! I have been very sick but now I feel almost
+well. I am hungry."
+
+Then, looking at him in amazement, she said: "How you have grown, my
+darling! 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 six
+days had passed away since he left his home. He was now nearly ten years
+old. Before he had time to answer, the window opened and the good fairy
+Bienfaisante appeared. She embraced Henry and, approaching the couch of
+his mother, related to her all that little Henry had done and suffered,
+the dangers he had dared, the fatigues he endured; the courage, the
+patience, the goodness he had manifested. Henry blushed on hearing
+himself thus praised by the fairy. His mother pressed him to her heart,
+and covered him with kisses. After the first moments of happiness and
+emotion had passed away, the fairy said:
+
+"Now, Henry, you can make use of the present of the little Old Man and
+the Giant of the mountain."
+
+Henry drew out his little box and opened it. Immediately there issued
+from it a crowd of little workmen, not larger than bees, who filled the
+room. They began to work with such promptitude that in a quarter of an
+hour they had built and furnished a beautiful house in the midst of a
+lovely garden with a thick wood on one side and a beautiful meadow on
+the other.
+
+"All this is yours, my brave Henry," said the fairy. "The Giant's
+thistle will obtain for you all that is necessary. The Wolf's staff will
+transport you where you wish. The Cat's claw will preserve your health
+and your youth and also that of your dear mother. Adieu, Henry! Be happy
+and never forget that virtue and filial love are always recompensed."
+
+Henry threw himself on his knees before the fairy who gave him her hand
+to kiss, smiled upon him and disappeared.
+
+Henry's mother had a great desire to arise from her bed and admire her
+new house, her garden, her woods and her meadow. But, alas! she had no
+dress. During her first illness she had made Henry sell all that she
+possessed, as they were suffering for bread.
+
+"Alas! alas! my child, I cannot leave my bed. I have neither dresses nor
+shoes."
+
+"You shall have all those things, dear mother," exclaimed Henry.
+
+Drawing his thistle from his pocket, he smelled it while he wished for
+dresses, linen, shoes for his mother and himself and also for linen for
+the house. At the same moment the presses were filled with linen, his
+mother was dressed in a good and beautiful robe of merino and Henry
+completely clothed in blue cloth, with good, substantial shoes. They
+both uttered a cry of joy. His mother sprang from her bed to run through
+the house with Henry. Nothing was wanting. Everywhere the furniture was
+good and comfortable. The kitchen was filled with pots and kettles; but
+there was nothing in them.
+
+Henry again put his thistle to his nose and desired to have a good
+dinner served up.
+
+A table soon appeared, with good smoking soup, a splendid leg of lamb, a
+roasted pullet and good salad. They took seats at the table with the
+appetite of those who had not eaten for three years. The soup was soon
+swallowed, the leg of lamb entirely eaten, then the pullet, then the
+salad.
+
+When their hunger was thus appeased, the mother, aided by Henry, took
+off the cloth, washed and arranged all the dishes and then put the
+kitchen in perfect order. They then made up their beds with the sheets
+they found in the presses and went happily to bed, thanking God and the
+good fairy Bienfaisante. The mother also gave grateful thanks for her
+dear son Henry.
+
+They lived thus most happily, they wanted nothing--the thistle provided
+everything. 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 desire
+to leave it.
+
+Henry asked of his thistle only two cows, two good horses and the
+necessaries of life for every day. He wished for nothing superfluous,
+either in clothing or food and thus he preserved his thistle as long as
+he lived. It is not known when they died. It is supposed that the Queen
+of 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 eldest
+were twins--Orangine and Roussette--and their parents loved them very
+dearly. They were beautiful and intelligent, but they were not very
+good. In this they resembled the king and queen. The third princess was
+called Rosette and was three years younger than her sisters. She was as
+amiable as she was handsome, as good as she was beautiful.
+
+The fairy Puissante was Rosette's godmother and this made her two
+sisters, Orangine and Roussette, very jealous. They were angry because
+they also had not a fairy for their godmother.
+
+Some days after the birth of Rosette, the king and queen sent her to the
+country, on a farm, to be nursed. Rosette lived happily here for fifteen
+years without her parents coming once to see her. Every year they sent a
+small sum of money to the farmer to pay Rosette's expenses and asked
+some questions as to her health, but they never came to see her nor
+disturbed themselves about her education.
+
+Rosette would indeed have been very rude and ignorant if her good
+godmother, the fairy Puissante, had not sent her teachers and all that
+was necessary. In this way Rosette learned to read, to write, to keep
+accounts 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 amiable
+and the most excellent princess in the whole world. She had never
+disobeyed her nurse or godmother, and had therefore never been reproved.
+She did not regret her father and mother, as she did not know them and
+she did not desire any other home than the farm where she had been so
+happy.
+
+One day when Rosette was seated on a bench before the door, she saw a
+man arrive in a laced hat and coat; he approached her and asked if he
+could speak to the princess Rosette.
+
+"Yes, without doubt," answered the princess; "I am the princess
+Rosette."
+
+[Illustration: _She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat_]
+
+"Then, princess," said the man, respectfully taking off his hat, "be
+graciously pleased to receive this letter, which the king your father
+has 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 become
+acquainted with my father, mother and my sisters and then I will return
+to you."
+
+"But," said the nurse, shaking her head, "what dress will you wear, my
+poor child?"
+
+"My beautiful robe of white percale which I always wear on holidays, my
+dear nurse."
+
+"My poor little one, that robe is indeed very suitable for the country
+but would appear miserably poor at a party of kings and princes."
+
+"Of what consequence is all this, nurse? My father himself has said that
+no 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, whiten
+and smooth Rosette's white robe.
+
+The day before the king was to send for her, the nurse called her and
+said:
+
+"My dear child, here is your dress for the king's festival; be very
+careful with it as I shall not be there to whiten and smooth it for
+you."
+
+"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 of
+flowers for Rosette to wear in her hair. Just as she was about to close
+the trunk, the window opened violently and the fairy Puissante entered.
+
+"You are going, then, to your father's court, my dear Rosette?" said the
+fairy.
+
+"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 still
+open.
+
+The fairy smiled, drew a small bottle from her pocket and said: "I
+intend that my dear Rosette shall make a sensation by her dress. This is
+unworthy of her."
+
+The fairy opened the bottle, and threw some drops of the liquid it
+contained upon the robe, which became a coarse India rubber cloth; then
+a drop upon the cotton stockings, which changed into blue yarn; a third
+drop upon the bouquet, which became a hen's egg; a fourth upon the
+shoes, and they immediately changed into coarse felt.
+
+"In this manner," said she, with a gracious air, "do I wish my Rosette
+to appear. You must attire yourself in all this and, to complete your
+toilette, here is a necklace of nuts, a band for your hair of burrs, and
+bracelets of dried beans." She kissed Rosette who was completely
+stupefied. The fairy then disappeared and the nurse burst into tears.
+
+"Alas! it was not worth my while to give myself all the trouble of
+preparing this poor robe. Oh, my poor Rosette! Do not go to this
+festival. Pretend you are ill, my child."
+
+"No," said Rosette; "that would be to displease my godmother. I am sure
+that she does what is best for me. She is much wiser than I am. I will
+go and I will wear all that my godmother has brought me." And the good
+and obedient Rosette thought no more of her dress. She went to bed and
+slept tranquilly.
+
+She had scarce arranged her hair and dressed herself in the morning when
+the chariot of the fairy came for her. She embraced her nurse, took her
+little 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 ten
+leagues from the farm. When Rosette arrived, she was surprised to see
+that she had to descend in a little, dirty court-yard, where a page
+attended 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 will
+see her. In the mean time you can dress."
+
+Rosette followed the page, who led her through a long corridor, at the
+end of which was a narrow staircase. She ascended, slowly, after a long,
+long time arriving at another corridor where she entered the chamber
+destined for her. The queen had lodged Rosette in one of the servants'
+rooms. The little page placed Rosette's modest trunk in a corner and
+said, with an air of embarrassment,
+
+"Pardon me, princess, for having led you into this chamber, so unworthy
+of you. The queen has disposed of all the other apartments for her
+guests, the kings, queens, princes and princesses. There was no other
+room vacant and----"
+
+"Well, well," said Rosette, smiling, "I shall not blame you. Besides, I
+shall be very comfortable."
+
+"I will come for you, princess, to lead you to the king and queen at the
+proper hour."
+
+"I will be ready," said Rosette, "adieu, pretty page."
+
+Rosette now unpacked her trunk. Her heart was beating and swelling
+tumultuously. Sighing heavily, she drew out her robe of coarse cloth and
+the other articles of her toilette. Rosette was very adroit. She
+arranged her exquisite blonde hair most beautifully, with a pullet's
+feather and a band made of burrs. Her head-dress was indeed so charming
+that it made her a hundred times more lovely. When she had put on her
+shoes and stockings and her robe, what was her amazement to see that it
+was made of gold brocade, embroidered with rubies of marvellous beauty;
+her coarse heavy shoes were now white satin, adorned with buckles of one
+single ruby of wonderful splendour; her stockings were of silk and as
+fine as a spider's web; her necklace was of rubies surrounded with
+large diamonds; her bracelets of diamonds, the most splendid that had
+ever been seen.
+
+Rosette now ran to the glass and saw that the pullet's wing had become a
+magnificent locket and that the pendant was a carbuncle of such beauty
+and brilliancy that a fairy alone could possess it.
+
+Rosette, happy, delighted, exultant, danced around the little room and
+thanked her good godmother aloud for having tested her obedience and
+thus magnificently rewarded it.
+
+The page now knocked at the door, entered and started back, dazzled by
+the beauty of Rosette and the magnificence of her toilette. Rosette
+followed him. They descended the stairs, passed through many apartments
+and at last entered a suite of superb salons, filled with kings, queens
+and nobles. Every one who saw Rosette paused and turned to admire her.
+The modest princess, however, was ashamed to be thus gazed at and did
+not 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 who
+regarded her with a comic surprise.
+
+"Madam," said the king at last to her, "be graciously pleased to tell me
+your name. You are no doubt some great queen or still greater fairy
+whose unexpected presence is an honor and a happiness for us."
+
+"Sire," said Rosette, falling gracefully upon her knees, "I am neither
+a great queen nor a powerful fairy but your daughter Rosette, for whom
+you were kind enough to send."
+
+"Rosette!" exclaimed the queen; "Rosette clothed more magnificently than
+I have ever been! Who, then, miss, has given you all these beautiful
+things?"
+
+"My godmother, madam. Graciously permit me, madam, to kiss your hand and
+present 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 they
+drew back with terror, fearing that while embracing them Rosette would
+displace the red and white with which they were painted. Orangine
+covered herself with white to conceal her yellow skin and Roussette to
+hide her ugly freckles.
+
+Rosette was repulsed by her sisters but was soon surrounded by the
+ladies of the court and all the invited princes. As she conversed with
+ready grace and goodness and spoke several languages she charmed all
+those who approached her. Orangine and Roussette were frightfully
+jealous. The king and queen were furious for Rosette absorbed all
+attention; no one paid any attention to the sisters.
+
+At table the young prince Charmant, who was monarch of the most
+magnificent and beautiful of all the kingdoms of the earth and whom
+Orangine hoped to wed, placed himself by the side of Rosette and was
+completely absorbed in her during the repast.
+
+After dinner, Orangine and Roussette, in order to draw some attention
+towards themselves, sang a duet. They sang indeed admirably and
+accompanied themselves on the harp. Rosette who was truly good and
+wished her sister to love her, applauded them rapturously and
+complimented them on their talent.
+
+Orangine, in place of being touched by this generous sentiment and
+hoping to play her sister a malicious trick, now insisted upon her
+singing. Rosette for some time modestly refused. Her sisters, who
+supposed that she did not know how to sing, were insistent. The queen
+herself, desiring to humiliate poor Rosette, joined her entreaties to
+those of Orangine and Roussette and in fact commanded the young princess
+to sing.
+
+Rosette curtsied to the queen. "I obey, madam," said she.
+
+She took the harp and the enchanting grace of her position astonished
+her sisters. They would have been glad indeed to interrupt her when she
+commenced her prelude for they saw at a glance that her talent was much
+superior to theirs. But when, in a beautiful and melodious voice, she
+sang a romance, composed by herself on the happiness of being good and
+beloved there was an outbreak of admiration, the enthusiasm became
+general and her sisters almost fainted with jealousy and envy.
+
+Charmant was transported with admiration. He approached Rosette, his
+eyes 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, excused
+herself, saying she was fatigued. Prince Charmant, who had clear
+intellect and penetration, divined the true motive of her refusal and
+admired Rosette still more for her delicacy. The queen, irritated by the
+success of Rosette, terminated the party at an early hour and retired.
+
+Rosette returned to her little room and undressed herself. She removed
+her robe and her ornaments and put them in a superb case of ebony which
+she found in her room. Much to her surprise, she found in her little
+trunk the robe of coarse cloth, the pullet feather, the necklace of
+nuts, the burrs, the dry beans, the coarse shoes of felt and the blue
+yarn stockings. She would not allow herself, however, to be disquieted,
+certain that her good godmother would come to her assistance at the
+proper time. Rosette was indeed saddened by the coldness of her parents
+and the jealousy of her sisters; but, as she scarcely knew them, this
+painful impression was effaced by the remembrance of the Prince
+Charmant, who appeared so good and who had been so flattering in his
+attention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully and awoke late in the
+morning.
+
+
+
+
+FAMILY COUNCIL
+
+
+While Rosette was only occupied with smiling and pleasant thoughts, the
+king, the queen and the princesses Orangine and Roussette were choking
+with rage. They had all assembled in the queen's apartment.
+
+"This is too horrible," said the princesses. "Why did you send for this
+Rosette, who has such dazzling jewels and makes herself admired and
+sought after by all these foolish kings and princes? Was it to humiliate
+us, 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 by
+the order of the fairy Puissante I was compelled to write for her to
+come. Besides, I did not know that she was so beautiful and that----"
+
+"So beautiful!" interrupted the princesses. "Where do you find her so
+beautiful? She is indeed ugly and coarse. It is her magnificent attire
+alone which makes her admired. Why have you not given to us your most
+superb jewels and your richest robes? We have the air of young slovens
+by the side of this proud princess."
+
+"And where could I possibly have found jewels as magnificent as hers? I
+have none which would compare with them. It is her godmother, the fairy
+Puissante, who has lent her these jewels."
+
+"Why, then, did you summon a fairy to be the godmother of Rosette, when
+you gave to us only queens for our godmothers?"
+
+"It was not your father who called her," cried the queen. "The fairy
+Puissante herself, without being called, appeared to us and signified
+that 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 means
+of getting rid of Rosette and preventing Prince Charmant from seeing her
+again."
+
+"Nothing more easy than that," said the queen. "I will have her
+despoiled to-morrow of her rare jewels and her beautiful robes. I will
+order my servants to seize her and carry her back to the farm which she
+shall never leave again."
+
+The queen had scarcely uttered these words, when the fairy Puissante
+appeared with an angry and threatening air. "If you dare to touch
+Rosette," said she, with a thundering voice, "if you do not keep her at
+the palace, if she is not present at all the parties, you shall feel
+the terrible effects of my anger. You unworthy king and you heartless
+queen, you shall be changed into toads and you, odious daughters and
+sisters, shall become vipers. Dare now to touch Rosette!"
+
+Saying these words, she disappeared.
+
+The king, the queen and princesses were horribly frightened and
+separated without saying a single word but their hearts were filled with
+rage. The princesses slept but little and were yet more furious in the
+morning when they saw their eyes heavy and their features convulsed by
+evil 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 as
+unhappy and as despairing as the princesses and indeed they saw no
+remedy for their grief and disappointment.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL
+
+
+In the morning a coarse servant brought Rosette bread and milk and
+offered her services to dress her. Rosette, who did not wish this rude
+domestic to see the change in her dress, thanked her smilingly and
+replied that she was in the habit of arranging her hair and dressing
+herself. Rosette then began her toilette. When she had washed and combed
+her hair she wished to arrange it with the superb carbuncle she had worn
+the day before but she saw with surprise that the ebony case had
+disappeared and in its place was a small wooden trunk, upon which there
+lay 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 would
+come to her help at the proper time. She arranged her pullet wing in a
+different manner from that of the day before, put on her dress, her
+necklace, her shoes, her bracelets and then stood before the glass.
+
+When she saw her own reflection in the mirror she was amazed. She was
+attired in the richest and most splendid riding-suit of sky-blue velvet
+and pearl buttons as large as walnuts; her stockings were bordered with
+a wreath of pearls; her head-dress was a cap of sky-blue velvet with a
+long plume of dazzling whiteness, which floated down to her waist and
+was attached by a single pearl of unparalleled beauty and splendor. The
+boots were also of blue velvet embroidered in gold and pearls. Her
+bracelets and necklace also were of pearls, so large and so pure that a
+single one would have paid for the king's palace.
+
+At the moment when Rosette was about to leave her chamber to follow the
+page, a sweet voice whispered in her ear, "Rosette, do not mount any
+other horse than the one the prince Charmant will present you."
+
+She turned and saw no one; but she felt convinced that this counsel came
+from her good godmother.
+
+"Thanks, dear godmother," she said, in low tones. She felt a sweet kiss
+upon 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, allured
+all eyes and captivated all hearts.
+
+The prince Charmant, who was evidently expecting her, advanced to meet
+her, offered his arm and led her to the king and queen who received her
+with more coldness than the day before. Orangine and Roussette were
+bursting 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 this
+reception but the prince Charmant, seeing her distress, approached and
+asked permission to be her companion during the chase in the forest.
+
+"It will be a great pleasure to me," replied Rosette, who did not know
+how to dissimulate.
+
+"It seems to me," said he, "that I am your brother, so great is the
+affection which I feel for you, charming princess. Permit me to remain
+by 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 so
+worthy of the name he bears."
+
+Prince Charmant was enchanted by this gracious reply and,
+notwithstanding the malice of Orangine and Roussette, who tried in every
+possible way to attract him to themselves, he did not leave Rosette's
+side for a moment.
+
+After breakfast they descended to the court for a ride on horseback. A
+page advanced to Rosette, leading a splendid black horse, which could
+scarcely be held by the grooms, it was so wild and vicious.
+
+"You must not ride this horse, princess," said Prince Charmant, "it will
+certainly 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 no
+other horse than this," said the page. At this the prince exclaimed:
+
+"Dear princess, wait but for a moment; I myself will bring you a horse
+worthy 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 magnificent
+horse, white as snow. The saddle was of blue velvet, embroidered in
+pearls and the bridle was of gold and pearls. When Rosette wished to
+mount, the horse knelt down and rose quietly when she had placed herself
+in the saddle.
+
+Prince Charmant sprang lightly upon his beautiful steed Alezan and
+placed himself by the side of the princess Rosette. The king, the queen
+and the princesses, who had seen all this, were pale with rage but they
+dared say nothing for fear of the fairy Puissante.
+
+The king gave the signal to depart. Every lady had her attendant
+gentleman. Orangine and Roussette were obliged to content themselves
+with two insignificant princes who were neither so young nor so handsome
+as Prince Charmant. Orangine and Roussette were so sulky that even these
+princes declared they would never wed princesses so uninteresting.
+
+In place of following the chase, Prince Charmant and Rosette wandered in
+the beautiful shady walks of the forest, talking merrily and giving
+accounts of their past lives.
+
+"But," said Charmant, "if the king your father has not allowed you to
+reside in his palace, how is it that he has given you such beautiful
+jewels, worthy of a fairy?"
+
+"It is to my good godmother that I owe them," replied Rosette. And then
+she told Prince Charmant how she had been educated on a farm and that
+she was indebted to the fairy Puissante for everything that she knew and
+everything she valued. The fairy had watched over her education and
+granted her every wish of her heart.
+
+Charmant listened with a lively interest and a tender compassion. And
+now, in his turn, he told Rosette that he had been left an orphan at the
+age of seven years; that the fairy Puissante had presided over his
+education; that she had also sent him to the festivals given by the
+king, telling him he would find there the perfect woman he was seeking.
+
+"In short, I believe, dear Rosette, that I have found in you the
+charming and perfect creature of whom the fairy spoke. Deign, princess,
+to connect your life with mine and authorize me to demand your hand of
+your parents."
+
+"Before answering, dear prince, I must obtain permission of my godmother
+but you may be sure that I shall be very happy to pass my life with
+you."
+
+The morning thus passed away most agreeably for Rosette and Charmant and
+they returned to the palace to dress for dinner.
+
+Rosette entered her ugly garret and saw before her a magnificent box of
+rosewood, wide open. She undressed and as she removed her articles of
+clothing they arranged themselves in the box, which then closed firmly.
+She arranged her hair and dressed herself with her usual neatness and
+then 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 looked
+as if woven of the wings of butterflies. It was studded with diamonds as
+brilliant as stars. The hem of this robe, the corsage and the waist were
+trimmed with diamond fringe which sparkled like suns. Her hair was
+partly covered with a net of diamonds from which a tassel of immense
+diamonds fell to her shoulders. Every diamond was as large as a pear and
+was worth a kingdom. Her necklace and bracelets were so immense and so
+brilliant that you could not look at them fixedly without being
+blinded.
+
+The young princess thanked her godmother most tenderly and felt again
+upon her fair cheek the sweet kiss of the morning. She followed the page
+and entered the royal salon. Prince Charmant was awaiting her at the
+door, offered her his arm and conducted her to the apartment of the king
+and queen. Rosette advanced to salute them.
+
+Charmant saw with indignation the glances of rage and revenge which the
+king, queen and princesses cast upon poor Rosette. He remained by her
+side as he had done in the morning and was witness to the admiration
+which she inspired and the malice and envy of her sisters.
+
+Rosette was indeed sad to find herself the object of hatred to her
+father, mother and sisters. Charmant perceived her melancholy and asked
+the cause. She explained it to him frankly.
+
+"When, oh! when, my dear Rosette, will you permit me to ask your hand of
+your father? In my kingdom every one will love you and I more than all
+the rest."
+
+"To-morrow, dear prince, I will send you the reply of my godmother whom
+I shall question on the subject this evening."
+
+They were now summoned to dinner. Charmant placed himself at Rosette's
+side and they conversed in a most agreeable manner.
+
+After dinner the king gave orders for the ball to commence. Orangine and
+Roussette, who had taken lessons for ten years, danced well but without
+any peculiar grace. They believed that Rosette had never had any
+opportunity to dance and with a mocking, malicious air, they now
+announced to her that it was her turn.
+
+The modest Rosette hesitated and drew back because it was repugnant to
+her to show herself in public and attract the general regard. But the
+more she declined, the more her envious sisters insisted, hoping that
+she would at last suffer a real humiliation.
+
+The queen now interfered and sternly commanded Rosette to dance. Rosette
+rose at once to obey the queen. Charmant, seeing her embarrassment, said
+to 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. I
+accept you for my partner and hope that you will not have occasion to
+blush for your generosity."
+
+And now Rosette and Charmant commenced. A more animated, graceful and
+light dance was never seen. All present gazed at them with ever
+increasing admiration. Rosette was so superior in dancing to Orangine
+and Roussette, that they could scarcely suppress their rage. They wished
+to throw themselves upon the young princess, choke her and tear her
+diamonds from her. The king and queen, who had been watching them and
+divined their intention, stopped them, and whispered in their ears:
+
+"Remember the threats and power of the fairy Puissante! To-morrow shall
+be the last day."
+
+When the dance was concluded, the most rapturous applause resounded
+throughout the hall and every one entreated Charmant and Rosette to
+repeat the dance. As they felt no fatigue they did not wish to seem
+disobliging and executed a new dance, more graceful and attractive than
+the first.
+
+Orangine and Roussette could no longer control themselves. They were
+suffocating with rage, fainted and were carried from the room. They had
+become so marked by the passions of envy and rage that they had lost
+every vestige of beauty and no one had any sympathy for them, as all had
+seen their jealousy and wickedness.
+
+The applause and enthusiasm for Rosette and Charmant were so
+overpowering that they sought refuge in the garden. They walked side by
+side during the rest of the evening, and talked merrily and happily over
+their plans for the future, if the fairy Puissante would permit them to
+unite the smooth current of their lives. The diamonds of Rosette
+sparkled with such brilliancy that the alleys where they walked and the
+little groves where they seated themselves, seemed illuminated by a
+thousand stars. At last it was necessary to separate.
+
+[Illustration: _They walked side by side during the rest of the
+evening_]
+
+"To-morrow!" said Rosette, "to-morrow I hope to say, _yours eternally_."
+
+Rosette entered her little room. As she undressed, her clothing arranged
+itself as the day before in the case. This new case was of carved ivory
+and studded with turquoise nails. When Rosette had lain down peacefully
+upon 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 to
+Prince Charmant. Dictate my response, dear godmother. I will obey your
+command, no matter how painful it may be."
+
+"Say yes, my dear Rosette, to Prince Charmant," replied the soft voice
+of the fairy. "I myself arranged this marriage. It was to make you
+acquainted with Prince Charmant that I forced your father to invite you
+to this festival."
+
+Rosette thanked the kind fairy and slept the sleep of innocence, after
+having 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, and
+Orangine and Roussette, purple with rage, were quarrelling and disputing
+amongst themselves. Each was accusing the other of having brought about
+the triumph of Rosette and their own humiliating defeat. One last hope
+remained for them. In the morning there was to be a chariot race. Each
+chariot was to be drawn by two horses and driven by a lady. It was
+resolved 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 the
+queen, "as he had this morning in the case of the riding-horse. It is
+easy to find a horse for the saddle but it will be impossible for him to
+find a chariot ready for the course."
+
+The consoling thought that Rosette might be killed or grievously
+wounded and disfigured on the morrow brought peace to these four wicked
+beings. They retired and dreamed of the next best means of ridding
+themselves of Rosette if the chariot race failed. Orangine and Roussette
+slept but little so that in the morning they were still uglier and more
+unprepossessing than they had appeared the day before.
+
+Rosette, who had a tranquil conscience and contented heart, slept all
+night calmly. She had been much fatigued and did not wake till a late
+hour. Indeed, on rising she found she had scarcely time to dress. The
+coarse kitchen girl brought her a cup of milk and a piece of bread. This
+was by order of the queen who directed that she should be treated like a
+servant.
+
+Rosette was not difficult to please. She ate the coarse bread and milk
+with appetite and began to dress. The case of carved ivory had
+disappeared. She put on as usual her robe of coarse cloth, her pullet's
+wing, and all the rude ornaments she had brought from the farm and then
+looked at herself in the glass.
+
+She was attired in a riding habit of straw-colored satin, embroidered in
+front and at the hem with sapphires and emeralds. Her hat was of white
+velvet, ornamented with plumes of a thousand colors, taken from the
+plumage of the rarest birds and attached by a sapphire larger than an
+egg. On her neck was a chain of sapphires, at the end of which was a
+watch, the face of which was opal, the back a carved sapphire and the
+glass diamond. This watch was always going, was never out of order and
+never required to be wound up.
+
+Rosette heard her page at the door and followed him. On entering the
+salon she perceived Prince Charmant, who was awaiting her with the most
+lively impatience. He sprang forward to receive her, offered his arm and
+said with eagerness:--
+
+"Well, dear princess, what did the fairy say to you? What answer do you
+give me?"
+
+"That which my heart dictated, sweet prince. I consecrate my life to you
+as you have dedicated yours to me."
+
+"Thanks! a thousand times thanks, dear and bewitching Rosette. When may
+I 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 this
+very day. I cannot bear to see you subjected to the tyranny of your
+family 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 danger
+and during eight days from the setting of the sun this evening I cannot
+watch over her."
+
+Charmant trembled and repeated the fairy's words to Rosette, who replied
+that it was a warning they must not neglect as it undoubtedly came from
+the fairy Puissante.
+
+The princess now advanced to salute the king, the queen and her sisters
+but they neither looked at her nor spoke to her. She was however
+immediately surrounded by a crowd of kings and princes, each one of whom
+had himself proposed to ask her hand in marriage that evening but no one
+had an opportunity to speak to her as Charmant never left her side a
+single moment.
+
+After the repast they went down to get into the chariots. The kings and
+princes 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 reins
+and lifted her to the ground.
+
+"You shall not enter this chariot, princess. Look at these wild
+ungovernable horses."
+
+Rosette now saw that it took four men to hold each of the horses and
+that they were prancing and jumping alarmingly.
+
+At this instant a pretty little jockey, attired in a straw-colored satin
+vest, 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 two
+magnificent steeds with harness of straw-colored velvet ornamented with
+sapphires, drew up before the princess.
+
+Charmant scarcely knew whether to allow Rosette to mount this unknown
+chariot for he still feared some cunning wickedness of the king and
+queen. But the voice of the fairy sounded in his ear:--
+
+"Allow Rosette to ascend the chariot; these horses are a present from
+me. Follow them wherever they may take Rosette. The day is advancing. I
+have but a few hours left in which I can be of service to Rosette and
+she must be safe in your kingdom before the day closes."
+
+Charmant assisted Rosette to ascend the chariot and sprang upon his
+horse. A few moments afterwards, two chariots driven by veiled women
+advanced in front of Rosette. One of them dashed her chariot with such
+violence against that of Rosette, that the little chariot of
+mother-of-pearl would inevitably have been crushed had it not been
+constructed by fairies. The heavy and massive chariot was dashed to
+pieces instead of Rosette's. The veiled woman was thrown upon the
+stones, where she remained immovable whilst Rosette, who had recognized
+Orangine, tried to stop her own horses. The other chariot now dashed
+against that of Rosette and was crushed like the first and the veiled
+woman was also dashed upon the stones, which seemed placed there to
+receive her.
+
+Rosette recognised Roussette and was about to descend from her chariot
+when Charmant interfered, and said: "Listen, Rosette!"
+
+A voice whispered, "Go, flee quickly! The king is pursuing you with a
+great company to kill you both. The sun will set in a few hours. I have
+barely 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 more
+dead than alive. The superb steeds set off with such marvellous speed
+that they made more than twenty leagues an hour. For a long time they
+knew that they were pursued by the king with a numerous troop of armed
+men but they could not overtake the horses of the fairy. The chariot
+still flew on with lightning haste; the horses increased their speed
+till at last they made a hundred leagues an hour. During six hours they
+kept up this rate and then drew up at the foot of the stairs of Prince
+Charmant.
+
+The whole palace was illuminated and all the courtiers were waiting at
+the entrance in their most magnificent costumes to welcome the princess
+and the prince.
+
+The prince and Rosette were amazed, not knowing how to understand this
+unexpected reception. Charmant had just assisted the princess to descend
+from the chariot, when they saw before them the fairy Puissante, who
+said:--
+
+"Most welcome to your kingdom. Prince Charmant, follow me; all is
+prepared for your marriage. Conduct Rosette to her room that she may
+change her dress, whilst I explain to you all the events of this day
+which seem so incomprehensible to you. I have one hour at my disposal."
+
+The fairy and Charmant now led Rosette to an apartment, ornamented with
+the most exquisite taste, where she found her maids waiting to attend
+upon her.
+
+"I will return to seek you in a short time, my dear Rosette," said the
+fairy; "my moments are counted."
+
+She departed with Charmant and said to him:--
+
+"The hatred of the king and queen against Rosette had become so intense
+that they had blindly resolved to defy my vengeance and to get rid of
+Rosette. Seeing that their cunning arrangements in the chariot race had
+not succeeded after I substituted my horses for those which would
+certainly have killed Rosette, they resolved to have recourse to
+violence. The king employed a band of brigands, who swore to him a blind
+obedience; they pursued your steps with vengeance in their hearts and as
+the king knew your love for Rosette and foresaw that you would defend
+her 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 heavy
+chariots violently against the light chariot of the princess. I have
+punished them as they deserved.
+
+"Orangine and Roussette have had their faces so crushed and wounded by
+the stones that they have become frightful. I have aroused them from
+their state of unconsciousness, cured their wounds but left the hideous
+scars to disfigure them. I have deprived them of all their rich clothing
+and dressed them like peasants and I married them at once to two brutal
+ostlers whom I commissioned to beat and maltreat them until their wicked
+hearts are changed--and this I think will never take place.
+
+"As to the king and queen, I have changed them into beasts of burden and
+given them to wicked and cruel masters who will make them suffer for all
+their brutality to Rosette. Besides this, they have all been transported
+into your kingdom and they will be compelled to hear unceasingly the
+praises of Rosette and her husband.
+
+"I have but one piece of advice to give you, dear prince; hide from
+Rosette the punishment I have inflicted upon her parents and sisters.
+She is so good and tender-hearted that her happiness would be affected
+by it, but I ought not and will not take pity upon wicked people whose
+hearts are so vicious and unrepentant."
+
+Charmant thanked the fairy eagerly and promised silence. They now
+returned to Rosette, who was clothed in her wedding-robe, prepared by
+the fairy Puissante.
+
+It was a tissue of dazzling golden gauze, embroidered with garlands of
+flowers and birds, in stones of all colors, of admirable beauty; the
+jewels which formed the birds were so disposed as to produce, at every
+motion of Rosette, a warbling more melodious than the sweetest music.
+Upon her head was a crown of flowers made of gems still more beautiful
+and rare than those on her robe. Her neck and arms were covered with
+carbuncles more brilliant than the sun.
+
+Charmant was completely dazzled by his bride's beauty but the fairy
+recalled him from his ecstasy by saying:--
+
+"Quick! quick! onward! I have but half an hour, after which I must give
+myself 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. They
+walked towards the chapel which was brilliantly illuminated and here
+Charmant and Rosette received the nuptial benediction. On returning to
+the parlor, they perceived that the fairy had disappeared, but, as they
+were sure of again seeing her in eight days her absence caused them no
+anxiety. Charmant presented the new queen to his court. Everybody found
+her as charming and good as the prince and they felt disposed to love
+her as they loved him.
+
+With a most amiable and thoughtful attention, the fairy had transported
+the farm, upon which Rosette had been so happy, and all its occupants
+into 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. The
+fairy had also brought into the palace all those cases which contained
+the rich dresses in which Rosette had been so triumphant at the
+festivals.
+
+[Illustration: _The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her
+power for eight days_]
+
+Rosette and Charmant were very happy and loved each other tenderly
+always. Rosette never knew the terrible punishment of her father, mother
+and sisters. When she asked Charmant the fate of her sisters, he told
+her that their faces were much disfigured by their fall amongst the
+stones but they were well and married and the good fairy expressly
+forbade Rosette to think of them. She spoke of them no more.
+
+As to Orangine and Roussette, the more unhappy they were, the more cruel
+and wicked their hearts became, so the fairy allowed them to remain
+always ugly and in the most degraded ranks of life.
+
+The king and queen, changed into beasts of burden, found their only
+consolation in biting and kicking everything that came within their
+reach. They were obliged to carry their masters to festivals given in
+honor of Rosette's marriage and they were mad with rage when they heard
+the praises lavished upon the young couple and in seeing Rosette pass
+by, beautiful, radiant and adored by Charmant.
+
+The fairy had resolved that they should not return to their original
+forms till their hearts were changed. It is said that six thousand years
+have 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 alone
+with his little daughter. His wife had died a few days after the birth
+of this little girl, who was named Rosalie.
+
+Rosalie's father had a large fortune. He lived in a great house, which
+belonged to him. This house was surrounded by a large garden in which
+Rosalie walked whenever she pleased to do so.
+
+She had been trained with great tenderness and gentleness but her father
+had accustomed her to the most unquestioning obedience. He forbade her
+positively to ask him any useless questions or to insist upon knowing
+anything he did not wish to tell her. In this way, by unceasing care
+and watchfulness, he had almost succeeded in curing one of Rosalie's
+great faults, a fault indeed unfortunately too common--curiosity.
+
+[Illustration: _Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by
+high walls_]
+
+Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls. She
+never saw any one but her father. They had no domestic in the house;
+everything seemed to be done of itself. She always had what she
+wanted--clothing, books, work, and playthings. Her father educated her
+himself and although she was nearly fifteen years old, she was never
+weary and never thought that she might live otherwise and might see more
+of the world.
+
+There was a little house at the end of the park without windows and with
+but one door, which was always locked. Rosalie's father entered this
+house every day and always carried the key about his person. Rosalie
+thought 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 seeking
+a 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 little
+house."
+
+"No, Rosalie, there is no watering-pot there."
+
+Prudent's voice trembled so in pronouncing these words that Rosalie
+looked up with surprise, and saw that his face was pale and his forehead
+bathed 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 for
+your 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 with
+you?"
+
+"Rosalie, you know that I do not like to be questioned and that
+curiosity is the greatest defect in your character."
+
+Rosalie said no more but she remained very thoughtful. This little
+house, of which she had never before thought, was now constantly in her
+mind.
+
+"What can be concealed there?" she said to herself. "How pale my father
+turned when I asked his permission to enter! I am sure he thought I
+should be in some sort of danger. But why does he go there himself every
+day? It is no doubt to carry food to some ferocious beast confined
+there. But if it was some wild animal, would I not hear it roar or howl
+or shake the house? No, I have never heard any sound from this cabin. It
+cannot then be a beast. Besides, if it was a ferocious beast, it would
+devour 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. What
+can it be? A prisoner? My father is good, he would not deprive any
+unfortunate innocent of light and liberty. Well, I absolutely must
+discover this mystery. How shall I manage it? If I could only secretly
+get the key from my father for a half hour! Perhaps some day he will
+forget it."
+
+Rosalie was aroused from this chain of reflection by her father, who
+called to her with a strangely agitated voice.
+
+"Here, father--I am coming."
+
+She entered the house and looked steadily at her father. His pale, sad
+countenance indicated great agitation.
+
+More than ever curious, she resolved to feign gaiety and indifference in
+order to allay her father's suspicions and make him feel secure. In this
+way she thought she might perhaps obtain possession of the key at some
+future time. He might not always think of it if she herself seemed to
+have forgotten it.
+
+They seated themselves at the table. Prudent ate but little and was sad
+and silent, in spite of his efforts to appear gay. Rosalie, however,
+seemed so thoughtless and bright that her father at last recovered his
+accustomed good spirits.
+
+Rosalie would be fifteen years old in three weeks. Her father had
+promised an agreeable surprise for this event. A few days passed
+peacefully 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 out
+to arrange something for your birth-day. Wait for me in the house, my
+dear. Do not yield yourself up to idle curiosity. In fifteen days you
+will know all that you desire to know, for I read your thoughts and I
+know what occupies your mind. Adieu, my daughter, beware of curiosity!"
+
+Prudent embraced his daughter tenderly and withdrew, leaving her with
+great reluctance.
+
+As soon as he was out of sight, Rosalie ran to her father's room and
+what was her joy to see the key forgotten upon the table! She seized it
+and ran quickly to the end of the park. Arrived at the little house, she
+remembered the words of her father, "Beware of curiosity!" She
+hesitated, and was upon the point of returning the key without having
+looked at the house, when she thought she heard a light groan. She put
+her 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 creature
+whom my father holds captive."
+
+Tapping softly upon the door, she said: "Who are you, and what can I do
+for 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 and
+I will prove my gratitude by telling you truly who I am."
+
+Rosalie no longer hesitated: her curiosity was stronger than her
+obedience. She put the key in the lock, but her hand trembled so that
+she could not open it. She was about to give up the effort, when the
+little voice continued:--
+
+"Rosalie, that which I have to tell you will teach you many things which
+will interest you. Your father is not what he appears to be."
+
+At these words Rosalie made a last effort, the key turned and the door
+opened.
+
+
+
+
+THE FAIRY DETESTABLE
+
+
+Rosalie looked in eagerly. The little house was dark; she could see
+nothing 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 corner
+two brilliant little eyes gazing at her maliciously.
+
+"My cunning trick has succeeded, Rosalie, and betrayed you into yielding
+to your curiosity. If I had not spoken and sung you would have returned
+with the key and I should have been lost. Now that you have set me at
+liberty, you and your father are both in my power."
+
+Rosalie did not yet fully comprehend the extent of the misfortune she
+had brought about by her disobedience. She knew, however, that it was a
+dangerous foe which her father had held captive and she wished to retire
+and close the door.
+
+"Stop, Rosalie! It is no longer in your power to keep me in this odious
+prison from which I never could have escaped if you had waited until
+your fifteenth birth-day."
+
+At this moment the little house disappeared entirely, and Rosalie saw
+with 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 its
+sparkling little eyes and began to laugh in a thin, discordant voice.
+
+"Ha! ha! ha! What a frightened air you have, Rosalie! In truth you amuse
+me very much. But it is lucky for me that you had so much curiosity. It
+has been nearly fifteen years since I was shut up in this frightful
+prison, having no power to injure your father, whom I hate, or to bring
+any 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 fairy
+Detestable and the name suits me, I assure you. All the world hates me
+and I hate all the world. I shall follow you now for the rest of your
+life, wherever you go."
+
+"Go away at once, miserable creature! A mouse is not to be feared and I
+will 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 her
+hands_]
+
+Rosalie now ran rapidly towards the house; every time she turned she saw
+the mouse galloping after her, and laughing with a mocking air. Arrived
+at the house, she tried to crush the mouse in the door, but it remained
+open in spite of every effort she could make and the mouse remained
+quietly upon the door-sill.
+
+"Wait awhile, wicked monster!" cried Rosalie, beside herself with rage
+and terror.
+
+She seized a broom and tried to dash it violently against the mouse but
+the broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands; she threw
+it 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 was
+boiling on the fire, she emptied it upon the mouse but the boiling water
+was changed into good fresh milk and the mouse commenced drinking it,
+saying:--
+
+"How exceedingly amiable you are, Rosalie! Not content with having
+released me from captivity, you give me an excellent breakfast."
+
+Poor Rosalie now began to weep bitterly. She was utterly at a loss what
+to do, when she heard her father entering.
+
+"My father!" cried she, "my father! Oh! cruel mouse, I beseech you in
+pity to go away that my father may not see you!"
+
+"No, I shall not go but I will hide myself behind your heels until your
+father knows of your disobedience."
+
+The mouse had scarcely concealed herself behind Rosalie, when Prudent
+entered. He looked at Rosalie, whose paleness and embarrassed air
+betrayed her fear.
+
+"Rosalie," said Prudent, with a trembling voice, "I forgot the key of
+the little garden-house; have you found it?"
+
+"Here it is, father," said Rosalie, presenting it to him, and coloring
+deeply.
+
+"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 of
+the room and upset it there?"
+
+"No! no! father, it was I that did it; in carrying it, I accidentally
+overturned 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 unquiet
+glance about the room, sighed and turned his steps slowly towards the
+little house in the garden.
+
+Rosalie fell sobbing bitterly upon a chair; the mouse did not stir. A
+few moments afterwards, Prudent entered hastily, his countenance marked
+with horror.
+
+"Rosalie! unhappy child! what have you done? You have yielded to your
+fatal curiosity and released our most cruel enemy from prison."
+
+"Pardon me, father! oh pardon me!" she cried, throwing herself at his
+feet; "I was ignorant of the evil I did."
+
+"Misfortune is always the result of disobedience, Rosalie; disobedient
+children think they are only committing a small fault, when they are
+doing the greatest injury to themselves and others."
+
+"But, father, who and what then is this mouse, who causes you this
+terrible fear? How, if it had so much power, could you keep it so long a
+prisoner and why can you not put it in prison again?"
+
+"This mouse, my unhappy child, is a wicked fairy, but very powerful. For
+myself, I am the genius Prudent and since you have given liberty to my
+enemy, I can now reveal to you that which I should have concealed until
+you were fifteen years old.
+
+"I am, then, as I said to you, the genius Prudent; your dear mother was
+a simple mortal but her virtues and her graces touched the queen of the
+fairies 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 to
+invoke the fairy Detestable, who was already irritated against me for
+having married a princess, after having refused one of her daughters.
+She was so exasperated against me that she swore an implacable hatred
+against 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 beloved
+by 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 most
+violent convulsions which I could not calm. I left her for a few moments
+to invoke the aid of the queen of the fairies. When I returned your
+mother was dead.
+
+"The wicked fairy Detestable had profited by my absence and caused her
+death. She was about to endow you with all the passions and vices of
+this evil world, when my unexpected return happily paralyzed her
+efforts. I interrupted her at the moment when she had endowed you with a
+curiosity sufficient to make you wretched and to subject you entirely to
+her power at fifteen years of age. By my power, united to that of the
+queen of the fairies, I counter-balanced this fatal influence and we
+decided that you should not fall under her power at fifteen years of
+age, unless you yielded three times under the gravest circumstances to
+your idle curiosity.
+
+"At the same time the queen of the fairies, to punish the fairy
+Detestable, changed her into a mouse, shut her up in the little garden
+house, and declared that she should never leave it unless you
+voluntarily opened the door. Also, that she should never resume her
+original form of fairy unless you yielded three times to your criminal
+curiosity before you were fifteen years of age. Lastly, that if you
+resisted once the fatal passion you should be for ever released, as well
+as myself, from the power of the fairy Detestable.
+
+"With great difficulty I obtained all these favors and only by promising
+that I would share your fate and become, like yourself, the slave of
+the fairy Detestable, if you weakly allowed yourself to yield three
+times to your curiosity. I promised solemnly to educate you in such a
+manner as to destroy this terrible passion, calculated to cause so many
+sorrows.
+
+"For all these reasons I have confined myself and you, Rosalie, in this
+enclosure. I have permitted you to see no one, not even a domestic. I
+procured by my power all that your heart desired and I have been feeling
+quite satisfied in having succeeded so well with you. In three weeks you
+would have been fifteen, and for ever delivered from the odious yoke of
+the fairy Detestable.
+
+"I was alarmed when you asked for the key of the little house, of which
+you had never before seemed to think. I could not conceal the painful
+impression which this demand made upon me. My agitation excited your
+curiosity. In spite of your gaiety and assumed thoughtlessness, I
+penetrated your thoughts, and you may judge of my grief when the queen
+of the fairies ordered me to make the temptation possible and the
+resistance meritorious by leaving the key at least once in your reach. I
+was thus compelled to leave it, that fatal key, and thus facilitate by
+my 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 saw
+your embarrassment and blushes on my return, indicating to me too well
+that you had allowed your curiosity to master you.
+
+"I was commanded to conceal everything from you; to tell you nothing of
+your birth or of the dangers which surround you, until your fifteenth
+birthday. If I had disobeyed, you would at once have fallen into the
+power of the fairy Detestable.
+
+"And yet, Rosalie, all is not lost. You can yet repair your fault by
+resisting for fifteen days this terrible passion. At fifteen years of
+age you were to have been united to a charming prince, who is related to
+us, the prince Gracious. This union is yet possible.
+
+"Ah, Rosalie! my still dear child, take pity on yourself, if you have no
+mercy for me and resist your curiosity."
+
+Rosalie was on her knees before her father, her face concealed in her
+hands and weeping bitterly. At these words she took courage, embraced
+him tenderly and said to him:--
+
+"Oh, father! I promise you solemnly that I will atone for this fault. Do
+not leave me, dear father! With you by me, I shall be inspired with a
+courage which would otherwise fail me. I dare not be deprived of your
+wise paternal counsel."
+
+"Alas! Rosalie! it is no longer in my power to remain with you for I am
+now under the dominion of my enemy. Most certainly she will not allow me
+to stay by your side and warn you against the snares and temptations
+which she will spread at your feet. I am astonished at not having seen
+my cruel foe before this time. The view of my affliction and despair
+would have for her hard heart an irresistible charm."
+
+"I have been near you all the time, at your daughter's feet," said the
+little gray mouse, in a sharp voice, stepping out and showing herself to
+the unfortunate genius. "I have been highly entertained at the recital
+of all that I have already made you suffer, and the pleasure I felt in
+hearing you give this account to your daughter induced me to conceal
+myself 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 sharp
+little teeth and tried to draw her away. Rosalie uttered a piercing cry
+and clung convulsively to her father but an irresistible force bore her
+off. The unfortunate genius seized a stick and raised it to strike the
+mouse but before he had time to inflict the blow the mouse placed one of
+her little paws on the genius's foot and he remained as immovable as a
+statue. Rosalie embraced her father's knees and implored the mouse to
+take 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 the
+temptations to yield twice to your irresistible fault! We will travel
+all over the world together and I will show you many countries in
+fifteen days."
+
+The mouse pulled Rosalie without ceasing. Her arms were still clasped
+around her father, striving to resist the overpowering force of her
+enemy. The mouse uttered a discordant little cry and suddenly the house
+was in flames. Rosalie had sufficient presence of mind to reflect that
+if she allowed herself to be burned there would be no means left of
+saving her father, who must then remain eternally under the power of
+Detestable. Whereas, if she preserved her own life there remained always
+some chance of rescuing him.
+
+"Adieu, adieu, dear father!" she cried; "we will meet again in fifteen
+days. After having given you over to your enemy, your Rosalie will yet
+save 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 half
+dead with hunger, she resolved to approach a kind-looking woman who was
+seated at her door.
+
+"Madam," said she, "will you give me a place to sleep? I am dying with
+hunger and fatigue. Will you not be so kind as to allow me to enter and
+pass the night with you?"
+
+"How is it that so beautiful a girl as yourself is found upon the
+highways and what ugly animal is that with the expression of a demon
+which accompanies you."
+
+Rosalie turned round and saw the little gray mouse smiling upon her
+mockingly. She tried to chase it away but the mouse obstinately refused
+to 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 cannot
+lodge with me."
+
+Weeping bitterly, Rosalie continued her journey, and wherever she
+presented herself they refused to receive her and the mouse, who never
+quitted her side. She entered a forest where happily she found a brook
+at which she quenched her thirst. She found also fruits and nuts in
+abundance. She drank, ate and seated herself near a tree, thinking with
+agony of her father and wondering what would become of him during the
+fifteen days.
+
+While Rosalie was thus musing she kept her eyes closed so as not to see
+the wicked little gray mouse. Her fatigue, and the silence and darkness
+around her, brought on sleep and she slept a long time profoundly.
+
+
+
+
+THE PRINCE GRACIOUS
+
+
+While Rosalie was thus quietly sleeping, the prince Gracious was engaged
+in a hunt through the forest by torch-light. The fawn, pursued fiercely
+by the dogs, came trembling with terror to crouch down near the brook by
+which Rosalie was sleeping. The dogs and gamekeepers sprang forward
+after the fawn. Suddenly the dogs ceased barking and grouped themselves
+silently around Rosalie. The prince dismounted from his horse to set the
+dogs again upon the trail of the deer but what was his surprise to see a
+lovely young girl asleep in this lonely forest! He looked carefully
+around but saw no one else. She was indeed alone--abandoned. On
+examining her more closely, he saw traces of tears upon her cheeks and
+indeed they were still escaping slowly from her closed eyelids.
+
+Rosalie was simply clothed but the richness of her silk dress denoted
+wealth. Her fine white hands, her rosy nails, her beautiful chestnut
+locks, carefully and tastefully arranged with a gold comb, her elegant
+boots and necklace of pure pearls indicated elevated rank.
+
+Rosalie did not awake, notwithstanding the stamping of the horses, the
+baying of the dogs and the noisy tumult made by a crowd of sportsmen.
+
+The prince was stupefied and stood gazing steadily at Rosalie. No one
+present recognized her. Anxious and disquieted by this profound sleep,
+Prince Gracious took her hand softly. Rosalie still slept. The prince
+pressed her hand lightly in his but even this did not awaken her.
+
+Turning to his officers, he said: "I cannot thus abandon this
+unfortunate child, who has perhaps been led astray by some design, the
+victim 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 thus
+remove her to some hostel in the neighborhood while your highness
+continues the chase?"
+
+"Your idea is good, Hubert. Make the litter and we will immediately
+place her upon it, only you will not carry her to a hostel, but to my
+palace. This young maiden is assuredly of high birth, and she is
+beautiful as an angel. I will watch over her myself, so that she may
+receive the care and attention to which she is entitled."
+
+Hubert, with the assistance of his men, soon arranged the litter upon
+which Prince Gracious spread his mantle; then approaching Rosalie, who
+was still sleeping softly, he raised her gently in his arms and laid her
+upon the cloak. At this moment Rosalie seemed to be dreaming. She smiled
+and murmured, in low tones:--
+
+"My father! my father! saved for ever! The Queen of the Fairies! The
+Prince Gracious! I see him; he is charming!"
+
+The prince, surprised to hear his name pronounced, did not doubt that
+Rosalie was a princess under some cruel enchantment. He commanded his
+gamekeepers to walk very softly so as not to wake her and he walked by
+the side of the litter.
+
+On arriving at the palace, Prince Gracious ordered that the queen's
+apartment should be prepared for Rosalie. He suffered no one to touch
+her but carried her himself to her chamber and laid her gently upon the
+bed, ordering the women who were to wait upon and watch over her to
+apprise him as soon as she awaked. Then, casting a farewell look upon
+the sad, sweet face of the sleeper, he strode from the room.
+
+Rosalie slept tranquilly until morning. The sun was shining brightly
+when she awoke. She looked about her with great surprise. The wicked
+mouse 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 many
+officers, dressed in brilliant uniforms. More and more surprised, she
+was about to call one of the men, whom she believed to be either genii
+or enchanters, when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw
+the prince Gracious, clothed in an elegant and rich hunting-dress,
+standing before her and regarding her with admiration. Rosalie
+immediately recognized the prince of her dream and cried out
+involuntarily:--
+
+"The prince Gracious!"
+
+"You know me then?" said the prince, in amazement. "How, if you have
+ever known me, could I have forgotten your name and features?"
+
+"I have only seen you in my dreams, prince," said Rosalie, blushing. "As
+to my name, you could not possibly know it, since I myself did not know
+my father's name until yesterday."
+
+"And what is the name, may I ask, which has been concealed from you so
+long?"
+
+Rosalie then told him all that she had heard from her father. She
+frankly confessed her culpable curiosity and its terrible consequences.
+
+"Judge of my grief, prince, when I was compelled to leave my father in
+order to escape from the flames which the wicked fairy had lighted;
+when, rejected everywhere because of the wicked mouse, I found myself
+exposed to death from hunger and thirst! Soon, however, a heavy sleep
+took possession of me, during which I had many strange dreams. I do not
+know how I came here or whether it is in your palace that I find
+myself."
+
+Gracious then related to Rosalie how he had found her asleep in the
+forest and the words which he had heard her utter in her dream. He then
+added:--
+
+"There is one thing your father did not tell you, Rosalie; that is, that
+the queen of the fairies, who is our relation, had decided that we
+should be married when you were fifteen years of age. It was no doubt
+the queen of the fairies who inspired me with the desire to go hunting
+by torchlight, in order that I might find you in the forest where you
+had wandered. Since you will be fifteen in a few days, Rosalie, deign to
+consider 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 happy
+marriage."
+
+Rosalie thanked her young and handsome cousin heartily and then returned
+to her chamber, where she found her maids awaiting her with a wonderful
+selection of rich and splendid robes and head-dresses. Rosalie, who had
+never given much attention to her toilet, took the first dress that was
+presented to her. It was of rose-colored gauze, ornamented with fine
+lace with a head-dress of lace and moss rosebuds. Her beautiful chestnut
+hair was arranged in bands, forming a crown. When her toilet was
+completed, the prince came to conduct her to breakfast.
+
+Rosalie ate like a person who had not dined the day before. After the
+repast, the prince led her to the garden and conducted her to the
+green-houses, which were very magnificent. At the end of one of the
+hot-houses there was a little rotunda, ornamented with choice flowers;
+in the centre of this rotunda there was a large case which seemed to
+contain a tree but a thick heavy cloth was thrown over it and tightly
+sewed together. Through the cloth however could be seen a number of
+points of extraordinary brilliancy.
+
+
+
+
+THE TREE IN THE ROTUNDA
+
+
+Rosalie admired all the flowers very much but she waited with some
+impatience for the prince to remove the cloth which enveloped this
+mysterious tree. He left the green-house, however, without having spoken
+of 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 see
+it 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 you
+will 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 heavy
+penalties, to show it to you until after you become my wife. I do hope
+that you love me enough to control your curiosity till that time."
+
+These last words made Rosalie tremble, for they recalled to her the
+little gray mouse and the misfortunes which menaced her as well as her
+father, if she allowed herself to fall under the temptation, which,
+without doubt, her enemy the fairy Detestable had placed before her. She
+spoke no more of the mysterious case, and continued her walk with the
+prince. The day passed most agreeably. The prince presented her to the
+ladies of his court and commanded them to honor and respect in her the
+princess Rosalie, whom the queen of the fairies had selected as his
+bride. Rosalie was very amiable to every one and they all rejoiced in
+the idea of having so charming and lovely a queen.
+
+The following days were passed in every species of festivity. The prince
+and Rosalie both saw with joyous hearts the approach of the birth-day
+which was to be also that of their marriage:--the prince, because he
+tenderly loved his cousin, and Rosalie because she loved the prince,
+because she desired strongly to see her father again, and also because
+she hoped to see what the case in the rotunda contained. She thought of
+this incessantly. She dreamed of it during the night and whenever she
+was alone she could with difficulty restrain herself from rushing to
+the green-house to try to discover the secret.
+
+Finally, the last day of anticipation and anxiety arrived. In the
+morning Rosalie would be fifteen. The prince was much occupied with the
+preparations for his marriage; it was to be a very grand affair. All the
+good fairies of his acquaintance were to be present as well as the queen
+of the fairies. Rosalie found herself alone in the morning and she
+resolved to take a walk. While musing upon the happiness of the morrow,
+she involuntarily approached the green-house. She entered, smiling
+pensively, and found herself face to face with the cloth which covered
+the treasure.
+
+"To-morrow," said she, "I shall at last know what this thick cloth
+conceals from me. If I wished, indeed I might see it to-day, for I
+plainly perceive some little openings in which I might insert my fingers
+and by enlarging just a little----. In fact, who would ever know it? I
+would sew the cloth after having taken a glimpse. Since to-morrow is so
+near, 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 to
+gratify her curiosity, she forgot the goodness of the prince and the
+dangers which menaced them all if she yielded to this temptation.
+
+She passed her fingers through the little apertures and strained them
+lightly. The cloth was rent from the top to the bottom with a noise
+like thunder and Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous
+beauty, with a coral trunk and leaves of emeralds. The seeming fruits
+which covered the tree were of precious stones of all colors--diamonds,
+sapphires, pearls, rubies, opals, topazes, all as large as the fruits
+they were intended to represent and of such brilliancy that Rosalie was
+completely dazzled by them. But scarcely had she seen this rare and
+unparalleled tree, when a noise louder than the first drew her from her
+ecstasy. 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 the
+most frightful cries of terror and suffering issue from its walls. Soon
+Rosalie saw the prince himself creep from the ruins bleeding and his
+clothing almost torn from him. He advanced towards her and said sadly:--
+
+"Rosalie! ungrateful Rosalie! see what you have done to me, not only to
+me, but to my whole court. After what you have done, I do not doubt that
+you will yield a third time to your curiosity; that you will complete my
+misfortunes, those of your unhappy father and your own. Adieu, Rosalie,
+adieu! May sincere repentance atone for your ingratitude towards an
+unhappy 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 him
+tenderly but he disappeared without ever turning to contemplate her
+despair. Rosalie was about to faint away, when she heard the little
+discordant laugh of the gray mouse and saw it before her.
+
+"Your thanks are due to me, my dear Rosalie, for having assisted you so
+well. It was I who sent you those bewitching dreams of the mysterious
+tree during the night. It was I who nibbled the cloth, to help you in
+your wish to look in. Without this last artifice of mine, I believe I
+should 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 guilty
+girl.
+
+"This is all my fault," said she; "had it not been for my fatal
+curiosity and my base ingratitude, the gray mouse would not have
+succeeded in making me yield so readily to temptation. I must atone for
+all this by my sorrow, by my patience and by the firmness with which I
+will resist the third proof to which I am subjected, no matter how
+difficult it may be. Besides, I have but a few hours to wait and my dear
+prince has told me that his happiness and that of my dearly loved father
+and my own, depends upon myself."
+
+Before her lay the smouldering ruins of the palace of the Prince
+Gracious. So complete had been its destruction that a cloud of dust and
+smoke hung over it, and hardly one stone remained upon another. The
+cries of those in pain were borne to her ears and added to her
+bitterness of feeling.
+
+Rosalie continued to lie prone on the ground. The gray mouse employed
+every possible means to induce her to move from the spot. Rosalie, the
+poor, unhappy and guilty Rosalie, persisted in remaining in view of the
+ruin 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 order
+to punish me for all I have made my father and my cousin endure? I will
+await in this terrible spot the dawning of my fifteenth birthday."
+
+The night was falling when an old woman who was passing by, approached
+and 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 of
+my relations?"
+
+"Willingly, madam," replied Rosalie, who was very obliging. The old
+woman placed the casket in her hands, saying:--
+
+"Many thanks, my beautiful child! I shall not be absent long. But I
+entreat you not to look in this casket, for it contains things--things
+such as you have never seen--and as you will never have an opportunity
+to see again. Do not handle it rudely, for it is of very fragile ware
+and would be very easily broken and then you would see what it contains
+and no one ought to see what is there concealed."
+
+The old woman went off after saying this. Rosalie placed the casket near
+her and reflected on all the events which had just passed. It was now
+night and the old woman did not return. Rosalie now threw her eyes on
+the casket and saw with surprise that it illuminated the ground all
+around 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 but
+nothing could explain this extraordinary light and she placed it
+carefully upon the ground, saying:--
+
+"Of what importance is it to me what this casket contains? It is not
+mine but belongs to the old woman who confided it to me. I will not
+think 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 father
+and 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 I
+am 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 the
+casket and began to gnaw the lid.
+
+"Monster!" cried Rosalie, seizing the casket and pressing it against her
+bosom, "if you touch this casket again I will wring your neck."
+
+The mouse cast a diabolical glance upon Rosalie but it dared not brave
+her anger. While it was meditating some other means of exciting the
+curiosity of Rosalie, a clock struck twelve. At the same moment the
+mouse 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 and
+my temptations as are also your odious father and hated prince. As to
+myself, I am compelled to keep this ignoble form of a mouse until I can
+tempt some young girl beautiful and well born as yourself to fall into
+my 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 follow
+her last counsel, and resolved to guard the casket carefully till the
+dawn. Scarcely had she taken this resolution, when an owl, which was
+flying above her head, let a stone fall upon the casket, which broke
+into a thousand pieces. Rosalie uttered a cry of terror and at the same
+moment she saw before her the queen of the fairies, who said:--
+
+"Come Rosalie, you have finally triumphed over the cruel enemy of your
+family. I will now restore you to your father but first you must eat and
+drink, as you are much exhausted."
+
+The fairy now presented her with a rare fruit, of which a single
+mouthful satisfied both hunger and thirst. Then a splendid chariot,
+drawn by two dragons, drew up before the fairy. She entered and
+commanded Rosalie to do the same. Rosalie, as soon as she recovered from
+her surprise, thanked the queen of the fairies with all her heart for
+her protection and asked if she was not to see her father and the prince
+Gracious.
+
+"Your father awaits you in the palace of the prince."
+
+"But, madam, I thought that the palace of the prince was destroyed and
+he himself wounded sadly?"
+
+"That, Rosalie, was only an illusion to fill you with horror and remorse
+at the result of your curiosity and to prevent you from falling before
+the third temptation. You will soon see the palace of the prince just as
+it was before you tore the cloth which covered the precious tree he
+destined 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 the
+prince, who seemed to have no remembrance of the fault she had committed
+the day before. All was ready for the marriage ceremony which was to be
+celebrated immediately. All the good fairies assisted at this festival
+which lasted several days.
+
+Rosalie's father lived with his child and she was completely cured of
+her curiosity. She was tenderly loved by Prince Gracious whom she loved
+fondly all her life. They had beautiful children, for whom they chose
+powerful fairies as godmothers in order that they might be protected
+against the wicked fairies and genii.
+
+
+
+
+OURSON
+
+
+
+
+OURSON
+
+
+THE LARK AND THE TOAD
+
+
+There was once a pretty woman named Agnella, who cultivated a farm. She
+lived alone with a young servant named Passerose. The farm was small but
+beautiful and in fine order. She had a most charming cow, which gave a
+quantity of milk, a cat to destroy the mice and an ass to carry her
+fruit, butter, vegetables, eggs, and cheese to markets every Wednesday.
+
+No one knew up to that time how Agnella and Passerose had arrived at
+this unknown farm which received in the county the name of the Woodland
+Farm.
+
+One evening Passerose was busy milking the pretty white cow while
+Agnella prepared the supper. At the moment she was placing some good
+soup and a plate of cream upon the table, she saw an enormous toad
+devouring with avidity some cherries which had been put on the ground in
+a vine-leaf.
+
+"Ugly toad!" exclaimed Agnella, "I will teach you how to eat my
+cherries!" At the same moment she lifted the leaves which contained the
+cherries, 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 sharp
+whistle and raised itself upon its hind legs; its great eyes were
+flashing, and its enormous mouth opening and shutting with rage, its
+whole ugly body was trembling and from its quivering throat was heard a
+terrible bellowing.
+
+Agnella paused in amazement; she recoiled, indeed, to avoid the venom of
+the monstrous and enraged toad. She looked around for a broom to eject
+this hideous monster, when the toad advanced towards her, made with its
+fore paws a gesture of authority, and said in a voice trembling with
+rage:--
+
+"You have dared to touch me with your foot! You have prevented me from
+satisfying my appetite with the cherries which you had placed within my
+reach! You have tried to expel me from your house! My vengeance shall
+reach you and will fall upon that which you hold most dear! You shall
+know and feel that the fairy Furious is not to be insulted with
+impunity. You shall have a son, covered with coarse hair like a bear's
+cub and----"
+
+"Stop, sister," interrupted a small voice, sweet and flute-like, which
+seemed to come from above. Agnella raised her head and saw a lark
+perched on the top of the front door. "You revenge yourself too cruelly
+for an injury inflicted, not upon you in your character of a fairy but
+upon the ugly and disgusting form in which it has pleased you to
+disguise yourself. By my power, which is superior to yours, I forbid you
+to exaggerate the evil which you have already done in your blind rage
+and 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 a
+possible remedy for the deformity of your child. I will accord to him
+the power of changing his skin with any one whom he may, by his goodness
+and service rendered, inspire with sufficient gratitude and affection to
+consent to the change. He will then resume the handsome form which would
+have been his if my sister, the fairy Furious, had not given you this
+terrible proof of her malice and cruelty."
+
+"Alas! madam Lark," replied Agnella, "all this goodness cannot prevent
+my poor, unhappy son from being disgusting and like a wild beast. His
+very playmates will shun him as a monster."
+
+"That is true," replied the fairy Drolette; "and the more so as it is
+forbidden to yourself or to Passerose to change skins with him. But I
+will neither abandon you nor your son. You will name him Ourson until
+the day when he can assume a name worthy of his birth and beauty. He
+must then be called the prince Marvellous."
+
+Saying these words, the fairy flew lightly through the air and
+disappeared from sight.
+
+The fairy Furious withdrew, filled with rage, walking slowly and turning
+every instant to gaze at Agnella with a menacing air. As she moved
+slowly along, she spat her venom from side to side and the grass, the
+plants and the bushes perished along her course. This was a venom so
+subtle that nothing could ever flourish on the spot again and the path
+is called to this day the Road of the Fairy Furious.
+
+When Agnella found herself alone, she began to sob. Passerose, who had
+finished her work and saw the hour of supper approaching, entered the
+dining-room and with great surprise saw her mistress in tears.
+
+"Dear queen, what is the matter? Who can have caused you this great
+grief? I have seen no one enter the house."
+
+"No one has entered, my dear, except those who enter everywhere. A
+wicked fairy under the form of a toad and a good fairy under the
+appearance of a lark."
+
+"And what have these fairies said to you, my queen, to make you weep so
+piteously? Has not the good fairy interfered to prevent the misfortunes
+which the wicked fairy wished to bring about?"
+
+"No, my dear friend. She has somewhat lightened them but it was not in
+her 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 have
+a son with a skin like a bear. At this narrative Passerose wept as
+bitterly as her mistress.
+
+"What a misfortune!" she exclaimed. "What degradation and shame, that
+the 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 flight
+we were swept away by a whirlwind and dashed from cloud to cloud for
+twelve hours with such astonishing rapidity that we found ourselves more
+than three thousand leagues from the kingdom of Ferocious. Besides, you
+know his wickedness. You know how bitterly he hates me since I prevented
+him from killing his brother Indolent and his sister Nonchalante. You
+know that I fled because he wished to kill me also. I have no reason to
+fear that he will pursue me for I am sure that he will wish never to see
+me 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 at
+the table.
+
+"If we wept all night, dear queen, we could not prevent your son from
+being shaggy but we will endeavor to educate him so well, to make him so
+good, that he will not be a long time in finding some good and grateful
+soul who will exchange a white skin for this hairy one which the evil
+fairy Furious has put upon him. A beautiful present indeed! She would
+have done well to reserve it for herself."
+
+The poor queen, whom we will continue to call Agnella for fear of giving
+information to King Ferocious, rose slowly, dried her eyes and succeeded
+in somewhat overcoming her sadness. Little by little the gay and
+cheering conversation of Passerose dissipated her forebodings. Before
+the close of the evening, Passerose had convinced her that Ourson would
+not remain a long time a bear; that he would soon resume a form worthy
+of a noble prince. That she would herself indeed be most happy to
+exchange with him, if the fairy would permit it.
+
+Agnella and Passerose now retired to their chambers and slept
+peacefully.
+
+
+
+
+BIRTH AND INFANCY OF OURSON
+
+
+Three months after the appearance of the toad and the cruel sentence of
+the fairy Furious, Agnella gave birth to a boy whom she named Ourson, as
+the fairy Drolette had commanded. Neither Agnella nor Passerose could
+decide if he was ugly or handsome for he was so hairy, so covered with
+long 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 her
+like a sister, poor Ourson would have died from neglect for he was so
+frightful no one would have dared to touch--he would have been taken for
+a little cub and killed with pitchforks. But Agnella was his mother and
+her first movement was to embrace him lovingly and, bathed in tears, to
+exclaim:--
+
+"Poor little Ourson! who can ever love you well enough to deliver you
+from this horrible curse? Alas! why will not the fairy permit me to make
+this exchange, which is allowed to another who may love you? No one can
+ever 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 the
+habit of afflicting herself for a long time on any occasion so she dried
+her eyes and said to Agnella:--
+
+"Dear queen, I am very certain that your dear son will be clothed but a
+short time with this villainous bear-skin and from this day I shall call
+him Prince Marvellous."
+
+"I beseech you not to do so," said the queen, anxiously; "you know that
+the fairies love to be obeyed."
+
+Passerose took the child, clothed it in the linen that had been prepared
+for it and leaned over to embrace it but she pricked her lips against
+the rough bristles of Ourson and drew back precipitately.
+
+"It will not be I who will embrace you frequently, my boy," said she, in
+a low voice; "you prick like a real hedgehog."
+
+It was Passerose, however, to whom Agnella gave the charge of the little
+Ourson. He had nothing of the bear but his skin: he was the
+sweetest-tempered, the most knowing, the most affectionate child that
+ever was seen. Passerose soon loved him with all her heart.
+
+As Ourson grew up he was sometimes permitted to leave the farm. He was
+in no danger for no one knew him in the country. The children always ran
+away at his approach and the women repulsed him. Men avoided him--they
+looked upon him as something accursed. Sometimes when Agnella went to
+market she put him on her donkey and took him with her and on those days
+she found more difficulty in selling her vegetables and cheese. The
+mothers fled from her, fearing that Ourson would come too near them.
+
+Agnella wept often and vainly implored the fairy Drolette. Whenever a
+lark 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 eyes
+and a sweet voice; his bristles were no longer stiff but his hair was
+soft as silk, and those who loved him could embrace him without being
+scratched, as Passerose had been the day of his birth. Ourson loved his
+mother tenderly and Passerose almost as well but he was often alone and
+very sad. He saw too well the horror he inspired and he saw also that he
+was unlike other children.
+
+One day he was walking along a beautiful road which bordered on the
+farm. He had walked a long time and overcome with heat and fatigue he
+looked about him for some fresh and quiet spot for repose when he
+thought 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 to
+be about three years old and she was beautiful as the Loves and Graces.
+Her blonde hair partly covered her fair and dimpled shoulders while her
+soft cheeks were round and fresh and dimpled and a half smile played
+upon her rosy and parted lips, through which small teeth, white and even
+as pearls, could be seen. Her charming head was reposing upon a lovely
+rounded arm and the little hand was beautifully formed and white as
+snow. The attitude of this little girl was so graceful, so enchanting,
+that Ourson stood before her immovable with admiration. He watched with
+as much surprise as pleasure, this child sleeping as soundly and
+peacefully 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 more
+rich and elegant than anything he had ever seen. Her dress was of white
+silk embroidered in gold; her boots were of blue satin also embroidered
+in gold; her stockings were silk and fine as a spider's web; magnificent
+bracelets were sparkling upon her arms and the clasp seemed to contain
+her portrait; a string of beautiful pearls encircled her throat.
+
+A lark now commenced its song just above the lovely little girl and
+awakened her from her profound slumber. She looked about her, called her
+nurse but finding herself alone in the woods, began to weep bitterly.
+
+Ourson was much affected at her tears and his embarrassment was very
+great.
+
+"If I show myself," said he to himself, "this poor little one will take
+me for some wild beast of the forest. If she sees me she will be
+terrified; she will take to flight and wander still further from her
+home. If I leave her here, she will die of terror and hunger. What shall
+I 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, soft
+voice; "I would not injure you for the whole world; on the contrary, I
+will 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 might
+suppose, but a poor and most unfortunate little boy, who inspires every
+one with terror and whom everybody avoids."
+
+The sweet child's eyes became calmer and softer, her fear seemed melting
+away 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 paused
+and began to weep bitterly.
+
+"Unfortunate wretch that I am," he said; "I cannot even assist this poor
+lost child. My appearance fills her with terror! She would rather be
+lost than have help from me!"
+
+So saying, poor Ourson covered his face with his hands and sobbing
+piteously threw himself on the ground. A few moments afterwards he felt
+a little hand seeking to take possession of his own. He raised his head
+and saw the child standing before him, her eyes filled with tears. She
+caressed and patted the hairy cheeks of poor Ourson.
+
+"Don't cry, little cub, don't cry," said she. "Violette is no longer
+afraid, 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 rosy
+lips to Ourson's hairy cheek and gave him several kisses.
+
+"You see, little cub, that Violette is no longer afraid. Violette kisses
+you! The little cub won't eat Violette--she will follow you!"
+
+If Ourson had followed the dictates of his heart, he would have pressed
+her to his bosom and covered with kisses the good and charming child who
+overcame her natural terror in order to assuage the grief and
+mortification 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, and
+kissing them delicately. Violette permitted this smilingly.
+
+"Now little cub is satisfied. Little cub will love Violette, poor
+Violette, who is lost!"
+
+Ourson understood well that her name was Violette; but he could not
+comprehend how this little girl, so richly clad, was left alone in the
+forest.
+
+"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! so
+fast--so fast, a long time! Violette was so tired, she fell down and
+slept!"
+
+"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 smiled
+sweetly.
+
+"Shall I go and seek mamma, Violette?"
+
+"No, no! Violette cannot stay all alone in this wood. Violette will
+go."
+
+"Come, then, with me, dear little girl. I will take you to my mother."
+
+Ourson and Violette now turned their steps towards the farm. Ourson
+gathered strawberries and cherries for Violette, who would not touch
+them till Ourson had eaten half. When she found that he still held his
+half 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. Violette
+cannot have little cub unhappy. Violette will not see you weep."
+
+She looked at him to see if he was content and happy. Ourson was really
+happy. He saw that his good and pretty little companion not only
+tolerated him but was interested in him and sought to make herself
+agreeable. His eyes were sparkling with joy, his voice, always soft and
+sad, 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 not
+leave him."
+
+"You are willing, then, that I shall embrace you? you are no longer
+afraid of me?"
+
+Violette, without further reply, threw herself in his arms. Ourson
+embraced her tenderly and pressed her to his heart.
+
+"Dear Violette, I will always love you. I will never forget that you
+are the only child who was ever willing to speak to me, touch me or
+embrace me."
+
+A short time after they arrived at the farm. Agnella and Passerose were
+seated at the door, talking together. When they saw Ourson arrive
+holding a little girl richly dressed by the hand, they were so surprised
+that neither could utter a word.
+
+"Dear mamma, here is a good and charming little girl whom I found
+sleeping in the forest. She is called Violette. She is very well bred
+and 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 and
+trembling 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 with
+cherries and strawberries."
+
+"But what is all this about?" said Passerose. "Why has our Ourson the
+charge 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 saw
+this little child asleep in the wood all alone. She awoke and began to
+weep. Suddenly she saw me and cried out in terror. I spoke to her and
+began to approach her; but she screamed again with fright. I was
+sorrowful--oh! so very sorrowful! I wept bitterly."
+
+"Hush! hush! poor Ourson," exclaimed Violette, putting her little hand
+on his mouth; "Violette will certainly never make you cry again."
+
+While saying these words Violette's voice was trembling and her sweet
+eyes were full of tears.
+
+"Good little girl!" said Agnella, embracing her; "you love our poor
+Ourson, 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 she
+had already told Ourson. Her father was a king, her mother a queen and
+she did not know how she came to be alone in the forest.
+
+Agnella did not hesitate to take under her protection this poor lost
+child. She loved her already because of the affection the little one
+seemed to entertain for Ourson and because of the happiness Ourson's
+whole manner expressed on seeing himself loved by some one else than his
+mother and Passerose.
+
+It was now the hour for supper. Passerose laid the cloth and they all
+took their seats at the table. Violette asked to be put at Ourson's
+side. She was gay and laughed and talked merrily. Ourson was more happy
+than he had ever been. Agnella was contented, and Passerose jumped for
+joy on seeing a little playmate for her dear Ourson. In her transports
+she spilled a pan of cream which was not lost, however, as a cat came
+and licked it up to the last drop. After supper, Violette fell asleep in
+her 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 in
+the stable."
+
+Agnella and Passerose at first refused but Ourson insisted so much upon
+being allowed to make this little sacrifice, that they at last
+consented. 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 bundles
+of hay. He slept peacefully with content in his heart.
+
+Passerose rejoined Agnella in the parlor. She found her meditating, with
+her 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 the
+little stranger. This medallion ought to open but I have tried in vain
+to open it. Perhaps we shall find here a portrait or a name."
+
+"Give it to me, my child. These bracelets are beautiful; they may aid
+us, perhaps, in finding a resemblance which presents itself vaguely to
+my remembrance and which I am trying in vain to make clear."
+
+Agnella took the bracelets and turned them from side to side and pressed
+them in every way, trying to open the medallion, but she succeeded no
+better than Passerose had done.
+
+At the moment when, weary of her vain efforts, she returned them to
+Passerose, she saw in the middle of the room a woman glittering as the
+sun; her face was of dazzling whiteness, her hair seemed made of threads
+of gold and a crown of glittering stars adorned her brow. Her waist was
+small and her person seemed transparent, it was so delicate and
+luminous; her floating robe was studded with stars like those which
+formed her crown. Her glance was soft yet she smiled maliciously but
+still with goodness.
+
+"Madam," said she to Agnella, "you see in me the fairy Drolette, the
+protectress of your son and of the little princess whom he brought home
+this morning from the forest. This princess is nearly related to you for
+she is your niece--the daughter of your brother-in-law Indolent and
+sister-in-law Nonchalante. Your husband succeeded after your flight in
+killing Indolent and Nonchalante, who did not distrust him and who
+passed all their time in sleeping, eating and lounging. Unfortunately, I
+could not prevent this crime as I was absent assisting at the birth of a
+prince whose parents are under my protection, and I forgot myself while
+playing tricks upon a wicked old maid of honor and an old chamberlain
+who was cruel and avaricious, both of them friends of my sister, the
+fairy Furious. But I arrived in time to save the princess Violette, only
+daughter and heiress of King Indolent and Queen Nonchalante. She was
+playing in the garden while the king Ferocious was seeking her with his
+poniard 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 directed
+the steps of the prince your son. Conceal from both of them their birth
+and your own and do not allow Violette to see these bracelets, which
+contain the portraits of her father and mother, nor the rich clothing
+which I have replaced by other articles better suited to the quiet
+existence she will lead here. I have here," said the fairy, "a casket of
+precious stones. It contains the happiness of Violette but you must hide
+them from all eyes and not open the casket until she shall have been
+lost and found."
+
+"I will execute your orders most faithfully, madam, but I pray you tell
+me if my unhappy son must long wear his frightful covering."
+
+"Patience! patience!" cried the fairy, "I watch over you, over Violette
+and over your son. Inform Ourson of the faculty he has of exchanging his
+skin with any one who loves him well enough to make this sacrifice for
+his sake. Remember that no one must know the rank of Ourson or of
+Violette. Passerose, on account of devotion, deserves to be the only one
+initiated into this mystery and she can always be trusted. Adieu,
+queen; count always upon my protection. Here is a ring, which you must
+place upon your little finger. As long as you wear it there you will
+want for nothing."
+
+Waving her farewell with her hand, the fairy took the form of a lark and
+flew away singing merrily.
+
+Agnella and Passerose looked at each other. Agnella sighed, Passerose
+smiled.
+
+"Let us hide this precious casket, dear queen, and the clothing of
+Violette. I am going now to see what the fairy has prepared for
+Violette's dress to-morrow morning."
+
+She ran quickly and opened the wardrobe, and found it filled with
+clothing, linen and hosiery, all plain but good and comfortable. After
+having looked at all, counted all and approved all and after having
+assisted Agnella to undress, Passerose went to bed and was soon sound
+asleep.
+
+
+
+
+THE DREAM
+
+
+In the morning Ourson was the first awake, aroused by the lowing of the
+cow. He rubbed his eyes and looked about him and asked himself why he
+was in a stable. Then he recalled the events of the day before, sprang
+up from his bundle of hay and ran quickly to the fountain to wash his
+face.
+
+While he was washing, Passerose, who had like Ourson risen at a very
+early 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, who
+was still sleeping. He drew back the curtains from Violette's bed and
+found her sleeping as peacefully as Agnella.
+
+Ourson watched her for a long time and was happy to see that she smiled
+in her dreams. Suddenly Violette's brow contracted and she uttered a cry
+of alarm, half raised herself in the bed, and throwing her little arms
+around Ourson's neck, she exclaimed:
+
+"Ourson! good Ourson! save poor Violette! poor Violette is in the water
+and 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 to
+reassure and control her but she still exclaimed:
+
+"Wicked toad! good Ourson! save Violette!"
+
+Agnella, who had awaked at her first cry, could not yet understand
+Violette's alarm but she succeeded at last in calming her and the child
+told her dream.
+
+"Violette was walking with Ourson but he did not give his hand to
+Violette nor look at her. A wicked toad came and pulled Violette into
+the water; she fell and called Ourson; he came and saved Violette. She
+loves good Ourson," she added, in a tender voice; "will never forget
+him."
+
+Saying these words, Violette threw herself into his arms. He, no longer
+fearing the effect of his bear-skin, embraced her a thousand times and
+comforted and encouraged her.
+
+Agnella had no doubt that this dream was a warning sent by the fairy
+Drolette. She resolved to watch carefully over Violette and to make
+known to Ourson all that she could reveal to him without disobeying the
+fairy.
+
+When she had washed and dressed Violette, she called Ourson to
+breakfast. 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 everything
+here, with good Ourson and good Mamma Ourson!"
+
+"I am not called Mamma Ourson," said Agnella, laughing; "call me only
+Mamma."
+
+"Oh no, no! not mamma!" cried Violette, shaking her head sadly. "Mamma!
+mamma is lost! she was always sleeping, never walking, never taking care
+of poor Violette, never kissing little Violette, Mamma Ourson speaks,
+walks, kisses Violette and dresses her. I love Mamma Ourson, oh, so
+much!" 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 and
+passing 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 breakfast
+and then we will take a walk."
+
+They breakfasted with good appetites. Violette clapped her hands
+frequently 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 and
+Passerose attended to the house. Ourson played with Violette and
+gathered her flowers and strawberries. She said to him:
+
+"We will always walk with each other. You must always play with
+Violette."
+
+"I cannot always play, little girl. I have to help mamma and Passerose
+to work."
+
+"What sort of work, Ourson?"
+
+"To sweep, scour, take care of the cow, cut the grass and bring wood and
+water."
+
+"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 she
+was helping him but she was really too small to be useful. After some
+days had passed away, she began to wash the cups and saucers, spread the
+cloth, fold the linen and wipe the table. She went to the milking with
+Passerose, helped to strain the milk and skim it and wash the marble
+flag-stones. She was never out of temper, never disobedient and never
+answered impatiently or angrily.
+
+Ourson loved her more and more from day to day. Agnella and Passerose
+were also very fond of her and the more so because they knew that she
+was Ourson's cousin.
+
+Violette loved them but Ourson most of all. How could she help loving
+this good boy, who always forgot himself for her, who was constantly
+seeking to amuse and please her and who would indeed have been willing
+to die for his little friend?
+
+One day, when Passerose had taken Violette with her to market, Agnella
+related to Ourson the sad circumstances which had preceded his birth.
+She revealed to him the possibility of his getting rid of his hairy skin
+and receiving a smooth white skin in exchange if he could ever find any
+one who would voluntarily make this sacrifice from affection and
+gratitude.
+
+"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 of
+wretchedness which the vengeance of the fairy Furious has condemned me
+to endure; never, from a wish of mine, shall a heart capable of such a
+sacrifice suffer all that I have suffered and all that I still suffer
+from the fear and antipathy of men."
+
+Agnella argued in vain against this firm and noble resolve of Ourson. He
+declared that she must never again speak to him of this exchange, to
+which he would most assuredly never give his consent and that it must
+never be named to Violette or any other person who loved him.
+
+Agnella promised compliance, after a few weak arguments. In reality she
+approved and admired his sentiments. She could not but hope, however,
+that the fairy Drolette would recompense the generous and noble
+character of her little charge and, by some extraordinary exercise of
+her power, release him from his hairy skin.
+
+
+
+
+THE TOAD AGAIN
+
+
+Some years passed away in this peaceful manner without the occurrence of
+any remarkable event. Ourson and Violette both grew rapidly. Agnella
+thought no more of Violette's frightful dream; her vigilance had greatly
+relaxed and she often allowed her to walk alone or under the care of
+Ourson.
+
+Ourson was now fifteen years of age and he was tall and strong. No one
+could say whether he was handsome or homely for his long black hair
+covered his body and face entirely. He was good, generous and
+loving--always ready to render a service, always contented and cheerful.
+Since the day when he had found Violette in the wood his melancholy had
+disappeared; he was utterly indifferent to the general antipathy which
+he inspired and he no longer walked in uninhabited places but lived
+happily in the circle of the three beings whom he cherished and who
+loved him supremely.
+
+Violette was now ten years old and she had not lost a single sweet charm
+of her beauty in growing up. Her eyes were softer and more angelic, her
+complexion fresher and purer, her mouth more beautiful and arch in its
+expression. She had grown much in height--was tall, light and graceful
+and her rich blonde hair, when unbound, fell to her feet and entirely
+enveloped her like a veil. Passerose had the care of this superb hair
+and Agnella never ceased to admire it.
+
+Violette had learned many things during those seven years. Agnella had
+taught her how to do housework. In other things, Ourson had been her
+teacher. He had taught her to read, write and keep accounts and he often
+read aloud to her while she was sewing. Instructive and amusing books
+were 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 for
+going to market to sell or the neighboring village to buy. Through the
+agency of the ring on Agnella's little finger everything they wished
+for, or had need of, was speedily brought to them.
+
+One day when Ourson was walking with Violette she stumbled against a
+stone, fell and hurt her foot. Ourson was frightened when he saw his
+cherished Violette bleeding. He did not know what to do to relieve her;
+he saw how much she suffered, for, notwithstanding all her efforts, she
+could not suppress the tears which escaped from her eyes but finally he
+remembered that a brook flowed not ten paces from them.
+
+"Dear Violette," he said, "lean upon me and we will endeavor to reach
+the rivulet--the fresh water will relieve you."
+
+Violette tried to walk while Ourson supported her. He succeeded in
+seating her on the borders of the stream where she took off her shoe and
+bathed her delicate little foot in the fresh flowing water.
+
+"I will run to the house, dear Violette, and bring some linen to wrap up
+your foot. Wait for me, I shall not be long absent and take good care
+not to get nearer the stream for this little brook is deep and if you
+slip you might drown."
+
+When Ourson was out of sight Violette felt an uneasiness which she
+attributed to the pain caused by her wound. An unaccountable repulsion
+made her feel inclined to withdraw her foot from the water in which it
+was hanging. Before she decided to obey this strange impulse she saw the
+water troubled and the head of an enormous toad appear upon the surface.
+The great swollen angry eyes of the loathsome animal were fixed upon
+Violette, who since her dream had always had a dread of toads. The
+appearance of this hideous creature, its monstrous swollen body and
+menacing glance, froze her with such horror that she could neither move
+nor 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. "I
+am the fairy Furious, the enemy of your family. I have been lying in
+wait 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 warn
+you against me. Ourson whose hairy skin is a talisman of safety is now
+absent, my sister is on a journey and you are at last mine."
+
+Saying these words, she seized Violette's foot with her cold and shining
+paws and tried to draw her down into the water. Violette uttered the
+most piercing shrieks; she struggled and caught hold of the plants and
+shrubs 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 poor
+Violette! 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, more
+despairing, more terrible, answered to her own. But, alas! her hair
+alone appeared above the water when Ourson reached the spot, breathless
+and panting with terror. He had heard Violette's cries and had turned
+back with the rapidity of lightning.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he sprang into the water and seized
+Violette by her long hair but he felt instantly that he was sinking
+with her. The fairy Furious was drawing them to the bottom of the
+stream. He knew he was sinking but he did not lose his self-possession.
+Instead of releasing Violette, he seized her both arms and invoked the
+fairy Drolette. When they reached the bottom, he gave one vigorous
+stroke with his heel which brought him again to the surface. Holding
+Violette securely with one arm, he swam sturdily with the other and
+through some supernatural force he reached the shore where he deposited
+the unconscious Violette.
+
+Her eyes were closed, her teeth tightly clenched and the pallor of death
+was on her face. Ourson threw himself on his knees by her side weeping
+bitterly. Brave Ourson, whom no dangers could intimidate, no privation,
+no suffering could master, now wept like a child. His sweet sister, so
+well beloved! his only friend, his consolation, his happiness was lying
+there motionless, lifeless! Ourson's strength and courage had deserted
+him and he sank down without consciousness by the side of his beloved
+Violette.
+
+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 and
+disappeared.
+
+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 which
+succeeded them. She ran to the house to apprise Agnella and they both
+ran rapidly toward the stream from which the cries for help seemed to
+come.
+
+On approaching, they saw with surprise and alarm that Violette and
+Ourson were lying on the ground in a state of unconsciousness. Passerose
+placed her hand on Violette's heart and felt it still beating. Agnella
+ascertained at the same moment that Ourson was still living. She
+directed Passerose to take Violette home, undress her and put her to bed
+while she endeavored to restore consciousness to Ourson with salts and
+other restoratives before conducting him to the farm. Ourson was too
+tall and heavy to be carried while Violette, on the contrary, was light
+and it was easy for Passerose to carry her to the house. When she
+arrived there, she was soon restored to animation. It was some moments
+before she was conscious. She was still agitated with a vague
+remembrance 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 himself
+weeping 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. Passerose
+has carried her to the house and will bestow upon her all the attention
+she requires."
+
+Ourson seemed to revive on hearing these words. He rose and wished to
+run to the farm but his second thought was consideration for his mother
+and he restrained his impatience to suit her steps. On their way to the
+farm he told his mother all that he knew of the events which had almost
+cost Violette and himself their lives. He added that the slime from the
+mouth of the fairy Furious had left a strange dulness in his head.
+
+Agnella now told him how Passerose and herself had found them stretched
+unconscious upon the border of the stream. They soon arrived at the
+farm, 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 wept
+and Agnella and Passerose were both in tears. It was a concert of
+emotion, enough to soften all hearts. Passerose put an end to it by
+crying out:
+
+"Would not one say--ha! ha!--that we were the most--ha! ha!--unfortunate
+people--ha! ha!--in the universe!--Look at our poor Ourson, wet as a
+water-reed, bathing himself in his own and Violette's tears. Courage,
+children, courage and happiness! See, we are all alive, thanks to
+Ourson."
+
+"Oh, yes!" interrupted Violette; "thanks to Ourson--to my dear, my
+well-beloved Ourson. How shall I ever repay him for all I owe him? How
+can I ever testify my profound gratitude, my tender affection?"
+
+"By loving me always as you do now, my dear Violette, my sister. Ah! if
+it has indeed been in my power to render you some little service, have
+you not changed my whole existence? Have you not made me gay and
+happy--me who was so wretched and so miserable before? Are you not every
+day and every hour of the day the consolation and happiness of my life
+and of that of my excellent mother?"
+
+Violette was still weeping and she answered only by pressing more
+tenderly to her heart her Ourson, her adopted brother.
+
+"Dear son," said his mother, "you are dripping wet. Go and change your
+clothing. Violette has need of some hours' repose. We will meet again at
+dinner."
+
+Violette consented to go to bed but did not sleep for her heart was
+melting, overflowing with gratitude and tenderness. She sought in vain
+for some means of rewarding the devotion of Ourson. She could think of
+no other way than that of trying to become perfect so as to increase the
+happiness of Ourson and Agnella.
+
+
+
+
+VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE
+
+
+When the dinner hour came, Violette arose, dressed herself and entered
+the dining-room where Agnella and Passerose were awaiting her. Ourson
+was 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 head
+resting 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 strange
+heaviness in my head."
+
+Passerose flew to inform Agnella and Violette of his illness and they
+were by his side in an instant. Ourson made an effort to rise in order
+to reassure them but he fell upon a chair. Agnella found that he had a
+violent fever and she prevailed upon him to lie down. Violette
+absolutely refused to leave him.
+
+"I am the cause of his illness," she said, "and I will not leave his
+side till he is well. I shall die of anxiety if you force me to leave my
+dear brother."
+
+Agnella and Passerose also installed themselves near their dear invalid
+but alas! soon poor Ourson did not recognise them. He was delirious! He
+called his mother and Violette every moment and continued to call them
+most importunately and to complain of their absence, even while they
+were holding him in their arms.
+
+Agnella and Violette never left him day nor night during all his
+sickness. The eighth day, Agnella, exhausted with fatigue, had fallen
+asleep near the poor sufferer's bed; his difficult respiration and
+lifeless eye seemed to announce the near approach of death. Violette was
+on her knees, holding and pressing in her fine white hands the hairy
+hands of Ourson and covering them with tears and kisses.
+
+In the midst of this scene of desolation, a clear sweet song interrupted
+the mournful silence of the chamber of the dying boy. Violette started.
+This soft melody seemed to bring consolation and happiness; she raised
+her 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 love
+Ourson?"
+
+"Do I love him? Ah! love him--I love him more than any one else--more
+than 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 my
+happiness and of my own life."
+
+"Listen, then, Violette. I am the fairy Drolette. I love Ourson, I love
+you and I love your family. The venom which my sister the fairy Furious
+has blown upon the head of Ourson is sufficient to cause his death.
+Nevertheless, if you are sincere, if you really feel for Ourson the
+sentiments of gratitude and tenderness which you express, his life is in
+your hands. You are permitted to redeem it! But remember that you will
+soon be called upon to give the most terrible proof of your attachment
+and that if he lives you will pay for his existence by a most horrible
+sacrifice."
+
+"Oh, madam! quick, quick, tell me what I am to do to save my dear
+Ourson. Nothing will be terrible to me, all will be joy and happiness if
+you aid me to save my brother Ourson."
+
+"Well, my child, very well," replied the fairy. "Kiss his left ear three
+times, saying at each kiss: _'To thee!--For thee!--With thee!'_ Reflect
+again, Violette, before undertaking this cure. If you are not prepared
+for the most difficult sacrifices, the greatest misfortunes will
+overwhelm you and my sister Furious will be the mistress of your life."
+
+As her only reply, Violette crossed her hands upon her breast, cast upon
+the 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 them
+to 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 and
+thin? Your cheeks are hollow, you seem to have grown old and your
+beautiful eyes are red with weeping."
+
+"Hush!" said Violette, "do not wake your mother, who is sleeping by your
+side. She has not slept for a long time and is much fatigued. You have
+been 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 your
+sufferings?"
+
+Ourson was silent. He looked at her tenderly, kissed her hands and again
+asked her to tell him what had passed. She told him but she was too
+modest and too truly devoted to reveal to him the price that the fairy
+had affixed to his cure. Ourson, therefore, was far from knowing the
+truth.
+
+Ourson now felt himself restored to health, rose up, proceeded to his
+mother softly and awakened her by a kiss. Agnella thought he was
+delirious and called Passerose who was astonished when Violette told
+them that Ourson had been restored by the good fairy Drolette.
+
+After all this, Ourson and Violette loved each other more tenderly than
+ever and they never left each other unless their occupations forced them
+to 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 set
+off eagerly. The morning had appeared to her very long and she was
+impatient to be again with Ourson. To shorten the way she went through
+the forest which was composed of large trees under which she could
+easily 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 path
+to her dear Ourson. When she had passed over about half the distance she
+heard the noise of a heavy and precipitate step but too far off for her
+to imagine what it could be. After some moments of expectation she saw
+an enormous wild boar coming towards her. He seemed greatly enraged,
+ploughed the ground with his tusks and rubbed the bark from the trees as
+he passed along. His heavy snorting and breathing were as distinctly
+heard as his step. Violette did not know where to fly or to hide
+herself. While she was hesitating the wild boar came in sight, saw her,
+and paused. His eyes were flaming, his whole body bristling, his tusks
+clashing together. He uttered a ferocious grunt, and sprang towards
+Violette. Happily she was near a tree whose branches were within her
+reach. She seized one, sprang up with it, and climbed from branch to
+branch, until she knew she was beyond his reach. Scarcely was she in
+safety when the savage animal precipitated himself with all his weight
+against the tree in which she had taken refuge. Furious at this
+obstacle, he commenced tearing the bark from the tree and gave it such
+furious blows with his snout that Violette was terribly frightened. The
+concussion caused by these violent and repeated blows might at last
+cause 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 at
+the foot of the tree casting from time to time a menacing look at
+Violette.
+
+Many hours passed in this painful situation, Violette trembling but
+holding on steadily and the wild boar, sometimes calm, sometimes in a
+terrible rage, springing against the tree and tearing it with his
+tusks.
+
+[Illustration: _Violette takes refuge from the wild boar_]
+
+Violette called on her brother, her dear Ourson, for help. At every new
+attempt of the wild boar she renewed her cries for aid but alas! Ourson
+was 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 the
+tree, the wild boar had trampled upon it, crushed it and eaten up
+everything it contained.
+
+Whilst Violette was a prey to these terrors and vainly calling for help
+Ourson was amazed at not seeing her come with the dinner.
+
+"Can they have forgotten me?" he said to himself. "No, neither my mother
+nor Violette could have forgotten me. I could not have explained myself
+well. Without doubt they expected me back to dinner; they are looking
+for me now and are perhaps uneasy."
+
+At this thought Ourson abandoned his work and commenced walking
+precipitately towards the house. He also wished to shorten the way and
+determined to cross the forest. Soon he thought he heard plaintive cries
+of distress. He paused--he listened, his heart beat violently as he
+believed he recognized the voice of Violette. But, no--he heard nothing
+now. He was about to resume his march when he heard a more distinct and
+piercing cry.
+
+Now he knew that it must be Violette, his Violette, who was in danger
+and calling upon Ourson for help. He ran in the direction from which the
+noise seemed to come. Approaching, he heard not only calls for help but
+roars and growls accompanied by ferocious cries and violent blows. Poor
+Ourson ran on with the speed of despair. At last he perceived the wild
+boar shaking with his snout the tree upon which Violette was still
+crouched in safety though pale and overcome.
+
+This sight gave him new strength. He invoked the protection of the good
+fairy Drolette and rushed upon the wild boar with his axe in his hand.
+The wild boar in his rage bellowed furiously. He gnashed his formidable
+tusks one against the other and sprang towards Ourson, who dodged the
+attack and jumped to one side. The boar passed beyond him, paused a
+moment, then turned more furious than ever against Ourson who had now
+taken 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 violent
+blow but his bones were so hard he scarcely seemed to feel it. The
+violence of the attack overthrew Ourson. The wild boar, seeing his enemy
+on the ground, did not give him time to rise but sprang upon him and
+with 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 jeering
+song was heard just above the combatants. The wild boar shuddered,
+suddenly quitted Ourson, raised his head and saw a lark flying above
+them. 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 rested
+supported by the branches of the tree. Ourson, who thought himself torn
+to pieces, scarcely dared attempt to move but feeling no pain he rose
+promptly to assist Violette. His heart was full of gratitude to the
+fairy Drolette to whom he attributed his rescue. At this moment the lark
+flew towards him, pecked his cheeks and whispered in his ear:
+
+"Ourson, it was the fairy Furious who sent this wild boar. I arrived in
+time to save you. Profit by the gratitude of Violette and change skins
+with her. She will consent joyfully."
+
+"Never!" cried Ourson. "I would rather be a bear all my life--rather
+die. Poor Violette! I should indeed be base if I abused her tenderness
+towards me in this way."
+
+"Good-bye, obstinate one!" said the lark, flying away singing, "till we
+meet 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. He
+laid her upon the soft green moss and bathed her forehead with a little
+wine he found in a broken bottle.
+
+In a few moments Violette was restored to consciousness. She could
+scarcely 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! tell
+me, what can I do to prove my gratitude?"
+
+"Do not speak of gratitude, my cherished Violette. Do I not owe all my
+happiness 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 no
+less to render you some real and signal service, which will show all the
+gratitude and all the love with which my heart is filled."
+
+"Good! good! we shall see," said Ourson, laughing. "In the mean time let
+us think of preserving our lives. You have eaten nothing since morning,
+poor Violette, for I see on the ground the remnants of the provisions
+you brought, as I suppose, for our dinner. It is late and the day is
+declining so we must hurry to return to the farm before dark."
+
+Violette now tried to rise but her terror and her long fast had weakened
+her 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 had
+grown so large that he could not carry her so far, neither could he
+leave her exposed to the attacks of the ferocious beasts of the forest
+and he feared she could not do without food till the morning. In this
+perplexity he saw a packet fall at his feet. He raised it, opened it and
+found a pie, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. Ourson knew that this
+bounty was from the hand of the fairy Drolette and with a heart full of
+gratitude he put the bottle to Violette's lips. One mouthful of this
+good wine which was indeed unequalled restored a portion of Violette's
+strength. The pie and the bread completely restored her as well as
+Ourson who did full honor to the repast. While eating and drinking they
+conversed of their past terrors and present happiness.
+
+Now, however, it was night and neither Violette nor Ourson knew which
+way to turn their steps in order to reach the farm. They were in the
+midst of a wood. Violette was reclining against the tree which had been
+her refuge from the wild boar. They dared not quit this spot lest in the
+obscurity they might not find as comfortable a one.
+
+"Well, dear Violette, do not be alarmed. It is warm, the weather is
+beautiful and you are reclining upon a bed of soft green moss. Let us
+pass the night where we are. I will cover you with my coat and I will
+lie at your feet to protect you from all danger and alarm. Mamma and
+Passerose will not be very anxious for they are ignorant of the dangers
+we have encountered and you know that we have often on a lovely evening
+like this reached home after they had retired."
+
+Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest. In the
+first place, they could not do otherwise; secondly, she was never afraid
+with Ourson and always thought that what he decided to do was right.
+
+[Illustration: _Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the
+forest_]
+
+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 possession
+of 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 tree
+which had sheltered them during the night. Ourson awaked and not seeing
+Violette he sprang up in an instant and called her name in a voice
+choking 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? you
+tremble!"
+
+"I thought you had been carried away by some wicked fairy, dear
+Violette, and I reproached myself for having fallen asleep. Let us go
+now quickly in order to reach home before mamma and Passerose are
+awake."
+
+Ourson knew the forest well. He soon found the path to the farm and they
+arrived some moments before Agnella and Passerose awoke. They agreed to
+conceal from Agnella the dangers to which they had been exposed, to
+spare her anguish and disquietude for the future. Passerose alone was
+made the confidant of their dangerous adventures.
+
+
+
+
+THE CONFLAGRATION
+
+
+Ourson now forbade Violette to go alone in the forest. She was no longer
+allowed to carry him his dinner so he always returned to the house at
+midday. Violette never left the farm without Ourson.
+
+Three years after the event in the forest, Ourson saw Violette arise in
+the morning pale and exhausted. She was seeking him.
+
+"Come, come," she said, drawing him along, "I have something to
+say--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! What
+can 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 is
+terrible! terrible! Ourson, dear Ourson, your life is menaced! If you
+die, 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 to
+me and said:
+
+"'The moment approaches when your dear Ourson is to resume his natural
+skin. To you he is to be indebted for this change. I hate him! I hate
+you! You shall not make each other happy! Ourson shall perish and you
+cannot accomplish the sacrifice which in your folly you meditate. In a
+few days, yes, perhaps in a few hours I shall take a signal vengeance
+upon you both. Good-bye--do you hear?--till we meet again!'
+
+"I awoke, suppressed a cry which was about to issue from my lips and
+saw, as I saw on that day in which you saved me from the water, the
+hideous toad creeping upon the shutter and gazing at me menacingly. It
+disappeared, leaving me more dead than alive. I arose dressed myself and
+came to find you my brother, my friend to warn you against the vengeance
+of the fairy Furious and to entreat you to seek the aid of the good
+fairy Drolette."
+
+Ourson listened in great alarm. He was not frightened by the fate which
+menaced himself--he was agitated by the sacrifice which Furious
+announced and which he understood but too well. The thought alone of his
+dear and lovely Violette being muffled up in his hideous bear's skin
+through devotion to him made him tremble and he preferred death.
+Ourson's anguish was pictured in his countenance, and Violette, who was
+watching 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 me
+encourage me and sustain me in all my fears have now no word to utter to
+restore my failing courage. You who have combated the most terrible
+dangers now bow your head and are resigned to fate."
+
+"No, Violette, it is not fear which makes me tremble--it is not fear
+which agitates me. It is a word which the fairy Furious has uttered, of
+which you do not comprehend the meaning but which I understand
+perfectly. The threat was addressed to you, my Violette. It is for you I
+tremble!"
+
+Violette divined from this that the moment of sacrifice had come, that
+she was about to be called upon to keep the promise she had made to the
+fairy Drolette. In place of trembling and shrinking, she felt the most
+lively joy. She could now at last make some return for the devotion, the
+incessant watchful tenderness of her dear Ourson--could in her turn be
+useful to him. She made no response to the fears expressed by Ourson but
+thanked him and spoke to him more tenderly than ever before, thinking
+that soon perhaps she would be separated from him by death. Ourson had
+the same thought. They both fervently invoked the protection of the
+fairy Drolette. Ourson, indeed, called upon her in a loud voice but she
+did not respond to his appeal.
+
+The day passed away sadly. Neither Ourson nor Violette spoke to Agnella
+on the subject of their disquiet for fear of aggravating her melancholy
+which had been constantly increasing as Ourson grew to manhood.
+
+"Already twenty years old!" thought she. "If he persists in living in
+this 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 this
+bear-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. The
+fairy Drolette had appeared to her:
+
+"Courage, queen," she said to her, "in a few days Ourson will lose his
+bear's skin and you can give him his true name of Prince Marvellous."
+
+Agnella had awaked full of hope and happiness. She redoubled her
+tenderness to Violette, believing that it was to her she would owe the
+happiness 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's
+heart bounding with joy at that same future which appeared so near and
+so replete with happiness, Passerose, astonished at the melancholy of
+the one and the joy of the other and ignorant of the cause of both.
+
+All slept, however. Violette after weeping profusely. Ourson after
+having invoked the fairy Drolette; Agnella after smiling and thinking of
+Ourson handsome and attractive and Passerose after saying to herself a
+hundred times: "But what is the matter with them all to-day?"
+
+Scarcely an hour after all at the farm were asleep, Violette was aroused
+by 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 about
+us!"
+
+They sprang from their beds and ran to the parlor. The flames had
+already 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 and
+windows 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 windows
+were ineffectual.
+
+"Oh! my terrible dream!" murmured Violette. "Dear Ourson, adieu for
+ever!"
+
+Ourson had also been awakened by the flames and smoke. He slept out of
+the farm-house, and near the stable. His first impulse was to run to the
+front of the house but notwithstanding his extraordinary strength he
+could not open it. One would have thought that the door would break to
+pieces under his efforts. It was evidently held fast by the fairy
+Furious.
+
+Ourson sprang upon a ladder and passed across the flames into a granary
+through an open window, then descended into the room where his mother
+and Violette were embracing, expecting instant death. Before they had
+time to recognize him he seized them in his arms and cried to Passerose
+to follow him. He ran along the granary and descended the ladder with
+his mother in one arm and Violette in the other and followed by
+Passerose. The moment after they reached the ground in safety, the
+ladder and granary became a prey to the flames.
+
+Ourson led Agnella and Violette some distance from the fire. Passerose
+was self-possessed: she had quite a large package of clothing which she
+had collected at the commencement of the fire. Agnella and Violette had
+escaped barefooted and in their night robes, and the clothing brought
+by Passerose was thus very necessary to protect them from the cold.
+After having thanked Ourson for saving their lives at the peril of his
+own they complimented Passerose upon her forethought.
+
+"See," said Passerose, "the advantage of not losing one's senses. Whilst
+you two were only thinking of your Ourson, I made up this package of
+necessary things."
+
+"That is true, my good Passerose; but what purpose would your package
+have 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 up
+alive. Is any one ever in danger when you are present? Is not this the
+third 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 rewards
+him for all he has done for you. I feel assured that on your part you
+would 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 forehead
+and 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, that
+Ourson questioned her as to this precious casket which seemed to trouble
+her so much.
+
+"The casket was a present of the fairy Drolette. She told me that the
+happiness of Violette was contained in it. It was in the wardrobe, at
+the foot of my bed. Alas! by what fatality did I forget it?"
+
+She had scarcely uttered these words when the brave Ourson sprang
+towards the burning house and notwithstanding the tears and
+supplications of Agnella, Violette and Passerose, disappeared in the
+flames exclaiming:
+
+"You shall have the casket, mother, or I will perish with it!"
+
+A horrible silence followed this act of Ourson. Violette fell on her
+knees with her arms extended towards the burning house, Agnella with her
+hands clasped looked with straining eyes at the opening through which
+Ourson had entered while Passerose was motionless, hiding her face with
+her hands. Some moments passed thus and they appeared ages to the three
+women who were expecting a sentence of life or death.
+
+Ourson did not reappear. The crackling of the burning wood, the flashing
+of the flames, increased in violence. Suddenly, a frightful noise made
+Violette and Agnella utter a cry of despair.
+
+The roof, covered with flames, had fallen in and Ourson was buried under
+the ruins--crushed by the ruins, consumed by the fire.
+
+The silence of death succeeded this dreadful catastrophe. The flames
+diminished, then died away--no sound now interrupted the despair of
+Agnella and Violette.
+
+Violette had fallen into the arms of Agnella and they sobbed thus a long
+time in silence. Passerose contemplated the smoking ruins and wept. Poor
+Ourson was buried there a victim of his courage and his devotion!
+Agnella and Violette still wept bitterly; they appeared neither to hear
+nor 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 the
+night--the evening fortunately is mild."
+
+"What shelter do I want?" said Violette. "What is the evening to me or
+the morning? There are no more beautiful days for me! The sun will shine
+no more but to illumine my despair!"
+
+"But if we remain here weeping we shall die of hunger, Violette, and in
+spite 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 place
+where I saw my dear Ourson for the last time--where he perished, a
+victim of his tenderness for us."
+
+Passerose shrugged her shoulders; she remembered that the stable had not
+been burned so she ran there with all speed, milked the cow, drank a
+cupful of milk and tried in vain to make Agnella and Violette do the
+same.
+
+Agnella rose and said to Violette in a solemn tone:
+
+"Your grief is just, my daughter. Never did a more noble or generous
+heart beat in a human form than Ourson's and he loved you more than he
+loved himself--to spare your grief he sacrificed his happiness and his
+life."
+
+Agnella now recounted to Violette the scene which preceded Ourson's
+birth, the power Violette had to deliver him from his deformity by
+accepting it for herself and Ourson's constant prayer that Violette
+should never be informed of the possibility of such a sacrifice.
+
+It is easy to comprehend the feelings of loving tenderness and regret
+which filled the heart of Violette after this confidence and she wept
+more bitterly than ever.
+
+"And now, my daughter," continued Agnella, "there remains one duty to
+fulfil, that is to give burial to my son. We must clear away these ruins
+and remove the ashes and when we have found the remains of our
+well-beloved Ourson----"
+
+Sobs interrupted her speech; she could say no more.
+
+
+
+
+THE WELL
+
+
+Agnella, Violette and Passerose walked slowly towards the burned walls
+of the farmhouse. With the courage of despair they removed the smoking
+ruins. They worked diligently two days before this work was completed.
+No vestige of poor Ourson appeared and yet they had removed piece by
+piece, handful by handful, all that covered the site. On removing the
+last half-burned planks, Violette perceived an aperture, which she
+quickly enlarged. It was the orifice of a well. Her heart beat
+violently--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 consciousness
+and fell into the well which enclosed her dear Ourson. If the good fairy
+Drolette had not watched over her fall, she would have broken her head
+and limbs against the sides of the well. But their kind protectress,
+who had already rendered them so many services, sustained her and she
+fell safely at Ourson's feet.
+
+Violette soon returned to consciousness. Their happiness was too great
+to be believed in--to be trusted. They did not cease to give the most
+tender assurances of affection. And now they were aroused from their
+ecstasy by the cries of Passerose, who, losing sight of Violette and
+seeking her amongst the ruins, discovered the open well. Peering into
+the darkness she saw Violette's white robe and she imagined that the
+poor girl had thrown herself intentionally into the well and there found
+the death she sought. Passerose screamed loud enough to destroy her
+lungs. Agnella came slowly forward to know the cause of this alarm.
+
+"Be silent, Passerose," cried Ourson in a loud voice; "you are
+frightening our mother. I am in the well with Violette; we are happy and
+want for nothing."
+
+"Oh blessed news! blessed news!" cried Passerose; "I see them! I see
+them! Madam, madam, come quickly, quickly! They are here--they are
+well--they have need of nothing!"
+
+Agnella, pale, and half dead with emotion, listened to Passerose without
+comprehending 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 her
+by the arms and drawn her back suddenly.
+
+"For the love of Ourson, dear queen, do not throw yourself into this
+hole; you will kill yourself! I will restore Ourson and Violette to you
+unharmed."
+
+Agnella, trembling with happiness, comprehended the wisdom of the
+counsel given by Passerose. She remained rooted to the spot but
+shuddering with agitation while Passerose ran to seek a ladder.
+
+Passerose was absent a long time which was excusable as she was somewhat
+confused. First she seized a cord, then a pitchfork, then a chair. For
+an instant she thought of lowering the cow to the bottom of the well so
+that poor Ourson might have a drink of fresh warm milk. At last she
+found the ladder before her eyes, almost in her hands, but she had not
+seen it.
+
+While Passerose was seeking the ladder, Ourson and Violette talked
+incessantly of their present happiness and the despair and anguish they
+had endured.
+
+"I passed uninjured through the flames," said Ourson, "and sought
+groping about for the wardrobe of my mother. The smoke suffocated and
+blinded me. Then I felt myself raised by the hair and cast to the bottom
+of this well where you have come to join me, dear Violette.
+
+"In place of finding water, or even moisture here, I felt at once a
+sweet, fresh air. A soft carpet was spread on the bottom: you see it is
+still here. There was from some source sufficient light around me. I
+found ample provisions at my side. Look at them, Violette, I have not
+touched them. A few drops of wine was all I could swallow.
+
+"The knowledge of your despair and that of my mother rendered me too
+unhappy and the fairy Drolette took pity on me. She appeared to me under
+your form, dear Violette, and I took her for you and sprang forward to
+seize you in my arms but I embraced only a vague form of air or vapor. I
+could see her but I could not touch her.
+
+"'Ourson', said the fairy, smiling sweetly upon me, 'I have assumed
+Violette's form to testify my friendship in the most agreeable way. Be
+comforted; you shall see her to-morrow. She weeps bitterly, because she
+believes you to be dead but I will send her to you to-morrow. She will
+make you a visit at the bottom of this well. She will accompany you when
+you go forth from this tomb and you shall see your mother and the blue
+heavens and the dazzling sun which neither your mother nor Violette wish
+to look upon since your loss, but which appeared beautiful to them while
+you were with them. You will return once more to this well for it
+contains your happiness.'
+
+"'My happiness!' I exclaimed to the fairy; 'when I have found my mother
+and my Violette I shall be in possession of all my happiness.'
+
+"'Believe implicitly what I say. This well contains your happiness and
+that 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 be
+wanting to complete your happiness. You will find it here. We will meet
+again, 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 and
+then you will wish that you had never seen me. Silence and farewell.'
+
+"She flew away smiling sweetly, leaving behind her a delicious perfume
+and an atmosphere so soft and heavenly that it diffused a peaceful calm
+in my heart. I suffered no more--I expected you."
+
+Violette on her part comprehended better than Ourson why the next return
+of the fairy would be painful to him. Since Agnella had revealed to her
+in confidence the nature of the sacrifice that she could impose upon
+herself, she was resolved to accomplish it, in spite of the opposition
+of Ourson. She thought only of the delight of giving an immense proof of
+her affection. This hope tempered her joy at having found him.
+
+When Ourson had completed his narrative, they heard the shrill voice of
+Passerose crying out to them:
+
+"Look, look, my children! the ladder. I will put it down to you. Take
+care that it does not fall on your heads. You must have some provisions
+down there; send them up, if you please; we are somewhat destitute above
+here. 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! here
+they are: here are Ourson's and Violette's heads--Good! Step up! There
+you are!"
+
+Agnella, still pallid and trembling, was immovable as a statue.
+
+After having seen Violette in safety, Ourson sprang from the well and
+threw himself into his mother's arms. She covered him with tears and
+kisses and held him a long time clasped to her heart. After having
+thought him dead during so many painful hours, it seemed a dream to her
+almost impossible to realize that she was holding him safe once more.
+Finally Passerose terminated this melting scene by seizing Ourson and
+saying to him:
+
+"Now it is my turn! I am forgotten, forsooth, because I do not bathe
+myself 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 and
+indeed I thank you for drawing me out of it where, however, I was doing
+very well after my sweet Violette came down to me."
+
+"But now I think of it," said Passerose, "tell me, Violette, how did you
+get to the bottom of that well without killing yourself?"
+
+"I did not go down purposely. I fell and Ourson received me in his
+arms."
+
+"All this is not very clear," said Passerose. "The fairy Drolette had
+something to do with it."
+
+"Yes, the good and amiable fairy," said Ourson. "She is always
+counteracting the cruelties of her wicked sister."
+
+While thus talking merrily, their stomachs gave indication that they
+were suffering for dinner. Ourson had left in the well the provisions
+furnished by the fairy. The rest of the happy family were still
+embracing and weeping over past remembrances but Passerose without
+saying a word descended into the well and remounted with the provisions
+which she placed on a bundle of straw; she then placed around the table
+four other bundles of straw for seats.
+
+"Dinner is ready," said she; "come and eat; you all need food. The good
+queen and Violette will soon fall from exhaustion. Ourson has had a
+little wine but he has eaten nothing. Here is a pie, a ham, bread and
+wine. Long life to the good fairy!"
+
+Agnella, Violette and Ourson did not require to be told a second time
+but placed themselves gayly at the table. Their appetites were good and
+the repast excellent. Happiness illuminated every countenance; they
+talked, laughed, clasped each other's hands and were in paradise.
+
+When dinner was over, Passerose was surprised that the fairy Drolette
+had not provided for all their wants.
+
+"Look," said she, "the house is in ruins, we are destitute of
+everything! The stable is our only shelter, the straw our only bed and
+the provisions I brought up from the well our only food. Formerly
+everything was provided before we had the time to ask for it."
+
+Agnella looked suddenly at her hand--the ring was no longer there! They
+must now gain their bread by the sweat of their brows. Ourson and
+Violette seeing her air of consternation demanded the cause of it.
+
+"Alas! my children, you will no doubt think me very ungrateful to feel
+disquieted about the future in the midst of our great happiness but I
+perceive that during the fire I have lost the ring given me by the good
+fairy and this ring would have furnished us with all the necessaries of
+life so long as it was upon my finger. Alas! I have it no longer. What
+shall we do?"
+
+"Dismiss all anxiety, dear mother," said Ourson. "Am I not tall and
+strong? 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 and
+Passerose? In seeking work for yourself, Ourson, you can also find
+something for me to do."
+
+"I will go at once and seek work," said Ourson. "Adieu, mother. We will
+meet again, Violette."
+
+Kissing their hands, he set off with a light step.
+
+He had no presentiment, poor boy, of the reception which awaited him in
+the three houses where he sought employment.
+
+
+
+
+THE FARM--THE CASTLE--THE FORGE
+
+
+Ourson walked more than three hours before he arrived at a large and
+beautiful farm where he hoped to obtain employment. He saw from a
+distance the farmer and his family seated before his front door taking
+their evening meal.
+
+He was but a short way off when one of the children, a little boy about
+ten years of age, perceived him. He sprang from his seat, uttered a cry
+of terror and fled into the house.
+
+A second child, a little girl eight years old, hearing the cry of her
+brother turned towards Ourson and commenced the most piercing shrieks.
+
+All the family now followed the movement of the children and turned
+around. At the sight of Ourson the women cried out with terror and the
+children fled in wild alarm. The men seized sticks and pitchforks
+expecting to be attacked by poor Ourson whom they took for some
+extraordinary animal escaped from a menagerie.
+
+Ourson, seeing this movement of terror and preparation for attack, spoke
+to them hoping to dissipate their fears.
+
+"I am not a bear, as you seem to suppose, but a poor boy seeking work
+and who would be very glad if you should give him employment."
+
+The farmer was greatly amazed to hear a bear speak. He did not know
+whether to fly or to interrogate him further. He resolved, however, to
+speak.
+
+"Who are you and from whence do you come?"
+
+"I come from the Woodland Farm and I am the son of Agnella," Ourson
+replied.
+
+"Ah, then it was you who in your childhood went with your mother to
+market and frightened all our children to death. You have lived in the
+woods and done without our help. Why do you seek us now? Go away and
+live as you have lived heretofore."
+
+"Our farm-house is burned to the ground. I have to work now with my
+hands to support my mother and sister. For this reason, I pray you to
+give me work. I will do all you command me."
+
+"Do you suppose, boy, that I will take into my service a villainous
+animal like you who will frighten my wife and my servants to death and
+throw 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 finish
+our dinner."
+
+"Master farmer, be merciful. Only try my work. Place me altogether by
+myself; then no one will fear me. I will conceal myself so well that
+your children shall not see me."
+
+"Will you be done talking, wicked bear? Go instantly; if you don't you
+shall feel the teeth of my pitchfork."
+
+Poor Ourson bowed his head. Tears of humiliation and disappointment
+glittered in his eyes. He withdrew slowly, followed by the coarse laugh
+and shouts of the farm hands.
+
+When out of sight he no longer restrained his tears, but in all this
+shame and despair the thought that Violette could take upon herself his
+ugly covering did not enter his thoughts.
+
+Ourson walked on till he came in sight of a castle where he saw a crowd
+of men coming, going and laboring at every kind of work. Some were
+mowing, some raking, some currying horses, some sweeping, some watering
+plants, some sowing.
+
+"Here is a house where I shall certainly find work," said Ourson to
+himself. "I see neither women nor children and I think the men will not
+be afraid of me."
+
+Ourson drew near without being seen. He took off his hat and stood
+before a man who seemed to be the superintendent.
+
+"Sir--" said he.
+
+The man looked up, recoiled a step when he saw Ourson and examined him
+with 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 my
+mother and sister. I hope you will be good enough to give me
+employment."
+
+"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 capable
+of gratitude and affection. You shall have no reason to complain either
+of 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 and
+prance and the grooms could scarcely hold them. Some of them indeed
+escaped and fled in terror to the woods.
+
+"It is the bear! It is the bear!" cried the grooms. "It has terrified
+the 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, you
+hairy beast. I will give you something to run for. Halloa, men! bring
+out the dogs, and set them upon this animal. Hurry!--see him scampering
+off!"
+
+In fact Ourson, more dead than alive at this cruel treatment,
+precipitately withdrew from the presence of these wicked and inhuman
+men. This second attempt had failed utterly but he would not allow
+himself to be discouraged.
+
+"It is still three or four hours before sunset so I have time to
+continue my search for work."
+
+He directed his steps towards a forge which was some distance from
+Woodland Farm. The master of the forge employed a great many workmen. He
+gave work to those who asked it, not in charity, but in view of his own
+interest. He was feared but he was not loved. He developed the riches of
+the country but no one thanked him for it because he alone profited by
+it. By his avidity and his opulence he ground down the poor workmen who
+could only find employment with this new Marquis of Carabas.
+
+Poor Ourson arrived at the forge. The master was at the door, scolding
+some, 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 at
+Ourson. When his eye fell upon him he did not finish his phrase; his
+eyes flashed with rage and he stammered out:--
+
+"What foolery is this? Are we in the midst of the Carnival, that a
+workman ventures upon such a ridiculous masquerade? Throw off your ugly
+bear'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! my
+natural skin but if you will be humane enough to employ me you will see
+that 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 a
+menagerie or I will throw you into a den with your brother bears. You
+will have work enough to defend yourself from their claws. Be off!"
+
+And brandishing his club he would have dealt Ourson a heavy blow if the
+poor boy had not made a hasty retreat.
+
+
+
+
+THE SACRIFICE
+
+
+Ourson turned his steps homeward, discouraged and exhausted. He walked
+slowly and arrived at the farm late. Violette ran to meet him, took him
+by the hand, and without saying a word led him to his mother. There she
+fell 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 fairy
+Drolette has confirmed her story. My mother, when our Ourson was, as we
+believed, lost to us for ever and lost for my sake you revealed to me
+that which in his nobility and goodness he wished to conceal. I know
+that by changing skins with him I can restore to him his original
+beauty. Happy, a hundred times happy in having this opportunity to
+recompense the tenderness and devotion of my dearly-loved brother
+Ourson, I demand to make this exchange allowed by the fairy Drolette and
+I entreat her to complete the transfer immediately."
+
+"Violette! Violette!" exclaimed Ourson, in great agitation, "take back
+your words! You do not know to what you engage yourself; you are
+ignorant of the life of anguish and misery unparalleled, the life of
+solitude and isolation to which you thus condemn yourself; you know not
+the unceasing desolation you will feel at knowing that you are an object
+of fear to all mankind. Violette, Violette, in pity to me, withdraw your
+words!"
+
+"Dear Ourson," said Violette, calmly, but resolutely, "in making what
+you believe to be so great a sacrifice, I accomplish the dearest wish of
+my heart; I secure my own happiness; I satisfy an ardent and imperious
+desire to testify my tenderness and my gratitude. I esteem myself for
+doing what I propose. I should despise myself if I left it undone."
+
+"Pause, Violette, for one instant longer, I beseech you! Think of my
+grief, when I no longer see my beautiful Violette, when I think of you
+exposed to the railleries, the horror of men. Oh! Violette, do not
+condemn your poor Ourson to this anguish."
+
+The lovely face of Violette was veiled with sadness. The fear that
+Ourson would feel repugnance towards her made her heart tremble; but
+this thought, which was wholly personal, was very fleeting--it could not
+triumph over her devoted tenderness. Her only response was to throw
+herself 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 lovingly
+upon her--whilst Ourson, on his knees, supplicated her to leave him his
+bear-skin to which he had been accustomed for twenty years--Violette
+called out again in a loud voice:--
+
+"Fairy Drolette! Fairy Drolette! come and accept the price of the life
+and health of my dear Ourson."
+
+At this moment the fairy Drolette appeared in all her glory. She was
+seated 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 brilliant
+colors 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 it
+was light as gauze. Her hair, glittering like tissue of gold, was
+ornamented by a crown of carbuncles more brilliant than the sun; each of
+her slippers was carved from a single ruby and her beautiful face, soft,
+yet gay, breathed contentment. She fixed upon Violette a most
+affectionate 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 me
+with boundless gratitude--you, good and just--will you execute the mad
+wish of my dear Violette? Will you make my whole life wretched by
+forcing 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 light
+touch with her wand of pearl and Ourson another--then said:--
+
+"Let it be according to the wish of your heart, my daughter. Let it be
+contrary to your ardent desires, my son."
+
+At the same moment, the face, arms and the whole body of the lovely
+young girl were covered with the long hair which Ourson had worn, and
+Ourson appeared with a white smooth skin, which set off his extreme
+beauty to advantage.
+
+Violette gazed at him with admiration, while he, his eyes cast down and
+full of tears, dared not look at his poor Violette, so horribly
+metamorphosed. At last he looked up, threw himself in her arms, and they
+wept together.
+
+Ourson was marvellously handsome. Violette was, as Ourson had been,
+without form, without beauty, but not ugly. When Violette raised her
+head 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 thousand
+times more than ever before."
+
+"Violette," said Ourson, "never fear being ugly in our eyes. To my
+eyes, you are a hundred times more beautiful than when clothed with all
+your loveliness. To me you are a sister--a friend incomparable. You will
+always 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 the
+air, and they saw descend a chariot made of crocodile's skin, drawn by
+fifty enormous toads. All the toads were hissing and blowing, and would
+have cast their infectious venom in every direction, if they had not
+been restrained by the power of the fairy Drolette.
+
+When the chariot reached the ground, the fairy Furious, a huge and heavy
+creature, issued from it. Her big eyes seemed bursting from their
+sockets, her large flat nose covered her wrinkled, withered cheeks, her
+monstrous mouth extended from ear to ear and when it was open a long
+pointed black tongue was seen licking her horrid teeth.
+
+She was not more than three feet in height and was very corpulent; her
+grizzly skin was gluey and cold, like a snail's and her thin red hair
+fell in locks of unequal length around her throat, which was disfigured
+by a goitre. Her large, flat hands looked like the fins of a shark, her
+dress 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 true
+name of Prince Marvellous) with a slow step. She paused in front of him
+and casting a furious glance upon the fairy Drolette and an eye of
+mocking triumph upon Violette, she folded her great cold arms and said
+in 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 your
+original beauty at the expense of that little fool, who is now frightful
+and repugnant and whom you will now never wish to approach. Yes! yes!
+weep, my handsome Ourson! You will weep a long time, Violette, and you
+will regret bitterly, if you do not already regret, that you have given
+your beautiful skin to the prince Marvellous."
+
+"Never, madam, never! My only regret is that I did not know sooner what
+I could do to testify my gratitude."
+
+The fairy Drolette, whose countenance had assumed an unaccustomed
+expression of severity and irritation, now waved her wand and said:--
+
+"Silence, sister! You shall not triumph long over the misfortunes of
+Violette. I will provide a remedy for those misfortunes: her generous
+devotion merits recompense."
+
+"I defy you to come to her assistance under penalty of my wrath," said
+Furious.
+
+"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 hissing
+furiously, she called her chariot, mounted it, rose in the air and tried
+to launch upon Drolette all the venom of her toads in order to suffocate
+her.
+
+But Drolette knew her sister perfectly. Her faithful larks held the door
+of 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 turning
+adroitly to one side. They however threw their venom on the larks which
+were nearest to them, who died instantly.
+
+Drolette detached them with the rapidity of a thunder-bolt, rose again
+in the air and fell so adroitly on the toads, that the larks tore out
+their eyes with their claws, before Furious had time to come to the
+rescue of her army.
+
+The outcries of the toads and the hissing of the larks made a deafening
+noise; and the fairy Drolette called out to her friends, who were
+regarding 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 in
+such a way as to meet the larks face to face, and to dart their venom
+upon them.
+
+But Drolette rose higher and higher in the air and Furious found herself
+always 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 should
+gladly see in the lower regions!"
+
+Scarcely had she pronounced these words when her chariot fell heavily to
+the earth. The toads perished and the chariot disappeared. The fairy
+Furious only remained, in the form of an enormous toad. She wished to
+speak but she could only bellow and snuffle. She gazed at Drolette and
+her larks--at Prince Marvellous, Violette and Agnella, in a transport of
+rage but her power was destroyed.
+
+The fairy Drolette lowered her chariot, descended to the earth and
+said:--
+
+"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, which
+happily reached no one.
+
+Drolette extended her wand towards her and said:
+
+"I command you to disappear and never to appear again to the prince
+Marvellous, 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 her
+brow, as if to chase away a sad thought; then approaching Prince
+Marvellous, she said to him:--
+
+"Prince, the title which I give you indicates your birth. You are the
+son of King Ferocious and the queen Aimee, concealed till now under the
+appearance of a modest farmer woman. The name of your father
+sufficiently indicates his character. Your mother having prevented him
+from killing his brother Indolent and his sister-in-law Nonchalante, he
+turned his rage against her. I was her protectress, and carried her off
+with her faithful Passerose in a cloud.
+
+"And you, Princess Violette, your birth is equal to that of Prince
+Marvellous. Your father and mother were that same King Indolent and
+Queen Nonchalante who, saved once by Queen Aimee, became at last the
+victims of King Ferocious and their own apathy. Since that time King
+Ferocious has been killed by his subjects who could no longer support
+his cruel yoke.
+
+"They expect you, prince, to reign over them. I have revealed to them
+your existence and I have promised them that you will take a wife worthy
+of you. You can select from the twelve princesses whom your father
+retained captive after having slain their parents. They are all wise and
+beautiful and each has a kingdom for her marriage portion."
+
+Surprise had kept Prince Marvellous silent. At the last words of the
+fairy he turned towards Violette, and seeing that she was weeping, he
+said:--
+
+"Why do you weep, my Violette? Do you fear that I will blush for
+you--that I will not dare to testify before my whole court the
+tenderness with which you inspire me? That I will conceal what you have
+done for me or forget the bonds which attach me to you for ever? Can you
+believe that I will be ungrateful enough to seek any other affection
+than yours and fill your place by any of those princesses held captive
+by my father? No, dearest Violette! Until this time I have seen in you
+only a sister but from this moment you are the companion of my life, my
+sole friend, my wife!"
+
+"Your wife, dear brother? That is impossible! How can you seat upon your
+throne a creature so repulsive as your poor Violette? How will you dare
+to brave the raillery of your subjects and of the neighboring kings? And
+how could I show my deformity in the midst of the festivals given on
+your 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 be
+your wife! No one shall blame you for having made so sad a choice."
+
+The prince insisted long and firmly. Violette could scarcely control her
+emotions but she resisted with as much resolution as devotion. Agnella
+said nothing. She would have been willing that her son should accept
+even this last sacrifice from poor Violette and simply allow her to
+live near to them but hidden from the world.
+
+Passerose wept and in a low tone encouraged the prince in his
+determination.
+
+"Violette," said the prince, at last, "since you absolutely refuse to
+ascend the throne with me, I abandon it and all royal power in order to
+live with you as before in solitude and happiness. Without your sweet
+presence, the sceptre would be a heavy burden; with you at my side, our
+little 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 so
+many years: modest in our lives, happy in our affections."
+
+"Noble prince and generous princess," said the fairy, "you shall be
+recompensed for this rare and devoted tenderness. Prince, in the well to
+which I carried you during the fire, there is a priceless treasure for
+Violette and yourself. Descend into the well, seek for it, and when you
+have 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 the
+well; the ladder was still there and he descended. On arriving at the
+bottom, he saw nothing but the carpet which had been there from the
+first; he searched the walls of the well, but saw no indication of
+treasure. Finally he raised the carpet, and perceived a black stone with
+a ring attached; he raised the stone and discovered a casket which
+glittered 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 ascended
+the ladder hastily, holding the casket carefully in his arms.
+
+They were awaiting his return with impatience. He handed the casket to
+the fairy. Agnella exclaimed:--
+
+"This is the same casket you confided to me, madam, and which I supposed
+I 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 general
+disappointment, when, in place of some rich treasure which they supposed
+it contained, they found only the bracelets which Violette had worn when
+her 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 and
+consternation. She took the bracelets and gave them to Violette.
+
+"This is my bridal present, my dear child; every one of these diamonds
+has the property of guarding from all evil influences the person who
+wears it, and of endowing its wearer with every virtue, enormous riches
+and resplendent beauty, with wit, intellect and all desirable happiness.
+Use them for the children who will be born of your union with Prince
+Marvellous.
+
+"As to this vial of perfumed oil, it is the wedding gift of the prince
+your cousin. I know you love perfumes, this has peculiar virtues; use it
+to-day. To-morrow I will return to seek you and carry you all to your
+kingdom," 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, desire
+to accept the crown which you are about to refuse. I forbid you,
+however, to accept it before my return. And you, dear and amiable
+prince," added she, in a sweet voice, accompanied with an affectionate
+glance, "I forbid you to repeat this offer before my return. Adieu till
+to-morrow. When you are truly happy, my dear children, think kindly of
+your friend the fairy Drolette."
+
+The fairy ascended her chariot. The larks flew like lightning and she
+soon disappeared, leaving behind her a delicious perfume.
+
+
+
+
+THE RECOMPENSE
+
+
+Prince Marvellous looked at Violette and sighed heavily; Violette gazed
+at the prince and smiled sweetly.
+
+"How handsome you are, my dear cousin! I am so happy to have it in my
+power to restore you your beauty. And now I will pour some of this
+perfumed oil upon my hands; since I cannot please your eye, I will at
+least embalm you," said she, laughing.
+
+She uncorked the vial, and entreated Marvellous to sprinkle some drops
+on her forehead and cheeks. The heart of the prince was too full for
+words. He took the vial and obeyed the order of his cousin. Their
+surprise and joy were indescribable on seeing that as soon as the oil
+touched Violette's forehead the hair disappeared and her skin resumed
+its 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 saw
+Agnella and Passerose. They called their attention to the happy effect
+of this perfumed oil given them by the fairy. Both joined in their
+happiness. The prince could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses.
+And now nothing could prevent his union with Violette, so good, so
+devoted, so tender, so lovely, so well constituted to make him supremely
+happy.
+
+The queen thought of the morrow--of her return to her kingdom, which she
+had abandoned twenty years ago. She wished that she herself, that
+Violette, that her son the prince had clothing worthy of so great an
+occasion but, alas! she had neither the time nor the means to procure
+them: they would therefore be compelled to wear their coarse clothing,
+and thus show themselves to their people. Violette and Marvellous
+laughed at this distress of their mother.
+
+"Do you not think, mamma," said Violette, "that our dear prince is
+sufficiently adorned with his rare beauty and that a rich and royal robe
+would not make him more beautiful or more amiable?"
+
+"And do you not agree with me, my dear mother," said Marvellous, "in
+thinking that our dear Violette is lovely enough in the simplest
+clothing, that the lustre of her eyes surpasses the most brilliant
+diamonds, that the clear whiteness of her teeth rivals successfully the
+rarest pearls, that the richness of her blonde hair surpasses a crown of
+brilliants?"
+
+"Yes, yes, my children," replied Agnella, "without doubt, you are both
+of you handsome and attractive but a rich dress spoils nothing, not even
+beauty. Jewels, embroidery and heavy brocades would detract nothing from
+your charms. And I who am old----"
+
+"But not ugly, madam," interrupted Passerose, hastily. "You are still
+amiable and handsome, in spite of your little country cap, your skirts
+of coarse striped cloth, your waist of red camlet and your stomacher of
+simple cloth. Besides, when you return to your kingdom, you can buy
+every kind of dress your heart desires."
+
+The evening passed away gayly and there seemed no anxiety about the
+future. The fairy had provided their supper; they passed the night on
+the bundles of hay in the stable and as they were all fatigued by the
+emotions of the day they slept profoundly. The sun had been shining a
+long time and the fairy Drolette was with them, before they awoke.
+
+A soft "Hem! hem!" of the fairy aroused them. The prince was the first
+to open his eyes; he threw himself on his knees before the fairy and
+thanked 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 of
+the prince.
+
+"I do not doubt your gratitude, dear children," said the fairy; "but I
+have much to do. I am expected in the kingdom of the king Benin where I
+am to attend at the birth of the third son of the princess Blondine.
+This prince is to be the husband of your first daughter, Prince
+Marvellous, and I am resolved to endow him with all the qualities which
+will obtain for him the warm love of your daughter. And now I must
+conduct you to your kingdom; I will return in time to be present at your
+wedding. Queen," she continued, turning to Aimee, who was now just
+opening her eyes, "we are about to set out immediately for your son's
+kingdom. Are you and your faithful Passerose ready for the journey?"
+
+"Madam," replied the queen, with a slight embarrassment, "we are ready
+to follow you but will you not blush for our dress, so little worthy of
+our rank?"
+
+"It is not I who will blush, queen," said the fairy, smiling, "but
+rather yourself who have this sensation of shame. But I will remedy this
+evil also."
+
+Saying this, she described a circle with her wand above the head of the
+queen, who in the same moment found herself clothed in a robe of gold
+brocade. Upon her head was a hat with splendid plumes, fastened with a
+band of superb diamonds and her boots were of velvet, spangled with
+gold.
+
+Aimee looked at her robe with an air of complaisance.
+
+"And Violette and my son the prince, will you not extend your goodness
+to 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, "I
+have been sufficiently happy in this robe of simple cloth. In this
+costume my brother knew me and loved me. Permit me to continue to wear
+it as far as regard for my station allows and allow me to preserve it
+always in remembrance of the happy years of my childhood."
+
+The prince thanked Violette for these sweet words, and pressed her hand
+tenderly.
+
+The fairy kindly nodded her approval and called for her chariot, which
+was waiting a few steps from them. She entered and placed the queen next
+herself, then the prince, Violette and Passerose.
+
+In less than an hour the larks had flown over the three thousand leagues
+which separated them from the kingdom of Prince Marvellous. All his
+court and all his subjects, apprised beforehand by the fairy, expected
+him. The streets and the palaces were filled by the eager, happy crowd.
+
+When the chariot appeared in sight, the people uttered cries of joy
+which were redoubled when it drew up before the great entrance of the
+palace, when they saw descend Queen Aimee, a little older, no doubt, but
+still pretty and gracious, and the Prince Marvellous, whose natural
+beauty and grace were enhanced by the splendor of his clothing,
+glittering with gold and precious stones, which were also a present from
+the fairy.
+
+But the acclamations arose to frenzy when the prince, taking Violette
+by the hand, presented her to the people.
+
+Her sweet, attractive countenance, her superb and elegant form, were
+adorned with a dress with which the fairy had clothed her by one stroke
+of her wand.
+
+Her robe was of gold lace, while her waist, her arms and shoulders shone
+with innumerable larks formed of diamonds larger than humming-birds. On
+her graceful head she wore a crown of larks made of precious stones of
+all colors. Her countenance, soft but gay, her grace, her beauty, won
+the hearts of all.
+
+For a long time nothing was heard but shouts of "Long live King
+Marvellous! Long live Queen Violette!" The noise and tumult were so
+great that many persons became deaf. The good fairy, who desired that
+only joy and happiness should prevail throughout the kingdom on this
+auspicious day, cured them instantly at the request of Violette.
+
+There was a magnificent feast spread for the court and the people. A
+million, three hundred and forty-six thousand, eight hundred and
+twenty-two persons dined at the expense of the fairy and each guest was
+permitted 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 that
+his mother was a little sad at not being queen, entreated her earnestly
+to accept Violette's kingdom and she consented to reign there on
+condition that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come every year
+and pass three months with her.
+
+Queen Aimee, before parting with her children, wished to witness their
+marriage. The fairy Drolette and many other fairies of her acquaintance
+and many genii were invited to the marriage. They all received the most
+magnificent presents, and were so satisfied with the welcome given them
+by King Marvellous and Queen Violette that they graciously promised to
+return whenever they were invited.
+
+Two years afterwards they received an invitation to be present at the
+birth of the first child of King Marvellous. There came to Queen
+Violette a daughter, who, like her mother, was a marvel of goodness and
+beauty.
+
+The king and queen could not fulfil the promise they had made to Queen
+Aimee. One of the genii who had been invited to the wedding of
+Marvellous and Violette, found in Queen Aimee so much of goodness,
+sweetness, and beauty, that he loved her, and, visiting her several
+times in her new kingdom and being affectionately and graciously
+received by her, he carried her off one day in a whirlwind. Queen Aimee
+wept 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 granted
+to her as a wedding present the power of participating in all the
+privileges of her husband: never to die, never to grow old and the
+ability to transport herself in the twinkling of an eye wherever she
+wished to go. Aimee used this power very often to visit her son and his
+children.
+
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette had eight sons and four daughters and
+they were all charming. They were happy, without doubt, for they loved
+each other tenderly and their grandmother, who, it was said spoiled them
+a little induced their grandfather, the genius Bienveillant, to
+contribute all in his power to their happiness. Consequently, they
+received many rich gifts.
+
+Passerose, who was warmly attached to Queen Aimee, had followed her into
+her new kingdom but when the genius carried her off in a whirlwind,
+Passerose, seeing herself forgotten and not being able to follow her
+mistress was so sad in the loneliness caused by the departure of Aimee,
+that she prayed the fairy Drolette to transport her to the kingdom of
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette. She remained with them and took care
+of their children to whom she often recounted the adventures of Ourson
+and Violette. She still remains, it is said, though the genius and his
+queen have made her many excuses for not having carried her off in the
+whirlwind.
+
+"No, no," Passerose replied to all these explanations; "let us remain as
+we are. You forgot me once--you might forget me another time. Here, my
+dear Ourson and my sweet Violette never forget their old nurse. I love
+them and I will remain with them. They loved me and they will take care
+of me."
+
+The farmer, the superintendent, and the master of the forge who had been
+so cruel to Ourson were severely punished by the fairy Drolette.
+
+The farmer was devoured by a bear, some hours after he had chased away
+Ourson.
+
+The superintendent was dismissed by his master for having let loose the
+dogs, who escaped and never could be found. The same night he was bitten
+by 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 blazing
+furnace where he perished miserably.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de Ségur
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30129 ***
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+<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30129 ***</div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/icover.jpg" width="412" height="575" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 500px; height: 685px;">
+<a name="ifrontis" id="ifrontis"></a><img src="images/ifrontis.jpg" width="500" height="685" alt="Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty</i></div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/ititle.jpg" width="495" height="700" alt="OLD FRENCH
+FAIRY TALES
+
+by
+
+Comtesse De Segur
+
+Illustrated by
+Virginia Frances Sterrett" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/icopyright.jpg" width="400" height="325" alt="The Penn Publishing Company
+Philadelphia
+
+Copyright 1920 by
+The Penn Publishing Co." title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<hr />
+<h2>THE STORIES</h2>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4" summary="table of contents" width="45%">
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">BLONDINE, BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINE">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine Lost</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINE_LOST">15</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Forest of Lilacs</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FOREST_OF_LILACS">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine's Awakening&mdash;Beau-Minon</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINES_AWAKENING_BEAU-MINON">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Bonne-Biche</td><td align="right"><a href="#BONNE_BICHE">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine's Second Awakening</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINES_SECOND_AWAKENING">33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Parrot</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_PARROT">40</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Repentance</td><td align="right"><a href="#REPENTANCE">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Tortoise</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_TORTOISE">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Journey and Arrival</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_JOURNEY_AND_ARRIVAL">59</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">GOOD LITTLE HENRY</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Poor Sick Mother</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_POOR_SICK_MOTHER">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Crow, the Cock, and the Frog</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CROW_THE_COCK_AND_THE_FROG">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Harvest</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_HARVEST">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Vintage</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_VINTAGE">81</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Chase</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CHASE">84</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Fishing</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FISHING">89</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Plant of Life</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_PLANT_OF_LIFE">94</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">PRINCESS ROSETTE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Farm</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FARM">103</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Rosette at the Court of the King Her Father</td><td align="right"><a href="#ROSETTE_AT_THE_COURT_OF_THE_KING_HER">109</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Family Council</td><td align="right"><a href="#FAMILY_COUNCIL">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Second Day of the Festival</td><td align="right"><a href="#SECOND_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL">119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Third and Last Day of the Festival</td><td align="right"><a href="#THIRD_AND_LAST_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL">129</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">THE LITTLE GREY MOUSE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Little House</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_LITTLE_HOUSE">143</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Fairy Detestable</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FAIRY_DETESTABLE">150</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Prince Gracious</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_PRINCE_GRACIOUS">162</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Tree in the Rotunda</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_TREE_IN_THE_ROTUNDA">168</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Casket</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CASKET">174</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">OURSON</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Lark and the Toad</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_LARK_AND_THE_TOAD">182</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Birth and Infancy of Ourson</td><td align="right"><a href="#BIRTH_AND_INFANCY_OF_OURSON">189</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Violette</td><td align="right"><a href="#VIOLETTE">192</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Dream</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_DREAM">204</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Toad Again</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_TOAD_AGAIN">210</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Violette's Sacrifice</td><td align="right"><a href="#VIOLETTES_SACRIFICE">218</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Wild Boar</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_WILD_BOAR">223</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Conflagration</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CONFLAGRATION">232</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Well</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_WELL">243</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Farm&mdash;The Castle&mdash;The Forge</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FARM_THE_CASTLE_THE_FORGE">252</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Sacrifice</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_SACRIFICE">258</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Combat</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_COMBAT">263</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Recompense</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_RECOMPENSE">272</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="list of illustrations">
+<tr><td align="left">Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty</td><td align="right"><a href="#ifrontis"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td align="right" class="stext">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette</td><td align="right"><a href="#i011">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche</td><td align="right"><a href="#i035">35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon</td><td align="right"><a href="#i050">50</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">They were three months passing through the forest</td><td align="right"><a href="#i060">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain</td><td align="right"><a href="#i075">75</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise</td><td align="right"><a href="#i082">82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back</td><td align="right"><a href="#i087">87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"What are you seeking, little one?"</td><td align="right"><a href="#i094">94</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat</td><td align="right"><a href="#i105">105</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">They walked side by side during the rest of the evening</td><td align="right"><a href="#i127">127</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her power for eight days</td><td align="right"><a href="#i138">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Rosalie never left the park which was surrounded by high walls</td><td align="right"><a href="#i144">144</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands</td><td align="right"><a href="#i152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud</td><td align="right"><a href="#i185">185</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!"</td><td align="right"><a href="#i211">211</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Violette takes refuge from the wild boar</td><td align="right"><a href="#i224">224</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest</td><td align="right"><a href="#i229">229</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></div>
+
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/iblondine.jpg" width="600" height="226" alt="Blondine Bonne Biche and Beau Minon" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i009.jpg" width="600" height="310" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">THE STORY OF BLONDINE, BONNE-BICHE,<br />
+AND BEAU-MINON</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINE" id="BLONDINE"></a>BLONDINE</h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a king called Benin. He was good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+and all the world loved him; he was just and the
+wicked feared him. His wife, the Queen Doucette,
+was also good, and much beloved.</p>
+
+<p>This happy pair had a daughter called the Princess
+Blondine, because of her superb fair hair, and she was as
+amiable and charming as her father the king and her mother
+the queen.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately, the poor queen died a short time after
+the birth of Blondine and for a long time the king wept bitterly
+at his great loss. Blondine was too young to under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>stand
+her mother's death: she did not weep but continued to
+laugh, to play and to sleep peacefully. The king loved her
+tenderly and she loved him more than all the world. He
+gave his little daughter the most beautiful jewels, the finest
+bonbons, and the most rare and delicious fruits. Blondine
+was very happy.</p>
+
+<p>One day it was announced to the king, that all his subjects
+demanded that he should marry again in order to have
+a son who should reign after him. He refused at first but
+finally yielded to the pressing desires of his people and said
+to his minister Leger:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My dear friend, my subjects wish me to marry again
+but my heart is so sad because of the death of my cherished
+queen Doucette that I cannot undertake the task of seeking
+another wife. Go, then, my good Leger and find me a princess
+who will make my sweet Blondine happy. Go; I ask
+for nothing more. When you have found a perfect woman,
+you will demand her hand in marriage and conduct her to
+my court."</p>
+
+<p>Leger set off immediately, visited many courts and saw
+innumerable princesses&mdash;ugly, humpbacked and wicked.</p>
+
+<p>At last he arrived at the kingdom of the monarch Turbulent,
+who had a lovely daughter, bright, winning and apparently
+good. Leger found her so charming, that he asked
+her hand in marriage for his king Benin, without sufficiently
+inquiring into her real character.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 525px; height: 441px;">
+<a name="i011" id="i011"></a><img src="images/i011.jpg" width="525" height="441" alt="Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Turbulent was enchanted at the prospect of getting rid
+of his daughter who was jealous, proud and wicked. Also,
+her presence often interfered with his excursions for pleasure,
+with the chase and with his various entertainments at the
+palace.</p>
+
+<p>Without a moment's hesitation, he acceded to the Prime
+Minister's request, and he returned with the princess to the
+kingdom of the good king Benin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The princess Fourbette was accompanied by four thousand
+mules, loaded with the jewels and wardrobe of the
+charming bride.</p>
+
+<p>King Benin had been apprised of their approach by
+a courier and went forward to receive the princess Fourbette.
+He found her beautiful but he noted the absence
+of the mild and attractive expression of the poor lost Doucette.</p>
+
+<p>When Fourbette's eyes fell upon Blondine her glance
+was so cruel, so wicked, that the poor child, who was now
+three years old, was greatly terrified and began to weep bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" said the king. "Why does my
+sweet and sensible Blondine weep like a bad little girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Papa! dear papa!" cried Blondine, throwing herself
+into the arms of the king, "do not give me into the hands of
+this princess. I am afraid of her&mdash;her eyes are cruel!"</p>
+
+<p>The king was much surprised. He turned so suddenly
+towards the princess Fourbette that she had no time to control
+herself and he perceived the terrible glance with which
+she regarded the little Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>Benin immediately resolved that Blondine should be
+wholly separated from the new queen and remain as before
+under the exclusive protection of the nurse who had taken
+care of her and who loved her tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>The queen thus saw Blondine rarely, and when she met<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>
+her by chance she could not wholly dissimulate the hatred
+she felt for her.</p>
+
+<p>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 the raven's wing.</p>
+
+<p>Brunette was pretty but not so lovely as Blondine; moreover
+she was as wicked as her mother. She detested Blondine
+and played all sorts of cruel tricks upon her, bit her,
+pinched her, pulled her hair, broke her toys and tore her
+beautiful dresses.</p>
+
+<p>The good little Blondine was never in a passion with
+her sister but always tried to make excuses for her conduct.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, papa!" she said to the king, "do not scold Brunette;
+she is so little! 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."</p>
+
+<p>The good king embraced his little daughter, and was
+silent but he knew that Brunette was cruel and wicked; that
+Blondine was too gentle and good to accuse her. He loved
+Blondine, therefore, more and more from day to day and his
+heart grew cold to Brunette.</p>
+
+<p>The ambitious queen Fourbette saw all this clearly and
+hated intensely the innocent and gentle Blondine. If she
+had not feared the rage of the king she would have made
+Blondine the most wretched child in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Benin had commanded that Blondine should never be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+left alone with the queen. He was known to be just and
+good but he punished disobedience severely and the queen
+herself dared not defy his commands.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINE_LOST" id="BLONDINE_LOST"></a>BLONDINE LOST</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> grew to be seven years old and Brunette<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+three.</p>
+
+<p>The king had given Blondine a charming little
+carriage drawn by ostriches, and a little coachman ten years
+of age, who was the nephew of her nurse.</p>
+
+<p>The little page, who was called Gourmandinet, loved
+Blondine tenderly. He had been her playmate from her
+birth and she had shown him a thousand acts of kindness.</p>
+
+<p>But Gourmandinet had one terrible fault; he was a
+gourmand&mdash;was so fond of dainties and sweet things, that
+for a paper of bonbons he would commit almost any wicked
+action. Blondine often said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"I love you dearly, Gourmandinet, but I do not love to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+see you so greedy. I entreat you to correct this villainous
+fault which will make you despised by all the world."</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet kissed her hand and promised to reform.
+But, alas! he continued to steal cakes from the kitchen and
+bonbons from the store-room. Often, indeed, he was
+whipped for his disobedience and gluttony.</p>
+
+<p>The queen Fourbette heard on every hand the reproaches
+lavished upon the page and she was cunning
+enough to think that she might make use of this weakness of
+Gourmandinet and thus get rid of poor Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>The garden in which Blondine drove in her little carriage,
+drawn by ostriches and guided by her little coachman,
+Gourmandinet, was separated by a grating from an immense
+and magnificent forest, called the Forest of Lilacs because
+during the whole year these lilacs were always covered with
+superb flowers.</p>
+
+<p>No one, however, entered these woods. It was well
+known that it was enchanted ground and that if you once
+entered there you could never hope to escape.</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet knew the terrible secret of this forest.
+He had been severely forbidden ever to drive the carriage of
+Blondine in that direction lest by some chance Blondine
+might pass the grating and place her little feet on the enchanted
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Many times the king Benin had sought to build a wall
+the entire length of the grating or to secure it in some way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+so as to make an entrance there impossible. But the workmen
+had no sooner laid the foundation than some unknown
+and invisible power raised the stones and they disappeared
+from sight.</p>
+
+<p>The queen Fourbette now sought diligently to gain the
+friendship of Gourmandinet by giving him every day some
+delicious dainties. In this way she made him so complete a
+slave to his appetite that he could not live without the jellies,
+bonbons and cakes which she gave him in such profusion.
+At last she sent for him to come to her, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself
+whether you shall have a large trunk full of bonbons and delicious
+dainties or never again eat one during your life."</p>
+
+<p>"Never again eat one! Oh! madam, I should die of
+such punishment. Speak, madam, what must I do to escape
+this terrible fate?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is necessary," said the queen, looking at him fixedly,
+"that you should drive the princess Blondine near to the
+Forest of Lilacs."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot do it, madam; the king has forbidden it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you cannot do it; well, then, adieu. No more
+dainties for you. I shall command every one in the house to
+give you nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! madam," said Gourmandinet, weeping bitterly,
+"do not be so cruel. Give me some order which it is in my
+power to execute."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I can only repeat that I command you to lead the princess
+Blondine near to the Forest of Lilacs; that you encourage
+her to descend from the carriage, to cross the grating
+and enter the enchanted ground."</p>
+
+<p>"But, madam," replied Gourmandinet, turning very
+pale, "if the princess enters this forest she can never escape
+from it. You know the penalty of entering upon enchanted
+ground. To send my dear princess there is to give her up
+to certain death."</p>
+
+<p>"For the third and last time," said the queen, frowning
+fearfully, "I ask if you will take the princess to the forest?
+Choose! either an immense box of bonbons which I will renew
+every month or never again to taste the delicacies which
+you love."</p>
+
+<p>"But how shall I escape from the dreadful punishment
+which his majesty will inflict upon me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be disquieted on that account. As soon as you
+have induced Blondine to enter the Forest of Lilacs, return
+to me. I will send you off out of danger with your bonbons,
+and I charge myself with your future fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! madam, have pity upon me. Do not compel me
+to lead my dear princess to destruction. She who has always
+been so good to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"You still hesitate, miserable coward! Of what importance
+is the fate of Blondine to you? When you have
+obeyed my commands I will see that you enter the service of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+Brunette and I declare to you solemnly that the bonbons shall
+never fail."</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments
+longer and, alas! at last resolved to sacrifice his good little
+mistress to his gluttony.</p>
+
+<p>The remainder of that day he still hesitated and he lay
+awake all night weeping bitter tears as he endeavored to discover
+some way to escape from the power of the wicked
+queen; but the certainty of the queen's bitter revenge if he
+refused to execute her cruel orders, and the hope of rescuing
+Blondine at some future day by seeking the aid of some powerful
+fairy, conquered his irresolution and decided him to
+obey the queen.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning at ten o'clock Blondine ordered her little
+carriage and entered it for a drive, after having embraced
+the king her father and promised him to return in two hours.</p>
+
+<p>The garden was immense. Gourmandinet, on starting,
+turned the ostriches away from the Forest of Lilacs. When,
+however, they were entirely out of sight of the palace, he
+changed his course and turned towards the grating which
+separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad
+and silent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You
+say nothing Are you ill, Gourmandinet?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my princess, I am well."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But how pale you are! Tell me what distresses you,
+poor boy, and I promise to do all in my power to make you
+happy."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened
+the hard heart of Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the
+bonbons promised by the wicked queen, Fourbette, soon
+chased away his good resolutions. Before he had time to reply,
+the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest of Lilacs.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how
+fragrant&mdash;how delicious! I must have a bouquet of those
+beautiful flowers for my good papa. Get down, Gourmandinet
+and bring me some of those superb branches."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might
+run away with you during my absence."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fear," replied Blondine; "I could guide them
+myself to the palace."</p>
+
+<p>"But the king would give me a terrible scolding for having
+abandoned you, princess. It is best that you go yourself
+and gather your flowers."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. I should be very sorry to get you a scolding,
+my poor Gourmandinet."</p>
+
+<p>While saying these words she sprang lightly from the
+carriage, crossed the bars of the grating and commenced to
+gather the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Gourmandinet shuddered and was overwhelmed
+with remorse. He wished to repair his fault by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+calling Blondine but although she was only ten steps from
+him,&mdash;although he saw her perfectly&mdash;she could not hear his
+voice, and in a short time she was lost to view in the enchanted
+forest.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time Gourmandinet wept over his crime,
+cursed his gluttony and despised the wicked queen Fourbette.</p>
+
+<p>At last he recalled to himself that the hour approached
+at which Blondine would be expected at the palace. He returned
+to the stables through the back entrance and ran at
+once to the queen, who was anxiously expecting him.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing him so deadly pale and his eyes inflamed from
+the tears of awful remorse, she knew that Blondine had perished.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it done?" said she.</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet bowed his head. He had not the
+strength to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said she, "behold your reward!"</p>
+
+<p>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 the mules which had brought her
+jewelry.</p>
+
+<p>"I confide this box to Gourmandinet, in order that he
+may take it to my father," she said. "Go, boy, and return in
+a month for another." She placed in his hand at the same
+time a purse full of gold.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet mounted the mule in perfect silence and
+set off in full gallop. The mule was obstinate and wilful
+and soon grew restive under the weight of the box and began
+to prance and kick. He did this so effectually that he threw
+Gourmandinet and his precious box of bonbons upon the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet, who had never ridden upon a horse or
+mule, fell heavily with his head upon the stones and died
+instantly.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>No one regretted him. No one but the poor Blondine
+had ever loved him.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FOREST_OF_LILACS" id="THE_FOREST_OF_LILACS"></a>THE FOREST OF LILACS</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hen</span> Blondine entered the forest she commenced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+gathering the beautiful branches of
+lilacs. She rejoiced in their profusion and
+delighted in their fragrance.</p>
+
+<p>As she made her selection, it seemed to her that those
+which were more distant were still more beautiful so she
+emptied her apron and her hat, which were both full and
+filled them again and again.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine had been thus busily occupied for about an
+hour. She began to suffer from the heat and to feel great
+fatigue. She found the branches of lilacs heavy to carry and
+thought it was time to return to the palace. She looked
+around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. She called
+Gourmandinet but no one replied.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have wandered further than I intended," said Blondine.
+"I will return at once, though I am very weary.
+Gourmandinet will hear me and will surely come to meet
+me."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine walked on rapidly for some time but she could
+not find the boundaries of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandinet
+but he did not respond and at last she became terribly frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"What will become of me, all alone in this vast forest?
+What will my poor papa think when I do not return? And
+Gourmandinet, how will he dare go back to the palace without
+me? He will be scolded, perhaps beaten and all 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 this forest if the wolves do not eat me up this night."</p>
+
+<p>Weeping bitterly, Blondine fell on the ground at the
+foot of a large tree. She wept a long time. At last her great
+fatigue mastered her grief. She placed her little head upon
+her bundle of lilacs, and slept peacefully.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINES_AWAKENING_BEAU-MINON" id="BLONDINES_AWAKENING_BEAU-MINON"></a>BLONDINE'S AWAKENING&mdash;BEAU-MINON</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> slept calmly all night; no ferocious beast<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+came to trouble her slumbers. She did not suffer
+from the cold and awakened at a late hour in the
+morning. She rubbed her eyes, much surprised to see herself
+surrounded by trees, in place of being in her own room
+in the palace, and upon her own bed.</p>
+
+<p>She called her nurse and a soft mewing was the only response.
+Astonished and almost frightened, she looked
+around and saw at her feet a superb white cat, looking gently
+upon her and continuing to mew plaintively.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! pretty puss! how beautiful you are!" cried Blondine,
+placing her little hand caressingly upon the soft fur,
+white as snow. "I am so happy to see you, pretty puss, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+you will conduct me to your home. I am indeed very hungry
+and I have not the strength to walk much further without
+food."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine had scarcely uttered these words, when the
+white pussy mewed again 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 it contained bread
+and butter which she found delicious. She gave the crumbs
+to pussy, who munched them with seeming delight.</p>
+
+<p>When they had finished their simple meal, Blondine
+leaned over towards her little companion, and said, caressingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, pretty puss, for the breakfast you have given
+me. Now, can you conduct me to my papa, who is certainly
+in despair because of my absence?"</p>
+
+<p>Pussy, whom Blondine named Beau-Minon, shook her
+head and mewed plaintively.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you understand me, Beau-Minon," said Blondine.
+"I entreat you to have pity upon me and lead me to
+some house before I perish with hunger, cold and terror in
+this vast forest!"</p>
+
+<p>Beau-Minon looked at the princess fixedly and made a
+sign with her little graceful white head which seemed to say,
+"I understand you." She rose, advanced a few steps and
+paused to see if Blondine followed her.</p>
+
+<p>"I am here, Beau-Minon; I am following you gladly,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+said Blondine; "but how can we pass through these bushy
+thickets? I see no path."</p>
+
+<p>Beau-Minon made no reply but sprang lightly into the
+thicket which opened of itself to allow Blondine and Beau-Minon
+to pass, and then closed up immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine walked on for about half an hour. As she advanced,
+the forest became lighter, the grass was finer and the
+flowers more abundant. She saw many pretty birds singing
+melodiously and graceful squirrels, bounding along the
+branches of the trees.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine, who had no doubt that she was about to leave
+the forest and see her dear father again, was enchanted with
+all that she saw; she wished to pause and gather the lovely
+wild flowers; but Beau-Minon advanced steadily and
+mewed plaintively whenever Blondine relaxed her speed.</p>
+
+<p>In about an hour Blondine perceived an elegant castle.
+Beau-Minon led her to the gilded grating. However, Blondine
+did not know how to enter. There was no bell and
+the gate was closed. Beau-Minon had disappeared and
+Blondine was once more alone.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BONNE_BICHE" id="BONNE_BICHE"></a>BONNE-BICHE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">eau-Minon</span> had entered by a little passage, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+seemed made expressly for him and had probably
+given notice to some one at the castle, as the gate
+opened without Blondine having called.</p>
+
+<p>She entered the court-yard but saw no one.</p>
+
+<p>The door of the castle opened of itself. Blondine entered
+the vestibule which was of rare white marble. All the
+doors of the castle now opened like the first and the princess
+passed through a suite of beautiful rooms.</p>
+
+<p>At last, in the back part of a charming salon, furnished
+with blue and gold, she perceived a white hind, lying upon
+a bed of fine and fragrant grasses. Beau-Minon stood near
+her. The pretty hind saw Blondine, arose, and approached
+her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You are most welcome, Blondine," said she. "My son
+Beau-Minon and I have expected you for a long time."</p>
+
+<p>At these words, Blondine was much frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Take courage, princess; you are with friends. I
+know the king your father and I love him and I love you
+also."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam," said Blondine, "if you know the king my
+father, I pray you to take me to him. My absence must
+make him very wretched."</p>
+
+<p>"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 the hands of the magician of the
+Forest of Lilacs. I myself am subject to his power which is
+superior to mine but I can send soft dreams to your father,
+which will reassure him as to your fate and let him know that
+you are safe with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, in an agony of grief,
+"shall I never again see my father whom I love so tenderly?
+My poor father!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Blondine, do not distress yourself as to the future.
+Wisdom and prudence are always recompensed. You will
+see your father again but not now. In the meantime be
+good and docile. Beau-Minon and I will do all in our
+power to make you happy."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sighed heavily and shed a few tears. She then
+reflected that to manifest such grief was a poor recompense<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+for all the goodness of Bonne-Biche. She resolved, therefore,
+to control herself and to be cheerful.</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they had prepared
+for her. The bedroom was hung with rose-colored
+silk embroidered with gold. The furniture was covered
+with white velvet worked with silks of the most brilliant
+hues. Every species of animal, bird and butterfly were represented
+in rare embroidery.</p>
+
+<p>Adjoining Blondine's chamber was a small study. It
+was hung with sky-blue damask, embroidered with fine pearls.
+The furniture was covered with silver moir&eacute;, adorned with
+nails of turquoise. Two magnificent portraits, representing
+a young and superbly handsome woman and a strikingly attractive
+young man, hung on the walls. Their costumes indicated
+that they were of royal race.</p>
+
+<p>"Whose portraits are these, madam?" said Blondine to
+Bonne-Biche.</p>
+
+<p>"I am forbidden to answer that question, dear Blondine.
+You will know later;&mdash;but this is the hour for dinner.
+Come, Blondine, I am sure you are hungry."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was in fact almost dying of hunger. She followed
+Bonne-Biche and they entered the dining-room where
+she saw a table strangely served.</p>
+
+<p>An enormous cushion of black satin was placed on the
+floor for Bonne-Biche. On the table before her was a vase
+filled with the choicest herbs, fresh and nutritious and near<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+this vase was a golden bucket, filled with fresh and limpid
+water.</p>
+
+<p>Opposite Bonne-Biche was a little stool for Beau-Minon
+while before him was a little porringer in gold, filled with
+little fried fish and the thighs of snipes. At one side was a
+bowl of rich crystal full of fresh milk.</p>
+
+<p>Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was
+placed for Blondine. Her chair was of carved ivory covered
+with crimson velvet attached with nails of diamonds.
+Before her was a gold plate richly chased, filled with delicious
+soup made of a young pullet and fig-birds, her glass
+and water-bottle were of carved rock-crystal, a muffin was
+placed by her side, her fork and spoon were of gold and her
+napkin was of linen, finer than anything she had ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>The table was served by gazelles who were marvellously
+adroit. They waited, carved and even divined the wishes of
+Blondine, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. The dinner was
+exquisite&mdash;the chicken was splendid, the game and fish most
+delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine was
+hungry so she ate of all and found all excellent.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted
+the princess into the garden. She found there the most delicious
+fruits and lovely walks.</p>
+
+<p>After a charming walk, Blondine entered the castle with
+her new friends, much fatigued. Bonne-Biche proposed
+that she retire, to which she agreed joyfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Blondine entered her chamber and found two gazelles
+waiting to attend her. They disrobed her with grace and
+adroitness, placed her in bed and seated themselves by her
+couch to watch over her.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was soon peacefully asleep&mdash;not, however,
+without having first thought of her father and wept bitterly
+over her cruel separation from him.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINES_SECOND_AWAKENING" id="BLONDINES_SECOND_AWAKENING"></a>BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> slept profoundly, and on awaking she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+found herself entirely changed. Indeed, it seemed
+to her she could not be the same person. She was
+much taller, her intellect was developed, her knowledge enlarged.
+She remembered a number of books she thought
+she had read during her sleep. She was sure she had been
+writing, drawing, singing and playing on the piano and
+harp.</p>
+
+<p>She looked around, however, and knew that the chamber
+was the same to which Bonne-Biche had conducted her
+and in which she had gone to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Agitated, disquieted, she rose and ran to the glass. She
+saw that she was much grown and she found herself charm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>ing,
+a hundred times more beautiful than when she retired
+the night before. Her fair ringlets fell to her feet, her complexion
+was like the lily and the rose, her eyes celestial blue,
+her nose beautifully formed, her cheeks rosy as the morn, and
+her form was erect and graceful. In short, Blondine
+thought herself the most beautiful person she had ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily
+and ran to seek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the
+apartment where she had first seen her.</p>
+
+<p>"Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat
+you to explain to me the change which I see and feel in myself.
+Last night I went to sleep a child&mdash;I awoke this morning,
+and found myself a young lady. Is this an illusion or
+have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day.
+But you have slept peacefully seven years. My son
+Beau-Minon and I wished to spare you the weariness of all
+early studies. When you first entered the castle you knew
+nothing; not even how to read. I put you to sleep for seven
+years, and Beau-Minon and I have passed this time in instructing
+you during your sleep. I see by the wonder expressed
+in your eyes, sweet princess, that you doubt all this.
+Come into your study and reassure yourself on this point."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine followed Bonne-Biche to the little room. She
+ran first to the piano, commenced playing and found that
+she played remarkably well. She then tried the harp and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+drew from it the most ravishing sounds, and she sang enchantingly.</p>
+
+<p>She took her pencil and brushes and drew and painted
+with a facility which denoted a true talent. She wrote and
+found her handwriting clear and elegant. She looked at the
+countless books which were ranged round the room and
+knew that she had read them all.</p>
+
+<p>Surprised, delighted, she threw her arms around the
+neck of Bonne-Biche, embraced Beau-Minon tenderly and
+said to them:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my dear true good friends, what a debt of gratitude
+do I owe you for having thus watched over my childhood
+and developed my intellect and my heart. I feel how
+much I am improved in every respect and I owe it all to
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche returned her caresses and Beau-Minon
+patted her hand delicately. After the first few happy moments
+had passed, Blondine cast down her eyes and said timidly:</p>
+
+<p>"Do not think me ungrateful, my dear good friends,
+if I wish you to add one more to the benefits you have already
+conferred upon me. Tell me something of my father.
+Does he still weep my absence? Is he happy since he lost
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Blondine, your anxiety on this point is most natural
+and shall be relieved. Look in this mirror, Blondine,
+and you shall see the king your father and all that has passed
+since you left the palace."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 493px; height: 678px;">
+<a name="i035" id="i035"></a><img src="images/i035.jpg" width="493" height="678" alt="She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Blondine raised her eyes to the mirror and looked into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+the apartment of her father. The king seemed much agitated
+and was walking backwards and forwards. He appeared
+to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette,
+entered and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances
+of Gourmandinet, Blondine had herself seized the
+reins and guided the ostriches who becoming frightened
+dashed off in the direction of the Forest of Lilacs and overturned
+the carriage. Blondine was thrown over the grating
+which bounded the forest. She stated that Gourmandinet
+had become insane from terror and grief and she had sent him
+home to his parents. The king was in wild despair at this
+news. He ran to the Forest of Lilacs and he had to be withheld
+by force from throwing himself across the boundary in
+order to search for his cherished Blondine. They carried
+him to the palace where he yielded to the most frightful sorrow
+and despair, calling unceasingly upon his dear Blondine,
+his beloved child. At last, overcome by grief, he slept
+and saw in a dream Blondine in the castle of Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon. Bonne-Biche gave him the sweet assurance
+that Blondine should one day be restored to him and
+that her childhood should be calm and happy.</p>
+
+<p>The mirror now became misty and everything disappeared,
+then again clear as crystal and Blondine saw her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>
+father a second time. He had become old, his hair was
+white as snow and his countenance was sad. He held in his
+hand a little portrait of Blondine, his tears fell upon it and
+he pressed it often to his lips. The king was alone. Blondine
+saw neither the Queen nor Brunette.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Blondine wept bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said she, "why is my dear father alone?
+Where is the queen? Where is Brunette?"</p>
+
+<p>"The queen," said Bonne-Biche, "showed so little grief
+at your death, my princess, that your father's heart was filled
+with hatred and suspicion towards her and he sent her back
+to the king Turbulent, her father, who confined her in a
+tower, where she soon died of rage and anger. All the
+world supposed you to be dead. As to your sister Brunette,
+she became so wicked, so insupportable, that the king hastened
+to give her in marriage last year to the prince Violent,
+who charged himself with the duty of reforming the character
+of the cruel and envious princess Brunette. The prince
+was stern and harsh. Brunette saw that her wicked heart
+prevented her from being happy and she commenced trying
+to correct her faults. You will see her again some day, dear
+Blondine and your example may complete her reformation."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine thanked Bonne-Biche tenderly for all these details.
+Her heart prompted her to ask, "But when shall I see
+my father and sister?" But she feared to appear ungrateful
+and too anxious to leave the castle of her good friends. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+resolved then to await another more suitable opportunity
+to ask this question.</p>
+
+<p>The days passed away quietly and pleasantly. Blondine
+was much occupied, but was sometimes melancholy.
+She had no one to talk with but Bonne-Biche and she was
+only with her during the hours of lessons and repasts. Beau-Minon
+could not converse and could only make himself understood
+by signs. The gazelles served Blondine with zeal
+and intelligence but they had not the gift of speech.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine walked every day, always accompanied by
+Beau-Minon, who pointed out to her the most lovely and sequestered
+paths and the rarest and richest flowers.</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche had made Blondine promise solemnly
+never to leave the enclosure of the park and never to enter
+the forest. Many times Blondine had asked Bonne-Biche
+the reason of this prohibition. Sighing profoundly, she
+had replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Blondine! do not seek to penetrate the forest. It is
+a fatal spot. May you never enter there."</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes Blondine mounted a pavilion which was
+built on an eminence near the boundary of the forest. She
+looked admiringly and longingly at the magnificent trees,
+the lovely and fragrant flowers, the thousand graceful birds
+flying and singing and seeming to call her name.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said she, "why will not Bonne-Biche allow me
+to walk in this beautiful forest? What possible danger can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+I encounter in that lovely place and under her protection?"</p>
+
+<p>Whenever she was lost in these reflections, Beau-Minon,
+who seemed to comprehend what was passing in her heart,
+mewed plaintively, pulled her robe and tried to draw her
+from the pavilion.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine smiled sweetly, followed her gentle companion
+and recommenced her walk in the solitary park.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_PARROT" id="THE_PARROT"></a>THE PARROT</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">S</span><span class="upper">ix</span> months had passed since Blondine awaked from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+her seven years' sleep. It seemed to the little princess
+a long time. The remembrance of her dear father
+often saddened her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon seemed to divine her
+thoughts. Beau-Minon mewed plaintively, and Bonne-Biche
+heaved the most profound sighs. Blondine spoke but
+rarely of that which occupied her thoughts continually.
+She feared to offend Bonne-Biche, who had said to her three
+or four times:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Blondine, be patient. You will see your father
+when you are fifteen, if you continue wise and good. Trust
+me, dear child; do not trouble yourself about the future and
+above all do not seek to leave us."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One morning Blondine was alone and very sad. She
+was musing upon her singular and monotonous existence.
+Suddenly she was disturbed in her reverie by three soft little
+strokes upon her window. Raising her head, she perceived
+a parrot with beautiful green plumage and throat and breast
+of bright orange.</p>
+
+<p>Surprised at the appearance of a bird entirely unknown
+to her, she opened the window and invited the parrot to enter.</p>
+
+<p>What was her amazement when the bird said to her, in a
+fine sharp voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Good day, Blondine! I know that you sometimes
+have a very tedious time of it, because you have no one to talk
+to. I have taken pity upon you and come to have a chat with
+you. But I pray you do not mention that you have seen me,
+for Bonne-Biche would cut my throat if she knew it."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so, beautiful Parrot? Bonne-Biche is good; she
+injures no one and only hates the wicked."</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine, listen! If you do not promise to conceal
+my visit from Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon, I will fly away
+at once and never return."</p>
+
+<p>"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 opportunity to converse. You seem to me
+gay and witty. I do not doubt that you will amuse me
+much."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine listened with delight to the lively talk of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+Parrot, who complimented extravagantly her beauty, her wit
+and her talents.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was enchanted. In about an hour the Parrot
+flew away, promising to return the next day. In short, he
+returned every day and continued to compliment and amuse
+her.</p>
+
+<p>One morning he struck upon the window and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine! Blondine! open the window, quickly! I
+bring you news of your father. But above all make no noise
+unless you want my throat cut."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was overwhelmed with joy. She opened the
+window with alacrity and said: "Is it true, my beautiful Parrot,
+that you bring me news of my dear father? Speak
+quickly! What is he doing and how is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your father is well, Blondine, but he weeps your loss
+always. I have promised him to employ all my power to deliver
+you from your prison but I can do nothing without your
+assistance."</p>
+
+<p>"My prison!" said Blondine. "But you are ignorant of
+all the goodness which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon have
+shown me, of the pains they have lavished upon my education,
+of all their tenderness and forbearance. They will be
+enchanted to find a way of restoring me to my father. Come
+with me, beautiful Parrot and I will present you to Bonne-Biche.
+Come, I entreat you."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Blondine," said the sharp voice of the Parrot, "it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+is you, Princess, who do not know Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.
+They detest me because I have sometimes succeeded
+in rescuing their victims from them. You will never
+see your father again, Blondine, you will never leave this
+forest, unless you yourself shall break the charm which holds
+you here."</p>
+
+<p>"What charm?" said Blondine. "I know of no charm
+and what interest have Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in
+keeping me a prisoner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not to their interest to enliven their solitude,
+Blondine? There is a talisman which can procure your
+release. It is a simple Rose, which, gathered by yourself,
+will deliver you from your exile and restore you to the arms
+of your fond father."</p>
+
+<p>"But there is not a single Rose in the garden. How
+then can I gather one?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain this to you another day, Blondine. Now
+I can tell you no more, as I hear Bonne-Biche coming. But
+to convince you of the virtues of the Rose, entreat Bonne-Biche
+to give you one and see what she will say. To-morrow&mdash;to-morrow,
+Blondine!"</p>
+
+<p>The Parrot flew away, well content to have scattered
+in Blondine's heart the first seeds of discontent and ingratitude.</p>
+
+<p>The Parrot had scarcely disappeared when Bonne-Biche
+entered. She appeared greatly agitated.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"With whom have you been talking, Blondine?" looking
+suspiciously towards the open window.</p>
+
+<p>"With no one, madam," said the princess.</p>
+
+<p>"I am certain I heard voices in conversation."</p>
+
+<p>"I must have been speaking to myself."</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche made no reply. She was very sad and
+tears fell from her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was also engaged in thought. The cunning
+words of the Parrot made her look upon the kindness
+of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in a totally different
+light.</p>
+
+<p>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 seven years, to dedicate seven years to a
+tiresome and ignorant little girl, in short, a hind lodged and
+served like a queen, could be no ordinary criminal; in place
+of cherishing a sentiment of gratitude for all that Bonne-Biche
+had done for her, Blondine, alas! believed blindly in
+the Parrot, the unknown bird of whose character and veracity
+she had no proof. She did not remember that the Parrot
+could have no possible motive for risking its life to render
+her a service. Blondine believed it though, implicitly,
+because of the flattery which the Parrot had lavished upon
+her. She did not even recall with gratitude the sweet and
+happy existence which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon had
+secured to her. She resolved to follow implicitly the coun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>sels
+of the Parrot. During the course of the day she said to
+Bonne-Biche:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Why, madam, do I not see among your flowers the
+most lovely and charming of all flowers&mdash;the fragrant
+Rose?"</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche was greatly agitated and said in a trembling
+voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine! Blondine! do not ask for this most perfidious
+flower, which pierces all who touch it! Never speak to me
+of the Rose, Blondine. You cannot know what fatal danger
+this flower contains for you!"</p>
+
+<p>The expression of Bonne-Biche was so stern and severe
+that Blondine dared not question her further.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed away sadly enough. Bonne-Biche was
+unhappy and Beau-Minon very sad.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the morning, Blondine ran to her window and
+the Parrot entered the moment she opened it.</p>
+
+<p>"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 by which you could obtain
+one of these charming flowers. Listen now to my counsel.
+You will leave this park and enter the forest. I will accompany
+you and I will conduct you to a garden where you will
+find the most beautiful Rose in the world!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how is it possible for me to leave the park? Beau-Minon
+always accompanies me in my walks."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Try to get rid of him," said the Parrot; "but if that is
+impossible, go in spite of him."</p>
+
+<p>"If this Rose is at a distance, will not my absence be
+perceived?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is about an hour's walk. Bonne-Biche has been
+careful to separate you as far as possible from the Rose in
+order that you might not find the means to escape from her
+power."</p>
+
+<p>"But why does she wish to hold me captive? She is
+all-powerful and could surely find pleasures more acceptable
+than educating an ignorant child."</p>
+
+<p>"All this will be explained to you in the future, Blondine,
+when you will be in the arms of your father. Be firm!
+After breakfast, in some way get away from Beau-Minon
+and enter the forest. I will expect you there."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine promised, and closed the window, fearing that
+Bonne-Biche would surprise her.</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast, according to her usual custom, she
+entered the garden. Beau-Minon followed her in spite of
+some rude rebuffs which he received with plaintive mews.
+Arrived at the alley which led out of the park, Blondine
+resolved to get rid of Beau-Minon.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to be alone," said she, sternly; "begone, Beau-Minon!"</p>
+
+<p>Beau-Minon pretended not to understand. Blondine
+was impatient and enraged. She forgot herself so far as to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+strike Beau-Minon with her foot. When poor Beau-Minon
+received this humiliating blow, he uttered a cry of anguish
+and fled towards the palace. Blondine trembled and was on
+the point of recalling him, when a false shame arrested her.
+She walked on rapidly to the gate, opened it not without
+trembling and entered the forest. The Parrot joined her
+without delay.</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, Blondine! in one hour you will have the
+Rose and will see your father, who weeps for you."</p>
+
+<p>At these words, Blondine recovered her resolution
+which had begun to falter. She walked on in the path indicated
+by the Parrot, who flew before her from branch to
+branch. The forest, which had seemed so beautiful and
+attractive near the park of Bonne-Biche, became wilder
+and more entangled. Brambles and stones almost filled up
+the path, the sweet songs of the birds were no longer heard
+and the flowers had entirely disappeared. Blondine felt
+oppressed by an inexplicable restlessness. The Parrot
+pressed her eagerly to advance.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick, quick, Blondine! time flies! If Bonne-Biche
+perceives your absence you will never again see your father."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms
+torn by the briers and her shoes in shreds, now declared that
+she would go no further when the Parrot exclaimed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We have arrived, Blondine. Look! that is the enclosure
+which separates us from the Rose."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Blondine saw at a turn in the path a small enclosure,
+the gate of which was quickly opened by the Parrot. The
+soil was arid and stony but a magnificent, majestic rose-bush
+adorned with one Rose, which was more beautiful than all
+the roses of the world grew in the midst of this sterile spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Take it, Blondine!" said the parrot; "you deserve it&mdash;you
+have truly earned it!"</p>
+
+<p>Blondine seized the branch eagerly and in spite of the
+thorns which pierced her fingers cruelly, she tore it from the
+bush.</p>
+
+<p>The Rose was scarcely grasped firmly in her hand, when
+she heard a burst of mocking laughter. The Flower fell
+from her grasp, crying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, Blondine, for having delivered me from the
+prison in which Bonne-Biche held me captive. I am your
+evil genius! Now you belong to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha!" now exclaimed the Parrot. "Thanks, Blondine!
+I can now resume my form of magician. You have
+destroyed your friends for I am their mortal enemy!"</p>
+
+<p>Saying these cruel words, the Parrot and the Rose disappeared,
+leaving Blondine alone in the forest.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="REPENTANCE" id="REPENTANCE"></a>REPENTANCE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> was stupefied! Her conduct now appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+to her in all its horror. She had shown a
+monstrous ingratitude towards the friends who had
+been so tenderly devoted to her&mdash;who had dedicated seven
+years to the care of her education. Would these kind
+friends ever receive her, ever pardon her? What would be
+her fate, if they should close their doors against her? And
+then, what did those awful words of the wicked Parrot
+signify: "You have caused the destruction of your
+friends"?</p>
+
+<p>Blondine turned round and wished to retrace her steps
+to the castle of Bonne-Biche. The briers and thorns tore her
+arms and face terribly. She continued however to force her
+way bravely through the thickets and after three hours of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+most painful walking she came before the castle of Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 540px; height: 445px;">
+<a name="i050" id="i050"></a><img src="images/i050.jpg" width="540" height="445" alt="Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Horror seized upon her, when in place of the superb
+building she saw only an appalling ruin&mdash;in place of the
+magnificent trees and rare flowers which surrounded it, only
+briers and thorns, nettles and thistles, could be seen.
+Terrified and most desolate, she tried to force her way in the
+midst of the ruins, to seek some knowledge of her kind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+friends. A large Toad issued from a pile of stones, advanced
+before her, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What are you seeking? Have you not occasioned the
+death of your friends by the basest ingratitude? Begone!
+do not insult their memory by your unwelcome presence!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas!" cried Blondine, "my poor friends, Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon, why can I not atone by my death for
+the sufferings I have caused them?" And she fell, sobbing
+piteously, upon the stones and nettles; her grief and her repentance
+were so excessive that she did not feel their sharp
+points in her tender flesh. She wept profusely a long time.
+At last she arose and looked about her, hoping to find some
+shelter where she might take refuge. Ruin only stared her
+in the face!</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said she, "let the wild beasts tear me to pieces,
+let me die of hunger and thirst, if I can expiate my sins here
+upon the tomb of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"</p>
+
+<p>As she uttered these words, she heard a soft voice
+saying: "True repentance can atone for the worst of
+crimes."</p>
+
+<p>She raised her head and saw only an immense black
+Crow flying above her.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas!" said Blondine, "my repentance however
+true, however bitter it may be, can never give me back the
+lives of my dear Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, courage, Blondine! redeem your fault by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+your repentance and do not allow yourself to be utterly cast
+down by grief."</p>
+
+<p>The poor princess arose and left the scene of desolation.
+She followed a little path, where the large trees seemed to
+have rooted out the brambles and the earth was covered with
+moss. She was utterly exhausted with grief and fatigue and
+fell at the foot of a large tree, sobbing piteously.</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, Blondine!" said another voice; "courage and
+hope!"</p>
+
+<p>She saw near her only a Frog, which was looking at her
+compassionately.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Frog!" said the princess, "you seem to pity my
+anguish! What will become of me now that I am alone
+and desolate in the world?"</p>
+
+<p>"Courage and hope!" was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sighed deeply and looked around, hoping to
+discover some herb or fruit to appease her hunger and thirst.
+She saw nothing and her tears flowed freely. The sound of
+bells now somewhat dissipated her despairing thoughts.
+She saw a beautiful cow approaching her, gently and
+slowly. On arriving near her, the cow paused, bowed down,
+and showed her a silver porringer attached to her neck by a
+chain of beaten gold.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was very grateful for this unexpected succor.
+She detached the porringer, milked the cow and drank the
+sweet milk with delight. The pretty, gentle cow signed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+her to replace the porringer. Blondine obeyed, kissed her
+on the neck and said, sadly:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, Blanchette, it is without doubt to my poor
+friends that I owe this sweet charity. Perhaps in another
+and better world they can see the repentance of their poor
+Blondine and wish to assist her in her frightful position."</p>
+
+<p>"A true repentance will obtain pardon for all faults,"
+said a kind voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" exclaimed Blondine, "years of sorrow and weeping
+for my crimes would not suffice! I can never pardon
+myself!"</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, night approached. Notwithstanding
+her anguish and repentance, Blondine began to reflect upon
+some means of securing herself from the ferocious wild
+beasts, whose terrible roars she already believed she heard in
+the distance. She saw some steps before her a kind of hut,
+formed by several trees growing near together and interlacing
+their branches. Bowing her head, she entered, and
+found that by carefully connecting some branches she could
+form a pretty and secure retreat. She employed the remainder
+of the day in arranging this little room and gathered a
+quantity of moss, with which she made herself a bed and
+pillow. She concealed the entrance to this little retreat by
+some broken branches and leaves and went to rest, utterly
+worn out with regret and fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>When Blondine awoke it was broad daylight. At first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+she could scarcely collect her thoughts and understand her
+position but the sad realities of her lot were soon apparent to
+her and she commenced weeping as before.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was hungry, and she could not imagine how she
+was to secure food but soon she heard again the sound of the
+cow-bells. In a few moments, Blanchette stood near her.
+Blondine again loosened the porringer, drew the milk and
+drank till her hunger was appeased, then replaced the porringer
+and kissed Blanchette, hoping to see her again during
+the day. Every day&mdash;in the morning, at midday and in the
+evening&mdash;Blanchette came to offer Blondine her frugal
+repast.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine passed the time in tears for her poor friends,
+and bitter self-reproach for her crimes.</p>
+
+<p>"By my unpardonable disobedience," she said to herself,
+"I have caused the most terrible misfortunes, which it is
+not in my power to repair. I have not only lost my good and
+true friends but I am deprived of the only means of finding
+my father, my poor father, who perhaps still expects his Blondine,
+his most unhappy Blondine, condemned to live and die
+alone in this frightful forest where her evil genius reigns
+supreme."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sought to amuse and employ herself in every
+possible way. Her little home was neatly arranged, and
+fresh moss and leaves composed her simple couch. She
+had tied some branches together and formed a seat and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+made herself some needles and pins of the thorns and twisted
+some thread from the hemp which grew near her little hut,
+and with these implements she had mended the rents in her
+shoes.</p>
+
+<p>In this simple way Blondine lived for six months; her
+grief was always the same and it is just to say that it was not
+her sad and solitary life which made her unhappy but sincere
+regret for her fault. She would willingly have consented to
+pass her life in the forest if she could thus have brought to
+life Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_TORTOISE" id="THE_TORTOISE"></a>THE TORTOISE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">ne</span> day Blondine was seated at the entrance of her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+hut, musing sadly as usual, thinking of her lost
+friends and of her father, when she saw before her
+an enormous Tortoise.</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine," said the Tortoise, "if you will place yourself
+under my protection, I will conduct you out of this
+forest."</p>
+
+<p>"And why, Madam Tortoise, should I seek to leave this
+forest? Here I caused the death of my friends and here I
+wish to die."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you very certain of their death, Blondine?"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean? Is it possible I may be deceived?
+But, no; I saw the ruins of their castle. The Parrot and the
+Toad assured me of their death. You are kind and good and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+wish to console me without doubt but, alas! I do not hope to
+see them again. If they still lived they would not have left
+me alone with the frightful despair of having caused their
+death."</p>
+
+<p>"But how do you know, Blondine, that this seeming neglect
+is not forced upon them? They may now be subjected
+to a power greater than their own. You know, Blondine,
+that a true repentance will obtain pardon for many crimes."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Madam Tortoise, if they still live, if you can give
+me news of them, if you can assure me that I need no longer
+reproach myself with their death, assure me that I shall one
+day see them again, there is no price which I will not gladly
+pay to merit this great happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine, I am not permitted to disclose to you the fate
+of your friends but if you have the courage to mount on my
+back, remain there for six months and not address a single
+question to me during the journey, I will conduct you to a
+place where all will be revealed."</p>
+
+<p>"I promise all that you ask, Madam Tortoise, provided I
+can only learn what has become of my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, Blondine! reflect well. Six months without
+descending from my back and without asking me a single
+question! When once you have accepted the conditions,
+when we have commenced our journey, if you have not the
+courage to endure to the end, you will remain eternally in
+the power of the enchanter, Perroquet, and his sister Rose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+and I cannot even continue to bestow upon you the little
+assistance to which you owe your life during the last six
+months."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go, Madam Tortoise let us be off, immediately.
+I prefer to die of hunger and fatigue rather than of grief and
+uncertainty. Your words have brought hope to my poor
+heart, and I have courage to undertake even a more difficult
+journey than that of which you speak."</p>
+
+<p>"Let it be according to your wish, Blondine. Mount
+my back. Fear neither hunger nor thirst nor cold nor sunshine
+nor any accident during our long journey. As long
+as it lasts you shall not suffer from any inconvenience."</p>
+
+<p>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."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_JOURNEY_AND_ARRIVAL" id="THE_JOURNEY_AND_ARRIVAL"></a>THE JOURNEY AND ARRIVAL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">he</span> journey of Blondine lasted, as the Tortoise had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+said, six months. They were three months passing
+through the forest. At the end of that time she
+found herself on an arid plain which it required six weeks to
+cross. Then Blondine perceived a castle which reminded
+her of that of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They were a
+full month passing through the avenue to this castle.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine burned with impatience. Would she indeed
+learn the fate of her dear friends at the palace? In spite of
+her extreme anxiety, she dared not ask a single question. If
+she could have descended from the back of the Tortoise, ten
+minutes would have sufficed for her to reach the castle.
+But, alas! the Tortoise crept on slowly and Blondine remem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>bered
+that she had been forbidden to alight or to utter a word.
+She resolved, therefore, to control her impatience. The
+Tortoise seemed rather to relax than to increase her speed.
+She consumed fourteen days still in passing through this
+avenue. They seemed fourteen centuries to Blondine. She
+never, however, lost sight of the castle or of the door. The
+place seemed deserted; she heard no noise, she saw no sign
+of life.</p>
+
+<p>At last, after twenty-four days' journey, the Tortoise
+paused, and said to Blondine:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Now, princess, descend. By your courage and obedience
+you have earned the recompense I promised. Enter
+the little door which you see before you. The first person
+you will meet will be the fairy Bienveillante and she will
+make known to you the fate of your friends."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sprang lightly to the earth. She had been
+immovable so long she feared her limbs would be cramped
+but on the contrary she was as light and active as when she
+had lived so happily with her dear Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon
+and ran joyously and gracefully gathering flowers
+and chasing butterflies.</p>
+
+<p>After having thanked the Tortoise most warmly she
+opened the door which had been pointed out to her and found
+herself before a young person clothed in white, who asked in
+a sweet voice, whom she desired to see?</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 494px; height: 679px;">
+<a name="i060" id="i060"></a><img src="images/i060.jpg" width="494" height="679" alt="They were three months passing through the forest" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>They were three months passing through the forest</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+
+<p>"I wish to see the fairy Bienveillante. Tell her, I pray
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>you, miss, that the princess Blondine begs earnestly to see her
+without delay."</p>
+
+<p>"Follow me, princess", replied the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine followed in great agitation. She passed
+through several beautiful rooms and met many young girls
+clothed in white, like her guide. They looked at her as if
+they recognized her and smiled graciously.</p>
+
+<p>At last Blondine arrived in a room in every respect
+resembling that of Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs.
+The remembrances which this recalled were so painful that
+she did not perceive the disappearance of her fair young
+guide.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine gazed sadly at the furniture of the room. She
+saw but one piece which had not adorned the apartment of
+Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs. This was a wardrobe
+in gold and ivory, exquisitely carved. It was closed.
+Blondine felt herself drawn towards it in an inexplicable
+manner. She was gazing at it intently, not having indeed
+the power to turn her eyes away, when a door opened and a
+young and beautiful woman, magnificently dressed, entered
+and drew near Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish, my child?" said she, in a sweet,
+caressing voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, throwing herself at her
+feet, "I have been assured that you could give me news of my
+dear, kind friends, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+know, madam, without doubt by what heedless disobedience
+I gave them up to destruction and that I wept for them a long
+time, believing them to be dead but the Tortoise, who conducted
+me here, has given me reason to hope I may one day
+see them again. Tell me, madam, tell me if they yet live and
+if I may dare hope for the happiness of rejoining them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine", replied the fairy Bienveillante, sadly, "you
+are now about to know the fate of your friends, but no matter
+what you see or hear, do not lose courage or hope."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she seized the trembling Blondine
+and conducted her in front of the wardrobe which had already
+so forcibly attracted her attention.</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine, here is the key to this wardrobe. Open it,
+and be brave!"</p>
+
+<p>She handed Blondine a gold key. With a trembling
+hand the princess opened the wardrobe. What was her
+anguish when she saw the skins of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon
+fastened to the wardrobe with diamond nails! At
+this terrible sight the unfortunate princess uttered a cry of
+horror and fell insensible at the feet of the fairy. At this
+moment the door opened and a prince, beautiful as the day,
+sprang towards Blondine, saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my mother! this is too severe a trial for my sweet
+Blondine!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! my son, my heart also bleeds for her. But you
+know that this last punishment was indispensable to deliver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+her for ever from the yoke of the cruel genius of the Forest
+of Lilacs."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Bienveillante now with her wand touched
+Blondine, who was immediately restored to consciousness
+but despairing and sobbing convulsively, she exclaimed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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! my cherished friends! I will join
+you soon in the land of shadows!"</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine! ever dear Blondine!" said the fairy, clasping
+her in her arms, "your friends live and love you tenderly. I
+am Bonne-Biche and this is my son, Beau-Minon. The
+wicked genius of the Forest of Lilacs, taking advantage of
+the negligence of my son, obtained dominion over us and
+forced us into the forms under which you have known us.
+We could not resume our natural appearance unless you
+should pluck the Rose, which I, knowing it to be your evil
+genius, retained captive. I placed it as far as possible from
+the castle in order to withdraw it from your view. I knew
+the misfortune to which you would be exposed on delivering
+your evil genius from his prison and Heaven is my witness,
+that my son and I would willingly have remained a Hind and
+a Cat for ever in your eyes in order to spare you the cruel
+tortures to which you have been subjected. The Parrot
+gained you over, in spite of all our precautions. You know
+the rest, my dear child. But you can never know all that we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+have suffered in witnessing your tears and your desolation."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine embraced the Fairy ardently and addressed a
+thousand questions to her.</p>
+
+<p>"What has become of the gazelles who waited upon us
+so gracefully?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have already seen them, dear Blondine. They
+are the young girls who accompanied you. They also were
+changed when the evil genius gained his power over us."</p>
+
+<p>"And the good white cow who brought me milk every
+day?"</p>
+
+<p>"We obtained permission from the Queen of the Fairies
+to send you this light refreshment. The encouraging words
+of the Crow came also from us."</p>
+
+<p>"You, then, madam, also sent me the Tortoise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Blondine. The Queen of the Fairies, touched by
+your repentance and your grief, deprived the Evil Genius
+of the Forest of all power over us on condition of obtaining
+from you one last proof of submission, compelling you to
+take this long and fatiguing journey and inflicting the
+terrible punishment of making you believe that my son and I
+had died from your imprudence. I implored, entreated the
+Queen of the Fairies to spare you at least this last anguish
+but she was inflexible."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine gazed at her lost friends, listened eagerly to
+every word and did not cease to embrace those she had feared
+were eternally separated from her by death. The remem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>brance
+of her dear father now presented itself. The prince
+Parfait understood her secret desire and made it known to his
+mother, the fairy Bienveillante.</p>
+
+<p>"Prepare yourself, dear Blondine, to see your father.
+Informed by me, he now expects you."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Blondine found herself in a chariot of
+gold and pearls, the fairy Bienveillante seated at her right
+hand, and the prince Parfait at her feet, regarding her kindly
+and tenderly. The chariot was drawn by four swans of dazzling
+whiteness. They flew with such rapidity, that five
+minutes brought them to the palace of King Benin. All the
+court was assembled about the king, all were expecting the
+princess Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>When the chariot appeared, the cries of joy and welcome
+were so tumultuous that the swans were confused and
+almost lost their way. Prince Parfait, who guided them,
+succeeded in arresting their attention and the chariot drew
+up at the foot of the grand stairway. King Benin sprang
+towards Blondine who, jumping lightly from the chariot,
+threw herself in her father's arms. They remained a long
+time in this position and everybody wept tears of joy.</p>
+
+<p>When King Benin had somewhat recovered himself he
+kissed, respectfully and tenderly, the hand of the good fairy
+who, after having protected and educated the princess Blondine
+had now restored her to him. He embraced the prince
+Parfait whom he found most charming.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There were eight resplendent gala days in honor of the
+return of Blondine. At the close of this gay festival, the
+fairy Bienveillante announced her intention of returning
+home. But Prince Parfait and Blondine were so melancholy
+at the prospect of this separation that King Benin resolved
+they should never quit the place. He wedded the
+fairy and Blondine became the happy wife of Prince Parfait
+who was always for her the Beau-Minon of the Forest of
+Lilacs.</p>
+
+<p>Brunette, whose character had entirely changed, came
+often to see Blondine. Prince Violent, her husband, became
+more amiable as Brunette became more gentle and
+they were very happy.</p>
+
+<p>As to Blondine, she had no misfortunes, no griefs. She
+had lovely daughters, who resembled her, and good and
+handsome sons, the image of their manly father, Prince Parfait.
+Everybody loved them and every one connected with
+them was happy ever after.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/ihenry.jpg" width="600" height="212" alt="Good Little Henry" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i069.jpg" width="589" height="309" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">GOOD LITTLE HENRY</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_POOR_SICK_MOTHER" id="THE_POOR_SICK_MOTHER"></a>THE POOR SICK MOTHER</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was a poor woman, a widow, who lived alone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+with her little son Henry. She loved him tenderly
+and she had good reason to do so, for no one had
+ever seen a more charming child. Although he was but
+seven years old, he kept the house while his good mother labored
+diligently and then left home to sell her work and buy
+food for herself and her little Henry. He swept, he washed
+the floor, he cooked, he dug and cultivated the garden and
+when all this was done he seated himself to mend his clothes
+or his mother's shoes and to make stools and tables&mdash;in short,
+to do everything his strength would enable him to do.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The house in which they lived belonged to them, but it
+was very lonesome. In front of their dwelling there was a
+lofty mountain so high that no one had ever ascended to its
+summit, and besides it was surrounded by a rushing torrent,
+by high walls and insurmountable precipices.</p>
+
+<p>The mother and her little boy were happy but alas! one
+day the poor mother fell sick. They knew no doctor and
+besides they had no money to pay for one. Poor Henry
+did not know how to cure her. He brought her fresh cool
+water for he had nothing else to give her, he stayed by her
+night and day and ate his little morsel of dry bread at the
+foot of her bed. When she slept he looked at her sadly and
+wept. The sickness increased from day to day and at last
+the poor woman was almost in a dying condition. She
+could neither speak nor swallow and she no longer knew her
+little Henry, who was sobbing on his knees near her bed.
+In his despair, he cried out:</p>
+
+<p>"Fairy Bienfaisante, come to my help! Save my
+mother!"</p>
+
+<p>Henry had scarcely pronounced these words, when a
+window opened and a lady richly dressed entered and in a
+soft voice, said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish of me, my little friend? You called
+me&mdash;here I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," cried Henry, throwing himself on his knees
+and clasping his hands, "if you are the fairy Bienfaisante,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+save my poor mother who is about to die and leave me alone
+in the world."</p>
+
+<p>The good fairy looked at Henry most compassionately
+and then, without saying a word, she approached the poor
+woman, bent over her, examined her attentively, breathed
+upon her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"It is not in my power, my poor child, to cure your
+mother; her life depends upon you alone, if you have the
+courage to undertake the journey I will point out to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak, madam! I entreat you to speak! there is nothing
+I will not undertake to save the life of my dear mother."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy replied,</p>
+
+<p>"You must go and seek the plant of life, which grows on
+top of the mountain that you see from this window. When
+you have obtained this plant, press its juice into the mouth of
+your mother and she will be immediately restored to health."</p>
+
+<p>"I will start out immediately, madam. But who will
+take care of my poor mother during my absence? And,
+moreover," said he, sobbing bitterly, "she will be dead before
+my return."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not worry, my dear child. If you go to seek the
+plant of life, your mother will need nothing before your
+return; she will remain precisely in the condition in which
+you leave her. But you must dare many dangers and endure
+many things before you pluck the plant of life. Great courage
+and great perseverance are necessary on your part."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I fear nothing, madam, my courage and perseverance
+shall not fail. Tell me only how I shall know this plant
+amongst all the others which cover the top of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"When you reach the summit, call the doctor who has
+charge of this plant, inform him that I have sent you and he
+will give you a branch of the plant of life."</p>
+
+<p>Henry kissed the good fairy's hands and thanked her
+heartily, took a sorrowful leave of his mother, covering her
+with kisses, put some bread in his pocket and set out, after
+saluting the fairy respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy smiled encouragingly at this poor child who
+so bravely resolved to ascend a mountain so dangerous that
+none of those who had attempted it had ever reached the
+summit.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CROW_THE_COCK_AND_THE_FROG" id="THE_CROW_THE_COCK_AND_THE_FROG"></a>THE CROW, THE COCK, AND THE FROG</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">L</span><span class="upper">ittle</span> Henry marched resolutely to the mountain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+which he found much more distant than it had
+appeared to him. Instead of arriving in a half
+hour as he had expected, he walked rapidly the whole day
+without reaching its base.</p>
+
+<p>About one-third of the way he saw a Crow which was
+caught by the claw in a snare which some wicked boy had
+set for him. The poor Crow sought in vain to release himself
+from this trap which caused him cruel sufferings.
+Henry ran to him, cut the cord which bound him and set
+him at liberty. The poor Crow flew off rapidly, after having
+said to Henry,</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, my brave Henry, I will see you again."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was much surprised to hear the Crow speak but
+he did not relax his speed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Some time afterwards while he was resting in a grove
+and eating a morsel of bread, he saw a Cock followed by a
+fox and about to be taken by him in spite of his efforts to
+escape. The poor frightened Cock passed very near to
+Henry, who seized it adroitly, and hid it under his coat without
+the fox having seen him. The fox continued his pursuit,
+supposing that the Cock was before him. Henry did
+not move till he was entirely out of sight. He then released
+the Cock, who said to him in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks, my brave Henry, I will see you again."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was now rested. He rose and continued his
+journey. When he had advanced a considerable distance
+he saw a poor Frog about to be devoured by a serpent. The
+Frog trembled and, paralyzed by fear, could not move. The
+serpent advanced rapidly, its horrid mouth open. Henry
+seized a large stone and threw it so adroitly that it entered the
+serpent's throat the moment it was about to devour the Frog.
+The frightened Frog leaped to a distance and cried out,</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks, brave Henry; we will meet again."</p>
+
+<p>Henry, who had before heard the Crow and the Cock
+speak, was not now astonished at these words of the Frog and
+continued to walk on rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>A short time after he arrived at the foot of the mountain
+but he was greatly 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 he paused to reflect.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 538px; height: 452px;">
+<a name="i075" id="i075"></a><img src="images/i075.jpg" width="538" height="452" alt="A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," said he, hopefully, "I may find a bridge, or
+ford, or a boat."</p>
+
+<p>Henry followed the course of the river which flowed
+entirely around the mountain but everywhere it was equally
+wide and deep and he saw neither bridge nor boat. Poor
+Henry seated himself on the bank of the river, weeping bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Fairy Bienfaisante! Fairy Bienfaisante! come to my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+help," he exclaimed. "Of what use will it be to me to know
+that there is a plant at the top of the mountain which will
+save the life of my poor mother, if I can never reach its summit?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the Cock whom he had protected from
+the fox appeared on the borders of the river, and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"The fairy Bienfaisante can do nothing for you. This
+mountain is beyond her control. But you have saved my
+life and I wish to prove my gratitude. Mount my back,
+Henry, and by the faith of a Cock I will take you safe to the
+other side."</p>
+
+<p>Henry did not hesitate. He sprang on the Cock's back,
+fully expecting to fall into the water but his clothes were not
+even moist. The Cock received him so adroitly on his back
+that he felt as secure as if he had been on horseback. He
+held on firmly to the crest of the Cock who now commenced
+the passage.</p>
+
+<p>The river was so wide that he was flying constantly
+twenty-one days before he reached the other shore; but during
+these twenty-one days Henry was not sleepy and felt
+neither hunger nor thirst.</p>
+
+<p>When they arrived, Henry thanked the Cock most politely,
+who graciously bristled his feathers and disappeared.
+A moment after this Henry turned and to his astonishment
+the river was no longer to be seen.</p>
+
+<p>"It was without doubt the genius of the mountain who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+wished to prevent my approach," said Henry. "But, with
+the help of the good fairy Bienfaisante, I think I shall yet succeed
+in my mission."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_HARVEST" id="THE_HARVEST"></a>THE HARVEST</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">H</span><span class="upper">enry</span> walked a long, long time but he walked in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+vain for he saw that he was no farther from the
+foot of the mountain and no nearer to the summit
+than he had been when he crossed the river. Any other
+child would have retraced his steps but the brave little Henry
+would not allow himself to be discouraged. Notwithstanding
+his extreme fatigue he walked on twenty-one days without
+seeming to make any advance. At the end of this time
+he was no more discouraged than at the close of the first day.</p>
+
+<p>"If I am obliged to walk a hundred years," he said aloud,
+"I will go on till I reach the summit."</p>
+
+<p>"You have then a great desire to arrive there, little boy?"
+said an old man, looking at him maliciously and standing
+just in his path. "What are you seeking at the top of this
+mountain?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The plant of life, my good sir, to save the life of my
+dear mother who is about to die."</p>
+
+<p>The little old man shook his head, rested his little
+pointed chin on the top of his gold-headed cane and after
+having a long time regarded Henry, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Your sweet and fresh face pleases me, my boy. I am
+one of the genii of this mountain. I will allow you to advance
+on condition that you will gather all my wheat, that
+you will beat it out, make it into flour and then into bread.
+When you have gathered, beaten, ground and cooked it, then
+call me. You will find all the necessary implements in the
+ditch near you. The fields of wheat are before you and
+cover the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>The old man disappeared and Henry gazed in terror at
+the immense fields of wheat which were spread out before
+him. But he soon mastered this feeling of discouragement&mdash;took
+off his vest, seized a scythe and commenced cutting
+the wheat diligently. This occupied him a hundred and
+ninety-five days and nights.</p>
+
+<p>When the wheat was all cut, Henry commenced to beat
+it with a flail which he found at hand. This occupied him
+sixty days.</p>
+
+<p>When the grain was all beaten out he began to grind it
+in a mill which rose up suddenly near him. This occupied
+him seventy days.</p>
+
+<p>When the wheat was all ground he began to knead it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+and to cook it. He kneaded and cooked for a hundred and
+twenty days.</p>
+
+<p>As the bread was cooked he arranged it properly on
+shelves, like books in a library.</p>
+
+<p>When all was finished Henry was transported with joy
+and called the genius of the mountain who appeared immediately
+and counted four hundred and sixty-eight thousand
+three hundred and twenty-nine new loaves of bread. He bit
+and ate a little end off of two or three, drew near to Henry,
+tapped him on the cheek and said:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a good boy and I wish to pay you for your
+work."</p>
+
+<p>He drew from his pocket a little wooden box which he
+gave to Henry and said, maliciously:</p>
+
+<p>"When you return home, open this box and you will find
+in it the most delicious tobacco you have ever seen."</p>
+
+<p>Now Henry had never used tobacco and the present of
+the little genius seemed to him very useless but he was too
+polite to let this be seen and he thanked the old man as if
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>The old one smiled, then burst out laughing and disappeared.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_VINTAGE" id="THE_VINTAGE"></a>THE VINTAGE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">H</span><span class="upper">enry</span> began to walk rapidly and perceived with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+great delight that every step brought him nearer
+to the summit of the mountain. In three hours
+he had walked two-thirds of the way. But suddenly he
+found himself arrested by a very high wall which he had not
+perceived before. He walked around it, and found, after
+three days' diligent advance, that this wall surrounded the
+entire mountain and that there was no door, not the smallest
+opening by which he could enter.</p>
+
+<p>Henry seated himself on the ground, to reflect upon his
+situation. He resolved to wait patiently&mdash;he sat there forty-five
+days. At the end of this time he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I will not go back if I have to wait here a hundred
+years."</p>
+
+<p>He had scarcely uttered these words when a part of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+wall crumbled away with a terrible noise and he saw in the
+opening a giant, brandishing an enormous cudgel.</p>
+
+<p>"You have then a great desire to pass here, my boy?
+What are you seeking beyond my wall?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am seeking the plant of life, Master Giant, to cure
+my poor mother who is dying. If it is in your power and
+you will allow me to pass this wall, I will do anything for you
+that you may command."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it so? Well, listen! Your countenance pleases
+me. I am one of the genii of this mountain. I will allow
+you to pass this wall if you will fill my wine-cellar. Here
+are all my vines. Gather the grapes, crush them, put the
+juice in the casks and arrange them well in my wine-cellar.
+You will find all the implements necessary at the foot of this
+wall. When it is done, call me."</p>
+
+<p>The Giant disappeared, closing the wall behind him.
+Henry looked around him and as far as he could see, the
+vines of the Giant were growing luxuriously.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," said Henry to himself, "I cut all the wheat
+of the little old man&mdash;I can surely also gather the grapes of
+the big Giant. It will not take me so long and it will not be
+as difficult to make wine of these grapes as to make bread
+of the wheat."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 501px; height: 688px;">
+<a name="i082" id="i082"></a><img src="images/i082.jpg" width="501" height="688" alt="A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Henry took off his coat, picked up a pruning-knife
+which he saw at his feet and began to cut the grapes and
+throw them into the vats. It took him thirty days to gather
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>this crop. When all was finished, he crushed the grapes,
+poured the juice into the casks and ranged them in the cellar,
+which they completely filled. He was ninety days making
+the wine.</p>
+
+<p>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:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave little man and I wish to pay you for
+your trouble. It shall not be said that you worked gratis for
+the Giant of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>He drew a thistle from his pocket, gave it to Henry and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"After your return home, whenever you desire anything,
+smell this thistle."</p>
+
+<p>Henry did not think the Giant very generous but he received
+the thistle with an amiable smile.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Giant whistled so loudly that the mountain
+trembled and the wall and Giant disappeared entirely and
+Henry was enabled to continue his journey.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CHASE" id="THE_CHASE"></a>THE CHASE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">H</span><span class="upper">enry</span> was within a half-hour's walk of the summit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+of the mountain when he reached a pit so wide
+that he could not possibly jump to the other side
+and so deep that it seemed bottomless. Henry did not lose
+courage, however. He followed the borders of the pit till
+he found himself where he started from and knew that this
+yawning pit surrounded the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! what shall I do?" said poor Henry; "I scarcely
+overcome one obstacle when another more difficult seems to
+rise up before me. How shall I ever pass this pit?"</p>
+
+<p>The poor child felt for the first time that his eyes were
+filled with tears. He looked around for some means of passing
+over but saw no possible chance and seated himself sadly
+on the brink of the precipice. Suddenly he heard a terrible
+growl. He turned and saw within ten steps of him an enormous
+Wolf gazing at him with flaming eyes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What are you seeking in my kingdom?" said the Wolf,
+in a threatening voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Wolf, I am seeking the plant of life which
+alone can save my dear mother who is about to die. If you
+will assist me to cross this pit, I will be your devoted servant
+and will obey any command you may give me."</p>
+
+<p>"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 the faith of the genius of the mountain, I will
+pass you over to the other side. You will find near this tree
+all the instruments necessary to catch the game and to cook
+it. When your work is done, call me."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, he disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Henry took courage. He lifted a bow and arrow
+which he saw on the ground, and began to shoot at the partridges,
+woodcocks, pheasants and game of all kinds which
+abounded there. But, alas! he did not understand it and
+killed nothing.</p>
+
+<p>During eight days he was shooting right and left in vain
+and was at last wearied and despairing, when he saw near
+him the Crow whose life he had saved in the commencement
+of his journey.</p>
+
+<p>"You rescued me from mortal danger," said the Crow,
+"and I told you I should see you again. I have come to redeem
+my promise. If you do not fulfil your promise to the
+Wolf, he will change you into some terrible wild beast. Fol<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>low
+me. I am going a-hunting and you have only to gather
+the game and cook it."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the Crow flew above the trees of the
+forest and with his beak and his claws killed all the game to
+be found. In fact, during one hundred and fifty days he
+caught one million eight hundred and sixty thousand seven
+hundred and twenty-six animals and birds, squirrels, moor-cocks,
+pheasants, and quails. As the Crow killed them,
+Henry plucked the feathers, skinned them, cut them up and
+cooked them in roasts or pies. When all was cooked he arranged
+them neatly and then the Crow said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, Henry. There remains one obstacle yet to
+overcome but in that difficulty I cannot aid you. But do not
+be discouraged. The good fairies protect filial love."</p>
+
+<p>Before Henry had time to thank the Crow, he had disappeared.
+He then called the Wolf and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"Master Wolf, here is all the game of your forest. I
+have prepared it as you ordered and now will you assist me to
+pass this precipice?"</p>
+
+<p>The Wolf examined a pheasant, crunched a roast squirrel
+and a pie, licked his lips and said to Henry:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave and good boy. I will pay you for
+your trouble. It shall not be said that you have worked for
+the Wolf of the mountain without receiving your reward."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, he gave Henry a staff which he cut
+in the forest and said to him:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 550px; height: 457px;">
+<a name="i087" id="i087"></a><img src="images/i087.jpg" width="550" height="457" alt="Henry sprang upon the Wolf&#39;s back" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"When you have gathered the plant of life and wish
+yourself transported to any part of the world, mount the stick
+and it will be your horse."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was on the point of throwing this useless stick
+into the woods but he wished to be polite, and receiving it
+smilingly, he thanked the Wolf cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"Get on my back, Henry," said the Wolf.</p>
+
+<p>Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back and he made a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+bound so prodigious that they landed immediately on the
+other side of the precipice.</p>
+
+<p>Henry dismounted, thanked the Wolf and walked on
+vigorously.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FISHING" id="THE_FISHING"></a>THE FISHING</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">A</span><span class="upper">t</span> last, after so many labors and perils, Henry saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+the lattice of the garden in which the plant of life
+was growing and his heart bounded for joy. He
+looked always upward as he walked, and went on as rapidly
+as his strength would permit, when suddenly he fell into a
+hole. He sprang backwards, looked anxiously around him
+and saw a ditch full of water, large and long, so long indeed
+that he could not see either end.</p>
+
+<p>"Without doubt this is that last obstacle of which the
+Crow spoke to me," said Henry to himself. "Since I have
+overcome all my other difficulties with the help of the good
+fairy Bienfaisante, she will assist 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 patiently till
+it shall please her to assist me this time."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On saying these words, Henry began to walk along the
+ditch, hoping to find the end. He walked on steadily two
+days and found himself at the end of that time just where he
+had started. Henry would not give way to distress, he would
+not be discouraged; he seated himself on the borders of the
+ditch and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I will not move from this spot till the genius of the
+mountain allows me to pass this ditch."</p>
+
+<p>Henry had just uttered these words when an enormous
+Cat appeared before him and began to mew so horribly that
+he was almost deafened by the sound. The Cat said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing here? Do you not know that I
+could tear you to pieces with one stroke of my claws?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your power, Mr. Cat, but you will not
+do so when you know that I am seeking the plant of life to
+save my poor mother who is dying. If you will permit me
+to pass your ditch, I will do anything in my power to please
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you?" said the Cat. "Well, then, listen; your
+countenance pleases me. If, therefore, you will catch all the
+fish in this ditch and salt and cook them, I will pass you over
+to the other side, on the faith of a Cat!"</p>
+
+<p>Henry advanced some steps and saw lines, fish-hooks,
+bait, and nets on the ground. He took a net, and hoped that
+by one vigorous haul he would take many fish and that he
+would succeed much better than with a line and hook. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+threw the net and drew it in with great caution. But alas!
+he had caught nothing!</p>
+
+<p>Disappointed, Henry thought he had not been adroit.
+He threw the net again and drew it very softly: still nothing!</p>
+
+<p>Henry was patient. For ten days he tried faithfully
+without having caught a single fish. Then he gave up the
+net and tried the hook and line. He waited an hour, two
+hours;&mdash;not a single fish bit at the bait! He moved from
+place to place, till he had gone entirely around the ditch.
+He tried diligently fifteen days and caught not a single fish.
+He knew not now what to do. He thought of the good
+fairy Bienfaisante, who had abandoned him at the end of his
+undertaking. He seated himself sadly and gazed intently at
+the ditch when suddenly the water began to boil and he saw
+the head of a Frog appear.</p>
+
+<p>"Henry," said the Frog, "you saved my life&mdash;I wish now
+to save yours in return. If you do not execute the orders of
+the Cat of the mountain he will eat you for his breakfast.
+You cannot catch the fish because the water is so deep and
+they take refuge at the bottom. But allow me to act for you.
+Light your fire for cooking and prepare your vessels for salting.
+I will bring you the fish."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the Frog plunged back into the
+water. Henry saw that the waves were agitated and boiling
+up, as if a grand contest was going on at the bottom of
+the ditch. In a moment, however, the Frog reappeared,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>
+sprang ashore and deposited a superb salmon which he had
+caught. Henry had scarcely time to seize the salmon when
+the Frog leaped ashore with a carp. During sixty days the
+Frog continued his labors. Henry cooked the large fish
+and threw the little ones into the casks to be salted. Finally,
+at the end of two months, the Frog leaped towards Henry
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"There is not now a single fish in the ditch. You can
+call the Cat of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>Henry thanked the Frog heartily, who extended his wet
+foot towards him, in sign of friendship. Henry pressed it
+affectionately and gratefully and the Frog disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>It took Henry fifteen days to arrange properly all the
+large fish he had cooked and all the casks of small fish he
+had salted. He then called the Cat, who appeared immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Cat," said Henry, "here are all your fish cooked
+and salted. Will you now keep your promise and pass me
+over to the other side?"</p>
+
+<p>The Cat examined the fish and the casks; tasted a salted
+and a cooked fish, licked his lips, smiled and said to Henry:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave boy! I will recompense your fortitude
+and patience. It shall never be said that the Cat of the
+mountain does not pay his servants."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the Cat tore off one of his own claws
+and said, handing it to Henry:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"When you are sick or feel yourself growing old, touch
+your forehead with this claw. Sickness, suffering and old
+age will disappear. This miraculous claw will have the
+same virtue for all that you love and all who love you."</p>
+
+<p>Henry thanked the Cat most warmly, took the precious
+claw and wished to try its powers immediately, as he felt painfully
+weary. The claw had scarcely touched his brow when
+he felt as fresh and vigorous as if he had just left his bed.</p>
+
+<p>The Cat looked on smiling, and said: "Now get on my
+tail."</p>
+
+<p>Henry obeyed. He was no sooner seated on the Cat's
+tail than he saw the tail lengthen itself till it reached across
+the ditch.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_PLANT_OF_LIFE" id="THE_PLANT_OF_LIFE"></a>THE PLANT OF LIFE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hen</span> he had saluted the Cat respectfully,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>
+Henry ran towards the garden of the plant of
+life, which was only a hundred steps from him.
+He trembled lest some new obstacle should retard him but he
+reached the garden lattice without any difficulty. He
+sought the gate and found it readily, as the garden was not
+large. But, alas! the garden was filled with innumerable
+plants utterly unknown to him and it was impossible
+to know how to distinguish the plant of life. Happily he
+remembered that the good fairy Bienfaisante had told him
+that when he reached the summit of the mountain he must
+call the Doctor who cultivated the garden of the fairies. He
+called him then with a loud voice. In a moment he heard
+a noise among the plants near him and saw issue from them
+a little man, no taller than a hearth brush. He had a book
+under his arm, spectacles on his crooked little nose and wore
+the great black cloak of a doctor.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 496px; height: 672px;">
+<a name="i094" id="i094"></a><img src="images/i094.jpg" width="496" height="672" alt="&quot;What are you seeking little one?&quot;" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>&quot;What are you seeking little one?&quot;</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"What are you seeking, little one?" said the Doctor;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+"and how is it possible that you have gained this summit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, I come from the fairy Bienfaisante, to ask the
+plant of life to cure my poor sick mother, who is about to
+die."</p>
+
+<p>"All those who come from the fairy Bienfaisante," said
+the little Doctor, raising his hat respectfully, "are most welcome.
+Come, my boy, I will give you the plant you seek."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor then buried himself in the botanical garden
+where Henry had some trouble in following him, as he was
+so small as to disappear entirely among the plants. At last
+they arrived near a bush growing by itself. The Doctor
+drew a little pruning-knife from his pocket, cut a bunch and
+gave it to Henry, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Take this and use it as the good fairy Bienfaisante directed
+but do not allow it to leave your hands. If you lay it
+down under any circumstances it will escape from you and
+you will never recover it."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was about to thank him but the little man had disappeared
+in the midst of his medicinal herbs, and he found
+himself alone.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do now in order to arrive quickly at
+home? If I encounter on my return the same obstacles
+which met me as I came up the mountain, I shall perhaps lose
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>my plant, my dear plant, which should restore my dear
+mother to life."</p>
+
+<p>Happily Henry now remembered the stick which the
+Wolf had given him.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, let us see," said he, "if this stick has really the
+power to carry me home."</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, he mounted the stick and wished himself at
+home. In the same moment he felt himself raised in the air,
+through which he passed with the rapidity of lightning and
+found himself almost instantly by his mother's bed.</p>
+
+<p>Henry sprang to his mother and embraced her tenderly.
+But she neither saw nor heard him. He lost no time, but
+pressed the plant of life upon her lips. At the same moment
+she opened her eyes, threw her arms around Henry's neck
+and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"My child! my dear Henry! I have been very sick but
+now I feel almost well. I am hungry."</p>
+
+<p>Then, looking at him in amazement, she said: "How
+you have grown, my darling! How is this? How can you
+have changed so in a few days?"</p>
+
+<p>Henry had indeed grown a head taller. Two years,
+seven months and six days had passed away since he left his
+home. He was now nearly ten years old. Before he had
+time to answer, the window opened and the good fairy Bienfaisante
+appeared. She embraced Henry and, approaching
+the couch of his mother, related to her all that little Henry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+had done and suffered, the dangers he had dared, the fatigues
+he endured; the courage, the patience, the goodness he had
+manifested. Henry blushed on hearing himself thus praised
+by the fairy. His mother pressed him to her heart, and covered
+him with kisses. After the first moments of happiness
+and emotion had passed away, the fairy said:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Henry, you can make use of the present of the
+little Old Man and the Giant of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>Henry drew out his little box and opened it. Immediately
+there issued from it a crowd of little workmen, not
+larger than bees, who filled the room. They began to work
+with such promptitude that in a quarter of an hour they had
+built and furnished a beautiful house in the midst of a lovely
+garden with a thick wood on one side and a beautiful
+meadow on the other.</p>
+
+<p>"All this is yours, my brave Henry," said the fairy.
+"The Giant's thistle will obtain for you all that is necessary.
+The Wolf's staff will transport you where you wish. The
+Cat's claw will preserve your health and your youth and also
+that of your dear mother. Adieu, Henry! Be happy and
+never forget that virtue and filial love are always recompensed."</p>
+
+<p>Henry threw himself on his knees before the fairy who
+gave him her hand to kiss, smiled upon him and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Henry's mother had a great desire to arise from her bed
+and admire her new house, her garden, her woods and her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+meadow. But, alas! she had no dress. During her first
+illness she had made Henry sell all that she possessed, as they
+were suffering for bread.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas! my child, I cannot leave my bed. I have
+neither dresses nor shoes."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have all those things, dear mother," exclaimed
+Henry.</p>
+
+<p>Drawing his thistle from his pocket, he smelled it while
+he wished for dresses, linen, shoes for his mother and himself
+and also for linen for the house. At the same moment the
+presses were filled with linen, his mother was dressed in a
+good and beautiful robe of merino and Henry completely
+clothed in blue cloth, with good, substantial shoes. They
+both uttered a cry of joy. His mother sprang from her bed
+to run through the house with Henry. Nothing was wanting.
+Everywhere the furniture was good and comfortable.
+The kitchen was filled with pots and kettles; but there was
+nothing in them.</p>
+
+<p>Henry again put his thistle to his nose and desired to
+have a good dinner served up.</p>
+
+<p>A table soon appeared, with good smoking soup, a
+splendid leg of lamb, a roasted pullet and good salad. They
+took seats at the table with the appetite of those who had
+not eaten for three years. The soup was soon swallowed,
+the leg of lamb entirely eaten, then the pullet, then the salad.</p>
+
+<p>When their hunger was thus appeased, the mother,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+aided by Henry, took off the cloth, washed and arranged all
+the dishes and then put the kitchen in perfect order. They
+then made up their beds with the sheets they found in the
+presses and went happily to bed, thanking God and the good
+fairy Bienfaisante. The mother also gave grateful thanks
+for her dear son Henry.</p>
+
+<p>They lived thus most happily, they wanted nothing&mdash;the
+thistle provided everything. They did not grow old or sick&mdash;the
+claw cured every ill. They never used the staff, as they
+were too happy at home ever to desire to leave it.</p>
+
+<p>Henry asked of his thistle only two cows, two good
+horses and the necessaries of life for every day. He wished
+for nothing superfluous, either in clothing or food and thus
+he preserved his thistle as long as he lived. It is not known
+when they died. It is supposed that the Queen of the Fairies
+made them immortal and transported them to her palace,
+where they still are.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></div>
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/irosette.jpg" width="600" height="209" alt="The Princess Rosette" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></div>
+
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i103.jpg" width="600" height="313" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapter">HISTORY OF PRINCESS ROSETTE</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FARM" id="THE_FARM"></a>THE FARM</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a king and queen, who had three<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+daughters. The two eldest were twins&mdash;Orangine
+and Roussette&mdash;and their parents loved them very
+dearly. They were beautiful and intelligent, but they were
+not very good. In this they resembled the king and queen.
+The third princess was called Rosette and was three years
+younger than her sisters. She was as amiable as she was
+handsome, as good as she was beautiful.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Puissante was Rosette's godmother and this
+made her two sisters, Orangine and Roussette, very jealous.
+They were angry because they also had not a fairy for their
+godmother.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Some days after the birth of Rosette, the king and queen
+sent her to the country, on a farm, to be nursed. Rosette
+lived happily here for fifteen years without her parents coming
+once to see her. Every year they sent a small sum of
+money to the farmer to pay Rosette's expenses and asked
+some questions as to her health, but they never came to see
+her nor disturbed themselves about her education.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette would indeed have been very rude and ignorant
+if her good godmother, the fairy Puissante, had not sent her
+teachers and all that was necessary. In this way Rosette
+learned to read, to write, to keep accounts and to work beautifully.
+She became an accomplished musician, she knew
+how to draw and spoke several languages.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was the most beautiful, the most attractive, the
+most amiable and the most excellent princess in the whole
+world. She had never disobeyed her nurse or godmother,
+and had therefore never been reproved. She did not regret
+her father and mother, as she did not know them and she did
+not desire any other home than the farm where she had been
+so happy.</p>
+
+<p>One day when Rosette was seated on a bench before the
+door, she saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat; he approached
+her and asked if he could speak to the princess
+Rosette.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, without doubt," answered the princess; "I am the
+princess Rosette."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 549px; height: 462px;">
+<a name="i105" id="i105"></a><img src="images/i105.jpg" width="549" height="462" alt="She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"Then, princess," said the man, respectfully taking off
+his hat, "be graciously pleased to receive this letter, which the
+king your father has charged me to deliver to you."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette took the letter, opened it, and read the following:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquote"><p>"<span class="smcap">Rosette</span>: Your sisters are now eighteen years old and
+it is time they were married. I have invited the princes and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+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.</p>
+
+
+<div class="sc right">"The King Your Father."</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Rosette ran quickly to show this letter to her nurse.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you pleased, Rosette, to go to this festival?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my good nurse, I am delighted. I will enjoy myself
+and become acquainted with my father, mother and my
+sisters and then I will return to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But," said the nurse, shaking her head, "what dress will
+you wear, my poor child?"</p>
+
+<p>"My beautiful robe of white percale which I always
+wear on holidays, my dear nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"My poor little one, that robe is indeed very suitable for
+the country but would appear miserably poor at a party of
+kings and princes."</p>
+
+<p>"Of what consequence is all this, nurse? My father
+himself has said that no 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."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The nurse sighed but said nothing and began immediately
+to mend, whiten and smooth Rosette's white robe.</p>
+
+<p>The day before the king was to send for her, the nurse
+called her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child, here is your dress for the king's festival;
+be very careful with it as I shall not be there to whiten and
+smooth it for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, my good nurse; be satisfied&mdash;I will take great
+care."</p>
+
+<p>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 of flowers for Rosette to wear in
+her hair. Just as she was about to close the trunk, the window
+opened violently and the fairy Puissante entered.</p>
+
+<p>"You are going, then, to your father's court, my dear
+Rosette?" said the fairy.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dear godmother, but only for three days."</p>
+
+<p>"But what dress have you prepared for those three
+days?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look, godmother! look!" and she pointed to the trunk,
+which was still open.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy smiled, drew a small bottle from her pocket
+and said: "I intend that my dear Rosette shall make a sensation
+by her dress. This is unworthy of her."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy opened the bottle, and threw some drops of the
+liquid it contained upon the robe, which became a coarse In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>dia
+rubber cloth; then a drop upon the cotton stockings,
+which changed into blue yarn; a third drop upon the bouquet,
+which became a hen's egg; a fourth upon the shoes,
+and they immediately changed into coarse felt.</p>
+
+<p>"In this manner," said she, with a gracious air, "do I
+wish my Rosette to appear. You must attire yourself in
+all this and, to complete your toilette, here is a necklace of
+nuts, a band for your hair of burrs, and bracelets of dried
+beans." She kissed Rosette who was completely stupefied.
+The fairy then disappeared and the nurse burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! it was not worth my while to give myself all the
+trouble of preparing this poor robe. Oh, my poor Rosette!
+Do not go to this festival. Pretend you are ill, my child."</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Rosette; "that would be to displease my godmother.
+I am sure that she does what is best for me. She is
+much wiser than I am. I will go and I will wear all that my
+godmother has brought me." And the good and obedient
+Rosette thought no more of her dress. She went to bed and
+slept tranquilly.</p>
+
+<p>She had scarce arranged her hair and dressed herself in
+the morning when the chariot of the fairy came for her.
+She embraced her nurse, took her little trunk and departed.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="ROSETTE_AT_THE_COURT_OF_THE_KING_HER" id="ROSETTE_AT_THE_COURT_OF_THE_KING_HER"></a>ROSETTE AT THE COURT OF THE KING HER FATHER</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">hey</span> were but two hours on the way, for the king's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+capital was only ten leagues from the farm. When
+Rosette arrived, she was surprised to see that she
+had to descend in a little, dirty court-yard, where a page attended
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, princess, I am commissioned to conduct you to
+your chamber."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I not see the queen my mother?" asked Rosette,
+timidly.</p>
+
+<p>"In two hours, princess, when they are assembled for
+dinner, you will see her. In the mean time you can dress."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette followed the page, who led her through a long
+corridor, at the end of which was a narrow staircase. She
+ascended, slowly, after a long, long time arriving at another
+corridor where she entered the chamber destined for her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+The queen had lodged Rosette in one of the servants' rooms.
+The little page placed Rosette's modest trunk in a corner and
+said, with an air of embarrassment,</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, princess, for having led you into this
+chamber, so unworthy of you. The queen has disposed of
+all the other apartments for her guests, the kings, queens,
+princes and princesses. There was no other room vacant
+and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," said Rosette, smiling, "I shall not blame
+you. Besides, I shall be very comfortable."</p>
+
+<p>"I will come for you, princess, to lead you to the king
+and queen at the proper hour."</p>
+
+<p>"I will be ready," said Rosette, "adieu, pretty page."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette now unpacked her trunk. Her heart was beating
+and swelling tumultuously. Sighing heavily, she drew
+out her robe of coarse cloth and the other articles of her toilette.
+Rosette was very adroit. She arranged her exquisite
+blonde hair most beautifully, with a pullet's feather and a
+band made of burrs. Her head-dress was indeed so charming
+that it made her a hundred times more lovely. When she
+had put on her shoes and stockings and her robe, what was
+her amazement to see that it was made of gold brocade, embroidered
+with rubies of marvellous beauty; her coarse heavy
+shoes were now white satin, adorned with buckles of one
+single ruby of wonderful splendour; her stockings were of
+silk and as fine as a spider's web; her necklace was of rubies<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+surrounded with large diamonds; her bracelets of diamonds,
+the most splendid that had ever been seen.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette now ran to the glass and saw that the pullet's
+wing had become a magnificent locket and that the pendant
+was a carbuncle of such beauty and brilliancy that a fairy
+alone could possess it.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette, happy, delighted, exultant, danced around the
+little room and thanked her good godmother aloud for having
+tested her obedience and thus magnificently rewarded it.</p>
+
+<p>The page now knocked at the door, entered and started
+back, dazzled by the beauty of Rosette and the magnificence
+of her toilette. Rosette followed him. They descended the
+stairs, passed through many apartments and at last entered a
+suite of superb salons, filled with kings, queens and nobles.
+Every one who saw Rosette paused and turned to admire her.
+The modest princess, however, was ashamed to be thus gazed
+at and did not dare raise her eyes. At last the page paused
+and said to Rosette:</p>
+
+<p>"Princess, behold the queen your mother and the king!"</p>
+
+<p>Rosette raised her eyes and saw just before her the king
+and queen who regarded her with a comic surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said the king at last to her, "be graciously
+pleased to tell me your name. You are no doubt some great
+queen or still greater fairy whose unexpected presence is an
+honor and a happiness for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Sire," said Rosette, falling gracefully upon her knees,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>
+"I am neither a great queen nor a powerful fairy but your
+daughter Rosette, for whom you were kind enough to send."</p>
+
+<p>"Rosette!" exclaimed the queen; "Rosette clothed more
+magnificently than I have ever been! Who, then, miss, has
+given you all these beautiful things?"</p>
+
+<p>"My godmother, madam. Graciously permit me,
+madam, to kiss your hand and present me to my sisters."</p>
+
+<p>The queen gave her hand coldly. Then pointing to
+Orangine and Roussette, who were by her side, she said:
+"There are your sisters."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Rosette, saddened by this cold welcome from her
+father and mother, turned gladly towards her sisters and
+wished to embrace them but they drew back with terror, fearing
+that while embracing them Rosette would displace the
+red and white with which they were painted. Orangine covered
+herself with white to conceal her yellow skin and Roussette
+to hide her ugly freckles.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was repulsed by her sisters but was soon surrounded
+by the ladies of the court and all the invited princes.
+As she conversed with ready grace and goodness and spoke
+several languages she charmed all those who approached her.
+Orangine and Roussette were frightfully jealous. The king
+and queen were furious for Rosette absorbed all attention;
+no one paid any attention to the sisters.</p>
+
+<p>At table the young prince Charmant, who was monarch
+of the most magnificent and beautiful of all the kingdoms of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+the earth and whom Orangine hoped to wed, placed himself
+by the side of Rosette and was completely absorbed in her
+during the repast.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, Orangine and Roussette, in order to draw
+some attention towards themselves, sang a duet. They sang
+indeed admirably and accompanied themselves on the harp.
+Rosette who was truly good and wished her sister to love her,
+applauded them rapturously and complimented them on
+their talent.</p>
+
+<p>Orangine, in place of being touched by this generous
+sentiment and hoping to play her sister a malicious trick,
+now insisted upon her singing. Rosette for some time modestly
+refused. Her sisters, who supposed that she did not
+know how to sing, were insistent. The queen herself, desiring
+to humiliate poor Rosette, joined her entreaties to those
+of Orangine and Roussette and in fact commanded the
+young princess to sing.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette curtsied to the queen. "I obey, madam," said
+she.</p>
+
+<p>She took the harp and the enchanting grace of her position
+astonished her sisters. They would have been glad indeed
+to interrupt her when she commenced her prelude for
+they saw at a glance that her talent was much superior to
+theirs. But when, in a beautiful and melodious voice, she
+sang a romance, composed by herself on the happiness of
+being good and beloved there was an outbreak of admiration,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+the enthusiasm became general and her sisters almost fainted
+with jealousy and envy.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant was transported with admiration. He approached
+Rosette, his eyes moistened with tears and said to
+her:</p>
+
+<p>"Enchanting and lovely princess, I have never heard so
+touching a voice. Can I not have the happiness of hearing
+you once more?"</p>
+
+<p>Rosette, who was painfully aware of the jealousy of her
+sisters, excused herself, saying she was fatigued. Prince
+Charmant, who had clear intellect and penetration, divined
+the true motive of her refusal and admired Rosette still more
+for her delicacy. The queen, irritated by the success of Rosette,
+terminated the party at an early hour and retired.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette returned to her little room and undressed herself.
+She removed her robe and her ornaments and put
+them in a superb case of ebony which she found in her room.
+Much to her surprise, she found in her little trunk the robe of
+coarse cloth, the pullet feather, the necklace of nuts, the
+burrs, the dry beans, the coarse shoes of felt and the blue
+yarn stockings. She would not allow herself, however, to be
+disquieted, certain that her good godmother would come to
+her assistance at the proper time. Rosette was indeed saddened
+by the coldness of her parents and the jealousy of her
+sisters; but, as she scarcely knew them, this painful impression
+was effaced by the remembrance of the Prince Char<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>mant,
+who appeared so good and who had been so flattering
+in his attention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully and
+awoke late in the morning.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="FAMILY_COUNCIL" id="FAMILY_COUNCIL"></a>FAMILY COUNCIL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hile</span> Rosette was only occupied with smiling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+and pleasant thoughts, the king, the queen and
+the princesses Orangine and Roussette were
+choking with rage. They had all assembled in the queen's
+apartment.</p>
+
+<p>"This is too horrible," said the princesses. "Why did
+you send for this Rosette, who has such dazzling jewels and
+makes herself admired and sought after by all these foolish
+kings and princes? Was it to humiliate us, my father, that
+you called us to the court at this time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you, my beautiful darlings," said the king,
+"that it was by the order of the fairy Puissante I was compelled
+to write for her to come. Besides, I did not know that
+she was so beautiful and that&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"So beautiful!" interrupted the princesses. "Where do
+you find her so beautiful? She is indeed ugly and coarse.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+It is her magnificent attire alone which makes her admired.
+Why have you not given to us your most superb jewels and
+your richest robes? We have the air of young slovens by
+the side of this proud princess."</p>
+
+<p>"And where could I possibly have found jewels as magnificent
+as hers? I have none which would compare with
+them. It is her godmother, the fairy Puissante, who has lent
+her these jewels."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, then, did you summon a fairy to be the godmother
+of Rosette, when you gave to us only queens for our
+godmothers?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was not your father who called her," cried the queen.
+"The fairy Puissante herself, without being called, appeared
+to us and signified that she would be Rosette's godmother."</p>
+
+<p>"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 means of getting rid of Rosette and preventing
+Prince Charmant from seeing her again."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing more easy than that," said the queen. "I will
+have her despoiled to-morrow of her rare jewels and her
+beautiful robes. I will order my servants to seize her and
+carry her back to the farm which she shall never leave again."</p>
+
+<p>The queen had scarcely uttered these words, when the
+fairy Puissante appeared with an angry and threatening air.
+"If you dare to touch Rosette," said she, with a thundering
+voice, "if you do not keep her at the palace, if she is not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+present at all the parties, you shall feel the terrible effects
+of my anger. You unworthy king and you heartless queen,
+you shall be changed into toads and you, odious daughters
+and sisters, shall become vipers. Dare now to touch Rosette!"</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The king, the queen and princesses were horribly frightened
+and separated without saying a single word but their
+hearts were filled with rage. The princesses slept but little
+and were yet more furious in the morning when they saw
+their eyes heavy and their features convulsed by evil 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 as unhappy and as despairing as the princesses
+and indeed they saw no remedy for their grief and
+disappointment.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="SECOND_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL" id="SECOND_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL"></a>SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">I</span><span class="upper">n</span> the morning a coarse servant brought Rosette bread<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+and milk and offered her services to dress her. Rosette,
+who did not wish this rude domestic to see the change in
+her dress, thanked her smilingly and replied that she was in
+the habit of arranging her hair and dressing herself. Rosette
+then began her toilette. When she had washed and
+combed her hair she wished to arrange it with the superb
+carbuncle she had worn the day before but she saw with surprise
+that the ebony case had disappeared and in its place
+was a small wooden trunk, upon which there lay a folded
+paper. She took it and read the following directions:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquote"><p>"Here are your things, Rosette. Dress yourself as you
+were dressed yesterday, in the clothing you brought from
+the farm."</p></div>
+
+<p>Rosette did not hesitate an instant, certain that her godmother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+would come to her help at the proper time. She arranged
+her pullet wing in a different manner from that of
+the day before, put on her dress, her necklace, her shoes, her
+bracelets and then stood before the glass.</p>
+
+<p>When she saw her own reflection in the mirror she was
+amazed. She was attired in the richest and most splendid
+riding-suit of sky-blue velvet and pearl buttons as large as
+walnuts; her stockings were bordered with a wreath of
+pearls; her head-dress was a cap of sky-blue velvet with a
+long plume of dazzling whiteness, which floated down to
+her waist and was attached by a single pearl of unparalleled
+beauty and splendor. The boots were also of blue velvet embroidered
+in gold and pearls. Her bracelets and necklace
+also were of pearls, so large and so pure that a single one
+would have paid for the king's palace.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment when Rosette was about to leave her
+chamber to follow the page, a sweet voice whispered in her
+ear, "Rosette, do not mount any other horse than the one
+the prince Charmant will present you."</p>
+
+<p>She turned and saw no one; but she felt convinced that
+this counsel came from her good godmother.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, dear godmother," she said, in low tones. She
+felt a sweet kiss upon her cheek and smiled with happiness
+and gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>The little page conducted her, as the day before, into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>
+royal salon, where her appearance produced a greater effect
+than before. Her fine, sweet countenance, her splendid figure,
+her magnificent dress, allured all eyes and captivated all
+hearts.</p>
+
+<p>The prince Charmant, who was evidently expecting her,
+advanced to meet her, offered his arm and led her to the king
+and queen who received her with more coldness than the day
+before. Orangine and Roussette were bursting with spite
+at the sight of the splendid appearance of Rosette. They
+would not even say good-day to their sister.</p>
+
+<p>The good, young princess was of course somewhat embarrassed
+by this reception but the prince Charmant, seeing
+her distress, approached and asked permission to be her companion
+during the chase in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be a great pleasure to me," replied Rosette, who
+did not know how to dissimulate.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me," said he, "that I am your brother, so
+great is the affection which I feel for you, charming princess.
+Permit me to remain by your side and to defend you against
+all enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be an honor and a pleasure for me to be protected
+by a king so worthy of the name he bears."</p>
+
+<p>Prince Charmant was enchanted by this gracious reply
+and, notwithstanding the malice of Orangine and Roussette,
+who tried in every possible way to attract him to themselves,
+he did not leave Rosette's side for a moment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>After breakfast they descended to the court for a ride on
+horseback. A page advanced to Rosette, leading a splendid
+black horse, which could scarcely be held by the grooms, it
+was so wild and vicious.</p>
+
+<p>"You must not ride this horse, princess," said Prince
+Charmant, "it will certainly kill you. Bring another horse
+for the princess," he said, turning to the page.</p>
+
+<p>"The king and the queen gave orders that the princess
+should ride no other horse than this," said the page. At this
+the prince exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear princess, wait but for a moment; I myself will
+bring you a horse worthy of you but I implore you not to
+mount this dangerous animal."</p>
+
+<p>"I will wait your return," said Rosette, with a gracious
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments afterwards Prince Charmant appeared,
+leading a magnificent horse, white as snow. The saddle was
+of blue velvet, embroidered in pearls and the bridle was of
+gold and pearls. When Rosette wished to mount, the horse
+knelt down and rose quietly when she had placed herself in
+the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Charmant sprang lightly upon his beautiful steed
+Alezan and placed himself by the side of the princess Rosette.
+The king, the queen and the princesses, who had seen
+all this, were pale with rage but they dared say nothing for
+fear of the fairy Puissante.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The king gave the signal to depart. Every lady had
+her attendant gentleman. Orangine and Roussette were
+obliged to content themselves with two insignificant princes
+who were neither so young nor so handsome as Prince Charmant.
+Orangine and Roussette were so sulky that even these
+princes declared they would never wed princesses so uninteresting.</p>
+
+<p>In place of following the chase, Prince Charmant and
+Rosette wandered in the beautiful shady walks of the forest,
+talking merrily and giving accounts of their past lives.</p>
+
+<p>"But," said Charmant, "if the king your father has not
+allowed you to reside in his palace, how is it that he has given
+you such beautiful jewels, worthy of a fairy?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is to my good godmother that I owe them," replied
+Rosette. And then she told Prince Charmant how she had
+been educated on a farm and that she was indebted to the
+fairy Puissante for everything that she knew and everything
+she valued. The fairy had watched over her education and
+granted her every wish of her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant listened with a lively interest and a tender
+compassion. And now, in his turn, he told Rosette that he
+had been left an orphan at the age of seven years; that the
+fairy Puissante had presided over his education; that she had
+also sent him to the festivals given by the king, telling him
+he would find there the perfect woman he was seeking.</p>
+
+<p>"In short, I believe, dear Rosette, that I have found in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+you the charming and perfect creature of whom the fairy
+spoke. Deign, princess, to connect your life with mine and
+authorize me to demand your hand of your parents."</p>
+
+<p>"Before answering, dear prince, I must obtain permission
+of my godmother but you may be sure that I shall be very
+happy to pass my life with you."</p>
+
+<p>The morning thus passed away most agreeably for Rosette
+and Charmant and they returned to the palace to dress
+for dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette entered her ugly garret and saw before her a
+magnificent box of rosewood, wide open. She undressed
+and as she removed her articles of clothing they arranged
+themselves in the box, which then closed firmly. She arranged
+her hair and dressed herself with her usual neatness
+and then ran to the glass. She could not suppress a cry of
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p>Her robe was of gauze and was so fine and light, and
+brilliant it looked as if woven of the wings of butterflies. It
+was studded with diamonds as brilliant as stars. The hem of
+this robe, the corsage and the waist were trimmed with diamond
+fringe which sparkled like suns. Her hair was partly
+covered with a net of diamonds from which a tassel of immense
+diamonds fell to her shoulders. Every diamond was
+as large as a pear and was worth a kingdom. Her necklace
+and bracelets were so immense and so brilliant that you could
+not look at them fixedly without being blinded.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The young princess thanked her godmother most tenderly
+and felt again upon her fair cheek the sweet kiss of the
+morning. She followed the page and entered the royal salon.
+Prince Charmant was awaiting her at the door, offered
+her his arm and conducted her to the apartment of the king
+and queen. Rosette advanced to salute them.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant saw with indignation the glances of rage and
+revenge which the king, queen and princesses cast upon poor
+Rosette. He remained by her side as he had done in the
+morning and was witness to the admiration which she inspired
+and the malice and envy of her sisters.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was indeed sad to find herself the object
+of hatred to her father, mother and sisters. Charmant perceived
+her melancholy and asked the cause. She explained
+it to him frankly.</p>
+
+<p>"When, oh! when, my dear Rosette, will you permit me
+to ask your hand of your father? In my kingdom every one
+will love you and I more than all the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow, dear prince, I will send you the reply of
+my godmother whom I shall question on the subject this
+evening."</p>
+
+<p>They were now summoned to dinner. Charmant
+placed himself at Rosette's side and they conversed in a most
+agreeable manner.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner the king gave orders for the ball to commence.
+Orangine and Roussette, who had taken lessons for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+ten years, danced well but without any peculiar grace.
+They believed that Rosette had never had any opportunity to
+dance and with a mocking, malicious air, they now announced
+to her that it was her turn.</p>
+
+<p>The modest Rosette hesitated and drew back because it
+was repugnant to her to show herself in public and attract
+the general regard. But the more she declined, the more her
+envious sisters insisted, hoping that she would at last suffer
+a real humiliation.</p>
+
+<p>The queen now interfered and sternly commanded Rosette
+to dance. Rosette rose at once to obey the queen.
+Charmant, seeing her embarrassment, said to her in low
+tones:</p>
+
+<p>"I will be your partner, dear Rosette. If you do not
+know a single step, let me execute it for you alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, dear prince. I recognize and am grateful
+for your courtesy. I accept you for my partner and hope
+that you will not have occasion to blush for your generosity."</p>
+
+<p>And now Rosette and Charmant commenced. A more
+animated, graceful and light dance was never seen. All
+present gazed at them with ever increasing admiration.
+Rosette was so superior in dancing to Orangine and Roussette,
+that they could scarcely suppress their rage. They
+wished to throw themselves upon the young princess, choke
+her and tear her diamonds from her. The king and queen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+who had been watching them and divined their intention,
+stopped them, and whispered in their ears:</p>
+
+<p>"Remember the threats and power of the fairy Puissante!
+To-morrow shall be the last day."</p>
+
+<p>When the dance was concluded, the most rapturous applause
+resounded throughout the hall and every one entreated
+Charmant and Rosette to repeat the dance. As they
+felt no fatigue they did not wish to seem disobliging and executed
+a new dance, more graceful and attractive than the
+first.</p>
+
+<p>Orangine and Roussette could no longer control themselves.
+They were suffocating with rage, fainted and were
+carried from the room. They had become so marked by the
+passions of envy and rage that they had lost every vestige of
+beauty and no one had any sympathy for them, as all had seen
+their jealousy and wickedness.</p>
+
+<p>The applause and enthusiasm for Rosette and Charmant
+were so overpowering that they sought refuge in the garden.
+They walked side by side during the rest of the evening, and
+talked merrily and happily over their plans for the future, if
+the fairy Puissante would permit them to unite the smooth
+current of their lives. The diamonds of Rosette sparkled
+with such brilliancy that the alleys where they walked and
+the little groves where they seated themselves, seemed illuminated
+by a thousand stars. At last it was necessary to separate.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 512px; height: 700px;">
+<a name="i127" id="i127"></a><img src="images/i127.jpg" width="512" height="700" alt="They walked side by side during the rest of the evening" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>They walked side by side during the rest of the evening</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"To-morrow!" said Rosette, "to-morrow I hope to say,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+<i>yours eternally</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette entered her little room. As she undressed, her
+clothing arranged itself as the day before in the case. This
+new case was of carved ivory and studded with turquoise
+nails. When Rosette had lain down peacefully upon her
+bed she put out the light, and said, in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, good godmother, to-morrow I must give a
+definite answer to Prince Charmant. Dictate my response,
+dear godmother. I will obey your command, no matter how
+painful it may be."</p>
+
+<p>"Say yes, my dear Rosette, to Prince Charmant," replied
+the soft voice of the fairy. "I myself arranged this marriage.
+It was to make you acquainted with Prince Charmant
+that I forced your father to invite you to this festival."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette thanked the kind fairy and slept the sleep of innocence,
+after having felt the maternal lips of her good protectress
+upon her cheeks.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THIRD_AND_LAST_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL" id="THIRD_AND_LAST_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL"></a>THIRD AND LAST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hile</span> Rosette was thus sleeping peacefully, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>
+king, the queen, and Orangine and Roussette,
+purple with rage, were quarrelling and disputing
+amongst themselves. Each was accusing the other of
+having brought about the triumph of Rosette and their own
+humiliating defeat. One last hope remained for them. In
+the morning there was to be a chariot race. Each chariot
+was to be drawn by two horses and driven by a lady. It was
+resolved to give Rosette a very high chariot, drawn by two
+wild, untrained and prancing horses.</p>
+
+<p>"Prince Charmant will have no chariot and horses to exchange,"
+said the queen, "as he had this morning in the case
+of the riding-horse. It is easy to find a horse for the saddle
+but it will be impossible for him to find a chariot ready for
+the course."</p>
+
+<p>The consoling thought that Rosette might be killed or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>
+grievously wounded and disfigured on the morrow brought
+peace to these four wicked beings. They retired and
+dreamed of the next best means of ridding themselves of
+Rosette if the chariot race failed. Orangine and Roussette
+slept but little so that in the morning they were still uglier
+and more unprepossessing than they had appeared the day
+before.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette, who had a tranquil conscience and contented
+heart, slept all night calmly. She had been much fatigued
+and did not wake till a late hour. Indeed, on rising she
+found she had scarcely time to dress. The coarse kitchen
+girl brought her a cup of milk and a piece of bread. This
+was by order of the queen who directed that she should be
+treated like a servant.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was not difficult to please. She ate the coarse
+bread and milk with appetite and began to dress. The case
+of carved ivory had disappeared. She put on as usual her
+robe of coarse cloth, her pullet's wing, and all the rude ornaments
+she had brought from the farm and then looked at herself
+in the glass.</p>
+
+<p>She was attired in a riding habit of straw-colored satin,
+embroidered in front and at the hem with sapphires and
+emeralds. Her hat was of white velvet, ornamented with
+plumes of a thousand colors, taken from the plumage of the
+rarest birds and attached by a sapphire larger than an egg.
+On her neck was a chain of sapphires, at the end of which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+was a watch, the face of which was opal, the back a carved
+sapphire and the glass diamond. This watch was always
+going, was never out of order and never required to be
+wound up.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette heard her page at the door and followed him.
+On entering the salon she perceived Prince Charmant, who
+was awaiting her with the most lively impatience. He
+sprang forward to receive her, offered his arm and said with
+eagerness:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Well, dear princess, what did the fairy say to you?
+What answer do you give me?"</p>
+
+<p>"That which my heart dictated, sweet prince. I
+consecrate my life to you as you have dedicated yours to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks! a thousand times thanks, dear and bewitching
+Rosette. When may I demand your hand of the king your
+father?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the close of the chariot race, dear prince."</p>
+
+<p>"Permit me to add to my first petition that of being
+married to you this very day. I cannot bear to see you subjected
+to the tyranny of your family and I wish to conduct
+you at once to my kingdom."</p>
+
+<p>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 danger and during eight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+days from the setting of the sun this evening I cannot watch
+over her."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant trembled and repeated the fairy's words to
+Rosette, who replied that it was a warning they must not
+neglect as it undoubtedly came from the fairy Puissante.</p>
+
+<p>The princess now advanced to salute the king, the queen
+and her sisters but they neither looked at her nor spoke to
+her. She was however immediately surrounded by a crowd
+of kings and princes, each one of whom had himself proposed
+to ask her hand in marriage that evening but no one
+had an opportunity to speak to her as Charmant never left
+her side a single moment.</p>
+
+<p>After the repast they went down to get into the chariots.
+The kings and princes were to go on horseback and the ladies
+to drive the chariots.</p>
+
+<p>The chariot designed for Rosette by the queen was now
+brought forward. Charmant seized Rosette at the moment
+she was about to take the reins and lifted her to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not enter this chariot, princess. Look at
+these wild ungovernable horses."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette now saw that it took four men to hold each of
+the horses and that they were prancing and jumping alarmingly.</p>
+
+<p>At this instant a pretty little jockey, attired in a straw-colored
+satin vest, with blue ribbon knots, exclaimed in
+silvery tones:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The equipage of the Princess Rosette!"</p>
+
+<p>And now a little chariot of pearls and mother-of-pearl,
+drawn by two magnificent steeds with harness of straw-colored
+velvet ornamented with sapphires, drew up before
+the princess.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant scarcely knew whether to allow Rosette to
+mount this unknown chariot for he still feared some cunning
+wickedness of the king and queen. But the voice of the
+fairy sounded in his ear:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Allow Rosette to ascend the chariot; these horses are a
+present from me. Follow them wherever they may take
+Rosette. The day is advancing. I have but a few hours
+left in which I can be of service to Rosette and she must be
+safe in your kingdom before the day closes."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant assisted Rosette to ascend the chariot and
+sprang upon his horse. A few moments afterwards, two
+chariots driven by veiled women advanced in front of
+Rosette. One of them dashed her chariot with such violence
+against that of Rosette, that the little chariot of mother-of-pearl
+would inevitably have been crushed had it not been
+constructed by fairies. The heavy and massive chariot was
+dashed to pieces instead of Rosette's. The veiled woman
+was thrown upon the stones, where she remained immovable
+whilst Rosette, who had recognized Orangine, tried to stop
+her own horses. The other chariot now dashed against that
+of Rosette and was crushed like the first and the veiled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>
+woman was also dashed upon the stones, which seemed
+placed there to receive her.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette recognised Roussette and was about to descend
+from her chariot when Charmant interfered, and said:
+"Listen, Rosette!"</p>
+
+<p>A voice whispered, "Go, flee quickly! The king is
+pursuing you with a great company to kill you both. The
+sun will set in a few hours. I have barely time to rescue you
+from this danger so give my horses the reins; Charmant,
+abandon yours."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant sprang into the chariot by the side of Rosette,
+who was more dead than alive. The superb steeds set off
+with such marvellous speed that they made more than twenty
+leagues an hour. For a long time they knew that they were
+pursued by the king with a numerous troop of armed men
+but they could not overtake the horses of the fairy. The
+chariot still flew on with lightning haste; the horses increased
+their speed till at last they made a hundred leagues an hour.
+During six hours they kept up this rate and then drew up at
+the foot of the stairs of Prince Charmant.</p>
+
+<p>The whole palace was illuminated and all the courtiers
+were waiting at the entrance in their most magnificent costumes
+to welcome the princess and the prince.</p>
+
+<p>The prince and Rosette were amazed, not knowing how
+to understand this unexpected reception. Charmant had
+just assisted the princess to descend from the chariot, when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+they saw before them the fairy Puissante, who said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Most welcome to your kingdom. Prince Charmant,
+follow me; all is prepared for your marriage. Conduct
+Rosette to her room that she may change her dress, whilst I
+explain to you all the events of this day which seem so incomprehensible
+to you. I have one hour at my disposal."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy and Charmant now led Rosette to an apartment,
+ornamented with the most exquisite taste, where she
+found her maids waiting to attend upon her.</p>
+
+<p>"I will return to seek you in a short time, my dear
+Rosette," said the fairy; "my moments are counted."</p>
+
+<p>She departed with Charmant and said to him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The hatred of the king and queen against Rosette had
+become so intense that they had blindly resolved to defy my
+vengeance and to get rid of Rosette. Seeing that their cunning
+arrangements in the chariot race had not succeeded
+after I substituted my horses for those which would certainly
+have killed Rosette, they resolved to have recourse to violence.
+The king employed a band of brigands, who swore
+to him a blind obedience; they pursued your steps with vengeance
+in their hearts and as the king knew your love for
+Rosette and foresaw that you would defend her 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 heavy chariots violently against the light chariot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+of the princess. I have punished them as they deserved.</p>
+
+<p>"Orangine and Roussette have had their faces so
+crushed and wounded by the stones that they have become
+frightful. I have aroused them from their state of unconsciousness,
+cured their wounds but left the hideous scars to
+disfigure them. I have deprived them of all their rich clothing
+and dressed them like peasants and I married them at
+once to two brutal ostlers whom I commissioned to beat and
+maltreat them until their wicked hearts are changed&mdash;and
+this I think will never take place.</p>
+
+<p>"As to the king and queen, I have changed them into
+beasts of burden and given them to wicked and cruel masters
+who will make them suffer for all their brutality to Rosette.
+Besides this, they have all been transported into your kingdom
+and they will be compelled to hear unceasingly the
+praises of Rosette and her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"I have but one piece of advice to give you, dear prince;
+hide from Rosette the punishment I have inflicted upon her
+parents and sisters. She is so good and tender-hearted that
+her happiness would be affected by it, but I ought not and
+will not take pity upon wicked people whose hearts are so
+vicious and unrepentant."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant thanked the fairy eagerly and promised
+silence. They now returned to Rosette, who was clothed in
+her wedding-robe, prepared by the fairy Puissante.</p>
+
+<p>It was a tissue of dazzling golden gauze, embroidered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+with garlands of flowers and birds, in stones of all colors, of
+admirable beauty; the jewels which formed the birds were so
+disposed as to produce, at every motion of Rosette, a warbling
+more melodious than the sweetest music. Upon her
+head was a crown of flowers made of gems still more beautiful
+and rare than those on her robe. Her neck and arms
+were covered with carbuncles more brilliant than the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant was completely dazzled by his bride's beauty
+but the fairy recalled him from his ecstasy by saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Quick! quick! onward! I have but half an hour, after
+which I must give myself 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."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant presented his hand to Rosette and the fairy
+preceded them. They walked towards the chapel which was
+brilliantly illuminated and here Charmant and Rosette received
+the nuptial benediction. On returning to the parlor,
+they perceived that the fairy had disappeared, but, as they
+were sure of again seeing her in eight days her absence
+caused them no anxiety. Charmant presented the new
+queen to his court. Everybody found her as charming and
+good as the prince and they felt disposed to love her as they
+loved him.</p>
+
+<p>With a most amiable and thoughtful attention, the fairy
+had transported the farm, upon which Rosette had been so
+happy, and all its occupants into Charmant's kingdom.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>
+This farm was placed at the end of the park, so that Rosette
+could walk there every day and see her good nurse. The
+fairy had also brought into the palace all those cases which
+contained the rich dresses in which Rosette had been so
+triumphant at the festivals.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 530px; height: 443px;">
+<a name="i138" id="i138"></a><img src="images/i138.jpg" width="530" height="443" alt="The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her power for eight days" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her power for eight days</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Rosette and Charmant were very happy and loved each
+other tenderly always. Rosette never knew the terrible
+punishment of her father, mother and sisters. When she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+asked Charmant the fate of her sisters, he told her that their
+faces were much disfigured by their fall amongst the stones
+but they were well and married and the good fairy expressly
+forbade Rosette to think of them. She spoke of them no
+more.</p>
+
+<p>As to Orangine and Roussette, the more unhappy they
+were, the more cruel and wicked their hearts became, so the
+fairy allowed them to remain always ugly and in the most
+degraded ranks of life.</p>
+
+<p>The king and queen, changed into beasts of burden,
+found their only consolation in biting and kicking everything
+that came within their reach. They were obliged to
+carry their masters to festivals given in honor of Rosette's
+marriage and they were mad with rage when they heard the
+praises lavished upon the young couple and in seeing Rosette
+pass by, beautiful, radiant and adored by Charmant.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy had resolved that they should not return to
+their original forms till their hearts were changed. It is said
+that six thousand years have passed, and they are still beasts
+of burden.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/igreymouse.jpg" width="600" height="253" alt="The Little Grey Mouse" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i143.jpg" width="600" height="304" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">THE LITTLE GREY MOUSE</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_LITTLE_HOUSE" id="THE_LITTLE_HOUSE"></a>THE LITTLE HOUSE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a man named Prudent, who was a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+widower and he lived alone with his little daughter.
+His wife had died a few days after the birth of this
+little girl, who was named Rosalie.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie's father had a large fortune. He lived in a
+great house, which belonged to him. This house was surrounded
+by a large garden in which Rosalie walked whenever
+she pleased to do so.</p>
+
+<p>She had been trained with great tenderness and gentleness
+but her father had accustomed her to the most unquestioning
+obedience. He forbade her positively to ask him
+any useless questions or to insist upon knowing anything he
+did not wish to tell her. In this way, by unceasing care and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>
+watchfulness, he had almost succeeded in curing one of
+Rosalie's great faults, a fault indeed unfortunately too common&mdash;curiosity.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 496px; height: 419px;">
+<a name="i144" id="i144"></a><img src="images/i144.jpg" width="496" height="419" alt="Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by
+high walls. She never saw any one but her father. They
+had no domestic in the house; everything seemed to be done
+of itself. She always had what she wanted&mdash;clothing, books,
+work, and playthings. Her father educated her himself and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>
+although she was nearly fifteen years old, she was never
+weary and never thought that she might live otherwise and
+might see more of the world.</p>
+
+<p>There was a little house at the end of the park without
+windows and with but one door, which was always locked.
+Rosalie's father entered this house every day and always
+carried the key about his person. Rosalie thought 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 seeking a watering-pot for her flowers, she said to
+him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Father, please give me the key of the little house in the
+garden."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want with this key, Rosalie?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want a watering-pot and I think I could find one in
+that little house."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Rosalie, there is no watering-pot there."</p>
+
+<p>Prudent's voice trembled so in pronouncing these
+words that Rosalie looked up with surprise, and saw that his
+face was pale and his forehead bathed in perspiration.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter, father?" said she, alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, daughter, nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"It was my asking for the key which agitated you so
+violently, father. What does this little house contain which
+frightens you so much?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, Rosalie! you do not know what you are say<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>ing.
+Go and look for your watering-pot in the green-house."</p>
+
+<p>"But, father, what is there in the little garden-house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing that can interest you, Rosalie."</p>
+
+<p>"But why do you go there every day without permitting
+me to go with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, you know that I do not like to be questioned
+and that curiosity is the greatest defect in your character."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie said no more but she remained very thoughtful.
+This little house, of which she had never before thought,
+was now constantly in her mind.</p>
+
+<p>"What can be concealed there?" she said to herself.
+"How pale my father turned when I asked his permission to
+enter! I am sure he thought I should be in some sort of
+danger. But why does he go there himself every day? It
+is no doubt to carry food to some ferocious beast confined
+there. But if it was some wild animal, would I not hear it
+roar or howl or shake the house? No, I have never heard
+any sound from this cabin. It cannot then be a beast. Besides,
+if it was a ferocious beast, it would devour 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. What can it be? A prisoner? My father is good,
+he would not deprive any unfortunate innocent of light and
+liberty. Well, I absolutely must discover this mystery.
+How shall I manage it? If I could only secretly get the key<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+from my father for a half hour! Perhaps some day he will
+forget it."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie was aroused from this chain of reflection by her
+father, who called to her with a strangely agitated voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, father&mdash;I am coming."</p>
+
+<p>She entered the house and looked steadily at her father.
+His pale, sad countenance indicated great agitation.</p>
+
+<p>More than ever curious, she resolved to feign gaiety and
+indifference in order to allay her father's suspicions and
+make him feel secure. In this way she thought she might
+perhaps obtain possession of the key at some future time.
+He might not always think of it if she herself seemed to have
+forgotten it.</p>
+
+<p>They seated themselves at the table. Prudent ate but
+little and was sad and silent, in spite of his efforts to appear
+gay. Rosalie, however, seemed so thoughtless and bright
+that her father at last recovered his accustomed good spirits.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie would be fifteen years old in three weeks. Her
+father had promised an agreeable surprise for this event. A
+few days passed peacefully away. There remained but
+fifteen days before her birth-day. One morning Prudent
+said to Rosalie:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child, I am compelled to be absent for one
+hour. I must go out to arrange something for your birth-day.
+Wait for me in the house, my dear. Do not yield
+yourself up to idle curiosity. In fifteen days you will know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+all that you desire to know, for I read your thoughts and I
+know what occupies your mind. Adieu, my daughter, beware
+of curiosity!"</p>
+
+<p>Prudent embraced his daughter tenderly and withdrew,
+leaving her with great reluctance.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was out of sight, Rosalie ran to her father's
+room and what was her joy to see the key forgotten upon the
+table! She seized it and ran quickly to the end of the park.
+Arrived at the little house, she remembered the words of her
+father, "Beware of curiosity!" She hesitated, and was upon
+the point of returning the key without having looked at the
+house, when she thought she heard a light groan. She put
+her ear against the door and heard a very little voice singing
+softly:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="block">
+<div class="poem">
+"A lonely prisoner I pine,<br />
+No hope of freedom now is mine;<br />
+I soon must draw my latest breath,<br />
+And in this dungeon meet my death."<br />
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"No doubt," said Rosalie to herself, "this is some unfortunate
+creature whom my father holds captive."</p>
+
+<p>Tapping softly upon the door, she said: "Who are
+you, and what can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Open the door, Rosalie! I pray you open the door!"</p>
+
+<p>"But why are you a prisoner? Have you not committed
+some crime?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! no, Rosalie. An enchanter keeps me here a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+prisoner. Save me and I will prove my gratitude by telling
+you truly who I am."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie no longer hesitated: her curiosity was stronger
+than her obedience. She put the key in the lock, but her
+hand trembled so that she could not open it. She was about
+to give up the effort, when the little voice continued:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, that which I have to tell you will teach you
+many things which will interest you. Your father is not
+what he appears to be."</p>
+
+<p>At these words Rosalie made a last effort, the key turned
+and the door opened.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FAIRY_DETESTABLE" id="THE_FAIRY_DETESTABLE"></a>THE FAIRY DETESTABLE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">R</span><span class="upper">osalie</span> looked in eagerly. The little house was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+dark; she could see nothing but she heard the little
+voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, Rosalie, it is to you that I owe my deliverance."</p>
+
+<p>The voice seemed to come from the earth. She looked,
+and saw in a corner two brilliant little eyes gazing at her
+maliciously.</p>
+
+<p>"My cunning trick has succeeded, Rosalie, and betrayed
+you into yielding to your curiosity. If I had not spoken and
+sung you would have returned with the key and I should have
+been lost. Now that you have set me at liberty, you and your
+father are both in my power."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie did not yet fully comprehend the extent of the
+misfortune she had brought about by her disobedience. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>
+knew, however, that it was a dangerous foe which her father
+had held captive and she wished to retire and close the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, Rosalie! It is no longer in your power to keep
+me in this odious prison from which I never could have
+escaped if you had waited until your fifteenth birth-day."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the little house disappeared entirely, and
+Rosalie saw with 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 its sparkling little eyes and
+began to laugh in a thin, discordant voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha! ha! What a frightened air you have, Rosalie!
+In truth you amuse me very much. But it is lucky for me
+that you had so much curiosity. It has been nearly fifteen
+years since I was shut up in this frightful prison, having no
+power to injure your father, whom I hate, or to bring any
+evil upon you, whom I detest because you are his daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you, then, wicked mouse?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am the mortal enemy of your family, my pet. I call
+myself the fairy Detestable and the name suits me, I assure
+you. All the world hates me and I hate all the world. I
+shall follow you now for the rest of your life, wherever you
+go."</p>
+
+<p>"Go away at once, miserable creature! A mouse is not
+to be feared and I will find a way to get rid of you."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see, my pet! I shall remain at your side
+wherever you go!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 539px; height: 454px;">
+<a name="i152" id="i152"></a><img src="images/i152.jpg" width="539" height="454" alt="The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Rosalie now ran rapidly towards the house; every time
+she turned she saw the mouse galloping after her, and laughing
+with a mocking air. Arrived at the house, she tried to
+crush the mouse in the door, but it remained open in spite of
+every effort she could make and the mouse remained quietly
+upon the door-sill.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait awhile, wicked monster!" cried Rosalie, beside
+herself with rage and terror.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She seized a broom and tried to dash it violently against
+the mouse but the broom was on fire at once, blazed up and
+burned her hands; she threw it 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 was boiling on
+the fire, she emptied it upon the mouse but the boiling water
+was changed into good fresh milk and the mouse commenced
+drinking it, saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"How exceedingly amiable you are, Rosalie! Not
+content with having released me from captivity, you give me
+an excellent breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Rosalie now began to weep bitterly. She was
+utterly at a loss what to do, when she heard her father
+entering.</p>
+
+<p>"My father!" cried she, "my father! Oh! cruel mouse,
+I beseech you in pity to go away that my father may not see
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I shall not go but I will hide myself behind your
+heels until your father knows of your disobedience."</p>
+
+<p>The mouse had scarcely concealed herself behind
+Rosalie, when Prudent entered. He looked at Rosalie,
+whose paleness and embarrassed air betrayed her fear.</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie," said Prudent, with a trembling voice, "I forgot
+the key of the little garden-house; have you found it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here it is, father," said Rosalie, presenting it to him,
+and coloring deeply.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"How did this cream come to be upset on the floor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Father, it was the cat."</p>
+
+<p>"The cat? Impossible. The cat brought a vessel of
+milk to the middle of the room and upset it there?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! no! father, it was I that did it; in carrying it, I
+accidentally overturned it."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie spoke in a low voice, and dared not look at her
+father.</p>
+
+<p>"Take the broom, Rosalie, and sweep up this cream."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no broom, father."</p>
+
+<p>"No broom! there was one when I left the house."</p>
+
+<p>"I burned it, father, accidentally, by&mdash;&mdash; by&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She paused&mdash;her father looked fixedly at her, threw a
+searching unquiet glance about the room, sighed and turned
+his steps slowly towards the little house in the garden.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie fell sobbing bitterly upon a chair; the mouse
+did not stir. A few moments afterwards, Prudent entered
+hastily, his countenance marked with horror.</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie! unhappy child! what have you done? You
+have yielded to your fatal curiosity and released our most
+cruel enemy from prison."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, father! oh pardon me!" she cried,
+throwing herself at his feet; "I was ignorant of the evil I
+did."</p>
+
+<p>"Misfortune is always the result of disobedience,
+Rosalie; disobedient children think they are only committing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+a small fault, when they are doing the greatest injury to
+themselves and others."</p>
+
+<p>"But, father, who and what then is this mouse, who
+causes you this terrible fear? How, if it had so much power,
+could you keep it so long a prisoner and why can you not
+put it in prison again?"</p>
+
+<p>"This mouse, my unhappy child, is a wicked fairy, but
+very powerful. For myself, I am the genius Prudent and
+since you have given liberty to my enemy, I can now reveal
+to you that which I should have concealed until you were
+fifteen years old.</p>
+
+<p>"I am, then, as I said to you, the genius Prudent; your
+dear mother was a simple mortal but her virtues and her
+graces touched the queen of the fairies 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 to
+invoke the fairy Detestable, who was already irritated
+against me for having married a princess, after having refused
+one of her daughters. She was so exasperated against
+me that she swore an implacable hatred against 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
+beloved by the queen of the fairies. Many times by the
+power of my enchantments, I triumphed over the malicious
+hatred of the fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"A few hours after your birth your mother was thrown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>
+into the most violent convulsions which I could not calm. I
+left her for a few moments to invoke the aid of the queen of
+the fairies. When I returned your mother was dead.</p>
+
+<p>"The wicked fairy Detestable had profited by my absence
+and caused her death. She was about to endow you
+with all the passions and vices of this evil world, when my
+unexpected return happily paralyzed her efforts. I interrupted
+her at the moment when she had endowed you with a
+curiosity sufficient to make you wretched and to subject you
+entirely to her power at fifteen years of age. By my power,
+united to that of the queen of the fairies, I counter-balanced
+this fatal influence and we decided that you should not fall
+under her power at fifteen years of age, unless you yielded
+three times under the gravest circumstances to your idle
+curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"At the same time the queen of the fairies, to punish the
+fairy Detestable, changed her into a mouse, shut her up in
+the little garden house, and declared that she should never
+leave it unless you voluntarily opened the door. Also, that
+she should never resume her original form of fairy unless
+you yielded three times to your criminal curiosity before you
+were fifteen years of age. Lastly, that if you resisted once
+the fatal passion you should be for ever released, as well as
+myself, from the power of the fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"With great difficulty I obtained all these favors and
+only by promising that I would share your fate and become,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>
+like yourself, the slave of the fairy Detestable, if you weakly
+allowed yourself to yield three times to your curiosity. I
+promised solemnly to educate you in such a manner as to
+destroy this terrible passion, calculated to cause so many
+sorrows.</p>
+
+<p>"For all these reasons I have confined myself and you,
+Rosalie, in this enclosure. I have permitted you to see no
+one, not even a domestic. I procured by my power all that
+your heart desired and I have been feeling quite satisfied in
+having succeeded so well with you. In three weeks you
+would have been fifteen, and for ever delivered from the
+odious yoke of the fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"I was alarmed when you asked for the key of the little
+house, of which you had never before seemed to think. I
+could not conceal the painful impression which this demand
+made upon me. My agitation excited your curiosity. In
+spite of your gaiety and assumed thoughtlessness, I penetrated
+your thoughts, and you may judge of my grief when
+the queen of the fairies ordered me to make the temptation
+possible and the resistance meritorious by leaving the key at
+least once in your reach. I was thus compelled to leave it,
+that fatal key, and thus facilitate by my absence my own and
+your destruction.</p>
+
+<p>"Imagine, Rosalie, what I suffered during the hour of
+my absence, leaving you alone with this temptation before
+your eyes and when I saw your embarrassment and blushes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+on my return, indicating to me too well that you had allowed
+your curiosity to master you.</p>
+
+<p>"I was commanded to conceal everything from you; to
+tell you nothing of your birth or of the dangers which surround
+you, until your fifteenth birthday. If I had disobeyed,
+you would at once have fallen into the power of the
+fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet, Rosalie, all is not lost. You can yet repair
+your fault by resisting for fifteen days this terrible passion.
+At fifteen years of age you were to have been united to a
+charming prince, who is related to us, the prince Gracious.
+This union is yet possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Rosalie! my still dear child, take pity on yourself,
+if you have no mercy for me and resist your curiosity."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie was on her knees before her father, her face
+concealed in her hands and weeping bitterly. At these
+words she took courage, embraced him tenderly and said to
+him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, father! I promise you solemnly that I will atone
+for this fault. Do not leave me, dear father! With you by
+me, I shall be inspired with a courage which would otherwise
+fail me. I dare not be deprived of your wise paternal
+counsel."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Rosalie! it is no longer in my power to remain
+with you for I am now under the dominion of my enemy.
+Most certainly she will not allow me to stay by your side and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>
+warn you against the snares and temptations which she will
+spread at your feet. I am astonished at not having seen my
+cruel foe before this time. The view of my affliction and
+despair would have for her hard heart an irresistible charm."</p>
+
+<p>"I have been near you all the time, at your daughter's
+feet," said the little gray mouse, in a sharp voice, stepping
+out and showing herself to the unfortunate genius. "I have
+been highly entertained at the recital of all that I have already
+made you suffer, and the pleasure I felt in hearing you give
+this account to your daughter induced me to conceal myself
+till this moment. Now say adieu to your dear but curious
+Rosalie; she must accompany me, and I forbid you to follow
+her."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she seized the hem of Rosalie's dress
+with her sharp little teeth and tried to draw her away.
+Rosalie uttered a piercing cry and clung convulsively to her
+father but an irresistible force bore her off. The unfortunate
+genius seized a stick and raised it to strike the mouse
+but before he had time to inflict the blow the mouse placed
+one of her little paws on the genius's foot and he remained as
+immovable as a statue. Rosalie embraced her father's knees
+and implored the mouse to take pity upon her but the
+little wretch gave one of her sharp, diabolical laughs and
+said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, my pretty! Pity it is not here that you
+will find the temptations to yield twice to your irresistible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+fault! We will travel all over the world together and I will
+show you many countries in fifteen days."</p>
+
+<p>The mouse pulled Rosalie without ceasing. Her arms
+were still clasped around her father, striving to resist the
+overpowering force of her enemy. The mouse uttered a
+discordant little cry and suddenly the house was in flames.
+Rosalie had sufficient presence of mind to reflect that if she
+allowed herself to be burned there would be no means left of
+saving her father, who must then remain eternally under the
+power of Detestable. Whereas, if she preserved her own
+life there remained always some chance of rescuing him.</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, adieu, dear father!" she cried; "we will meet
+again in fifteen days. After having given you over to your
+enemy, your Rosalie will yet save you."</p>
+
+<p>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 half dead with hunger,
+she resolved to approach a kind-looking woman who was
+seated at her door.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said she, "will you give me a place to sleep?
+I am dying with hunger and fatigue. Will you not be so
+kind as to allow me to enter and pass the night with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"How is it that so beautiful a girl as yourself is found
+upon the highways and what ugly animal is that with the
+expression of a demon which accompanies you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Rosalie turned round and saw the little gray mouse
+smiling upon her mockingly. She tried to chase it away but
+the mouse obstinately refused to move. The good woman,
+seeing this contest, shook her head and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Go on your ways, my pretty one. The Evil One and
+his followers cannot lodge with me."</p>
+
+<p>Weeping bitterly, Rosalie continued her journey, and
+wherever she presented herself they refused to receive her
+and the mouse, who never quitted her side. She entered a
+forest where happily she found a brook at which she
+quenched her thirst. She found also fruits and nuts in
+abundance. She drank, ate and seated herself near a tree,
+thinking with agony of her father and wondering what
+would become of him during the fifteen days.</p>
+
+<p>While Rosalie was thus musing she kept her eyes closed
+so as not to see the wicked little gray mouse. Her fatigue,
+and the silence and darkness around her, brought on sleep
+and she slept a long time profoundly.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_PRINCE_GRACIOUS" id="THE_PRINCE_GRACIOUS"></a>THE PRINCE GRACIOUS</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hile</span> Rosalie was thus quietly sleeping, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>
+prince Gracious was engaged in a hunt
+through the forest by torch-light. The fawn,
+pursued fiercely by the dogs, came trembling with terror to
+crouch down near the brook by which Rosalie was sleeping.
+The dogs and gamekeepers sprang forward after the fawn.
+Suddenly the dogs ceased barking and grouped themselves
+silently around Rosalie. The prince dismounted from his
+horse to set the dogs again upon the trail of the deer but what
+was his surprise to see a lovely young girl asleep in this
+lonely forest! He looked carefully around but saw no one
+else. She was indeed alone&mdash;abandoned. On examining
+her more closely, he saw traces of tears upon her cheeks and
+indeed they were still escaping slowly from her closed eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie was simply clothed but the richness of her silk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>
+dress denoted wealth. Her fine white hands, her rosy nails,
+her beautiful chestnut locks, carefully and tastefully arranged
+with a gold comb, her elegant boots and necklace of
+pure pearls indicated elevated rank.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie did not awake, notwithstanding the stamping of
+the horses, the baying of the dogs and the noisy tumult made
+by a crowd of sportsmen.</p>
+
+<p>The prince was stupefied and stood gazing steadily at
+Rosalie. No one present recognized her. Anxious and
+disquieted by this profound sleep, Prince Gracious took her
+hand softly. Rosalie still slept. The prince pressed her
+hand lightly in his but even this did not awaken her.</p>
+
+<p>Turning to his officers, he said: "I cannot thus abandon
+this unfortunate child, who has perhaps been led astray
+by some design, the victim of some cruel wickedness."</p>
+
+<p>"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 thus remove her to some hostel
+in the neighborhood while your highness continues the
+chase?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your idea is good, Hubert. Make the litter and we
+will immediately place her upon it, only you will not carry
+her to a hostel, but to my palace. This young maiden is
+assuredly of high birth, and she is beautiful as an angel. I
+will watch over her myself, so that she may receive the care
+and attention to which she is entitled."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Hubert, with the assistance of his men, soon arranged
+the litter upon which Prince Gracious spread his mantle;
+then approaching Rosalie, who was still sleeping softly, he
+raised her gently in his arms and laid her upon the cloak.
+At this moment Rosalie seemed to be dreaming. She smiled
+and murmured, in low tones:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My father! my father! saved for ever! The Queen of
+the Fairies! The Prince Gracious! I see him; he is
+charming!"</p>
+
+<p>The prince, surprised to hear his name pronounced, did
+not doubt that Rosalie was a princess under some cruel enchantment.
+He commanded his gamekeepers to walk very
+softly so as not to wake her and he walked by the side of the
+litter.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at the palace, Prince Gracious ordered that
+the queen's apartment should be prepared for Rosalie. He
+suffered no one to touch her but carried her himself to her
+chamber and laid her gently upon the bed, ordering the
+women who were to wait upon and watch over her to apprise
+him as soon as she awaked. Then, casting a farewell look
+upon the sad, sweet face of the sleeper, he strode from the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie slept tranquilly until morning. The sun was
+shining brightly when she awoke. She looked about her
+with great surprise. The wicked mouse was not near her
+to terrify her&mdash;it had happily disappeared.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Am I delivered from this wicked fairy Detestable?"
+said she, joyfully. "Am I in the hands of a fairy more
+powerful than herself?"</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie now stepped to the window and saw many armed
+men and many officers, dressed in brilliant uniforms. More
+and more surprised, she was about to call one of the men,
+whom she believed to be either genii or enchanters, when she
+heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw the
+prince Gracious, clothed in an elegant and rich hunting-dress,
+standing before her and regarding her with admiration.
+Rosalie immediately recognized the prince of her
+dream and cried out involuntarily:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The prince Gracious!"</p>
+
+<p>"You know me then?" said the prince, in amazement.
+"How, if you have ever known me, could I have forgotten
+your name and features?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have only seen you in my dreams, prince," said
+Rosalie, blushing. "As to my name, you could not possibly
+know it, since I myself did not know my father's name until
+yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is the name, may I ask, which has been concealed
+from you so long?"</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie then told him all that she had heard from her
+father. She frankly confessed her culpable curiosity and its
+terrible consequences.</p>
+
+<p>"Judge of my grief, prince, when I was compelled to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>
+leave my father in order to escape from the flames which the
+wicked fairy had lighted; when, rejected everywhere because
+of the wicked mouse, I found myself exposed to death from
+hunger and thirst! Soon, however, a heavy sleep took possession
+of me, during which I had many strange dreams. I
+do not know how I came here or whether it is in your palace
+that I find myself."</p>
+
+<p>Gracious then related to Rosalie how he had found her
+asleep in the forest and the words which he had heard her
+utter in her dream. He then added:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing your father did not tell you, Rosalie;
+that is, that the queen of the fairies, who is our relation, had
+decided that we should be married when you were fifteen
+years of age. It was no doubt the queen of the fairies who
+inspired me with the desire to go hunting by torchlight, in
+order that I might find you in the forest where you had wandered.
+Since you will be fifteen in a few days, Rosalie,
+deign to consider 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 happy marriage."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie thanked her young and handsome cousin
+heartily and then returned to her chamber, where she found
+her maids awaiting her with a wonderful selection of rich
+and splendid robes and head-dresses. Rosalie, who had
+never given much attention to her toilet, took the first dress
+that was presented to her. It was of rose-colored gauze,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+ornamented with fine lace with a head-dress of lace and moss
+rosebuds. Her beautiful chestnut hair was arranged in
+bands, forming a crown. When her toilet was completed,
+the prince came to conduct her to breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie ate like a person who had not dined the day before.
+After the repast, the prince led her to the garden and
+conducted her to the green-houses, which were very magnificent.
+At the end of one of the hot-houses there was a
+little rotunda, ornamented with choice flowers; in the centre
+of this rotunda there was a large case which seemed to contain
+a tree but a thick heavy cloth was thrown over it and
+tightly sewed together. Through the cloth however could
+be seen a number of points of extraordinary brilliancy.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_TREE_IN_THE_ROTUNDA" id="THE_TREE_IN_THE_ROTUNDA"></a>THE TREE IN THE ROTUNDA</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">R</span><span class="upper">osalie</span> admired all the flowers very much but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>
+she waited with some impatience for the prince to
+remove the cloth which enveloped this mysterious
+tree. He left the green-house, however, without having
+spoken of it.</p>
+
+<p>"What then, my prince, is this tree which is so carefully
+concealed?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is the wedding present which I destined for you but
+you cannot see it until your fifteenth birthday," said the
+prince, gayly.</p>
+
+<p>"But what is it that shines so brilliantly under the
+cloth?" said she, importunately.</p>
+
+<p>"You will know all in a few days, Rosalie, and I flatter
+myself that you will not find my present a common affair."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And can I not see it before my birthday?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Rosalie; the queen of the fairies has forbidden me,
+under heavy penalties, to show it to you until after you become
+my wife. I do hope that you love me enough to control
+your curiosity till that time."</p>
+
+<p>These last words made Rosalie tremble, for they recalled
+to her the little gray mouse and the misfortunes which
+menaced her as well as her father, if she allowed herself to
+fall under the temptation, which, without doubt, her enemy
+the fairy Detestable had placed before her. She spoke no
+more of the mysterious case, and continued her walk with
+the prince. The day passed most agreeably. The prince
+presented her to the ladies of his court and commanded them
+to honor and respect in her the princess Rosalie, whom the
+queen of the fairies had selected as his bride. Rosalie was
+very amiable to every one and they all rejoiced in the idea of
+having so charming and lovely a queen.</p>
+
+<p>The following days were passed in every species of
+festivity. The prince and Rosalie both saw with joyous
+hearts the approach of the birth-day which was to be also that
+of their marriage:&mdash;the prince, because he tenderly loved his
+cousin, and Rosalie because she loved the prince, because she
+desired strongly to see her father again, and also because she
+hoped to see what the case in the rotunda contained. She
+thought of this incessantly. She dreamed of it during the
+night and whenever she was alone she could with difficulty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+restrain herself from rushing to the green-house to try to discover
+the secret.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, the last day of anticipation and anxiety arrived.
+In the morning Rosalie would be fifteen. The prince was
+much occupied with the preparations for his marriage; it
+was to be a very grand affair. All the good fairies of his
+acquaintance were to be present as well as the queen of the
+fairies. Rosalie found herself alone in the morning and she
+resolved to take a walk. While musing upon the happiness
+of the morrow, she involuntarily approached the green-house.
+She entered, smiling pensively, and found herself
+face to face with the cloth which covered the treasure.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow," said she, "I shall at last know what this
+thick cloth conceals from me. If I wished, indeed I might
+see it to-day, for I plainly perceive some little openings in
+which I might insert my fingers and by enlarging just a
+little&mdash;&mdash;. In fact, who would ever know it? I would sew
+the cloth after having taken a glimpse. Since to-morrow is
+so near, when I am to see all, I may as well take a glance
+to-day."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie looked about her and saw no one; and, in her
+extreme desire to gratify her curiosity, she forgot the goodness
+of the prince and the dangers which menaced them all
+if she yielded to this temptation.</p>
+
+<p>She passed her fingers through the little apertures and
+strained them lightly. The cloth was rent from the top to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>
+the bottom with a noise like thunder and Rosalie saw before
+her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty, with a coral trunk and
+leaves of emeralds. The seeming fruits which covered the
+tree were of precious stones of all colors&mdash;diamonds, sapphires,
+pearls, rubies, opals, topazes, all as large as the
+fruits they were intended to represent and of such brilliancy
+that Rosalie was completely dazzled by them. But scarcely
+had she seen this rare and unparalleled tree, when a noise
+louder than the first drew her from her ecstasy. 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 the
+most frightful cries of terror and suffering issue from its
+walls. Soon Rosalie saw the prince himself creep from the
+ruins bleeding and his clothing almost torn from him. He
+advanced towards her and said sadly:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie! ungrateful Rosalie! see what you have done
+to me, not only to me, but to my whole court. After what
+you have done, I do not doubt that you will yield a third time
+to your curiosity; that you will complete my misfortunes,
+those of your unhappy father and your own. Adieu,
+Rosalie, adieu! May sincere repentance atone for your ingratitude
+towards an unhappy prince who loved you and
+only sought to make you happy!"</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, he withdrew slowly.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie threw herself upon her knees, bathed in tears
+and called him tenderly but he disappeared without ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+turning to contemplate her despair. Rosalie was about to
+faint away, when she heard the little discordant laugh of the
+gray mouse and saw it before her.</p>
+
+<p>"Your thanks are due to me, my dear Rosalie, for having
+assisted you so well. It was I who sent you those bewitching
+dreams of the mysterious tree during the night. It was I
+who nibbled the cloth, to help you in your wish to look in.
+Without this last artifice of mine, I believe I should 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!"</p>
+
+<p>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 guilty girl.</p>
+
+<p>"This is all my fault," said she; "had it not been for my
+fatal curiosity and my base ingratitude, the gray mouse
+would not have succeeded in making me yield so readily to
+temptation. I must atone for all this by my sorrow, by my
+patience and by the firmness with which I will resist the third
+proof to which I am subjected, no matter how difficult it may
+be. Besides, I have but a few hours to wait and my dear
+prince has told me that his happiness and that of my dearly
+loved father and my own, depends upon myself."</p>
+
+<p>Before her lay the smouldering ruins of the palace of the
+Prince Gracious. So complete had been its destruction that
+a cloud of dust and smoke hung over it, and hardly one stone
+remained upon another. The cries of those in pain were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>
+borne to her ears and added to her bitterness of feeling.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie continued to lie prone on the ground. The
+gray mouse employed every possible means to induce her to
+move from the spot. Rosalie, the poor, unhappy and guilty
+Rosalie, persisted in remaining in view of the ruin she had
+caused.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CASKET" id="THE_CASKET"></a>THE CASKET</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">hus</span> passed the entire day. Rosalie suffered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>
+cruelly with thirst.</p>
+
+<p>"Ought I not suffer even more than I do?" she
+said to herself, "in order to punish me for all I have made my
+father and my cousin endure? I will await in this terrible
+spot the dawning of my fifteenth birthday."</p>
+
+<p>The night was falling when an old woman who was
+passing by, approached and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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 of my relations?"</p>
+
+<p>"Willingly, madam," replied Rosalie, who was very
+obliging. The old woman placed the casket in her hands,
+saying:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks, my beautiful child! I shall not be absent
+long. But I entreat you not to look in this casket, for it
+contains things&mdash;things such as you have never seen&mdash;and
+as you will never have an opportunity to see again. Do not
+handle it rudely, for it is of very fragile ware and would be
+very easily broken and then you would see what it contains
+and no one ought to see what is there concealed."</p>
+
+<p>The old woman went off after saying this. Rosalie
+placed the casket near her and reflected on all the events
+which had just passed. It was now night and the old woman
+did not return. Rosalie now threw her eyes on the casket
+and saw with surprise that it illuminated the ground all
+around her.</p>
+
+<p>"What can there be in this casket which is so
+brilliant?" said she.</p>
+
+<p>She turned it round and round and regarded it from
+every side but nothing could explain this extraordinary light
+and she placed it carefully upon the ground, saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Of what importance is it to me what this casket contains?
+It is not mine but belongs to the old woman who
+confided it to me. I will not think of it again for fear I may
+be tempted to open it."</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"In the morning I shall be fifteen years of age. I shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>
+see my father and Gracious and will have nothing more to
+fear from the wicked fairy."</p>
+
+<p>"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 I am not, if you wish it, I will
+show you what this casket contains."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie did not reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, do you not hear what I propose? I am your
+friend, believe me."</p>
+
+<p>No reply.</p>
+
+<p>Then the little gray mouse, having no time to lose,
+sprang upon the casket and began to gnaw the lid.</p>
+
+<p>"Monster!" cried Rosalie, seizing the casket and pressing
+it against her bosom, "if you touch this casket again I
+will wring your neck."</p>
+
+<p>The mouse cast a diabolical glance upon Rosalie but it
+dared not brave her anger. While it was meditating some
+other means of exciting the curiosity of Rosalie, a clock
+struck twelve. At the same moment the mouse uttered a cry
+of rage and disappointment and said to Rosalie:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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 and my temptations as are
+also your odious father and hated prince. As to myself, I
+am compelled to keep this ignoble form of a mouse until I
+can tempt some young girl beautiful and well born as your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>self
+to fall into my snares. Adieu, Rosalie! you can now
+open the casket."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the mouse disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie, wisely distrusting these words of her enemy,
+would not follow her last counsel, and resolved to guard the
+casket carefully till the dawn. Scarcely had she taken this
+resolution, when an owl, which was flying above her head,
+let a stone fall upon the casket, which broke into a thousand
+pieces. Rosalie uttered a cry of terror and at the same
+moment she saw before her the queen of the fairies, who
+said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come Rosalie, you have finally triumphed over the
+cruel enemy of your family. I will now restore you to your
+father but first you must eat and drink, as you are much
+exhausted."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy now presented her with a rare fruit, of which a
+single mouthful satisfied both hunger and thirst. Then a
+splendid chariot, drawn by two dragons, drew up before the
+fairy. She entered and commanded Rosalie to do the same.
+Rosalie, as soon as she recovered from her surprise, thanked
+the queen of the fairies with all her heart for her protection
+and asked if she was not to see her father and the prince
+Gracious.</p>
+
+<p>"Your father awaits you in the palace of the prince."</p>
+
+<p>"But, madam, I thought that the palace of the prince
+was destroyed and he himself wounded sadly?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That, Rosalie, was only an illusion to fill you with
+horror and remorse at the result of your curiosity and to prevent
+you from falling before the third temptation. You
+will soon see the palace of the prince just as it was before you
+tore the cloth which covered the precious tree he destined for
+you."</p>
+
+<p>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 the prince, who seemed to have
+no remembrance of the fault she had committed the day before.
+All was ready for the marriage ceremony which was
+to be celebrated immediately. All the good fairies assisted
+at this festival which lasted several days.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie's father lived with his child and she was completely
+cured of her curiosity. She was tenderly loved by
+Prince Gracious whom she loved fondly all her life. They
+had beautiful children, for whom they chose powerful fairies
+as godmothers in order that they might be protected against
+the wicked fairies and genii.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/iourson.jpg" width="260" height="121" alt="OURSON" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></div>
+
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i181.jpg" width="590" height="300" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">OURSON</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_LARK_AND_THE_TOAD" id="THE_LARK_AND_THE_TOAD"></a>THE LARK AND THE TOAD</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a pretty woman named Agnella,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+who cultivated a farm. She lived alone with a
+young servant named Passerose. The farm was
+small but beautiful and in fine order. She had a most charming
+cow, which gave a quantity of milk, a cat to destroy the
+mice and an ass to carry her fruit, butter, vegetables, eggs,
+and cheese to markets every Wednesday.</p>
+
+<p>No one knew up to that time how Agnella and Passerose
+had arrived at this unknown farm which received in the
+county the name of the Woodland Farm.</p>
+
+<p>One evening Passerose was busy milking the pretty
+white cow while Agnella prepared the supper. At the moment
+she was placing some good soup and a plate of cream<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>
+upon the table, she saw an enormous toad devouring with
+avidity some cherries which had been put on the ground in a
+vine-leaf.</p>
+
+<p>"Ugly toad!" exclaimed Agnella, "I will teach you how
+to eat my cherries!" At the same moment she lifted the
+leaves which contained the cherries, 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 sharp whistle and
+raised itself upon its hind legs; its great eyes were flashing,
+and its enormous mouth opening and shutting with rage, its
+whole ugly body was trembling and from its quivering throat
+was heard a terrible bellowing.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella paused in amazement; she recoiled, indeed, to
+avoid the venom of the monstrous and enraged toad. She
+looked around for a broom to eject this hideous monster,
+when the toad advanced towards her, made with its fore paws
+a gesture of authority, and said in a voice trembling with
+rage:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You have dared to touch me with your foot! You
+have prevented me from satisfying my appetite with the
+cherries which you had placed within my reach! You have
+tried to expel me from your house! My vengeance shall
+reach you and will fall upon that which you hold most dear!
+You shall know and feel that the fairy Furious is not to be
+insulted with impunity. You shall have a son, covered with
+coarse hair like a bear's cub and&mdash;&mdash;"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Stop, sister," interrupted a small voice, sweet and flute-like,
+which seemed to come from above. Agnella raised her
+head and saw a lark perched on the top of the front door.
+"You revenge yourself too cruelly for an injury inflicted,
+not upon you in your character of a fairy but upon the ugly
+and disgusting form in which it has pleased you to disguise
+yourself. By my power, which is superior to yours, I forbid
+you to exaggerate the evil which you have already done in
+your blind rage and 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 a possible remedy
+for the deformity of your child. I will accord to him the
+power of changing his skin with any one whom he may, by
+his goodness and service rendered, inspire with sufficient
+gratitude and affection to consent to the change. He will
+then resume the handsome form which would have been his
+if my sister, the fairy Furious, had not given you this terrible
+proof of her malice and cruelty."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! madam Lark," replied Agnella, "all this goodness
+cannot prevent my poor, unhappy son from being disgusting
+and like a wild beast. His very playmates will shun
+him as a monster."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," replied the fairy Drolette; "and the more
+so as it is forbidden to yourself or to Passerose to change
+skins with him. But I will neither abandon you nor your
+son. You will name him Ourson until the day when he can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>
+assume a name worthy of his birth and beauty. He must
+then be called the prince Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the fairy flew lightly through the
+air and disappeared from sight.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Furious withdrew, filled with rage, walking
+slowly and turning every instant to gaze at Agnella with a
+menacing air. As she moved slowly along, she spat her
+venom from side to side and the grass, the plants and the
+bushes perished along her course. This was a venom so
+subtle that nothing could ever flourish on the spot again and
+the path is called to this day the Road of the Fairy Furious.</p>
+
+<p>When Agnella found herself alone, she began to sob.
+Passerose, who had finished her work and saw the hour of
+supper approaching, entered the dining-room and with great
+surprise saw her mistress in tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear queen, what is the matter? Who can have
+caused you this great grief? I have seen no one enter the
+house."</p>
+
+<p>"No one has entered, my dear, except those who enter
+everywhere. A wicked fairy under the form of a toad and
+a good fairy under the appearance of a lark."</p>
+
+<p>"And what have these fairies said to you, my queen, to
+make you weep so piteously? Has not the good fairy interfered
+to prevent the misfortunes which the wicked fairy
+wished to bring about?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear friend. She has somewhat lightened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>
+them but it was not in her power to set them aside altogether."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 560px; height: 469px;">
+<a name="i185" id="i185"></a><img src="images/i185.jpg" width="560" height="469" alt="Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Agnella then recounted all that had taken place and that
+she would have a son with a skin like a bear. At this narrative
+Passerose wept as bitterly as her mistress.</p>
+
+<p>"What a misfortune!" she exclaimed. "What degradation
+and shame, that the heir of a great kingdom should be a
+bear! What will King Ferocious, your husband, say if he
+should ever discover us?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And how will he ever find us, Passerose? You know
+that after our flight we were swept away by a whirlwind and
+dashed from cloud to cloud for twelve hours with such
+astonishing rapidity that we found ourselves more than three
+thousand leagues from the kingdom of Ferocious. Besides,
+you know his wickedness. You know how bitterly he hates
+me since I prevented him from killing his brother Indolent
+and his sister Nonchalante. You know that I fled because
+he wished to kill me also. I have no reason to fear that he
+will pursue me for I am sure that he will wish never to see
+me again."</p>
+
+<p>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 at the table.</p>
+
+<p>"If we wept all night, dear queen, we could not prevent
+your son from being shaggy but we will endeavor to educate
+him so well, to make him so good, that he will not be a long
+time in finding some good and grateful soul who will exchange
+a white skin for this hairy one which the evil fairy
+Furious has put upon him. A beautiful present indeed!
+She would have done well to reserve it for herself."</p>
+
+<p>The poor queen, whom we will continue to call Agnella
+for fear of giving information to King Ferocious, rose
+slowly, dried her eyes and succeeded in somewhat overcoming
+her sadness. Little by little the gay and cheering conversation
+of Passerose dissipated her forebodings. Before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>
+the close of the evening, Passerose had convinced her that
+Ourson would not remain a long time a bear; that he would
+soon resume a form worthy of a noble prince. That she
+would herself indeed be most happy to exchange with him, if
+the fairy would permit it.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose now retired to their chambers
+and slept peacefully.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BIRTH_AND_INFANCY_OF_OURSON" id="BIRTH_AND_INFANCY_OF_OURSON"></a>BIRTH AND INFANCY OF OURSON</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">hree</span> months after the appearance of the toad and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>
+the cruel sentence of the fairy Furious, Agnella
+gave birth to a boy whom she named Ourson, as
+the fairy Drolette had commanded. Neither Agnella nor
+Passerose could decide if he was ugly or handsome for he
+was so hairy, so covered with long brown bristles, you could
+see nothing but his eyes and his mouth, and not even these
+unless he opened them.</p>
+
+<p>If Agnella had not been his mother and if Passerose had
+not loved her like a sister, poor Ourson would have died from
+neglect for he was so frightful no one would have dared to
+touch&mdash;he would have been taken for a little cub and
+killed with pitchforks. But Agnella was his mother and her
+first movement was to embrace him lovingly and, bathed in
+tears, to exclaim:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little Ourson! who can ever love you well enough<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>
+to deliver you from this horrible curse? Alas! why will not
+the fairy permit me to make this exchange, which is allowed
+to another who may love you? No one can ever love you as
+I do."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson did not reply to these endearments; he slept
+peacefully.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose wept also in sympathy with Agnella but she
+was not in the habit of afflicting herself for a long time on any
+occasion so she dried her eyes and said to Agnella:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dear queen, I am very certain that your dear son will
+be clothed but a short time with this villainous bear-skin and
+from this day I shall call him Prince Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>"I beseech you not to do so," said the queen, anxiously;
+"you know that the fairies love to be obeyed."</p>
+
+<p>Passerose took the child, clothed it in the linen that had
+been prepared for it and leaned over to embrace it but she
+pricked her lips against the rough bristles of Ourson and
+drew back precipitately.</p>
+
+<p>"It will not be I who will embrace you frequently, my
+boy," said she, in a low voice; "you prick like a real hedgehog."</p>
+
+<p>It was Passerose, however, to whom Agnella gave the
+charge of the little Ourson. He had nothing of the bear but
+his skin: he was the sweetest-tempered, the most knowing,
+the most affectionate child that ever was seen. Passerose
+soon loved him with all her heart.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As Ourson grew up he was sometimes permitted to leave
+the farm. He was in no danger for no one knew him in the
+country. The children always ran away at his approach
+and the women repulsed him. Men avoided him&mdash;they
+looked upon him as something accursed. Sometimes when
+Agnella went to market she put him on her donkey and took
+him with her and on those days she found more difficulty in
+selling her vegetables and cheese. The mothers fled from
+her, fearing that Ourson would come too near them.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella wept often and vainly implored the fairy
+Drolette. Whenever a lark 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.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="VIOLETTE" id="VIOLETTE"></a>VIOLETTE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> at eight years of age was tall and strong,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+with magnificent eyes and a sweet voice; his bristles
+were no longer stiff but his hair was soft as silk, and
+those who loved him could embrace him without being
+scratched, as Passerose had been the day of his birth. Ourson
+loved his mother tenderly and Passerose almost as well
+but he was often alone and very sad. He saw too well the
+horror he inspired and he saw also that he was unlike other
+children.</p>
+
+<p>One day he was walking along a beautiful road which
+bordered on the farm. He had walked a long time and overcome
+with heat and fatigue he looked about him for some
+fresh and quiet spot for repose when he thought 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
+to be about three years old and she was beautiful as the Loves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>
+and Graces. Her blonde hair partly covered her fair and
+dimpled shoulders while her soft cheeks were round and
+fresh and dimpled and a half smile played upon her rosy and
+parted lips, through which small teeth, white and even as
+pearls, could be seen. Her charming head was reposing
+upon a lovely rounded arm and the little hand was beautifully
+formed and white as snow. The attitude of this little girl
+was so graceful, so enchanting, that Ourson stood before
+her immovable with admiration. He watched with as much
+surprise as pleasure, this child sleeping as soundly and peacefully
+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 more rich and elegant than anything he had
+ever seen. Her dress was of white silk embroidered in gold;
+her boots were of blue satin also embroidered in gold; her
+stockings were silk and fine as a spider's web; magnificent
+bracelets were sparkling upon her arms and the clasp seemed
+to contain her portrait; a string of beautiful pearls encircled
+her throat.</p>
+
+<p>A lark now commenced its song just above the lovely
+little girl and awakened her from her profound slumber.
+She looked about her, called her nurse but finding herself
+alone in the woods, began to weep bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was much affected at her tears and his embarrassment
+was very great.</p>
+
+<p>"If I show myself," said he to himself, "this poor little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+one will take me for some wild beast of the forest. If she
+sees me she will be terrified; she will take to flight and wander
+still further from her home. If I leave her here, she will die
+of terror and hunger. What shall I do!"</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fly from me, dear little one," said Ourson, in
+his sad, soft voice; "I would not injure you for the whole
+world; on the contrary, I will assist you to find your father
+and mother."</p>
+
+<p>The child gazed at him with staring eyes and seemed
+much alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Speak to me, little one," said Ourson; "I am not a bear,
+as you might suppose, but a poor and most unfortunate little
+boy, who inspires every one with terror and whom everybody
+avoids."</p>
+
+<p>The sweet child's eyes became calmer and softer, her
+fear seemed melting away and she looked undecided.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson took one step towards her but she became
+greatly frightened, uttered a sharp cry and tried again to rise
+and run off. Ourson paused and began to weep bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunate wretch that I am," he said; "I cannot even
+assist this poor lost child. My appearance fills her with terror!
+She would rather be lost than have help from me!"</p>
+
+<p>So saying, poor Ourson covered his face with his hands<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>
+and sobbing piteously threw himself on the ground. A few
+moments afterwards he felt a little hand seeking to take possession
+of his own. He raised his head and saw the child
+standing before him, her eyes filled with tears. She caressed
+and patted the hairy cheeks of poor Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't cry, little cub, don't cry," said she. "Violette is
+no longer afraid, 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."</p>
+
+<p>Tears of happiness and tenderness succeeded those of
+despair in Ourson. Violette, seeing that he was again weeping,
+approached her soft rosy lips to Ourson's hairy cheek
+and gave him several kisses.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, little cub, that Violette is no longer afraid.
+Violette kisses you! The little cub won't eat Violette&mdash;she
+will follow you!"</p>
+
+<p>If Ourson had followed the dictates of his heart, he
+would have pressed her to his bosom and covered with kisses
+the good and charming child who overcame her natural terror
+in order to assuage the grief and mortification of a poor
+being whom she saw unfortunate and miserable. But he
+feared to arouse her terrors.</p>
+
+<p>"She would think that I was about to devour her," he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>He contented himself, therefore, with clasping her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+hands softly, and kissing them delicately. Violette permitted
+this smilingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now little cub is satisfied. Little cub will love Violette,
+poor Violette, who is lost!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson understood well that her name was Violette; but
+he could not comprehend how this little girl, so richly clad,
+was left alone in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>"Where do you live, my dear little Violette?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder&mdash;yonder&mdash;with papa and mamma."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the name of your papa?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is the king and dear mamma is the queen."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was more and more surprised and asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you alone in this forest?"</p>
+
+<p>"Violette doesn't know. Poor Violette rode on a big
+dog&mdash;he ran, oh! so fast&mdash;so fast, a long time! Violette was
+so tired, she fell down and slept!"</p>
+
+<p>"And the dog, where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>Violet turned in every direction and called softly:</p>
+
+<p>"Ami! Ami!"</p>
+
+<p>No dog appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Ami has gone! Poor Violette is alone&mdash;alone!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson took Violette's hand and she did not withdraw it
+but smiled sweetly.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go and seek mamma, Violette?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Violette cannot stay all alone in this wood.
+Violette will go."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Come, then, with me, dear little girl. I will take you
+to my mother."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson and Violette now turned their steps towards the
+farm. Ourson gathered strawberries and cherries for Violette,
+who would not touch them till Ourson had eaten half.
+When she found that he still held his half in his hand, she
+took them, and placed them herself in his mouth, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Eat&mdash;eat, little cub. Violette will not eat unless you
+eat. Violette cannot have little cub unhappy. Violette will
+not see you weep."</p>
+
+<p>She looked at him to see if he was content and happy.
+Ourson was really happy. He saw that his good and pretty
+little companion not only tolerated him but was interested in
+him and sought to make herself agreeable. His eyes were
+sparkling with joy, his voice, always soft and sad, was now
+tender. After half an hour's walk, he said to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Violette, you are no longer afraid of poor Ourson, are
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, no, no!" exclaimed she. "Ourson is good&mdash;Violette
+will not leave him."</p>
+
+<p>"You are willing, then, that I shall embrace you? you
+are no longer afraid of me?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette, without further reply, threw herself in his
+arms. Ourson embraced her tenderly and pressed her to his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Violette, I will always love you. I will never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>
+forget that you are the only child who was ever willing to
+speak to me, touch me or embrace me."</p>
+
+<p>A short time after they arrived at the farm. Agnella
+and Passerose were seated at the door, talking together.
+When they saw Ourson arrive holding a little girl richly
+dressed by the hand, they were so surprised that neither could
+utter a word.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear mamma, here is a good and charming little girl
+whom I found sleeping in the forest. She is called Violette.
+She is very well bred and is not afraid of me. She even embraced
+me when she saw me weeping."</p>
+
+<p>"And why did you weep, my poor boy?" said Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"Because the little girl was afraid of me," said Ourson,
+in a sad and trembling voice, "and hurt herself when trying
+to run away from me."</p>
+
+<p>"Violette is not afraid now," said she, interrupting him
+hastily. "Violette gave her hand to poor Ourson, embraced
+him and fed him with cherries and strawberries."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is all this about?" said Passerose. "Why has
+our Ourson the charge of this little girl? why was she alone
+in the wood? who is she? Answer, Ourson, I do not understand
+this."</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing more than yourself, dear Passerose,"
+said Ourson. "I saw this little child asleep in the wood all
+alone. She awoke and began to weep. Suddenly she saw
+me and cried out in terror. I spoke to her and began to ap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>proach
+her; but she screamed again with fright. I was sorrowful&mdash;oh!
+so very sorrowful! I wept bitterly."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! hush! poor Ourson," exclaimed Violette, putting
+her little hand on his mouth; "Violette will certainly
+never make you cry again."</p>
+
+<p>While saying these words Violette's voice was trembling
+and her sweet eyes were full of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Good little girl!" said Agnella, embracing her; "you
+love our poor Ourson, who is so unhappy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes! Violette loves Ourson&mdash;will always love Ourson!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose asked Violette many questions
+about her father, mother and country; but they could learn
+nothing more from her than she had already told Ourson.
+Her father was a king, her mother a queen and she did not
+know how she came to be alone in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella did not hesitate to take under her protection this
+poor lost child. She loved her already because of the affection
+the little one seemed to entertain for Ourson and because
+of the happiness Ourson's whole manner expressed on seeing
+himself loved by some one else than his mother and Passerose.</p>
+
+<p>It was now the hour for supper. Passerose laid the
+cloth and they all took their seats at the table. Violette asked
+to be put at Ourson's side. She was gay and laughed and
+talked merrily. Ourson was more happy than he had ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>
+been. Agnella was contented, and Passerose jumped for joy
+on seeing a little playmate for her dear Ourson. In her
+transports she spilled a pan of cream which was not lost, however,
+as a cat came and licked it up to the last drop. After
+supper, Violette fell asleep in her chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall we lay her?" said Agnella. "I have no
+bed for her."</p>
+
+<p>"Give her mine, dear mamma," said Ourson; "I can
+sleep quite as well in the stable."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose at first refused but Ourson insisted
+so much upon being allowed to make this little sacrifice,
+that they at last consented. 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 bundles
+of hay. He slept peacefully with content in his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose rejoined Agnella in the parlor. She found
+her meditating, with her head resting on her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"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 the little stranger. This medallion
+ought to open but I have tried in vain to open it. Perhaps
+we shall find here a portrait or a name."</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to me, my child. These bracelets are beautiful;
+they may aid us, perhaps, in finding a resemblance which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+presents itself vaguely to my remembrance and which I am
+trying in vain to make clear."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella took the bracelets and turned them from side
+to side and pressed them in every way, trying to open the medallion,
+but she succeeded no better than Passerose had done.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment when, weary of her vain efforts, she returned
+them to Passerose, she saw in the middle of the room
+a woman glittering as the sun; her face was of dazzling
+whiteness, her hair seemed made of threads of gold and a
+crown of glittering stars adorned her brow. Her waist was
+small and her person seemed transparent, it was so delicate
+and luminous; her floating robe was studded with stars like
+those which formed her crown. Her glance was soft yet she
+smiled maliciously but still with goodness.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said she to Agnella, "you see in me the fairy
+Drolette, the protectress of your son and of the little princess
+whom he brought home this morning from the forest. This
+princess is nearly related to you for she is your niece&mdash;the
+daughter of your brother-in-law Indolent and sister-in-law
+Nonchalante. Your husband succeeded after your flight in
+killing Indolent and Nonchalante, who did not distrust him
+and who passed all their time in sleeping, eating and lounging.
+Unfortunately, I could not prevent this crime as I
+was absent assisting at the birth of a prince whose parents
+are under my protection, and I forgot myself while playing
+tricks upon a wicked old maid of honor and an old chamber<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>lain
+who was cruel and avaricious, both of them friends of
+my sister, the fairy Furious. But I arrived in time to save
+the princess Violette, only daughter and heiress of King Indolent
+and Queen Nonchalante. She was playing in the
+garden while the king Ferocious was seeking her with his
+poniard 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 directed the steps of the prince your son.
+Conceal from both of them their birth and your own and do
+not allow Violette to see these bracelets, which contain the
+portraits of her father and mother, nor the rich clothing
+which I have replaced by other articles better suited to the
+quiet existence she will lead here. I have here," said the
+fairy, "a casket of precious stones. It contains the happiness
+of Violette but you must hide them from all eyes and not
+open the casket until she shall have been lost and found."</p>
+
+<p>"I will execute your orders most faithfully, madam, but
+I pray you tell me if my unhappy son must long wear his
+frightful covering."</p>
+
+<p>"Patience! patience!" cried the fairy, "I watch over you,
+over Violette and over your son. Inform Ourson of the faculty
+he has of exchanging his skin with any one who loves
+him well enough to make this sacrifice for his sake. Remember
+that no one must know the rank of Ourson or of
+Violette. Passerose, on account of devotion, deserves to be
+the only one initiated into this mystery and she can always be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+trusted. Adieu, queen; count always upon my protection.
+Here is a ring, which you must place upon your little finger.
+As long as you wear it there you will want for nothing."</p>
+
+<p>Waving her farewell with her hand, the fairy took the
+form of a lark and flew away singing merrily.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose looked at each other. Agnella
+sighed, Passerose smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hide this precious casket, dear queen, and the
+clothing of Violette. I am going now to see what the fairy
+has prepared for Violette's dress to-morrow morning."</p>
+
+<p>She ran quickly and opened the wardrobe, and found it
+filled with clothing, linen and hosiery, all plain but good and
+comfortable. After having looked at all, counted all and
+approved all and after having assisted Agnella to undress,
+Passerose went to bed and was soon sound asleep.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_DREAM" id="THE_DREAM"></a>THE DREAM</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">I</span><span class="upper">n</span> the morning Ourson was the first awake, aroused by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+the lowing of the cow. He rubbed his eyes and looked
+about him and asked himself why he was in a stable.
+Then he recalled the events of the day before, sprang up from
+his bundle of hay and ran quickly to the fountain to wash his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>While he was washing, Passerose, who had like Ourson
+risen at a very early 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, who was still sleeping.
+He drew back the curtains from Violette's bed and found her
+sleeping as peacefully as Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson watched her for a long time and was happy to
+see that she smiled in her dreams. Suddenly Violette's brow
+contracted and she uttered a cry of alarm, half raised herself
+in the bed, and throwing her little arms around Ourson's
+neck, she exclaimed:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! good Ourson! save poor Violette! poor Violette
+is in the water and a wicked toad is pulling Violette!"</p>
+
+<p>She now awoke, weeping bitterly, with all the symptoms
+of great alarm. She clasped Ourson tightly with her
+little arms: he tried in vain to reassure and control her but
+she still exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Wicked toad! good Ourson! save Violette!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, who had awaked at her first cry, could not yet
+understand Violette's alarm but she succeeded at last in calming
+her and the child told her dream.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette was walking with Ourson but he did not give
+his hand to Violette nor look at her. A wicked toad came
+and pulled Violette into the water; she fell and called Ourson;
+he came and saved Violette. She loves good Ourson,"
+she added, in a tender voice; "will never forget him."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, Violette threw herself into his arms.
+He, no longer fearing the effect of his bear-skin, embraced
+her a thousand times and comforted and encouraged
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella had no doubt that this dream was a warning
+sent by the fairy Drolette. She resolved to watch carefully
+over Violette and to make known to Ourson all that she could
+reveal to him without disobeying the fairy.</p>
+
+<p>When she had washed and dressed Violette, she called
+Ourson to breakfast. Passerose brought them a bowl of
+milk fresh from the cow, some good brown bread and a pot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>
+of butter. Violette, who was hungry, shouted for joy when
+she saw this good breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette loves good milk, good bread, good butter,
+loves everything here, with good Ourson and good Mamma
+Ourson!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not called Mamma Ourson," said Agnella, laughing;
+"call me only Mamma."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, no! not mamma!" cried Violette, shaking her
+head sadly. "Mamma! mamma is lost! she was always
+sleeping, never walking, never taking care of poor Violette,
+never kissing little Violette, Mamma Ourson speaks,
+walks, kisses Violette and dresses her. I love Mamma Ourson,
+oh, so much!" she said, seizing Agnella's hand and
+pressing it to her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella replied by clasping her tenderly in her arms.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was much moved&mdash;his eyes were moist. Violette
+perceived this and passing her hand over his eyes, she
+said, entreatingly:</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you don't cry, Ourson; if you cry, Violette must
+cry too."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, dear little girl, I will cry no more. Let us eat
+our breakfast and then we will take a walk."</p>
+
+<p>They breakfasted with good appetites. Violette
+clapped her hands frequently and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh how good it is! I love it! I am very glad!"</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast, Ourson and Violette went out to walk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>
+while Agnella and Passerose attended to the house. Ourson
+played with Violette and gathered her flowers and strawberries.
+She said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"We will always walk with each other. You must always
+play with Violette."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot always play, little girl. I have to help
+mamma and Passerose to work."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of work, Ourson?"</p>
+
+<p>"To sweep, scour, take care of the cow, cut the grass and
+bring wood and water."</p>
+
+<p>"Violette will work with Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>"You are too little, dear Violette, but still you can try."</p>
+
+<p>When they returned to the house, Ourson started on his
+various tasks. Violette followed him everywhere, she did
+her best and believed that she was helping him but she was
+really too small to be useful. After some days had passed
+away, she began to wash the cups and saucers, spread the
+cloth, fold the linen and wipe the table. She went to the
+milking with Passerose, helped to strain the milk and skim it
+and wash the marble flag-stones. She was never out of temper,
+never disobedient and never answered impatiently or
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson loved her more and more from day to day. Agnella
+and Passerose were also very fond of her and the more
+so because they knew that she was Ourson's cousin.</p>
+
+<p>Violette loved them but Ourson most of all. How<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>
+could she help loving this good boy, who always forgot himself
+for her, who was constantly seeking to amuse and please
+her and who would indeed have been willing to die for his
+little friend?</p>
+
+<p>One day, when Passerose had taken Violette with her
+to market, Agnella related to Ourson the sad circumstances
+which had preceded his birth. She revealed to him the possibility
+of his getting rid of his hairy skin and receiving a
+smooth white skin in exchange if he could ever find any one
+who would voluntarily make this sacrifice from affection
+and gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>"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 of wretchedness which the vengeance of
+the fairy Furious has condemned me to endure; never, from
+a wish of mine, shall a heart capable of such a sacrifice suffer
+all that I have suffered and all that I still suffer from the fear
+and antipathy of men."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella argued in vain against this firm and noble resolve
+of Ourson. He declared that she must never again
+speak to him of this exchange, to which he would most assuredly
+never give his consent and that it must never be
+named to Violette or any other person who loved him.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella promised compliance, after a few weak arguments.
+In reality she approved and admired his sentiments.
+She could not but hope, however, that the fairy Drolette<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>
+would recompense the generous and noble character of her
+little charge and, by some extraordinary exercise of her
+power, release him from his hairy skin.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_TOAD_AGAIN" id="THE_TOAD_AGAIN"></a>THE TOAD AGAIN</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">S</span><span class="upper">ome</span> years passed away in this peaceful manner without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>
+the occurrence of any remarkable event. Ourson
+and Violette both grew rapidly. Agnella
+thought no more of Violette's frightful dream; her vigilance
+had greatly relaxed and she often allowed her to walk alone
+or under the care of Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was now fifteen years of age and he was tall and
+strong. No one could say whether he was handsome or
+homely for his long black hair covered his body and face
+entirely. He was good, generous and loving&mdash;always
+ready to render a service, always contented and cheerful.
+Since the day when he had found Violette in the wood his
+melancholy had disappeared; he was utterly indifferent to the
+general antipathy which he inspired and he no longer walked
+in uninhabited places but lived happily in the circle of the
+three beings whom he cherished and who loved him supremely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Violette was now ten years old and she had not lost a single
+sweet charm of her beauty in growing up. Her eyes
+were softer and more angelic, her complexion fresher and
+purer, her mouth more beautiful and arch in its expression.
+She had grown much in height&mdash;was tall, light and graceful
+and her rich blonde hair, when unbound, fell to her feet and
+entirely enveloped her like a veil. Passerose had the care of
+this superb hair and Agnella never ceased to admire it.</p>
+
+<p>Violette had learned many things during those seven
+years. Agnella had taught her how to do housework. In
+other things, Ourson had been her teacher. He had taught
+her to read, write and keep accounts and he often read aloud
+to her while she was sewing. Instructive and amusing
+books were 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 for going to market
+to sell or the neighboring village to buy. Through the
+agency of the ring on Agnella's little finger everything they
+wished for, or had need of, was speedily brought to them.</p>
+
+<p>One day when Ourson was walking with Violette she
+stumbled against a stone, fell and hurt her foot. Ourson
+was frightened when he saw his cherished Violette bleeding.
+He did not know what to do to relieve her; he saw how much
+she suffered, for, notwithstanding all her efforts, she could
+not suppress the tears which escaped from her eyes but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>
+finally he remembered that a brook flowed not ten paces from
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Violette," he said, "lean upon me and we will endeavor
+to reach the rivulet&mdash;the fresh water will relieve you."</p>
+
+<p>Violette tried to walk while Ourson supported her. He
+succeeded in seating her on the borders of the stream where
+she took off her shoe and bathed her delicate little foot in the
+fresh flowing water.</p>
+
+<p>"I will run to the house, dear Violette, and bring some
+linen to wrap up your foot. Wait for me, I shall not be
+long absent and take good care not to get nearer the stream
+for this little brook is deep and if you slip you might drown."</p>
+
+<p>When Ourson was out of sight Violette felt an uneasiness
+which she attributed to the pain caused by her wound.
+An unaccountable repulsion made her feel inclined to withdraw
+her foot from the water in which it was hanging. Before
+she decided to obey this strange impulse she saw the
+water troubled and the head of an enormous toad appear
+upon the surface. The great swollen angry eyes of the
+loathsome animal were fixed upon Violette, who since her
+dream had always had a dread of toads. The appearance
+of this hideous creature, its monstrous swollen body and
+menacing glance, froze her with such horror that she could
+neither move nor cry out.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 499px; height: 680px;">
+<a name="i211" id="i211"></a><img src="images/i211.jpg" width="499" height="680" alt="&quot;Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!&quot;" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>&quot;Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!&quot;</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"Ah! ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!" said
+the toad. "I am the fairy Furious, the enemy of your fam<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>ily.
+I have been lying in wait 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 warn you against
+me. Ourson whose hairy skin is a talisman of safety is
+now absent, my sister is on a journey and you are at last
+mine."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she seized Violette's foot with her
+cold and shining paws and tried to draw her down into the
+water. Violette uttered the most piercing shrieks; she struggled
+and caught hold of the plants and shrubs growing on the
+borders of the stream. The first, alas, gave way, and Violette
+in despair seized hold of others.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! oh, Ourson! help! help! dear Ourson, save
+me, save your poor Violette! I am perishing! save me!
+help! help!"</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>The poor Violette disappeared under the water just as
+another cry, more despairing, more terrible, answered to her
+own. But, alas! her hair alone appeared above the water
+when Ourson reached the spot, breathless and panting with
+terror. He had heard Violette's cries and had turned back
+with the rapidity of lightning.</p>
+
+<p>Without a moment's hesitation he sprang into the water
+and seized Violette by her long hair but he felt instantly that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>
+he was sinking with her. The fairy Furious was drawing
+them to the bottom of the stream. He knew he was sinking
+but he did not lose his self-possession. Instead of releasing
+Violette, he seized her both arms and invoked the fairy
+Drolette. When they reached the bottom, he gave one vigorous
+stroke with his heel which brought him again to the
+surface. Holding Violette securely with one arm, he swam
+sturdily with the other and through some supernatural force
+he reached the shore where he deposited the unconscious
+Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes were closed, her teeth tightly clenched and the
+pallor of death was on her face. Ourson threw himself on
+his knees by her side weeping bitterly. Brave Ourson,
+whom no dangers could intimidate, no privation, no suffering
+could master, now wept like a child. His sweet sister,
+so well beloved! his only friend, his consolation, his happiness
+was lying there motionless, lifeless! Ourson's strength
+and courage had deserted him and he sank down without
+consciousness by the side of his beloved Violette.</p>
+
+<p>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 and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>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 which succeeded them. She ran to
+the house to apprise Agnella and they both ran rapidly to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>ward
+the stream from which the cries for help seemed to
+come.</p>
+
+<p>On approaching, they saw with surprise and alarm that
+Violette and Ourson were lying on the ground in a state of
+unconsciousness. Passerose placed her hand on Violette's
+heart and felt it still beating. Agnella ascertained at the
+same moment that Ourson was still living. She directed
+Passerose to take Violette home, undress her and put her to
+bed while she endeavored to restore consciousness to Ourson
+with salts and other restoratives before conducting him to the
+farm. Ourson was too tall and heavy to be carried while
+Violette, on the contrary, was light and it was easy for Passerose
+to carry her to the house. When she arrived there,
+she was soon restored to animation. It was some moments
+before she was conscious. She was still agitated with a
+vague remembrance of terror but without knowing what had
+alarmed her.</p>
+
+<p>During this time the tender care of Agnella had restored
+Ourson to life. He opened his eyes, gazed tenderly
+at his mother and threw himself weeping upon her
+neck.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, dear mother!" he exclaimed, "my Violette, my
+beloved sister, has perished! Let me die with her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Be composed, my son," replied Agnella; "Violette
+still lives. Passerose has carried her to the house and will
+bestow upon her all the attention she requires."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Ourson seemed to revive on hearing these words. He
+rose and wished to run to the farm but his second thought
+was consideration for his mother and he restrained his impatience
+to suit her steps. On their way to the farm he told his
+mother all that he knew of the events which had almost cost
+Violette and himself their lives. He added that the slime
+from the mouth of the fairy Furious had left a strange dulness
+in his head.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella now told him how Passerose and herself had
+found them stretched unconscious upon the border of the
+stream. They soon arrived at the farm, and Ourson, still
+dripping, rushed into Violette's presence.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing him Violette remembered everything and she
+sprang towards him. She threw her arms around him and
+wept upon his bosom. Ourson also wept and Agnella and
+Passerose were both in tears. It was a concert of emotion,
+enough to soften all hearts. Passerose put an end to it by
+crying out:</p>
+
+<p>"Would not one say&mdash;ha! ha!&mdash;that we were the most&mdash;ha!
+ha!&mdash;unfortunate people&mdash;ha! ha!&mdash;in the universe!&mdash;Look
+at our poor Ourson, wet as a water-reed, bathing himself
+in his own and Violette's tears. Courage, children,
+courage and happiness! See, we are all alive, thanks to
+Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes!" interrupted Violette; "thanks to Ourson&mdash;to
+my dear, my well-beloved Ourson. How shall I ever repay<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>
+him for all I owe him? How can I ever testify my profound
+gratitude, my tender affection?"</p>
+
+<p>"By loving me always as you do now, my dear Violette,
+my sister. Ah! if it has indeed been in my power to render
+you some little service, have you not changed my whole existence?
+Have you not made me gay and happy&mdash;me who was
+so wretched and so miserable before? Are you not every
+day and every hour of the day the consolation and happiness
+of my life and of that of my excellent mother?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette was still weeping and she answered only by
+pressing more tenderly to her heart her Ourson, her adopted
+brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear son," said his mother, "you are dripping wet.
+Go and change your clothing. Violette has need of some
+hours' repose. We will meet again at dinner."</p>
+
+<p>Violette consented to go to bed but did not sleep for her
+heart was melting, overflowing with gratitude and tenderness.
+She sought in vain for some means of rewarding the
+devotion of Ourson. She could think of no other way than
+that of trying to become perfect so as to increase the happiness
+of Ourson and Agnella.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="VIOLETTES_SACRIFICE" id="VIOLETTES_SACRIFICE"></a>VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hen</span> the dinner hour came, Violette arose,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+dressed herself and entered the dining-room
+where Agnella and Passerose were awaiting
+her. Ourson was not there.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson is not with you, mother," said Violette.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not seen him," said Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I," said Passerose; "I will go and seek him."</p>
+
+<p>She entered his chamber and found him seated upon his
+bed, his head resting upon his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Ourson, come quick; we are waiting dinner for
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot come," said Ourson, in a weak voice; "I have
+a strange heaviness in my head."</p>
+
+<p>Passerose flew to inform Agnella and Violette of his illness
+and they were by his side in an instant. Ourson made
+an effort to rise in order to reassure them but he fell upon a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>
+chair. Agnella found that he had a violent fever and she
+prevailed upon him to lie down. Violette absolutely refused
+to leave him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am the cause of his illness," she said, "and I will not
+leave his side till he is well. I shall die of anxiety if you
+force me to leave my dear brother."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose also installed themselves near
+their dear invalid but alas! soon poor Ourson did not recognise
+them. He was delirious! He called his mother and
+Violette every moment and continued to call them most importunately
+and to complain of their absence, even while
+they were holding him in their arms.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Violette never left him day nor night during
+all his sickness. The eighth day, Agnella, exhausted
+with fatigue, had fallen asleep near the poor sufferer's bed;
+his difficult respiration and lifeless eye seemed to announce
+the near approach of death. Violette was on her knees, holding
+and pressing in her fine white hands the hairy hands of
+Ourson and covering them with tears and kisses.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of this scene of desolation, a clear sweet
+song interrupted the mournful silence of the chamber of the
+dying boy. Violette started. This soft melody seemed to
+bring consolation and happiness; she raised her head and
+saw a lark perched upon the open shutter.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette!" said the lark.</p>
+
+<p>Violette trembled fearfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Violette," repeated the little soft voice of the lark, "do
+you love Ourson?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I love him? Ah! love him&mdash;I love him more than
+any one else&mdash;more than I love myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you purchase his life at the price of your happiness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, gladly would I purchase life for him by the sacrifice
+of my happiness and of my own life."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, then, Violette. I am the fairy Drolette. I
+love Ourson, I love you and I love your family. The venom
+which my sister the fairy Furious has blown upon the head
+of Ourson is sufficient to cause his death. Nevertheless, if
+you are sincere, if you really feel for Ourson the sentiments
+of gratitude and tenderness which you express, his life is in
+your hands. You are permitted to redeem it! But remember
+that you will soon be called upon to give the most terrible
+proof of your attachment and that if he lives you will pay
+for his existence by a most horrible sacrifice."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam! quick, quick, tell me what I am to do to
+save my dear Ourson. Nothing will be terrible to me, all
+will be joy and happiness if you aid me to save my brother
+Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my child, very well," replied the fairy. "Kiss his
+left ear three times, saying at each kiss: <i>'To thee!&mdash;For thee!&mdash;With
+thee!'</i> Reflect again, Violette, before undertaking
+this cure. If you are not prepared for the most difficult sac<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>rifices,
+the greatest misfortunes will overwhelm you and my
+sister Furious will be the mistress of your life."</p>
+
+<p>As her only reply, Violette crossed her hands upon her
+breast, cast upon the 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:</p>
+
+<p>"To thee!&mdash;For thee!&mdash;With thee!"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had she said these words, when Ourson uttered
+a profound sigh, opened his eyes, perceived Violette and
+seizing her hands carried them to his lips, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"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 and thin? Your cheeks are
+hollow, you seem to have grown old and your beautiful eyes
+are red with weeping."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" said Violette, "do not wake your mother, who
+is sleeping by your side. She has not slept for a long time
+and is much fatigued. You have been very ill, Ourson!"</p>
+
+<p>"And you, dear Violette, have you been resting?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette blushed and hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"How could I sleep, dear Ourson, when I was the cause
+of all your sufferings?"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was silent. He looked at her tenderly, kissed
+her hands and again asked her to tell him what had passed.
+She told him but she was too modest and too truly devoted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>
+to reveal to him the price that the fairy had affixed to his cure.
+Ourson, therefore, was far from knowing the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson now felt himself restored to health, rose up, proceeded
+to his mother softly and awakened her by a kiss. Agnella
+thought he was delirious and called Passerose who was
+astonished when Violette told them that Ourson had been
+restored by the good fairy Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>After all this, Ourson and Violette loved each other
+more tenderly than ever and they never left each other unless
+their occupations forced them to be apart.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_WILD_BOAR" id="THE_WILD_BOAR"></a>THE WILD BOAR</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">wo</span> years passed. One day Ourson had been cutting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>
+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 set off eagerly. The morning had appeared
+to her very long and she was impatient to be again
+with Ourson. To shorten the way she went through the forest
+which was composed of large trees under which she could
+easily walk. There were neither briars nor thorns in her
+way and a soft, thick moss covered the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Violette stepped lightly for she was happy to have found
+a shorter path to her dear Ourson. When she had passed
+over about half the distance she heard the noise of a heavy
+and precipitate step but too far off for her to imagine what
+it could be. After some moments of expectation she saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>
+an enormous wild boar coming towards her. He seemed
+greatly enraged, ploughed the ground with his tusks and
+rubbed the bark from the trees as he passed along. His
+heavy snorting and breathing were as distinctly heard as his
+step. Violette did not know where to fly or to hide herself.
+While she was hesitating the wild boar came in sight, saw
+her, and paused. His eyes were flaming, his whole body
+bristling, his tusks clashing together. He uttered a ferocious
+grunt, and sprang towards Violette. Happily she
+was near a tree whose branches were within her reach. She
+seized one, sprang up with it, and climbed from branch to
+branch, until she knew she was beyond his reach. Scarcely
+was she in safety when the savage animal precipitated himself
+with all his weight against the tree in which she had
+taken refuge. Furious at this obstacle, he commenced tearing
+the bark from the tree and gave it such furious blows
+with his snout that Violette was terribly frightened. The
+concussion caused by these violent and repeated blows might
+at last cause 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 at the foot of the tree casting
+from time to time a menacing look at Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Many hours passed in this painful situation, Violette
+trembling but holding on steadily and the wild boar, sometimes
+calm, sometimes in a terrible rage, springing against
+the tree and tearing it with his tusks.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 571px; height: 484px;">
+<a name="i224" id="i224"></a><img src="images/i224.jpg" width="571" height="484" alt="Violette takes refuge from the wild boar" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Violette takes refuge from the wild boar</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Violette called on her brother, her dear Ourson, for
+help. At every new attempt of the wild boar she renewed
+her cries for aid but alas! Ourson was too far off and he
+could not hear. No one came to her aid.</p>
+
+<p>Discouragement and despair gained upon her; she began
+to feel hunger. She had thrown away the basket of provisions
+when she sprang up the tree, the wild boar had
+trampled upon it, crushed it and eaten up everything it contained.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Whilst Violette was a prey to these terrors and vainly
+calling for help Ourson was amazed at not seeing her come
+with the dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Can they have forgotten me?" he said to himself.
+"No, neither my mother nor Violette could have forgotten
+me. I could not have explained myself well. Without
+doubt they expected me back to dinner; they are looking for
+me now and are perhaps uneasy."</p>
+
+<p>At this thought Ourson abandoned his work and commenced
+walking precipitately towards the house. He also
+wished to shorten the way and determined to cross the forest.
+Soon he thought he heard plaintive cries of distress. He
+paused&mdash;he listened, his heart beat violently as he believed
+he recognized the voice of Violette. But, no&mdash;he heard
+nothing now. He was about to resume his march when he
+heard a more distinct and piercing cry.</p>
+
+<p>Now he knew that it must be Violette, his Violette, who
+was in danger and calling upon Ourson for help. He ran
+in the direction from which the noise seemed to come. Approaching,
+he heard not only calls for help but roars and
+growls accompanied by ferocious cries and violent blows.
+Poor Ourson ran on with the speed of despair. At last he
+perceived the wild boar shaking with his snout the tree upon
+which Violette was still crouched in safety though pale and
+overcome.</p>
+
+<p>This sight gave him new strength. He invoked the pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>tection
+of the good fairy Drolette and rushed upon the wild
+boar with his axe in his hand. The wild boar in his rage bellowed
+furiously. He gnashed his formidable tusks one
+against the other and sprang towards Ourson, who dodged
+the attack and jumped to one side. The boar passed beyond
+him, paused a moment, then turned more furious than ever
+against Ourson who had now taken breath and with his axe
+raised in his hand awaited his enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The wild boar sprung on Ourson and received on his
+head a most violent blow but his bones were so hard he
+scarcely seemed to feel it. The violence of the attack overthrew
+Ourson. The wild boar, seeing his enemy on the
+ground, did not give him time to rise but sprang upon him
+and with his tusks endeavored to tear him to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson now thought himself lost, indeed he thought no
+more of himself, he prayed only for Violette's safety.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the wild boar was thus trampling and kicking
+his enemy, a jeering song was heard just above the combatants.
+The wild boar shuddered, suddenly quitted Ourson,
+raised his head and saw a lark flying above them. The
+mocking song continued and the brute, uttering a cry of
+rage, lowered his head and withdrew slowly without once
+turning round.</p>
+
+<p>Violette at sight of Ourson's danger had fainted away
+but had rested supported by the branches of the tree. Ourson,
+who thought himself torn to pieces, scarcely dared at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>tempt
+to move but feeling no pain he rose promptly to assist
+Violette. His heart was full of gratitude to the fairy Drolette
+to whom he attributed his rescue. At this moment the
+lark flew towards him, pecked his cheeks and whispered in
+his ear:</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson, it was the fairy Furious who sent this wild
+boar. I arrived in time to save you. Profit by the gratitude
+of Violette and change skins with her. She will consent
+joyfully."</p>
+
+<p>"Never!" cried Ourson. "I would rather be a bear all
+my life&mdash;rather die. Poor Violette! I should indeed be
+base if I abused her tenderness towards me in this way."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-bye, obstinate one!" said the lark, flying away
+singing, "till we meet again. I shall come again&mdash;and
+then&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The result will be the same," said Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>He then climbed the tree, took Violette in his arms, and
+descended. He laid her upon the soft green moss and
+bathed her forehead with a little wine he found in a broken
+bottle.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments Violette was restored to consciousness.
+She could scarcely believe her senses when she saw
+Ourson, living and unwounded, kneeling by her side and
+bathing her forehead and temples.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! dear Ourson! again you have saved my life.
+Tell me, oh! tell me, what can I do to prove my gratitude?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Do not speak of gratitude, my cherished Violette. Do
+I not owe all my happiness to you? In saving your life I
+save my own and all I value."</p>
+
+<p>"All that you say, dear brother, is sweet and tender but
+I desire no less to render you some real and signal service,
+which will show all the gratitude and all the love with which
+my heart is filled."</p>
+
+<p>"Good! good! we shall see," said Ourson, laughing.
+"In the mean time let us think of preserving our lives. You
+have eaten nothing since morning, poor Violette, for I see on
+the ground the remnants of the provisions you brought, as I
+suppose, for our dinner. It is late and the day is declining
+so we must hurry to return to the farm before dark."</p>
+
+<p>Violette now tried to rise but her terror and her long fast
+had weakened her so much that she fell to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot stand, Ourson, I am too weak. What will become
+of us?"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was greatly embarrassed. Violette was no
+longer a child and had grown so large that he could not carry
+her so far, neither could he leave her exposed to the attacks
+of the ferocious beasts of the forest and he feared she could
+not do without food till the morning. In this perplexity he
+saw a packet fall at his feet. He raised it, opened it and
+found a pie, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. Ourson
+knew that this bounty was from the hand of the fairy Drolette
+and with a heart full of gratitude he put the bottle to Vio<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>lette's
+lips. One mouthful of this good wine which was indeed
+unequalled restored a portion of Violette's strength.
+The pie and the bread completely restored her as well as
+Ourson who did full honor to the repast. While eating and
+drinking they conversed of their past terrors and present
+happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, it was night and neither Violette nor
+Ourson knew which way to turn their steps in order to reach
+the farm. They were in the midst of a wood. Violette was
+reclining against the tree which had been her refuge from
+the wild boar. They dared not quit this spot lest in the obscurity
+they might not find as comfortable a one.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, dear Violette, do not be alarmed. It is warm,
+the weather is beautiful and you are reclining upon a bed
+of soft green moss. Let us pass the night where we are. I
+will cover you with my coat and I will lie at your feet to protect
+you from all danger and alarm. Mamma and Passerose
+will not be very anxious for they are ignorant of the dangers
+we have encountered and you know that we have often on a
+lovely evening like this reached home after they had retired."</p>
+
+<p>Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest.
+In the first place, they could not do otherwise; secondly,
+she was never afraid with Ourson and always thought
+that what he decided to do was right.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 494px; height: 671px;">
+<a name="i229" id="i229"></a><img src="images/i229.jpg" width="494" height="671" alt="Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Ourson now arranged Violette's bed of moss in the best
+possible manner, took off his coat and in spite of her resist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>ance
+spread it over her. Then, after having seen Violette's
+eyes close and sleep take possession of all her senses he lay at
+her feet and soon slept most profoundly.</p>
+
+<p>Violette was the first awake in the morning. She
+walked around the tree which had sheltered them during the
+night. Ourson awaked and not seeing Violette he sprang
+up in an instant and called her name in a voice choking with
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>"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? you tremble!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you had been carried away by some wicked
+fairy, dear Violette, and I reproached myself for having
+fallen asleep. Let us go now quickly in order to reach home
+before mamma and Passerose are awake."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson knew the forest well. He soon found the path
+to the farm and they arrived some moments before Agnella
+and Passerose awoke. They agreed to conceal from Agnella
+the dangers to which they had been exposed, to spare
+her anguish and disquietude for the future. Passerose alone
+was made the confidant of their dangerous adventures.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CONFLAGRATION" id="THE_CONFLAGRATION"></a>THE CONFLAGRATION</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> now forbade Violette to go alone in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>
+forest. She was no longer allowed to carry him
+his dinner so he always returned to the house at
+midday. Violette never left the farm without Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>Three years after the event in the forest, Ourson saw
+Violette arise in the morning pale and exhausted. She was
+seeking him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come," she said, drawing him along, "I have
+something to say&mdash;something to relate&mdash;Oh, come!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was much alarmed and followed her precipitately.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, dear Violette? For the love of Heaven,
+speak to me! What can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, nothing, dear Ourson; you can do nothing&mdash;only
+listen to me. You remember the dream I had in my
+childhood, of the toad! the river! the danger! Well, last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>
+night I had this same dream again. It is terrible! terrible!
+Ourson, dear Ourson, your life is menaced! If you die, I
+will die also!"</p>
+
+<p>"How! By whom is my life threatened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen! I was sleeping and a toad&mdash;still a toad&mdash;always
+a toad&mdash;came to me and said:</p>
+
+<p>"'The moment approaches when your dear Ourson is to
+resume his natural skin. To you he is to be indebted for this
+change. I hate him! I hate you! You shall not make
+each other happy! Ourson shall perish and you cannot accomplish
+the sacrifice which in your folly you meditate. In
+a few days, yes, perhaps in a few hours I shall take a signal
+vengeance upon you both. Good-bye&mdash;do you hear?&mdash;till
+we meet again!'</p>
+
+<p>"I awoke, suppressed a cry which was about to issue
+from my lips and saw, as I saw on that day in which you
+saved me from the water, the hideous toad creeping upon the
+shutter and gazing at me menacingly. It disappeared, leaving
+me more dead than alive. I arose dressed myself and
+came to find you my brother, my friend to warn you against
+the vengeance of the fairy Furious and to entreat you to seek
+the aid of the good fairy Drolette."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson listened in great alarm. He was not frightened
+by the fate which menaced himself&mdash;he was agitated by the
+sacrifice which Furious announced and which he understood
+but too well. The thought alone of his dear and lovely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>
+Violette being muffled up in his hideous bear's skin through
+devotion to him made him tremble and he preferred death.
+Ourson's anguish was pictured in his countenance, and Violette,
+who was watching him closely, threw herself upon his
+neck and sobbed violently.</p>
+
+<p>"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 me encourage me and sustain
+me in all my fears have now no word to utter to restore my
+failing courage. You who have combated the most terrible
+dangers now bow your head and are resigned to fate."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Violette, it is not fear which makes me tremble&mdash;it
+is not fear which agitates me. It is a word which the fairy
+Furious has uttered, of which you do not comprehend the
+meaning but which I understand perfectly. The threat was
+addressed to you, my Violette. It is for you I tremble!"</p>
+
+<p>Violette divined from this that the moment of sacrifice
+had come, that she was about to be called upon to keep the
+promise she had made to the fairy Drolette. In place of
+trembling and shrinking, she felt the most lively joy. She
+could now at last make some return for the devotion, the incessant
+watchful tenderness of her dear Ourson&mdash;could in
+her turn be useful to him. She made no response to the
+fears expressed by Ourson but thanked him and spoke to him
+more tenderly than ever before, thinking that soon perhaps
+she would be separated from him by death. Ourson had the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>
+same thought. They both fervently invoked the protection
+of the fairy Drolette. Ourson, indeed, called upon her in a
+loud voice but she did not respond to his appeal.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed away sadly. Neither Ourson nor Violette
+spoke to Agnella on the subject of their disquiet for fear
+of aggravating her melancholy which had been constantly
+increasing as Ourson grew to manhood.</p>
+
+<p>"Already twenty years old!" thought she. "If he persists
+in living in this 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 this bear-skin till his
+death."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella wept, often wept; but her tears brought her no
+remedy.</p>
+
+<p>The day Violette had her frightful dream, Agnella also
+had a dream. The fairy Drolette had appeared to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, queen," she said to her, "in a few days Ourson
+will lose his bear's skin and you can give him his true
+name of Prince Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella had awaked full of hope and happiness. She
+redoubled her tenderness to Violette, believing that it was to
+her she would owe the happiness of her son.</p>
+
+<p>Every one retired at night with different feelings. Violette
+and Ourson, full of anxiety for the future which appeared
+so threatening, Agnella's heart bounding with joy
+at that same future which appeared so near and so replete<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>
+with happiness, Passerose, astonished at the melancholy of
+the one and the joy of the other and ignorant of the cause
+of both.</p>
+
+<p>All slept, however. Violette after weeping profusely.
+Ourson after having invoked the fairy Drolette; Agnella
+after smiling and thinking of Ourson handsome and attractive
+and Passerose after saying to herself a hundred times:
+"But what is the matter with them all to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely an hour after all at the farm were asleep, Violette
+was aroused by the smell of fire and smoke. Agnella
+awoke at the same moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," said Violette, "do you not smell something?"</p>
+
+<p>"The house is on fire," said Agnella. "Look what a
+light is round about us!"</p>
+
+<p>They sprang from their beds and ran to the parlor.
+The flames had already taken possession of it and of the
+neighboring chambers.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! Passerose!" cried Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! Ourson!" exclaimed Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose sprang half clothed into the parlor.</p>
+
+<p>"We are lost, madam! The flames are all through the
+house. The doors and windows are firmly closed&mdash;it is impossible
+to open them."</p>
+
+<p>"My son! my son!" cried Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"My brother! my brother!" exclaimed Violette.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They ran to the doors; all their efforts to open them or
+the windows were ineffectual.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my terrible dream!" murmured Violette. "Dear
+Ourson, adieu for ever!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson had also been awakened by the flames and
+smoke. He slept out of the farm-house, and near the stable.
+His first impulse was to run to the front of the house but notwithstanding
+his extraordinary strength he could not open
+it. One would have thought that the door would break to
+pieces under his efforts. It was evidently held fast by the
+fairy Furious.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson sprang upon a ladder and passed across the
+flames into a granary through an open window, then descended
+into the room where his mother and Violette were
+embracing, expecting instant death. Before they had time
+to recognize him he seized them in his arms and cried to Passerose
+to follow him. He ran along the granary and descended
+the ladder with his mother in one arm and Violette
+in the other and followed by Passerose. The moment after
+they reached the ground in safety, the ladder and granary became
+a prey to the flames.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson led Agnella and Violette some distance from the
+fire. Passerose was self-possessed: she had quite a large
+package of clothing which she had collected at the commencement
+of the fire. Agnella and Violette had escaped
+barefooted and in their night robes, and the clothing brought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+by Passerose was thus very necessary to protect them from
+the cold. After having thanked Ourson for saving their
+lives at the peril of his own they complimented Passerose
+upon her forethought.</p>
+
+<p>"See," said Passerose, "the advantage of not losing one's
+senses. Whilst you two were only thinking of your Ourson,
+I made up this package of necessary things."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, my good Passerose; but what purpose
+would your package have served, if my mother and Violette
+had perished in the flames?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I knew very well that you would not allow them to
+be burned up alive. Is any one ever in danger when you
+are present? Is not this the third time you have saved Violette's
+life?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette pressed Ourson's hands tenderly and carried
+them to her lips. Agnella embraced her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Violette, Ourson is happy in your tenderness
+which fully rewards him for all he has done for you. I feel
+assured that on your part you would be happy to sacrifice
+yourself for him if an occasion offered, that only too willingly
+would you help him."</p>
+
+<p>Before Violette could speak, Ourson said with animation:</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, do not say anything to Violette of sacrificing
+herself for me. You know the thought alone makes me
+wretched."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In place of replying to Ourson, Agnella placed her
+hand on her forehead and cried out anxiously:</p>
+
+<p>"The casket, Passerose! the casket! Have you saved
+the casket?"</p>
+
+<p>"I forgot it, madam," said Passerose.</p>
+
+<p>The countenance of Agnella expressed such regret and
+anxiety, that Ourson questioned her as to this precious casket
+which seemed to trouble her so much.</p>
+
+<p>"The casket was a present of the fairy Drolette. She
+told me that the happiness of Violette was contained in it. It
+was in the wardrobe, at the foot of my bed. Alas! by what
+fatality did I forget it?"</p>
+
+<p>She had scarcely uttered these words when the brave
+Ourson sprang towards the burning house and notwithstanding
+the tears and supplications of Agnella, Violette and Passerose,
+disappeared in the flames exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have the casket, mother, or I will perish with
+it!"</p>
+
+<p>A horrible silence followed this act of Ourson. Violette
+fell on her knees with her arms extended towards the
+burning house, Agnella with her hands clasped looked with
+straining eyes at the opening through which Ourson had
+entered while Passerose was motionless, hiding her face with
+her hands. Some moments passed thus and they appeared
+ages to the three women who were expecting a sentence of life
+or death.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Ourson did not reappear. The crackling of the burning
+wood, the flashing of the flames, increased in violence.
+Suddenly, a frightful noise made Violette and Agnella utter
+a cry of despair.</p>
+
+<p>The roof, covered with flames, had fallen in and Ourson
+was buried under the ruins&mdash;crushed by the ruins, consumed
+by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>The silence of death succeeded this dreadful catastrophe.
+The flames diminished, then died away&mdash;no sound
+now interrupted the despair of Agnella and Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Violette had fallen into the arms of Agnella and they
+sobbed thus a long time in silence. Passerose contemplated
+the smoking ruins and wept. Poor Ourson was buried there
+a victim of his courage and his devotion! Agnella and Violette
+still wept bitterly; they appeared neither to hear nor
+understand what was passing around them.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us leave this place," said Passerose, at last.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Violette made no response.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose tried to lead Violette away.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said she; "come, Violette, let us seek a shelter
+for the night&mdash;the evening fortunately is mild."</p>
+
+<p>"What shelter do I want?" said Violette. "What is the
+evening to me or the morning? There are no more beautiful
+days for me! The sun will shine no more but to illumine
+my despair!"</p>
+
+<p>"But if we remain here weeping we shall die of hunger,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>
+Violette, and in spite of the bitterest grief, we must think of
+the necessities of life."</p>
+
+<p>"Better to die of hunger than of grief! I will not
+leave this place where I saw my dear Ourson for the last
+time&mdash;where he perished, a victim of his tenderness for
+us."</p>
+
+<p>Passerose shrugged her shoulders; she remembered that
+the stable had not been burned so she ran there with all speed,
+milked the cow, drank a cupful of milk and tried in vain to
+make Agnella and Violette do the same.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella rose and said to Violette in a solemn tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Your grief is just, my daughter. Never did a more
+noble or generous heart beat in a human form than Ourson's
+and he loved you more than he loved himself&mdash;to spare your
+grief he sacrificed his happiness and his life."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella now recounted to Violette the scene which preceded
+Ourson's birth, the power Violette had to deliver him
+from his deformity by accepting it for herself and Ourson's
+constant prayer that Violette should never be informed of
+the possibility of such a sacrifice.</p>
+
+<p>It is easy to comprehend the feelings of loving tenderness
+and regret which filled the heart of Violette after this
+confidence and she wept more bitterly than ever.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, my daughter," continued Agnella, "there
+remains one duty to fulfil, that is to give burial to my son.
+We must clear away these ruins and remove the ashes and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+when we have found the remains of our well-beloved Ourson&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Sobs interrupted her speech; she could say no more.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_WELL" id="THE_WELL"></a>THE WELL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">A</span><span class="upper">gnella,</span> Violette and Passerose walked slowly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>
+towards the burned walls of the farmhouse. With
+the courage of despair they removed the smoking
+ruins. They worked diligently two days before this work
+was completed. No vestige of poor Ourson appeared and
+yet they had removed piece by piece, handful by handful, all
+that covered the site. On removing the last half-burned
+planks, Violette perceived an aperture, which she quickly
+enlarged. It was the orifice of a well. Her heart beat violently&mdash;a
+vague hope inspired it.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson!" cried she, with a faint voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette! dear Violette! I am here; I am saved!"</p>
+
+<p>Violette could reply only by a smothered cry; she lost
+her consciousness and fell into the well which enclosed her
+dear Ourson. If the good fairy Drolette had not watched
+over her fall, she would have broken her head and limbs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>
+against the sides of the well. But their kind protectress, who
+had already rendered them so many services, sustained her
+and she fell safely at Ourson's feet.</p>
+
+<p>Violette soon returned to consciousness. Their happiness
+was too great to be believed in&mdash;to be trusted. They did
+not cease to give the most tender assurances of affection.
+And now they were aroused from their ecstasy by the cries of
+Passerose, who, losing sight of Violette and seeking her
+amongst the ruins, discovered the open well. Peering into
+the darkness she saw Violette's white robe and she imagined
+that the poor girl had thrown herself intentionally into the
+well and there found the death she sought. Passerose
+screamed loud enough to destroy her lungs. Agnella came
+slowly forward to know the cause of this alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Be silent, Passerose," cried Ourson in a loud voice;
+"you are frightening our mother. I am in the well with
+Violette; we are happy and want for nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh blessed news! blessed news!" cried Passerose; "I
+see them! I see them! Madam, madam, come quickly,
+quickly! They are here&mdash;they are well&mdash;they have need
+of nothing!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, pale, and half dead with emotion, listened to
+Passerose without comprehending 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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>
+well, and would have precipitated herself within, had not
+Passerose seized her by the arms and drawn her back suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"For the love of Ourson, dear queen, do not throw yourself
+into this hole; you will kill yourself! I will restore
+Ourson and Violette to you unharmed."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, trembling with happiness, comprehended the
+wisdom of the counsel given by Passerose. She remained
+rooted to the spot but shuddering with agitation while Passerose
+ran to seek a ladder.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose was absent a long time which was excusable
+as she was somewhat confused. First she seized a cord, then
+a pitchfork, then a chair. For an instant she thought of lowering
+the cow to the bottom of the well so that poor Ourson
+might have a drink of fresh warm milk. At last she found
+the ladder before her eyes, almost in her hands, but she had
+not seen it.</p>
+
+<p>While Passerose was seeking the ladder, Ourson and
+Violette talked incessantly of their present happiness and the
+despair and anguish they had endured.</p>
+
+<p>"I passed uninjured through the flames," said Ourson,
+"and sought groping about for the wardrobe of my mother.
+The smoke suffocated and blinded me. Then I felt myself
+raised by the hair and cast to the bottom of this well where
+you have come to join me, dear Violette.</p>
+
+<p>"In place of finding water, or even moisture here, I felt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>
+at once a sweet, fresh air. A soft carpet was spread on the
+bottom: you see it is still here. There was from some source
+sufficient light around me. I found ample provisions at my
+side. Look at them, Violette, I have not touched them. A
+few drops of wine was all I could swallow.</p>
+
+<p>"The knowledge of your despair and that of my mother
+rendered me too unhappy and the fairy Drolette took pity
+on me. She appeared to me under your form, dear Violette,
+and I took her for you and sprang forward to seize you in
+my arms but I embraced only a vague form of air or vapor.
+I could see her but I could not touch her.</p>
+
+<p>"'Ourson', said the fairy, smiling sweetly upon me, 'I
+have assumed Violette's form to testify my friendship in the
+most agreeable way. Be comforted; you shall see her to-morrow.
+She weeps bitterly, because she believes you to be
+dead but I will send her to you to-morrow. She will make
+you a visit at the bottom of this well. She will accompany
+you when you go forth from this tomb and you shall see your
+mother and the blue heavens and the dazzling sun which
+neither your mother nor Violette wish to look upon since
+your loss, but which appeared beautiful to them while you
+were with them. You will return once more to this well for
+it contains your happiness.'</p>
+
+<p>"'My happiness!' I exclaimed to the fairy; 'when I have
+found my mother and my Violette I shall be in possession of
+all my happiness.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"'Believe implicitly what I say. This well contains
+your happiness and that of Violette.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Violette's happiness, madam, is to live with me and
+my mother.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you replied well," interrupted Violette. "But
+what said the fairy?"</p>
+
+<p>"'I know what I say,' she answered. 'In a few days
+something will be wanting to complete your happiness.
+You will find it here. We will meet again, Ourson. Remember
+what I have said.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Yes, madam; I hope it will be soon.'</p>
+
+<p>"'When you see me again, my poor child, you will be
+scarcely content and then you will wish that you had never
+seen me. Silence and farewell.'</p>
+
+<p>"She flew away smiling sweetly, leaving behind her a
+delicious perfume and an atmosphere so soft and heavenly
+that it diffused a peaceful calm in my heart. I suffered no
+more&mdash;I expected you."</p>
+
+<p>Violette on her part comprehended better than Ourson
+why the next return of the fairy would be painful to him.
+Since Agnella had revealed to her in confidence the nature of
+the sacrifice that she could impose upon herself, she was resolved
+to accomplish it, in spite of the opposition of Ourson.
+She thought only of the delight of giving an immense proof
+of her affection. This hope tempered her joy at having
+found him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When Ourson had completed his narrative, they heard
+the shrill voice of Passerose crying out to them:</p>
+
+<p>"Look, look, my children! the ladder. I will put it
+down to you. Take care that it does not fall on your heads.
+You must have some provisions down there; send them up,
+if you please; we are somewhat destitute above here. 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! here they are: here are Ourson's and Violette's
+heads&mdash;Good! Step up! There you are!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, still pallid and trembling, was immovable as
+a statue.</p>
+
+<p>After having seen Violette in safety, Ourson sprang
+from the well and threw himself into his mother's arms. She
+covered him with tears and kisses and held him a long time
+clasped to her heart. After having thought him dead during
+so many painful hours, it seemed a dream to her almost
+impossible to realize that she was holding him safe once
+more. Finally Passerose terminated this melting scene by
+seizing Ourson and saying to him:</p>
+
+<p>"Now it is my turn! I am forgotten, forsooth, because
+I do not bathe myself 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."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, my good Passerose! You may believe that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>
+love you and indeed I thank you for drawing me out of it
+where, however, I was doing very well after my sweet Violette
+came down to me."</p>
+
+<p>"But now I think of it," said Passerose, "tell me, Violette,
+how did you get to the bottom of that well without killing
+yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not go down purposely. I fell and Ourson received
+me in his arms."</p>
+
+<p>"All this is not very clear," said Passerose. "The fairy
+Drolette had something to do with it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the good and amiable fairy," said Ourson. "She
+is always counteracting the cruelties of her wicked sister."</p>
+
+<p>While thus talking merrily, their stomachs gave indication
+that they were suffering for dinner. Ourson had left in
+the well the provisions furnished by the fairy. The rest of
+the happy family were still embracing and weeping over past
+remembrances but Passerose without saying a word descended
+into the well and remounted with the provisions
+which she placed on a bundle of straw; she then placed
+around the table four other bundles of straw for seats.</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is ready," said she; "come and eat; you all need
+food. The good queen and Violette will soon fall from exhaustion.
+Ourson has had a little wine but he has eaten
+nothing. Here is a pie, a ham, bread and wine. Long life
+to the good fairy!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, Violette and Ourson did not require to be told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>
+a second time but placed themselves gayly at the table.
+Their appetites were good and the repast excellent. Happiness
+illuminated every countenance; they talked, laughed,
+clasped each other's hands and were in paradise.</p>
+
+<p>When dinner was over, Passerose was surprised that the
+fairy Drolette had not provided for all their wants.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," said she, "the house is in ruins, we are destitute
+of everything! The stable is our only shelter, the straw
+our only bed and the provisions I brought up from the well
+our only food. Formerly everything was provided before
+we had the time to ask for it."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella looked suddenly at her hand&mdash;the ring was no
+longer there! They must now gain their bread by the sweat
+of their brows. Ourson and Violette seeing her air of consternation
+demanded the cause of it.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! my children, you will no doubt think me very
+ungrateful to feel disquieted about the future in the midst of
+our great happiness but I perceive that during the fire I have
+lost the ring given me by the good fairy and this ring would
+have furnished us with all the necessaries of life so long as it
+was upon my finger. Alas! I have it no longer. What
+shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dismiss all anxiety, dear mother," said Ourson. "Am
+I not tall and strong? I will seek for work and you can all
+live on my wages."</p>
+
+<p>"And I, too," said Violette, "can I not assist my good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>
+mother and Passerose? In seeking work for yourself, Ourson,
+you can also find something for me to do."</p>
+
+<p>"I will go at once and seek work," said Ourson.
+"Adieu, mother. We will meet again, Violette."</p>
+
+<p>Kissing their hands, he set off with a light step.</p>
+
+<p>He had no presentiment, poor boy, of the reception
+which awaited him in the three houses where he sought employment.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FARM_THE_CASTLE_THE_FORGE" id="THE_FARM_THE_CASTLE_THE_FORGE"></a>THE FARM&mdash;THE CASTLE&mdash;THE FORGE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> walked more than three hours before he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>
+arrived at a large and beautiful farm where he
+hoped to obtain employment. He saw from a distance
+the farmer and his family seated before his front door
+taking their evening meal.</p>
+
+<p>He was but a short way off when one of the children, a
+little boy about ten years of age, perceived him. He sprang
+from his seat, uttered a cry of terror and fled into the house.</p>
+
+<p>A second child, a little girl eight years old, hearing the
+cry of her brother turned towards Ourson and commenced
+the most piercing shrieks.</p>
+
+<p>All the family now followed the movement of the children
+and turned around. At the sight of Ourson the women
+cried out with terror and the children fled in wild alarm.
+The men seized sticks and pitchforks expecting to be attacked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>
+by poor Ourson whom they took for some extraordinary
+animal escaped from a menagerie.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson, seeing this movement of terror and preparation
+for attack, spoke to them hoping to dissipate their fears.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not a bear, as you seem to suppose, but a poor
+boy seeking work and who would be very glad if you should
+give him employment."</p>
+
+<p>The farmer was greatly amazed to hear a bear speak.
+He did not know whether to fly or to interrogate him further.
+He resolved, however, to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you and from whence do you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"I come from the Woodland Farm and I am the son of
+Agnella," Ourson replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, then it was you who in your childhood went with
+your mother to market and frightened all our children to
+death. You have lived in the woods and done without our
+help. Why do you seek us now? Go away and live as you
+have lived heretofore."</p>
+
+<p>"Our farm-house is burned to the ground. I have to
+work now with my hands to support my mother and sister.
+For this reason, I pray you to give me work. I will do all
+you command me."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose, boy, that I will take into my service a
+villainous animal like you who will frighten my wife and my
+servants to death and throw my children into convulsions?
+I am not quite such a fool, my boy; not quite such a fool.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+Enough of this. Be off, and allow us to finish our dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"Master farmer, be merciful. Only try my work.
+Place me altogether by myself; then no one will fear me. I
+will conceal myself so well that your children shall not see
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be done talking, wicked bear? Go instantly;
+if you don't you shall feel the teeth of my pitchfork."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Ourson bowed his head. Tears of humiliation
+and disappointment glittered in his eyes. He withdrew
+slowly, followed by the coarse laugh and shouts of the farm
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>When out of sight he no longer restrained his tears, but
+in all this shame and despair the thought that Violette could
+take upon herself his ugly covering did not enter his
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson walked on till he came in sight of a castle where
+he saw a crowd of men coming, going and laboring at every
+kind of work. Some were mowing, some raking, some
+currying horses, some sweeping, some watering plants, some
+sowing.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is a house where I shall certainly find work," said
+Ourson to himself. "I see neither women nor children and
+I think the men will not be afraid of me."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson drew near without being seen. He took off his
+hat and stood before a man who seemed to be the superintendent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;" said he.</p>
+
+<p>The man looked up, recoiled a step when he saw Ourson
+and examined him with the greatest surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you and what do you want?" said he, in a
+rude voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I am the son of Agnella, mistress of the Woodland
+Farm."</p>
+
+<p>"Well! and what has brought you here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Our house is burned down, sir. I am seeking work in
+order to support my mother and sister. I hope you will be
+good enough to give me employment."</p>
+
+<p>"Give employment to a bear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I have only the appearance of a bear. Under this
+rough outside, which is so repugnant to you, there beats a
+human heart&mdash;a heart capable of gratitude and affection.
+You shall have no reason to complain either of my work or
+of my good will."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Ourson spoke and the superintendent listened
+with a mocking air, a great noise was heard amongst the
+horses. They began to kick and prance and the grooms
+could scarcely hold them. Some of them indeed escaped
+and fled in terror to the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the bear! It is the bear!" cried the grooms. "It
+has terrified the horses. Drive it off! Chase it away! We
+cannot control our horses."</p>
+
+<p>"Off with you!" cried the superintendent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Ourson was stupefied by his misfortunes and was immovable.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! you will not go," vociferated the man. "Wait a
+few moments, you hairy beast. I will give you something to
+run for. Halloa, men! bring out the dogs, and set them
+upon this animal. Hurry!&mdash;see him scampering off!"</p>
+
+<p>In fact Ourson, more dead than alive at this cruel treatment,
+precipitately withdrew from the presence of these
+wicked and inhuman men. This second attempt had failed
+utterly but he would not allow himself to be discouraged.</p>
+
+<p>"It is still three or four hours before sunset so I have
+time to continue my search for work."</p>
+
+<p>He directed his steps towards a forge which was some
+distance from Woodland Farm. The master of the forge
+employed a great many workmen. He gave work to those
+who asked it, not in charity, but in view of his own interest.
+He was feared but he was not loved. He developed the
+riches of the country but no one thanked him for it because
+he alone profited by it. By his avidity and his opulence he
+ground down the poor workmen who could only find employment
+with this new Marquis of Carabas.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Ourson arrived at the forge. The master was at
+the door, scolding some, threatening others and terrifying
+all.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said Ourson, drawing near, "have you any work
+to give me?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. What kind of work&mdash;&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>He raised his head at these words for he had replied
+without looking at Ourson. When his eye fell upon him he
+did not finish his phrase; his eyes flashed with rage and he
+stammered out:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What foolery is this? Are we in the midst of the
+Carnival, that a workman ventures upon such a ridiculous
+masquerade? Throw off your ugly bear's skin instantly or
+I will crisp your bristles for you in my fire."</p>
+
+<p>"This, sir, is no masquerade," replied Ourson, sadly; "it
+is, alas! my natural skin but if you will be humane enough
+to employ me you will see that my strength is equal to my
+goodwill."</p>
+
+<p>"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 a menagerie or I will throw you into a den
+with your brother bears. You will have work enough to
+defend yourself from their claws. Be off!"</p>
+
+<p>And brandishing his club he would have dealt Ourson a
+heavy blow if the poor boy had not made a hasty retreat.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_SACRIFICE" id="THE_SACRIFICE"></a>THE SACRIFICE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> turned his steps homeward, discouraged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>
+and exhausted. He walked slowly and arrived at
+the farm late. Violette ran to meet him, took him
+by the hand, and without saying a word led him to his mother.
+There she fell on her knees and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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 fairy Drolette has confirmed her
+story. My mother, when our Ourson was, as we believed,
+lost to us for ever and lost for my sake you revealed to me that
+which in his nobility and goodness he wished to conceal. I
+know that by changing skins with him I can restore to him
+his original beauty. Happy, a hundred times happy in having
+this opportunity to recompense the tenderness and devotion
+of my dearly-loved brother Ourson, I demand to make
+this exchange allowed by the fairy Drolette and I entreat her
+to complete the transfer immediately."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Violette! Violette!" exclaimed Ourson, in great agitation,
+"take back your words! You do not know to what you
+engage yourself; you are ignorant of the life of anguish and
+misery unparalleled, the life of solitude and isolation to
+which you thus condemn yourself; you know not the unceasing
+desolation you will feel at knowing that you are an
+object of fear to all mankind. Violette, Violette, in pity to
+me, withdraw your words!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Ourson," said Violette, calmly, but resolutely,
+"in making what you believe to be so great a sacrifice, I accomplish
+the dearest wish of my heart; I secure my own
+happiness; I satisfy an ardent and imperious desire to testify
+my tenderness and my gratitude. I esteem myself for doing
+what I propose. I should despise myself if I left it undone."</p>
+
+<p>"Pause, Violette, for one instant longer, I beseech you!
+Think of my grief, when I no longer see my beautiful Violette,
+when I think of you exposed to the railleries, the horror
+of men. Oh! Violette, do not condemn your poor Ourson
+to this anguish."</p>
+
+<p>The lovely face of Violette was veiled with sadness.
+The fear that Ourson would feel repugnance towards her
+made her heart tremble; but this thought, which was wholly
+personal, was very fleeting&mdash;it could not triumph over her
+devoted tenderness. Her only response was to throw herself
+in the arms of Agnella, and say:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, embrace your fair and pretty Violette for the
+last time."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Agnella, Ourson and Passerose embraced her
+and looked lovingly upon her&mdash;whilst Ourson, on his knees,
+supplicated her to leave him his bear-skin to which he had
+been accustomed for twenty years&mdash;Violette called out again
+in a loud voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Fairy Drolette! Fairy Drolette! come and accept the
+price of the life and health of my dear Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the fairy Drolette appeared in all her
+glory. She was seated 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 brilliant colors 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 it
+was light as gauze. Her hair, glittering like tissue of gold,
+was ornamented by a crown of carbuncles more brilliant
+than the sun; each of her slippers was carved from a single
+ruby and her beautiful face, soft, yet gay, breathed contentment.
+She fixed upon Violette a most affectionate regard.</p>
+
+<p>"You wish it, then, my daughter?" said she.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," cried Ourson, falling at her feet, "deign to
+listen to me. You, who have loaded me with undeserved
+benefits&mdash;you, who have inspired me with boundless gratitude&mdash;you,
+good and just&mdash;will you execute the mad wish of
+my dear Violette? Will you make my whole life wretched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+by forcing me to accept this sacrifice? No, no, charming
+and humane fairy, you could not, you will not do it!"</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Ourson was thus supplicating, the fairy gave
+Violette a light touch with her wand of pearl and Ourson
+another&mdash;then said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Let it be according to the wish of your heart, my
+daughter. Let it be contrary to your ardent desires, my
+son."</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment, the face, arms and the whole body
+of the lovely young girl were covered with the long hair
+which Ourson had worn, and Ourson appeared with a white
+smooth skin, which set off his extreme beauty to advantage.</p>
+
+<p>Violette gazed at him with admiration, while he, his eyes
+cast down and full of tears, dared not look at his poor Violette,
+so horribly metamorphosed. At last he looked up,
+threw himself in her arms, and they wept together.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was marvellously handsome. Violette was, as
+Ourson had been, without form, without beauty, but not
+ugly. When Violette raised her head and looked at Agnella,
+the latter extended her hands towards her, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, my daughter, my noble, generous child."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," said Violette, in low voice, "do you love me
+still?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I love you, my cherished child? Yes, a hundred
+times, a thousand times more than ever before."</p>
+
+<p>"Violette," said Ourson, "never fear being ugly in our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>
+eyes. To my eyes, you are a hundred times more beautiful
+than when clothed with all your loveliness. To me you are
+a sister&mdash;a friend incomparable. You will always be the
+companion of my life, the ideal of my heart."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_COMBAT" id="THE_COMBAT"></a>THE COMBAT</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">V</span><span class="upper">iolette</span> was about to reply, when a kind of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>
+roaring was heard in the air, and they saw descend
+a chariot made of crocodile's skin, drawn by fifty
+enormous toads. All the toads were hissing and blowing,
+and would have cast their infectious venom in every direction,
+if they had not been restrained by the power of the fairy
+Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>When the chariot reached the ground, the fairy Furious,
+a huge and heavy creature, issued from it. Her big eyes
+seemed bursting from their sockets, her large flat nose covered
+her wrinkled, withered cheeks, her monstrous mouth
+extended from ear to ear and when it was open a long pointed
+black tongue was seen licking her horrid teeth.</p>
+
+<p>She was not more than three feet in height and was very
+corpulent; her grizzly skin was gluey and cold, like a snail's
+and her thin red hair fell in locks of unequal length around<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>
+her throat, which was disfigured by a goitre. Her large,
+flat hands looked like the fins of a shark, her dress was made
+of snail's skins and her mantle of the skins of toads.</p>
+
+<p>She advanced towards Ourson (who shall hereafter
+be known by his true name of <span class="smcap">Prince Marvellous</span>) with a
+slow step. She paused in front of him and casting a furious
+glance upon the fairy Drolette and an eye of mocking
+triumph upon Violette, she folded her great cold arms and
+said in a sharp yet hoarse voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My sister has triumphed over me, Prince Marvellous.
+I have, however, one consolation: you will not be happy,
+because you have obtained your original beauty at the expense
+of that little fool, who is now frightful and repugnant
+and whom you will now never wish to approach. Yes! yes!
+weep, my handsome Ourson! You will weep a long time,
+Violette, and you will regret bitterly, if you do not already
+regret, that you have given your beautiful skin to the prince
+Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, madam, never! My only regret is that I did
+not know sooner what I could do to testify my gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Drolette, whose countenance had assumed an
+unaccustomed expression of severity and irritation, now
+waved her wand and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, sister! You shall not triumph long over the
+misfortunes of Violette. I will provide a remedy for those
+misfortunes: her generous devotion merits recompense."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I defy you to come to her assistance under penalty of
+my wrath," said Furious.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your rage, sister, but I disdain to punish
+you for it," replied Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>"To punish me!&mdash;Do you dare to threaten me?" said
+Furious. And hissing furiously, she called her chariot,
+mounted it, rose in the air and tried to launch upon Drolette
+all the venom of her toads in order to suffocate her.</p>
+
+<p>But Drolette knew her sister perfectly. Her faithful
+larks held the door of 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 turning adroitly
+to one side. They however threw their venom on the larks
+which were nearest to them, who died instantly.</p>
+
+<p>Drolette detached them with the rapidity of a thunder-bolt,
+rose again in the air and fell so adroitly on the toads,
+that the larks tore out their eyes with their claws, before
+Furious had time to come to the rescue of her army.</p>
+
+<p>The outcries of the toads and the hissing of the larks
+made a deafening noise; and the fairy Drolette called out to
+her friends, who were regarding the combat with terror:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Withdraw immediately and stop your ears!"</p>
+
+<p>Which was done instantly, in obedience to her command.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Furious made one last effort. She guided her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>
+blinded toads in such a way as to meet the larks face to face,
+and to dart their venom upon them.</p>
+
+<p>But Drolette rose higher and higher in the air and
+Furious found herself always under her sister's chariot.</p>
+
+<p>At last, unable to contain her rage, Furious cried out:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You are assisted by the queen of the fairies, an old fool
+whom I should gladly see in the lower regions!"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had she pronounced these words when her
+chariot fell heavily to the earth. The toads perished and the
+chariot disappeared. The fairy Furious only remained, in
+the form of an enormous toad. She wished to speak but she
+could only bellow and snuffle. She gazed at Drolette and
+her larks&mdash;at Prince Marvellous, Violette and Agnella, in a
+transport of rage but her power was destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Drolette lowered her chariot, descended to the
+earth and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The queen of the fairies has punished you for your
+audacity, sister. Repent, if you wish to obtain pardon."</p>
+
+<p>The only answer of Furious was to spit forth her
+poisonous venom, which happily reached no one.</p>
+
+<p>Drolette extended her wand towards her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I command you to disappear and never to appear again
+to the prince Marvellous, to Violette or to their mother."</p>
+
+<p>Drolette had scarcely uttered these words when the toad
+disappeared; there remained no vestige of the chariot or of
+herself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Drolette remained some time motionless. She passed
+her hand over her brow, as if to chase away a sad thought;
+then approaching Prince Marvellous, she said to him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Prince, the title which I give you indicates your birth.
+You are the son of King Ferocious and the queen Aimee,
+concealed till now under the appearance of a modest farmer
+woman. The name of your father sufficiently indicates his
+character. Your mother having prevented him from killing
+his brother Indolent and his sister-in-law Nonchalante, he
+turned his rage against her. I was her protectress, and
+carried her off with her faithful Passerose in a cloud.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Princess Violette, your birth is equal to that
+of Prince Marvellous. Your father and mother were that
+same King Indolent and Queen Nonchalante who, saved
+once by Queen Aimee, became at last the victims of King
+Ferocious and their own apathy. Since that time King
+Ferocious has been killed by his subjects who could no
+longer support his cruel yoke.</p>
+
+<p>"They expect you, prince, to reign over them. I have
+revealed to them your existence and I have promised them
+that you will take a wife worthy of you. You can select
+from the twelve princesses whom your father retained captive
+after having slain their parents. They are all wise
+and beautiful and each has a kingdom for her marriage
+portion."</p>
+
+<p>Surprise had kept Prince Marvellous silent. At the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>
+last words of the fairy he turned towards Violette, and seeing
+that she was weeping, he said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you weep, my Violette? Do you fear that I
+will blush for you&mdash;that I will not dare to testify before my
+whole court the tenderness with which you inspire me?
+That I will conceal what you have done for me or forget the
+bonds which attach me to you for ever? Can you believe
+that I will be ungrateful enough to seek any other affection
+than yours and fill your place by any of those princesses held
+captive by my father? No, dearest Violette! Until this
+time I have seen in you only a sister but from this moment
+you are the companion of my life, my sole friend, my
+wife!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your wife, dear brother? That is impossible! How
+can you seat upon your throne a creature so repulsive as
+your poor Violette? How will you dare to brave the raillery
+of your subjects and of the neighboring kings? And how
+could I show my deformity in the midst of the festivals given
+on your 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 be your wife! No one shall
+blame you for having made so sad a choice."</p>
+
+<p>The prince insisted long and firmly. Violette could
+scarcely control her emotions but she resisted with as much
+resolution as devotion. Agnella said nothing. She would
+have been willing that her son should accept even this last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>
+sacrifice from poor Violette and simply allow her to live near
+to them but hidden from the world.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose wept and in a low tone encouraged the prince
+in his determination.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette," said the prince, at last, "since you absolutely
+refuse to ascend the throne with me, I abandon
+it and all royal power in order to live with you as before
+in solitude and happiness. Without your sweet presence,
+the sceptre would be a heavy burden; with you at my side,
+our little farm will be a paradise! Say, dear Violette, shall
+it be so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dear brother, you have triumphed; let us live as
+we have lived so many years: modest in our lives, happy in
+our affections."</p>
+
+<p>"Noble prince and generous princess," said the fairy,
+"you shall be recompensed for this rare and devoted tenderness.
+Prince, in the well to which I carried you during the
+fire, there is a priceless treasure for Violette and yourself.
+Descend into the well, seek for it, and when you have found
+it bring it to me. I will teach you its value."</p>
+
+<p>The prince did not wait to be told a second time; he ran
+towards the well; the ladder was still there and he descended.
+On arriving at the bottom, he saw nothing but the carpet
+which had been there from the first; he searched the walls of
+the well, but saw no indication of treasure. Finally he
+raised the carpet, and perceived a black stone with a ring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>
+attached; he raised the stone and discovered a casket which
+glittered like a constellation.</p>
+
+<p>"This must contain the treasure spoken of by the fairy,"
+said he.</p>
+
+<p>The prince seized the casket; it was as light as a nutshell.
+He ascended the ladder hastily, holding the casket
+carefully in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>They were awaiting his return with impatience. He
+handed the casket to the fairy. Agnella exclaimed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"This is the same casket you confided to me, madam,
+and which I supposed I had lost in the fire."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the same," replied the fairy. "Here is the key;
+open it, prince."</p>
+
+<p>Prince Marvellous hastened to open it. But who can
+describe the general disappointment, when, in place of some
+rich treasure which they supposed it contained, they found
+only the bracelets which Violette had worn when her cousin
+found her sleeping in the wood, and a vial of perfumed oil!</p>
+
+<p>The fairy looked from one to the other, and enjoyed
+their surprise and consternation. She took the bracelets and
+gave them to Violette.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my bridal present, my dear child; every one of
+these diamonds has the property of guarding from all evil
+influences the person who wears it, and of endowing its
+wearer with every virtue, enormous riches and resplendent
+beauty, with wit, intellect and all desirable happiness. Use<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>
+them for the children who will be born of your union with
+Prince Marvellous.</p>
+
+<p>"As to this vial of perfumed oil, it is the wedding gift of
+the prince your cousin. I know you love perfumes, this
+has peculiar virtues; use it to-day. To-morrow I will return
+to seek you and carry you all to your kingdom," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"I renounce my kingdom, madam," said Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>"Who will govern your people?" said Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"You, my mother, if you are willing," replied Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>The queen was about to refuse, when the fairy interfered.</p>
+
+<p>"We will speak of this to-morrow," said she. "You,
+madam, I know, desire to accept the crown which you are
+about to refuse. I forbid you, however, to accept it before
+my return. And you, dear and amiable prince," added she,
+in a sweet voice, accompanied with an affectionate glance,
+"I forbid you to repeat this offer before my return. Adieu
+till to-morrow. When you are truly happy, my dear children,
+think kindly of your friend the fairy Drolette."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy ascended her chariot. The larks flew like
+lightning and she soon disappeared, leaving behind her a delicious
+perfume.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_RECOMPENSE" id="THE_RECOMPENSE"></a>THE RECOMPENSE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">P</span><span class="upper">rince</span> Marvellous looked at Violette and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>
+sighed heavily; Violette gazed at the prince and
+smiled sweetly.</p>
+
+<p>"How handsome you are, my dear cousin! I am so
+happy to have it in my power to restore you your beauty.
+And now I will pour some of this perfumed oil upon my
+hands; since I cannot please your eye, I will at least embalm
+you," said she, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>She uncorked the vial, and entreated Marvellous to
+sprinkle some drops on her forehead and cheeks. The heart
+of the prince was too full for words. He took the vial and
+obeyed the order of his cousin. Their surprise and joy
+were indescribable on seeing that as soon as the oil touched
+Violette's forehead the hair disappeared and her skin resumed
+its original purity and dazzling whiteness.</p>
+
+<p>The prince and Violette, on seeing the virtue of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>
+wonderful oil, uttered loud cries of delight and ran towards
+the stable where they saw Agnella and Passerose. They
+called their attention to the happy effect of this perfumed oil
+given them by the fairy. Both joined in their happiness.
+The prince could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses.
+And now nothing could prevent his union with Violette, so
+good, so devoted, so tender, so lovely, so well constituted to
+make him supremely happy.</p>
+
+<p>The queen thought of the morrow&mdash;of her return to her
+kingdom, which she had abandoned twenty years ago. She
+wished that she herself, that Violette, that her son the prince
+had clothing worthy of so great an occasion but, alas! she
+had neither the time nor the means to procure them: they
+would therefore be compelled to wear their coarse clothing,
+and thus show themselves to their people. Violette and
+Marvellous laughed at this distress of their mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not think, mamma," said Violette, "that our
+dear prince is sufficiently adorned with his rare beauty and
+that a rich and royal robe would not make him more beautiful
+or more amiable?"</p>
+
+<p>"And do you not agree with me, my dear mother," said
+Marvellous, "in thinking that our dear Violette is lovely
+enough in the simplest clothing, that the lustre of her eyes
+surpasses the most brilliant diamonds, that the clear whiteness
+of her teeth rivals successfully the rarest pearls, that the
+richness of her blonde hair surpasses a crown of brilliants?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, my children," replied Agnella, "without
+doubt, you are both of you handsome and attractive but a rich
+dress spoils nothing, not even beauty. Jewels, embroidery
+and heavy brocades would detract nothing from your charms.
+And I who am old&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But not ugly, madam," interrupted Passerose, hastily.
+"You are still amiable and handsome, in spite of your little
+country cap, your skirts of coarse striped cloth, your waist of
+red camlet and your stomacher of simple cloth. Besides,
+when you return to your kingdom, you can buy every kind
+of dress your heart desires."</p>
+
+<p>The evening passed away gayly and there seemed no
+anxiety about the future. The fairy had provided their supper;
+they passed the night on the bundles of hay in the stable
+and as they were all fatigued by the emotions of the day they
+slept profoundly. The sun had been shining a long time
+and the fairy Drolette was with them, before they awoke.</p>
+
+<p>A soft "Hem! hem!" of the fairy aroused them. The
+prince was the first to open his eyes; he threw himself on his
+knees before the fairy and thanked her with such warmth
+and gratitude that her heart was touched.</p>
+
+<p>Violette was on her knees by his side and joining her
+thanks to those of the prince.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your gratitude, dear children," said the
+fairy; "but I have much to do. I am expected in the kingdom
+of the king Benin where I am to attend at the birth of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>
+the third son of the princess Blondine. This prince is to be
+the husband of your first daughter, Prince Marvellous, and
+I am resolved to endow him with all the qualities which will
+obtain for him the warm love of your daughter. And now I
+must conduct you to your kingdom; I will return in time to
+be present at your wedding. Queen," she continued, turning
+to Aimee, who was now just opening her eyes, "we are
+about to set out immediately for your son's kingdom. Are
+you and your faithful Passerose ready for the journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," replied the queen, with a slight embarrassment,
+"we are ready to follow you but will you not blush for
+our dress, so little worthy of our rank?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not I who will blush, queen," said the fairy,
+smiling, "but rather yourself who have this sensation of
+shame. But I will remedy this evil also."</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, she described a circle with her wand above
+the head of the queen, who in the same moment found herself
+clothed in a robe of gold brocade. Upon her head was a hat
+with splendid plumes, fastened with a band of superb
+diamonds and her boots were of velvet, spangled with gold.</p>
+
+<p>Aimee looked at her robe with an air of complaisance.</p>
+
+<p>"And Violette and my son the prince, will you not extend
+your goodness to them also?"</p>
+
+<p>"Violette and the prince have asked for nothing. I will
+do as they wish. Speak, Violette, do you desire to change
+your costume?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Madam," replied Violette, casting down her sweet eyes
+and blushing, "I have been sufficiently happy in this robe of
+simple cloth. In this costume my brother knew me and
+loved me. Permit me to continue to wear it as far as regard
+for my station allows and allow me to preserve it always in
+remembrance of the happy years of my childhood."</p>
+
+<p>The prince thanked Violette for these sweet words, and
+pressed her hand tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy kindly nodded her approval and called for her
+chariot, which was waiting a few steps from them. She entered
+and placed the queen next herself, then the prince,
+Violette and Passerose.</p>
+
+<p>In less than an hour the larks had flown over the three
+thousand leagues which separated them from the kingdom of
+Prince Marvellous. All his court and all his subjects, apprised
+beforehand by the fairy, expected him. The streets
+and the palaces were filled by the eager, happy crowd.</p>
+
+<p>When the chariot appeared in sight, the people uttered
+cries of joy which were redoubled when it drew up before the
+great entrance of the palace, when they saw descend Queen
+Aimee, a little older, no doubt, but still pretty and gracious,
+and the Prince Marvellous, whose natural beauty and grace
+were enhanced by the splendor of his clothing, glittering
+with gold and precious stones, which were also a present
+from the fairy.</p>
+
+<p>But the acclamations arose to frenzy when the prince,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>
+taking Violette by the hand, presented her to the people.</p>
+
+<p>Her sweet, attractive countenance, her superb and elegant
+form, were adorned with a dress with which the fairy
+had clothed her by one stroke of her wand.</p>
+
+<p>Her robe was of gold lace, while her waist, her arms and
+shoulders shone with innumerable larks formed of diamonds
+larger than humming-birds. On her graceful head she wore
+a crown of larks made of precious stones of all colors. Her
+countenance, soft but gay, her grace, her beauty, won the
+hearts of all.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time nothing was heard but shouts of "Long
+live King Marvellous! Long live Queen Violette!" The
+noise and tumult were so great that many persons became
+deaf. The good fairy, who desired that only joy and happiness
+should prevail throughout the kingdom on this auspicious
+day, cured them instantly at the request of Violette.</p>
+
+<p>There was a magnificent feast spread for the court and
+the people. A million, three hundred and forty-six thousand,
+eight hundred and twenty-two persons dined at the
+expense of the fairy and each guest was permitted to carry
+away enough for eight days.</p>
+
+<p>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 that his mother was a
+little sad at not being queen, entreated her earnestly to accept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>
+Violette's kingdom and she consented to reign there on condition
+that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come
+every year and pass three months with her.</p>
+
+<p>Queen Aimee, before parting with her children, wished
+to witness their marriage. The fairy Drolette and many
+other fairies of her acquaintance and many genii were invited
+to the marriage. They all received the most magnificent
+presents, and were so satisfied with the welcome given
+them by King Marvellous and Queen Violette that they
+graciously promised to return whenever they were invited.</p>
+
+<p>Two years afterwards they received an invitation to be
+present at the birth of the first child of King Marvellous.
+There came to Queen Violette a daughter, who, like her
+mother, was a marvel of goodness and beauty.</p>
+
+<p>The king and queen could not fulfil the promise they
+had made to Queen Aimee. One of the genii who had been
+invited to the wedding of Marvellous and Violette, found in
+Queen Aimee so much of goodness, sweetness, and beauty,
+that he loved her, and, visiting her several times in her new
+kingdom and being affectionately and graciously received
+by her, he carried her off one day in a whirlwind. Queen
+Aimee wept 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 granted to her as a wedding
+present the power of participating in all the privileges of her
+husband: never to die, never to grow old and the ability to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>
+transport herself in the twinkling of an eye wherever she
+wished to go. Aimee used this power very often to visit her
+son and his children.</p>
+
+<p>King Marvellous and Queen Violette had eight sons
+and four daughters and they were all charming. They were
+happy, without doubt, for they loved each other tenderly and
+their grandmother, who, it was said spoiled them a little induced
+their grandfather, the genius Bienveillant, to contribute
+all in his power to their happiness. Consequently,
+they received many rich gifts.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose, who was warmly attached to Queen Aimee,
+had followed her into her new kingdom but when the genius
+carried her off in a whirlwind, Passerose, seeing herself forgotten
+and not being able to follow her mistress was so sad in
+the loneliness caused by the departure of Aimee, that she
+prayed the fairy Drolette to transport her to the kingdom of
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette. She remained with
+them and took care of their children to whom she often recounted
+the adventures of Ourson and Violette. She still
+remains, it is said, though the genius and his queen have
+made her many excuses for not having carried her off in the
+whirlwind.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," Passerose replied to all these explanations;
+"let us remain as we are. You forgot me once&mdash;you might
+forget me another time. Here, my dear Ourson and my
+sweet Violette never forget their old nurse. I love them and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>
+I will remain with them. They loved me and they will take
+care of me."</p>
+
+<p>The farmer, the superintendent, and the master of the
+forge who had been so cruel to Ourson were severely
+punished by the fairy Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>The farmer was devoured by a bear, some hours after he
+had chased away Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>The superintendent was dismissed by his master for having
+let loose the dogs, who escaped and never could be found.
+The same night he was bitten by a venomous serpent and expired
+some moments afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>The master of the forge having reprimanded his workmen
+too brutally, they resolved upon vengeance: seized him
+and cast him into the blazing furnace where he perished
+miserably.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 30129 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
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+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #30129 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/30129)
diff --git a/old/30129-8.txt b/old/30129-8.txt
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de S�gur
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Old French Fairy Tales
+
+Author: Comtesse de S�gur
+
+Illustrator: Virginia Frances Sterrett
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2009 [EBook #30129]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD FRENCH FAIRY TALES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Iona Vaughan, Meredith Bach, Mark Akrigg and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at
+http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet
+Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[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 by
+The 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 loved
+him; he was just and the wicked feared him. His wife, the Queen
+Doucette, was also good, and much beloved.
+
+This happy pair had a daughter called the Princess Blondine, because of
+her superb fair hair, and she was as amiable and charming as her father
+the king and her mother the queen.
+
+Unfortunately, the poor queen died a short time after the birth of
+Blondine 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 not
+weep but continued to laugh, to play and to sleep peacefully. The king
+loved her tenderly and she loved him more than all the world. He gave
+his little daughter the most beautiful jewels, the finest bonbons, and
+the most rare and delicious fruits. Blondine was very happy.
+
+One day it was announced to the king, that all his subjects demanded
+that he should marry again in order to have a son who should reign after
+him. He refused at first but finally yielded to the pressing desires of
+his people and said to his minister Leger:--
+
+"My dear friend, my subjects wish me to marry again but my heart is so
+sad because of the death of my cherished queen Doucette that I cannot
+undertake the task of seeking another wife. Go, then, my good Leger and
+find me a princess who will make my sweet Blondine happy. Go; I ask for
+nothing more. When you have found a perfect woman, you will demand her
+hand in marriage and conduct her to my court."
+
+Leger set off immediately, visited many courts and saw innumerable
+princesses--ugly, humpbacked and wicked.
+
+At last he arrived at the kingdom of the monarch Turbulent, who had a
+lovely daughter, bright, winning and apparently good. Leger found her so
+charming, that he asked her hand in marriage for his king Benin, without
+sufficiently inquiring into her real character.
+
+[Illustration: _Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette_]
+
+Turbulent was enchanted at the prospect of getting rid of his daughter
+who was jealous, proud and wicked. Also, her presence often interfered
+with his excursions for pleasure, with the chase and with his various
+entertainments at the palace.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation, he acceded to the Prime Minister's
+request, and he returned with the princess to the kingdom of the good
+king Benin.
+
+The princess Fourbette was accompanied by four thousand mules, loaded
+with the jewels and wardrobe of the charming bride.
+
+King Benin had been apprised of their approach by a courier and went
+forward to receive the princess Fourbette. He found her beautiful but he
+noted the absence of the mild and attractive expression of the poor lost
+Doucette.
+
+When Fourbette's eyes fell upon Blondine her glance was so cruel, so
+wicked, that the poor child, who was now three years old, was greatly
+terrified and began to weep bitterly.
+
+"What is the matter?" said the king. "Why does my sweet and sensible
+Blondine weep like a bad little girl?"
+
+"Papa! dear papa!" cried Blondine, throwing herself into the arms of the
+king, "do not give me into the hands of this princess. I am afraid of
+her--her eyes are cruel!"
+
+The king was much surprised. He turned so suddenly towards the princess
+Fourbette that she had no time to control herself and he perceived the
+terrible glance with which she regarded the little Blondine.
+
+Benin immediately resolved that Blondine should be wholly separated from
+the new queen and remain as before under the exclusive protection of the
+nurse who had taken care of her and who loved her tenderly.
+
+The queen thus saw Blondine rarely, and when she met her by chance she
+could 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 the
+raven's wing.
+
+Brunette was pretty but not so lovely as Blondine; moreover she was as
+wicked as her mother. She detested Blondine and played all sorts of
+cruel tricks upon her, bit her, pinched her, pulled her hair, broke her
+toys and tore her beautiful dresses.
+
+The good little Blondine was never in a passion with her sister but
+always tried to make excuses for her conduct.
+
+"Oh, papa!" she said to the king, "do not scold Brunette; she is so
+little! 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 knew
+that Brunette was cruel and wicked; that Blondine was too gentle and
+good to accuse her. He loved Blondine, therefore, more and more from day
+to day and his heart grew cold to Brunette.
+
+The ambitious queen Fourbette saw all this clearly and hated intensely
+the innocent and gentle Blondine. If she had not feared the rage of the
+king she would have made Blondine the most wretched child in the world.
+
+Benin had commanded that Blondine should never be left alone with the
+queen. He was known to be just and good but he punished disobedience
+severely 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 by
+ostriches, and a little coachman ten years of age, who was the nephew of
+her 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 thousand
+acts of kindness.
+
+But Gourmandinet had one terrible fault; he was a gourmand--was so fond
+of dainties and sweet things, that for a paper of bonbons he would
+commit almost any wicked action. Blondine often said to him:
+
+"I love you dearly, Gourmandinet, but I do not love to see you so
+greedy. I entreat you to correct this villainous fault which will make
+you despised by all the world."
+
+Gourmandinet kissed her hand and promised to reform. But, alas! he
+continued to steal cakes from the kitchen and bonbons from the
+store-room. Often, indeed, he was whipped for his disobedience and
+gluttony.
+
+The queen Fourbette heard on every hand the reproaches lavished upon the
+page and she was cunning enough to think that she might make use of this
+weakness of Gourmandinet and thus get rid of poor Blondine.
+
+The garden in which Blondine drove in her little carriage, drawn by
+ostriches and guided by her little coachman, Gourmandinet, was separated
+by a grating from an immense and magnificent forest, called the Forest
+of Lilacs because during the whole year these lilacs were always covered
+with superb flowers.
+
+No one, however, entered these woods. It was well known that it was
+enchanted ground and that if you once entered there you could never hope
+to escape.
+
+Gourmandinet knew the terrible secret of this forest. He had been
+severely forbidden ever to drive the carriage of Blondine in that
+direction lest by some chance Blondine might pass the grating and place
+her little feet on the enchanted ground.
+
+Many times the king Benin had sought to build a wall the entire length
+of the grating or to secure it in some way so as to make an entrance
+there impossible. But the workmen had no sooner laid the foundation than
+some unknown and invisible power raised the stones and they disappeared
+from sight.
+
+The queen Fourbette now sought diligently to gain the friendship of
+Gourmandinet by giving him every day some delicious dainties. In this
+way she made him so complete a slave to his appetite that he could not
+live without the jellies, bonbons and cakes which she gave him in such
+profusion. At last she sent for him to come to her, and said:--
+
+"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself whether you shall have
+a large trunk full of bonbons and delicious dainties or never again eat
+one 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 you
+should 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. I
+shall 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 near
+to the Forest of Lilacs; that you encourage her to descend from the
+carriage, to cross the grating and enter the enchanted ground."
+
+"But, madam," replied Gourmandinet, turning very pale, "if the princess
+enters this forest she can never escape from it. You know the penalty of
+entering upon enchanted ground. To send my dear princess there is to
+give her up to certain death."
+
+"For the third and last time," said the queen, frowning fearfully, "I
+ask if you will take the princess to the forest? Choose! either an
+immense box of bonbons which I will renew every month or never again to
+taste the delicacies which you love."
+
+"But how shall I escape from the dreadful punishment which his majesty
+will inflict upon me?"
+
+"Do not be disquieted on that account. As soon as you have induced
+Blondine to enter the Forest of Lilacs, return to me. I will send you
+off out of danger with your bonbons, and I charge myself with your
+future fortune."
+
+"Oh! madam, have pity upon me. Do not compel me to lead my dear princess
+to destruction. She who has always been so good to me!"
+
+"You still hesitate, miserable coward! Of what importance is the fate of
+Blondine to you? When you have obeyed my commands I will see that you
+enter the service of Brunette and I declare to you solemnly that the
+bonbons shall never fail."
+
+Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments longer and, alas! at
+last resolved to sacrifice his good little mistress to his gluttony.
+
+The remainder of that day he still hesitated and he lay awake all night
+weeping bitter tears as he endeavored to discover some way to escape
+from the power of the wicked queen; but the certainty of the queen's
+bitter revenge if he refused to execute her cruel orders, and the hope
+of rescuing Blondine at some future day by seeking the aid of some
+powerful fairy, conquered his irresolution and decided him to obey the
+queen.
+
+In the morning at ten o'clock Blondine ordered her little carriage and
+entered it for a drive, after having embraced the king her father and
+promised him to return in two hours.
+
+The garden was immense. Gourmandinet, on starting, turned the ostriches
+away from the Forest of Lilacs. When, however, they were entirely out of
+sight of the palace, he changed his course and turned towards the
+grating which separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad and
+silent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience.
+
+"What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You say nothing Are you
+ill, Gourmandinet?"
+
+"No, my princess, I am well."
+
+"But how pale you are! Tell me what distresses you, poor boy, and I
+promise to do all in my power to make you happy."
+
+Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened the hard heart
+of Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the bonbons promised by the
+wicked queen, Fourbette, soon chased away his good resolutions. Before
+he had time to reply, the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest of
+Lilacs.
+
+"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how fragrant--how
+delicious! I must have a bouquet of those beautiful flowers for my good
+papa. Get down, Gourmandinet and bring me some of those superb
+branches."
+
+"I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might run away with you
+during my absence."
+
+"Do not fear," replied Blondine; "I could guide them myself to the
+palace."
+
+"But the king would give me a terrible scolding for having abandoned
+you, 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 poor
+Gourmandinet."
+
+While saying these words she sprang lightly from the carriage, crossed
+the 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 was
+only ten steps from him,--although he saw her perfectly--she could not
+hear his voice, and in a short time she was lost to view in the
+enchanted forest.
+
+For a long time Gourmandinet wept over his crime, cursed his gluttony
+and despised the wicked queen Fourbette.
+
+At last he recalled to himself that the hour approached at which
+Blondine would be expected at the palace. He returned to the stables
+through the back entrance and ran at once to the queen, who was
+anxiously expecting him.
+
+On seeing him so deadly pale and his eyes inflamed from the tears of
+awful 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 the
+mules which had brought her jewelry.
+
+"I confide this box to Gourmandinet, in order that he may take it to my
+father," she said. "Go, boy, and return in a month for another." She
+placed in his hand at the same time a purse full of gold.
+
+Gourmandinet mounted the mule in perfect silence and set off in full
+gallop. The mule was obstinate and wilful and soon grew restive under
+the weight of the box and began to prance and kick. He did this so
+effectually that he threw Gourmandinet and his precious box of bonbons
+upon the ground.
+
+Gourmandinet, who had never ridden upon a horse or mule, fell heavily
+with 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 beautiful
+branches of lilacs. She rejoiced in their profusion and delighted in
+their fragrance.
+
+As she made her selection, it seemed to her that those which were more
+distant 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 to
+suffer from the heat and to feel great fatigue. She found the branches
+of lilacs heavy to carry and thought it was time to return to the
+palace. She looked around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. She
+called Gourmandinet but no one replied.
+
+"I have wandered further than I intended," said Blondine. "I will return
+at once, though I am very weary. Gourmandinet will hear me and will
+surely come to meet me."
+
+Blondine walked on rapidly for some time but she could not find the
+boundaries of the forest.
+
+Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandinet but he did not respond
+and at last she became terribly frightened.
+
+"What will become of me, all alone in this vast forest? What will my
+poor papa think when I do not return? And Gourmandinet, how will he dare
+go back to the palace without me? He will be scolded, perhaps beaten and
+all 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 this
+forest if the wolves do not eat me up this night."
+
+Weeping bitterly, Blondine fell on the ground at the foot of a large
+tree. She wept a long time. At last her great fatigue mastered her
+grief. She placed her little head upon her bundle of lilacs, and slept
+peacefully.
+
+
+
+
+BLONDINE'S AWAKENING--BEAU-MINON
+
+
+Blondine slept calmly all night; no ferocious beast came to trouble her
+slumbers. She did not suffer from the cold and awakened at a late hour
+in the morning. She rubbed her eyes, much surprised to see herself
+surrounded 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. Astonished
+and almost frightened, she looked around and saw at her feet a superb
+white cat, looking gently upon her and continuing to mew plaintively.
+
+"Ah! pretty puss! how beautiful you are!" cried Blondine, placing her
+little hand caressingly upon the soft fur, white as snow. "I am so happy
+to see you, pretty puss, for you will conduct me to your home. I am
+indeed very hungry and I have not the strength to walk much further
+without food."
+
+Blondine had scarcely uttered these words, when the white pussy mewed
+again 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 it
+contained bread and butter which she found delicious. She gave the
+crumbs to pussy, who munched them with seeming delight.
+
+When they had finished their simple meal, Blondine leaned over towards
+her little companion, and said, caressingly:
+
+"Thanks, pretty puss, for the breakfast you have given me. Now, can you
+conduct me to my papa, who is certainly in despair because of my
+absence?"
+
+Pussy, whom Blondine named Beau-Minon, shook her head and mewed
+plaintively.
+
+"Ah! you understand me, Beau-Minon," said Blondine. "I entreat you to
+have 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 her
+little graceful white head which seemed to say, "I understand you." She
+rose, advanced a few steps and paused to see if Blondine followed her.
+
+"I am here, Beau-Minon; I am following you gladly," said Blondine; "but
+how can we pass through these bushy thickets? I see no path."
+
+Beau-Minon made no reply but sprang lightly into the thicket which
+opened of itself to allow Blondine and Beau-Minon to pass, and then
+closed up immediately.
+
+Blondine walked on for about half an hour. As she advanced, the forest
+became lighter, the grass was finer and the flowers more abundant. She
+saw 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 and
+see her dear father again, was enchanted with all that she saw; she
+wished to pause and gather the lovely wild flowers; but Beau-Minon
+advanced steadily and mewed plaintively whenever Blondine relaxed her
+speed.
+
+In about an hour Blondine perceived an elegant castle. Beau-Minon led
+her to the gilded grating. However, Blondine did not know how to enter.
+There was no bell and the gate was closed. Beau-Minon had disappeared
+and Blondine was once more alone.
+
+
+
+
+BONNE-BICHE
+
+
+Beau-Minon had entered by a little passage, which seemed made expressly
+for him and had probably given notice to some one at the castle, as the
+gate 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 vestibule
+which was of rare white marble. All the doors of the castle now opened
+like the first and the princess passed through a suite of beautiful
+rooms.
+
+At last, in the back part of a charming salon, furnished with blue and
+gold, she perceived a white hind, lying upon a bed of fine and fragrant
+grasses. 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 I
+have expected you for a long time."
+
+At these words, Blondine was much frightened.
+
+"Take courage, princess; you are with friends. I know the king your
+father and I love him and I love you also."
+
+"Oh, madam," said Blondine, "if you know the king my father, I pray you
+to 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 the
+hands of the magician of the Forest of Lilacs. I myself am subject to
+his power which is superior to mine but I can send soft dreams to your
+father, which will reassure him as to your fate and let him know that
+you are safe with me."
+
+"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, in an agony of grief, "shall I never again
+see my father whom I love so tenderly? My poor father!"
+
+"Dear Blondine, do not distress yourself as to the future. Wisdom and
+prudence are always recompensed. You will see your father again but not
+now. In the meantime be good and docile. Beau-Minon and I will do all in
+our power to make you happy."
+
+Blondine sighed heavily and shed a few tears. She then reflected that to
+manifest such grief was a poor recompense for all the goodness of
+Bonne-Biche. She resolved, therefore, to control herself and to be
+cheerful.
+
+Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they had prepared for her. The
+bedroom was hung with rose-colored silk embroidered with gold. The
+furniture was covered with white velvet worked with silks of the most
+brilliant hues. Every species of animal, bird and butterfly were
+represented in rare embroidery.
+
+Adjoining Blondine's chamber was a small study. It was hung with
+sky-blue damask, embroidered with fine pearls. The furniture was covered
+with silver moir�, adorned with nails of turquoise. Two magnificent
+portraits, representing a young and superbly handsome woman and a
+strikingly attractive young man, hung on the walls. Their costumes
+indicated 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 know
+later;--but this is the hour for dinner. Come, Blondine, I am sure you
+are hungry."
+
+Blondine was in fact almost dying of hunger. She followed Bonne-Biche
+and they entered the dining-room where she saw a table strangely served.
+
+An enormous cushion of black satin was placed on the floor for
+Bonne-Biche. On the table before her was a vase filled with the choicest
+herbs, 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 him
+was a little porringer in gold, filled with little fried fish and the
+thighs of snipes. At one side was a bowl of rich crystal full of fresh
+milk.
+
+Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was placed for Blondine. Her
+chair was of carved ivory covered with crimson velvet attached with
+nails of diamonds. Before her was a gold plate richly chased, filled
+with delicious soup made of a young pullet and fig-birds, her glass and
+water-bottle were of carved rock-crystal, a muffin was placed by her
+side, her fork and spoon were of gold and her napkin was of linen, finer
+than anything she had ever seen.
+
+The table was served by gazelles who were marvellously adroit. They
+waited, carved and even divined the wishes of Blondine, Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon. The dinner was exquisite--the chicken was splendid, the game
+and fish most delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine was
+hungry so she ate of all and found all excellent.
+
+After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted the princess into the
+garden. 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 agreed
+joyfully.
+
+Blondine entered her chamber and found two gazelles waiting to attend
+her. They disrobed her with grace and adroitness, placed her in bed and
+seated themselves by her couch to watch over her.
+
+Blondine was soon peacefully asleep--not, however, without having first
+thought of her father and wept bitterly over her cruel separation from
+him.
+
+
+
+
+BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING
+
+
+Blondine slept profoundly, and on awaking she found herself entirely
+changed. Indeed, it seemed to her she could not be the same person. She
+was much taller, her intellect was developed, her knowledge enlarged.
+She remembered a number of books she thought she had read during her
+sleep. She was sure she had been writing, drawing, singing and playing
+on the piano and harp.
+
+She looked around, however, and knew that the chamber was the same to
+which 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 she
+was much grown and she found herself charming, a hundred times more
+beautiful than when she retired the night before. Her fair ringlets fell
+to her feet, her complexion was like the lily and the rose, her eyes
+celestial blue, her nose beautifully formed, her cheeks rosy as the
+morn, and her form was erect and graceful. In short, Blondine thought
+herself the most beautiful person she had ever seen.
+
+Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily and ran to
+seek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the apartment where she had first
+seen her.
+
+"Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat you to explain to
+me the change which I see and feel in myself. Last night I went to sleep
+a child--I awoke this morning, and found myself a young lady. Is this an
+illusion or have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?"
+
+"Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day. But you have
+slept peacefully seven years. My son Beau-Minon and I wished to spare
+you the weariness of all early studies. When you first entered the
+castle you knew nothing; not even how to read. I put you to sleep for
+seven years, and Beau-Minon and I have passed this time in instructing
+you during your sleep. I see by the wonder expressed in your eyes, sweet
+princess, that you doubt all this. Come into your study and reassure
+yourself on this point."
+
+Blondine followed Bonne-Biche to the little room. She ran first to the
+piano, commenced playing and found that she played remarkably well. She
+then tried the harp and drew from it the most ravishing sounds, and she
+sang enchantingly.
+
+She took her pencil and brushes and drew and painted with a facility
+which denoted a true talent. She wrote and found her handwriting clear
+and elegant. She looked at the countless books which were ranged round
+the 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 you
+for having thus watched over my childhood and developed my intellect and
+my heart. I feel how much I am improved in every respect and I owe it
+all to you."
+
+Bonne-Biche returned her caresses and Beau-Minon patted her hand
+delicately. After the first few happy moments had passed, Blondine cast
+down her eyes and said timidly:
+
+"Do not think me ungrateful, my dear good friends, if I wish you to add
+one more to the benefits you have already conferred upon me. Tell me
+something of my father. Does he still weep my absence? Is he happy since
+he lost me?"
+
+"Dear Blondine, your anxiety on this point is most natural and shall be
+relieved. Look in this mirror, Blondine, and you shall see the king
+your 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 of
+her father. The king seemed much agitated and was walking backwards and
+forwards. He appeared to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette,
+entered and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances of
+Gourmandinet, Blondine had herself seized the reins and guided the
+ostriches who becoming frightened dashed off in the direction of the
+Forest of Lilacs and overturned the carriage. Blondine was thrown over
+the grating which bounded the forest. She stated that Gourmandinet had
+become insane from terror and grief and she had sent him home to his
+parents. The king was in wild despair at this news. He ran to the Forest
+of Lilacs and he had to be withheld by force from throwing himself
+across the boundary in order to search for his cherished Blondine. They
+carried him to the palace where he yielded to the most frightful sorrow
+and despair, calling unceasingly upon his dear Blondine, his beloved
+child. At last, overcome by grief, he slept and saw in a dream Blondine
+in the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. Bonne-Biche gave him the
+sweet assurance that Blondine should one day be restored to him and that
+her childhood should be calm and happy.
+
+The mirror now became misty and everything disappeared, then again clear
+as crystal and Blondine saw her father a second time. He had become
+old, his hair was white as snow and his countenance was sad. He held in
+his hand a little portrait of Blondine, his tears fell upon it and he
+pressed it often to his lips. The king was alone. Blondine saw neither
+the 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, my
+princess, that your father's heart was filled with hatred and suspicion
+towards her and he sent her back to the king Turbulent, her father, who
+confined her in a tower, where she soon died of rage and anger. All the
+world supposed you to be dead. As to your sister Brunette, she became so
+wicked, so insupportable, that the king hastened to give her in marriage
+last year to the prince Violent, who charged himself with the duty of
+reforming the character of the cruel and envious princess Brunette. The
+prince was stern and harsh. Brunette saw that her wicked heart prevented
+her from being happy and she commenced trying to correct her faults. You
+will see her again some day, dear Blondine and your example may complete
+her reformation."
+
+Blondine thanked Bonne-Biche tenderly for all these details. Her heart
+prompted her to ask, "But when shall I see my father and sister?" But
+she feared to appear ungrateful and too anxious to leave the castle of
+her good friends. She resolved then to await another more suitable
+opportunity 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 but
+Bonne-Biche and she was only with her during the hours of lessons and
+repasts. Beau-Minon could not converse and could only make himself
+understood by signs. The gazelles served Blondine with zeal and
+intelligence but they had not the gift of speech.
+
+Blondine walked every day, always accompanied by Beau-Minon, who pointed
+out to her the most lovely and sequestered paths and the rarest and
+richest flowers.
+
+Bonne-Biche had made Blondine promise solemnly never to leave the
+enclosure of the park and never to enter the forest. Many times Blondine
+had asked Bonne-Biche the reason of this prohibition. Sighing
+profoundly, 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 eminence
+near the boundary of the forest. She looked admiringly and longingly at
+the magnificent trees, the lovely and fragrant flowers, the thousand
+graceful birds flying and singing and seeming to call her name.
+
+"Alas!" said she, "why will not Bonne-Biche allow me to walk in this
+beautiful forest? What possible danger can I encounter in that lovely
+place and under her protection?"
+
+Whenever she was lost in these reflections, Beau-Minon, who seemed to
+comprehend what was passing in her heart, mewed plaintively, pulled her
+robe and tried to draw her from the pavilion.
+
+Blondine smiled sweetly, followed her gentle companion and recommenced
+her 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 her
+dear father often saddened her heart.
+
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon seemed to divine her thoughts. Beau-Minon
+mewed plaintively, and Bonne-Biche heaved the most profound sighs.
+Blondine spoke but rarely of that which occupied her thoughts
+continually. She feared to offend Bonne-Biche, who had said to her three
+or four times:
+
+"Dear Blondine, be patient. You will see your father when you are
+fifteen, if you continue wise and good. Trust me, dear child; do not
+trouble yourself about the future and above all do not seek to leave
+us."
+
+One morning Blondine was alone and very sad. She was musing upon her
+singular and monotonous existence. Suddenly she was disturbed in her
+reverie by three soft little strokes upon her window. Raising her head,
+she perceived a parrot with beautiful green plumage and throat and
+breast of bright orange.
+
+Surprised at the appearance of a bird entirely unknown to her, she
+opened 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 time
+of it, because you have no one to talk to. I have taken pity upon you
+and come to have a chat with you. But I pray you do not mention that you
+have 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 and
+only hates the wicked."
+
+"Blondine, listen! If you do not promise to conceal my visit from
+Bonne-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 opportunity
+to converse. You seem to me gay and witty. I do not doubt that you will
+amuse me much."
+
+Blondine listened with delight to the lively talk of the Parrot, who
+complimented extravagantly her beauty, her wit and her talents.
+
+Blondine was enchanted. In about an hour the Parrot flew away, promising
+to return the next day. In short, he returned every day and continued to
+compliment and amuse her.
+
+One morning he struck upon the window and said:
+
+"Blondine! Blondine! open the window, quickly! I bring you news of your
+father. But above all make no noise unless you want my throat cut."
+
+Blondine was overwhelmed with joy. She opened the window with alacrity
+and said: "Is it true, my beautiful Parrot, that you bring me news of my
+dear father? Speak quickly! What is he doing and how is he?"
+
+"Your father is well, Blondine, but he weeps your loss always. I have
+promised him to employ all my power to deliver you from your prison but
+I can do nothing without your assistance."
+
+"My prison!" said Blondine. "But you are ignorant of all the goodness
+which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon have shown me, of the pains they have
+lavished upon my education, of all their tenderness and forbearance.
+They will be enchanted to find a way of restoring me to my father. Come
+with me, beautiful Parrot and I will present you to Bonne-Biche. Come, I
+entreat 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 me
+because I have sometimes succeeded in rescuing their victims from them.
+You will never see your father again, Blondine, you will never leave
+this forest, unless you yourself shall break the charm which holds you
+here."
+
+"What charm?" said Blondine. "I know of no charm and what interest have
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in keeping me a prisoner?"
+
+"Is it not to their interest to enliven their solitude, Blondine? There
+is a talisman which can procure your release. It is a simple Rose,
+which, gathered by yourself, will deliver you from your exile and
+restore you to the arms of your fond father."
+
+"But there is not a single Rose in the garden. How then can I gather
+one?"
+
+"I will explain this to you another day, Blondine. Now I can tell you no
+more, as I hear Bonne-Biche coming. But to convince you of the virtues
+of the Rose, entreat Bonne-Biche to give you one and see what she will
+say. To-morrow--to-morrow, Blondine!"
+
+The Parrot flew away, well content to have scattered in Blondine's heart
+the first seeds of discontent and ingratitude.
+
+The Parrot had scarcely disappeared when Bonne-Biche entered. She
+appeared greatly agitated.
+
+"With whom have you been talking, Blondine?" looking suspiciously
+towards 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 her
+eyes.
+
+Blondine was also engaged in thought. The cunning words of the Parrot
+made her look upon the kindness of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in a
+totally 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 seven
+years, to dedicate seven years to a tiresome and ignorant little girl,
+in short, a hind lodged and served like a queen, could be no ordinary
+criminal; in place of cherishing a sentiment of gratitude for all that
+Bonne-Biche had done for her, Blondine, alas! believed blindly in the
+Parrot, the unknown bird of whose character and veracity she had no
+proof. She did not remember that the Parrot could have no possible
+motive for risking its life to render her a service. Blondine believed
+it though, implicitly, because of the flattery which the Parrot had
+lavished upon her. She did not even recall with gratitude the sweet and
+happy existence which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon had secured to her. She
+resolved to follow implicitly the counsels of the Parrot. During the
+course of the day she said to Bonne-Biche:--
+
+"Why, madam, do I not see among your flowers the most lovely and
+charming 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, which
+pierces all who touch it! Never speak to me of the Rose, Blondine. You
+cannot know what fatal danger this flower contains for you!"
+
+The expression of Bonne-Biche was so stern and severe that Blondine
+dared not question her further.
+
+The day passed away sadly enough. Bonne-Biche was unhappy and Beau-Minon
+very sad.
+
+Early in the morning, Blondine ran to her window and the Parrot entered
+the 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 by
+which you could obtain one of these charming flowers. Listen now to my
+counsel. You will leave this park and enter the forest. I will accompany
+you and I will conduct you to a garden where you will find the most
+beautiful Rose in the world!"
+
+"But how is it possible for me to leave the park? Beau-Minon always
+accompanies me in my walks."
+
+"Try to get rid of him," said the Parrot; "but if that is impossible, go
+in 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 separate
+you as far as possible from the Rose in order that you might not find
+the means to escape from her power."
+
+"But why does she wish to hold me captive? She is all-powerful and could
+surely find pleasures more acceptable than educating an ignorant child."
+
+"All this will be explained to you in the future, Blondine, when you
+will be in the arms of your father. Be firm! After breakfast, in some
+way get away from Beau-Minon and enter the forest. I will expect you
+there."
+
+Blondine promised, and closed the window, fearing that Bonne-Biche would
+surprise her.
+
+After breakfast, according to her usual custom, she entered the garden.
+Beau-Minon followed her in spite of some rude rebuffs which he received
+with 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 and
+enraged. She forgot herself so far as to strike Beau-Minon with her
+foot. When poor Beau-Minon received this humiliating blow, he uttered a
+cry of anguish and fled towards the palace. Blondine trembled and was on
+the point of recalling him, when a false shame arrested her. She walked
+on rapidly to the gate, opened it not without trembling and entered the
+forest. The Parrot joined her without delay.
+
+"Courage, Blondine! in one hour you will have the Rose and will see your
+father, who weeps for you."
+
+At these words, Blondine recovered her resolution which had begun to
+falter. She walked on in the path indicated by the Parrot, who flew
+before her from branch to branch. The forest, which had seemed so
+beautiful and attractive near the park of Bonne-Biche, became wilder and
+more entangled. Brambles and stones almost filled up the path, the sweet
+songs of the birds were no longer heard and the flowers had entirely
+disappeared. Blondine felt oppressed by an inexplicable restlessness.
+The Parrot pressed her eagerly to advance.
+
+"Quick, quick, Blondine! time flies! If Bonne-Biche perceives your
+absence you will never again see your father."
+
+Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms torn by the briers
+and her shoes in shreds, now declared that she would go no further when
+the Parrot exclaimed:--
+
+"We have arrived, Blondine. Look! that is the enclosure which separates
+us from the Rose."
+
+Blondine saw at a turn in the path a small enclosure, the gate of which
+was quickly opened by the Parrot. The soil was arid and stony but a
+magnificent, majestic rose-bush adorned with one Rose, which was more
+beautiful than all the roses of the world grew in the midst of this
+sterile spot.
+
+"Take it, Blondine!" said the parrot; "you deserve it--you have truly
+earned it!"
+
+Blondine seized the branch eagerly and in spite of the thorns which
+pierced her fingers cruelly, she tore it from the bush.
+
+The Rose was scarcely grasped firmly in her hand, when she heard a burst
+of mocking laughter. The Flower fell from her grasp, crying:--
+
+"Thanks, Blondine, for having delivered me from the prison in which
+Bonne-Biche held me captive. I am your evil genius! Now you belong to
+me!"
+
+"Ha! ha!" now exclaimed the Parrot. "Thanks, Blondine! I can now resume
+my form of magician. You have destroyed your friends for I am their
+mortal enemy!"
+
+Saying these cruel words, the Parrot and the Rose disappeared, leaving
+Blondine alone in the forest.
+
+
+
+
+REPENTANCE
+
+
+Blondine was stupefied! Her conduct now appeared to her in all its
+horror. She had shown a monstrous ingratitude towards the friends who
+had been so tenderly devoted to her--who had dedicated seven years to
+the care of her education. Would these kind friends ever receive her,
+ever pardon her? What would be her fate, if they should close their
+doors against her? And then, what did those awful words of the wicked
+Parrot signify: "You have caused the destruction of your friends"?
+
+Blondine turned round and wished to retrace her steps to the castle of
+Bonne-Biche. The briers and thorns tore her arms and face terribly. She
+continued however to force her way bravely through the thickets and
+after three hours of most painful walking she came before the castle of
+Bonne-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 saw
+only an appalling ruin--in place of the magnificent trees and rare
+flowers which surrounded it, only briers and thorns, nettles and
+thistles, could be seen. Terrified and most desolate, she tried to force
+her way in the midst of the ruins, to seek some knowledge of her kind
+friends. 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 friends
+by the basest ingratitude? Begone! do not insult their memory by your
+unwelcome presence!"
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried Blondine, "my poor friends, Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon, why can I not atone by my death for the sufferings I have
+caused them?" And she fell, sobbing piteously, upon the stones and
+nettles; her grief and her repentance were so excessive that she did not
+feel their sharp points in her tender flesh. She wept profusely a long
+time. At last she arose and looked about her, hoping to find some
+shelter 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 of
+hunger and thirst, if I can expiate my sins here upon the tomb of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"
+
+As she uttered these words, she heard a soft voice saying: "True
+repentance 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 bitter
+it may be, can never give me back the lives of my dear Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon!"
+
+"Courage, courage, Blondine! redeem your fault by your repentance and
+do not allow yourself to be utterly cast down by grief."
+
+The poor princess arose and left the scene of desolation. She followed a
+little path, where the large trees seemed to have rooted out the
+brambles and the earth was covered with moss. She was utterly exhausted
+with grief and fatigue and fell at the foot of a large tree, sobbing
+piteously.
+
+"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 will
+become 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 herb
+or fruit to appease her hunger and thirst. She saw nothing and her tears
+flowed freely. The sound of bells now somewhat dissipated her despairing
+thoughts. She saw a beautiful cow approaching her, gently and slowly. On
+arriving near her, the cow paused, bowed down, and showed her a silver
+porringer attached to her neck by a chain of beaten gold.
+
+Blondine was very grateful for this unexpected succor. She detached the
+porringer, milked the cow and drank the sweet milk with delight. The
+pretty, gentle cow signed to her to replace the porringer. Blondine
+obeyed, kissed her on the neck and said, sadly:--
+
+"Thanks, Blanchette, it is without doubt to my poor friends that I owe
+this sweet charity. Perhaps in another and better world they can see the
+repentance of their poor Blondine and wish to assist her in her
+frightful position."
+
+"A true repentance will obtain pardon for all faults," said a kind
+voice.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Blondine, "years of sorrow and weeping for my crimes
+would not suffice! I can never pardon myself!"
+
+In the mean time, night approached. Notwithstanding her anguish and
+repentance, Blondine began to reflect upon some means of securing
+herself from the ferocious wild beasts, whose terrible roars she already
+believed she heard in the distance. She saw some steps before her a kind
+of hut, formed by several trees growing near together and interlacing
+their branches. Bowing her head, she entered, and found that by
+carefully connecting some branches she could form a pretty and secure
+retreat. She employed the remainder of the day in arranging this little
+room and gathered a quantity of moss, with which she made herself a bed
+and pillow. She concealed the entrance to this little retreat by some
+broken branches and leaves and went to rest, utterly worn out with
+regret and fatigue.
+
+When Blondine awoke it was broad daylight. At first she could scarcely
+collect her thoughts and understand her position but the sad realities
+of her lot were soon apparent to her and she commenced weeping as
+before.
+
+Blondine was hungry, and she could not imagine how she was to secure
+food but soon she heard again the sound of the cow-bells. In a few
+moments, Blanchette stood near her. Blondine again loosened the
+porringer, drew the milk and drank till her hunger was appeased, then
+replaced the porringer and kissed Blanchette, hoping to see her again
+during the day. Every day--in the morning, at midday and in the
+evening--Blanchette came to offer Blondine her frugal repast.
+
+Blondine passed the time in tears for her poor friends, and bitter
+self-reproach for her crimes.
+
+"By my unpardonable disobedience," she said to herself, "I have caused
+the most terrible misfortunes, which it is not in my power to repair. I
+have not only lost my good and true friends but I am deprived of the
+only means of finding my father, my poor father, who perhaps still
+expects his Blondine, his most unhappy Blondine, condemned to live and
+die alone in this frightful forest where her evil genius reigns
+supreme."
+
+Blondine sought to amuse and employ herself in every possible way. Her
+little home was neatly arranged, and fresh moss and leaves composed her
+simple couch. She had tied some branches together and formed a seat and
+she made herself some needles and pins of the thorns and twisted some
+thread from the hemp which grew near her little hut, and with these
+implements she had mended the rents in her shoes.
+
+In this simple way Blondine lived for six months; her grief was always
+the same and it is just to say that it was not her sad and solitary life
+which made her unhappy but sincere regret for her fault. She would
+willingly have consented to pass her life in the forest if she could
+thus have brought to life Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISE
+
+
+One day Blondine was seated at the entrance of her hut, musing sadly as
+usual, thinking of her lost friends and of her father, when she saw
+before her an enormous Tortoise.
+
+"Blondine," said the Tortoise, "if you will place yourself under my
+protection, I will conduct you out of this forest."
+
+"And why, Madam Tortoise, should I seek to leave this forest? Here I
+caused 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 the
+ruins of their castle. The Parrot and the Toad assured me of their
+death. 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 would
+not have left me alone with the frightful despair of having caused their
+death."
+
+"But how do you know, Blondine, that this seeming neglect is not forced
+upon them? They may now be subjected to a power greater than their own.
+You know, Blondine, that a true repentance will obtain pardon for many
+crimes."
+
+"Ah! Madam Tortoise, if they still live, if you can give me news of
+them, if you can assure me that I need no longer reproach myself with
+their death, assure me that I shall one day see them again, there is no
+price which I will not gladly pay to merit this great happiness."
+
+"Blondine, I am not permitted to disclose to you the fate of your
+friends but if you have the courage to mount on my back, remain there
+for six months and not address a single question to me during the
+journey, I will conduct you to a place where all will be revealed."
+
+"I promise all that you ask, Madam Tortoise, provided I can only learn
+what has become of my friends."
+
+"Take care, Blondine! reflect well. Six months without descending from
+my back and without asking me a single question! When once you have
+accepted the conditions, when we have commenced our journey, if you have
+not the courage to endure to the end, you will remain eternally in the
+power of the enchanter, Perroquet, and his sister Rose and I cannot
+even continue to bestow upon you the little assistance to which you owe
+your life during the last six months."
+
+"Let us go, Madam Tortoise let us be off, immediately. I prefer to die
+of hunger and fatigue rather than of grief and uncertainty. Your words
+have brought hope to my poor heart, and I have courage to undertake even
+a more difficult journey than that of which you speak."
+
+"Let it be according to your wish, Blondine. Mount my back. Fear neither
+hunger nor thirst nor cold nor sunshine nor any accident during our long
+journey. As long as it lasts you shall not suffer from any
+inconvenience."
+
+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 that
+time she found herself on an arid plain which it required six weeks to
+cross. Then Blondine perceived a castle which reminded her of that of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They were a full month passing through the
+avenue to this castle.
+
+Blondine burned with impatience. Would she indeed learn the fate of her
+dear friends at the palace? In spite of her extreme anxiety, she dared
+not ask a single question. If she could have descended from the back of
+the Tortoise, ten minutes would have sufficed for her to reach the
+castle. But, alas! the Tortoise crept on slowly and Blondine remembered
+that she had been forbidden to alight or to utter a word. She resolved,
+therefore, to control her impatience. The Tortoise seemed rather to
+relax than to increase her speed. She consumed fourteen days still in
+passing through this avenue. They seemed fourteen centuries to Blondine.
+She never, however, lost sight of the castle or of the door. The place
+seemed deserted; she heard no noise, she saw no sign of life.
+
+At last, after twenty-four days' journey, the Tortoise paused, and said
+to Blondine:--
+
+"Now, princess, descend. By your courage and obedience you have earned
+the recompense I promised. Enter the little door which you see before
+you. The first person you will meet will be the fairy Bienveillante and
+she will make known to you the fate of your friends."
+
+Blondine sprang lightly to the earth. She had been immovable so long she
+feared her limbs would be cramped but on the contrary she was as light
+and active as when she had lived so happily with her dear Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon and ran joyously and gracefully gathering flowers and
+chasing butterflies.
+
+After having thanked the Tortoise most warmly she opened the door which
+had been pointed out to her and found herself before a young person
+clothed 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 several
+beautiful rooms and met many young girls clothed in white, like her
+guide. They looked at her as if they recognized her and smiled
+graciously.
+
+At last Blondine arrived in a room in every respect resembling that of
+Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs. The remembrances which this
+recalled were so painful that she did not perceive the disappearance of
+her fair young guide.
+
+Blondine gazed sadly at the furniture of the room. She saw but one piece
+which had not adorned the apartment of Bonne-Biche in the Forest of
+Lilacs. This was a wardrobe in gold and ivory, exquisitely carved. It
+was closed. Blondine felt herself drawn towards it in an inexplicable
+manner. She was gazing at it intently, not having indeed the power to
+turn 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 been
+assured that you could give me news of my dear, kind friends,
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. You know, madam, without doubt by what
+heedless disobedience I gave them up to destruction and that I wept for
+them a long time, believing them to be dead but the Tortoise, who
+conducted me here, has given me reason to hope I may one day see them
+again. Tell me, madam, tell me if they yet live and if I may dare hope
+for the happiness of rejoining them?"
+
+"Blondine", replied the fairy Bienveillante, sadly, "you are now about
+to know the fate of your friends, but no matter what you see or hear, do
+not lose courage or hope."
+
+Saying these words, she seized the trembling Blondine and conducted her
+in front of the wardrobe which had already so forcibly attracted her
+attention.
+
+"Blondine, here is the key to this wardrobe. Open it, and be brave!"
+
+She handed Blondine a gold key. With a trembling hand the princess
+opened the wardrobe. What was her anguish when she saw the skins of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon fastened to the wardrobe with diamond nails!
+At this terrible sight the unfortunate princess uttered a cry of horror
+and fell insensible at the feet of the fairy. At this moment the door
+opened 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 last
+punishment was indispensable to deliver her for ever from the yoke of
+the cruel genius of the Forest of Lilacs."
+
+The fairy Bienveillante now with her wand touched Blondine, who was
+immediately restored to consciousness but despairing and sobbing
+convulsively, 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! my
+cherished friends! I will join you soon in the land of shadows!"
+
+"Blondine! ever dear Blondine!" said the fairy, clasping her in her
+arms, "your friends live and love you tenderly. I am Bonne-Biche and
+this is my son, Beau-Minon. The wicked genius of the Forest of Lilacs,
+taking advantage of the negligence of my son, obtained dominion over us
+and forced us into the forms under which you have known us. We could not
+resume our natural appearance unless you should pluck the Rose, which I,
+knowing it to be your evil genius, retained captive. I placed it as far
+as possible from the castle in order to withdraw it from your view. I
+knew the misfortune to which you would be exposed on delivering your
+evil genius from his prison and Heaven is my witness, that my son and I
+would willingly have remained a Hind and a Cat for ever in your eyes in
+order to spare you the cruel tortures to which you have been subjected.
+The Parrot gained you over, in spite of all our precautions. You know
+the rest, my dear child. But you can never know all that we have
+suffered in witnessing your tears and your desolation."
+
+Blondine embraced the Fairy ardently and addressed a thousand questions
+to 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 who
+accompanied you. They also were changed when the evil genius gained his
+power 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 this
+light 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 and
+your grief, deprived the Evil Genius of the Forest of all power over us
+on condition of obtaining from you one last proof of submission,
+compelling you to take this long and fatiguing journey and inflicting
+the terrible punishment of making you believe that my son and I had died
+from your imprudence. I implored, entreated the Queen of the Fairies to
+spare you at least this last anguish but she was inflexible."
+
+Blondine gazed at her lost friends, listened eagerly to every word and
+did not cease to embrace those she had feared were eternally separated
+from her by death. The remembrance of her dear father now presented
+itself. The prince Parfait understood her secret desire and made it
+known to his mother, the fairy Bienveillante.
+
+"Prepare yourself, dear Blondine, to see your father. Informed by me, he
+now 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 Parfait
+at her feet, regarding her kindly and tenderly. The chariot was drawn by
+four swans of dazzling whiteness. They flew with such rapidity, that
+five minutes brought them to the palace of King Benin. All the court was
+assembled about the king, all were expecting the princess Blondine.
+
+When the chariot appeared, the cries of joy and welcome were so
+tumultuous that the swans were confused and almost lost their way.
+Prince Parfait, who guided them, succeeded in arresting their attention
+and the chariot drew up at the foot of the grand stairway. King Benin
+sprang towards Blondine who, jumping lightly from the chariot, threw
+herself in her father's arms. They remained a long time in this position
+and everybody wept tears of joy.
+
+When King Benin had somewhat recovered himself he kissed, respectfully
+and tenderly, the hand of the good fairy who, after having protected and
+educated the princess Blondine had now restored her to him. He embraced
+the prince Parfait whom he found most charming.
+
+There were eight resplendent gala days in honor of the return of
+Blondine. At the close of this gay festival, the fairy Bienveillante
+announced her intention of returning home. But Prince Parfait and
+Blondine were so melancholy at the prospect of this separation that King
+Benin resolved they should never quit the place. He wedded the fairy and
+Blondine became the happy wife of Prince Parfait who was always for her
+the Beau-Minon of the Forest of Lilacs.
+
+Brunette, whose character had entirely changed, came often to see
+Blondine. Prince Violent, her husband, became more amiable as Brunette
+became more gentle and they were very happy.
+
+As to Blondine, she had no misfortunes, no griefs. She had lovely
+daughters, who resembled her, and good and handsome sons, the image of
+their manly father, Prince Parfait. Everybody loved them and every one
+connected 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 son
+Henry. She loved him tenderly and she had good reason to do so, for no
+one had ever seen a more charming child. Although he was but seven years
+old, he kept the house while his good mother labored diligently and then
+left home to sell her work and buy food for herself and her little
+Henry. He swept, he washed the floor, he cooked, he dug and cultivated
+the garden and when all this was done he seated himself to mend his
+clothes 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 very
+lonesome. In front of their dwelling there was a lofty mountain so high
+that no one had ever ascended to its summit, and besides it was
+surrounded by a rushing torrent, by high walls and insurmountable
+precipices.
+
+The mother and her little boy were happy but alas! one day the poor
+mother fell sick. They knew no doctor and besides they had no money to
+pay for one. Poor Henry did not know how to cure her. He brought her
+fresh cool water for he had nothing else to give her, he stayed by her
+night and day and ate his little morsel of dry bread at the foot of her
+bed. When she slept he looked at her sadly and wept. The sickness
+increased from day to day and at last the poor woman was almost in a
+dying condition. She could neither speak nor swallow and she no longer
+knew her little Henry, who was sobbing on his knees near her bed. In his
+despair, he cried out:
+
+"Fairy Bienfaisante, come to my help! Save my mother!"
+
+Henry had scarcely pronounced these words, when a window opened and a
+lady 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 his
+hands, "if you are the fairy Bienfaisante, save my poor mother who is
+about to die and leave me alone in the world."
+
+The good fairy looked at Henry most compassionately and then, without
+saying a word, she approached the poor woman, bent over her, examined
+her attentively, breathed upon her and said:
+
+"It is not in my power, my poor child, to cure your mother; her life
+depends upon you alone, if you have the courage to undertake the journey
+I will point out to you."
+
+"Speak, madam! I entreat you to speak! there is nothing I will not
+undertake 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 the
+mountain that you see from this window. When you have obtained this
+plant, press its juice into the mouth of your mother and she will be
+immediately restored to health."
+
+"I will start out immediately, madam. But who will take care of my poor
+mother 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, your
+mother will need nothing before your return; she will remain precisely
+in the condition in which you leave her. But you must dare many dangers
+and endure many things before you pluck the plant of life. Great courage
+and great perseverance are necessary on your part."
+
+"I fear nothing, madam, my courage and perseverance shall not fail. Tell
+me only how I shall know this plant amongst all the others which cover
+the top of the mountain."
+
+"When you reach the summit, call the doctor who has charge of this
+plant, inform him that I have sent you and he will give you a branch of
+the plant of life."
+
+Henry kissed the good fairy's hands and thanked her heartily, took a
+sorrowful leave of his mother, covering her with kisses, put some bread
+in his pocket and set out, after saluting the fairy respectfully.
+
+The fairy smiled encouragingly at this poor child who so bravely
+resolved to ascend a mountain so dangerous that none of those who had
+attempted it had ever reached the summit.
+
+
+
+
+THE CROW, THE COCK, AND THE FROG
+
+
+Little Henry marched resolutely to the mountain which he found much more
+distant than it had appeared to him. Instead of arriving in a half hour
+as he had expected, he walked rapidly the whole day without reaching its
+base.
+
+About one-third of the way he saw a Crow which was caught by the claw in
+a snare which some wicked boy had set for him. The poor Crow sought in
+vain to release himself from this trap which caused him cruel
+sufferings. Henry ran to him, cut the cord which bound him and set him
+at 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 his
+speed.
+
+Some time afterwards while he was resting in a grove and eating a morsel
+of bread, he saw a Cock followed by a fox and about to be taken by him
+in spite of his efforts to escape. The poor frightened Cock passed very
+near to Henry, who seized it adroitly, and hid it under his coat without
+the fox having seen him. The fox continued his pursuit, supposing that
+the Cock was before him. Henry did not move till he was entirely out of
+sight. 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 had
+advanced a considerable distance he saw a poor Frog about to be devoured
+by a serpent. The Frog trembled and, paralyzed by fear, could not move.
+The serpent advanced rapidly, its horrid mouth open. Henry seized a
+large stone and threw it so adroitly that it entered the serpent's
+throat the moment it was about to devour the Frog. The frightened Frog
+leaped 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 now
+astonished 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 was
+greatly 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 he
+paused 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 a
+boat."
+
+Henry followed the course of the river which flowed entirely around the
+mountain but everywhere it was equally wide and deep and he saw neither
+bridge nor boat. Poor Henry seated himself on the bank of the river,
+weeping bitterly.
+
+"Fairy Bienfaisante! Fairy Bienfaisante! come to my help," he
+exclaimed. "Of what use will it be to me to know that there is a plant
+at 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 on
+the borders of the river, and said to him:
+
+"The fairy Bienfaisante can do nothing for you. This mountain is beyond
+her control. But you have saved my life and I wish to prove my
+gratitude. Mount my back, Henry, and by the faith of a Cock I will take
+you safe to the other side."
+
+Henry did not hesitate. He sprang on the Cock's back, fully expecting to
+fall into the water but his clothes were not even moist. The Cock
+received him so adroitly on his back that he felt as secure as if he had
+been on horseback. He held on firmly to the crest of the Cock who now
+commenced the passage.
+
+The river was so wide that he was flying constantly twenty-one days
+before he reached the other shore; but during these twenty-one days
+Henry was not sleepy and felt neither hunger nor thirst.
+
+When they arrived, Henry thanked the Cock most politely, who graciously
+bristled his feathers and disappeared. A moment after this Henry turned
+and to his astonishment the river was no longer to be seen.
+
+"It was without doubt the genius of the mountain who wished to prevent
+my approach," said Henry. "But, with the help of the good fairy
+Bienfaisante, 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 he
+was no farther from the foot of the mountain and no nearer to the summit
+than he had been when he crossed the river. Any other child would have
+retraced his steps but the brave little Henry would not allow himself to
+be discouraged. Notwithstanding his extreme fatigue he walked on
+twenty-one days without seeming to make any advance. At the end of this
+time 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 on
+till I reach the summit."
+
+"You have then a great desire to arrive there, little boy?" said an old
+man, looking at him maliciously and standing just in his path. "What are
+you seeking at the top of this mountain?"
+
+"The plant of life, my good sir, to save the life of my dear mother who
+is about to die."
+
+The little old man shook his head, rested his little pointed chin on the
+top 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 of
+this mountain. I will allow you to advance on condition that you will
+gather all my wheat, that you will beat it out, make it into flour and
+then into bread. When you have gathered, beaten, ground and cooked it,
+then call me. You will find all the necessary implements in the ditch
+near you. The fields of wheat are before you and cover the mountain."
+
+The old man disappeared and Henry gazed in terror at the immense fields
+of wheat which were spread out before him. But he soon mastered this
+feeling of discouragement--took off his vest, seized a scythe and
+commenced cutting the wheat diligently. This occupied him a hundred and
+ninety-five days and nights.
+
+When the wheat was all cut, Henry commenced to beat it with a flail
+which he found at hand. This occupied him sixty days.
+
+When the grain was all beaten out he began to grind it in a mill which
+rose up suddenly near him. This occupied him seventy days.
+
+When the wheat was all ground he began to knead it and to cook it. He
+kneaded and cooked for a hundred and twenty days.
+
+As the bread was cooked he arranged it properly on shelves, like books
+in a library.
+
+When all was finished Henry was transported with joy and called the
+genius of the mountain who appeared immediately and counted four hundred
+and sixty-eight thousand three hundred and twenty-nine new loaves of
+bread. He bit and ate a little end off of two or three, drew near to
+Henry, 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 and
+said, maliciously:
+
+"When you return home, open this box and you will find in it the most
+delicious tobacco you have ever seen."
+
+Now Henry had never used tobacco and the present of the little genius
+seemed to him very useless but he was too polite to let this be seen and
+he 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 every
+step brought him nearer to the summit of the mountain. In three hours he
+had walked two-thirds of the way. But suddenly he found himself arrested
+by a very high wall which he had not perceived before. He walked around
+it, and found, after three days' diligent advance, that this wall
+surrounded the entire mountain and that there was no door, not the
+smallest opening by which he could enter.
+
+Henry seated himself on the ground, to reflect upon his situation. He
+resolved to wait patiently--he sat there forty-five days. At the end of
+this 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 crumbled
+away 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 seeking
+beyond my wall?"
+
+"I am seeking the plant of life, Master Giant, to cure my poor mother
+who is dying. If it is in your power and you will allow me to pass this
+wall, I will do anything for you that you may command."
+
+"Is it so? Well, listen! Your countenance pleases me. I am one of the
+genii of this mountain. I will allow you to pass this wall if you will
+fill my wine-cellar. Here are all my vines. Gather the grapes, crush
+them, put the juice in the casks and arrange them well in my
+wine-cellar. You will find all the implements necessary at the foot of
+this wall. When it is done, call me."
+
+The Giant disappeared, closing the wall behind him. Henry looked around
+him and as far as he could see, the vines of the Giant were growing
+luxuriously.
+
+"Well, well," said Henry to himself, "I cut all the wheat of the little
+old man--I can surely also gather the grapes of the big Giant. It will
+not take me so long and it will not be as difficult to make wine of
+these 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 his
+feet and began to cut the grapes and throw them into the vats. It took
+him thirty days to gather this crop. When all was finished, he
+crushed the grapes, poured the juice into the casks and ranged them in
+the cellar, which they completely filled. He was ninety days making the
+wine.
+
+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. It
+shall 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 this
+thistle."
+
+Henry did not think the Giant very generous but he received the thistle
+with an amiable smile.
+
+Then the Giant whistled so loudly that the mountain trembled and the
+wall and Giant disappeared entirely and Henry was enabled to continue
+his journey.
+
+
+
+
+THE CHASE
+
+
+Henry was within a half-hour's walk of the summit of the mountain when
+he reached a pit so wide that he could not possibly jump to the other
+side and so deep that it seemed bottomless. Henry did not lose courage,
+however. He followed the borders of the pit till he found himself where
+he started from and knew that this yawning pit surrounded the mountain.
+
+"Alas! what shall I do?" said poor Henry; "I scarcely overcome one
+obstacle when another more difficult seems to rise up before me. How
+shall I ever pass this pit?"
+
+The poor child felt for the first time that his eyes were filled with
+tears. He looked around for some means of passing over but saw no
+possible chance and seated himself sadly on the brink of the precipice.
+Suddenly he heard a terrible growl. He turned and saw within ten steps
+of him an enormous Wolf gazing at him with flaming eyes.
+
+"What are you seeking in my kingdom?" said the Wolf, in a threatening
+voice.
+
+"Master Wolf, I am seeking the plant of life which alone can save my
+dear mother who is about to die. If you will assist me to cross this
+pit, I will be your devoted servant and will obey any command you may
+give 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 the
+faith of the genius of the mountain, I will pass you over to the other
+side. You will find near this tree all the instruments necessary to
+catch 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 the
+ground, and began to shoot at the partridges, woodcocks, pheasants and
+game of all kinds which abounded there. But, alas! he did not understand
+it and killed nothing.
+
+During eight days he was shooting right and left in vain and was at last
+wearied and despairing, when he saw near him the Crow whose life he had
+saved in the commencement of his journey.
+
+"You rescued me from mortal danger," said the Crow, "and I told you I
+should see you again. I have come to redeem my promise. If you do not
+fulfil your promise to the Wolf, he will change you into some terrible
+wild beast. Follow me. I am going a-hunting and you have only to gather
+the game and cook it."
+
+Saying these words, the Crow flew above the trees of the forest and with
+his beak and his claws killed all the game to be found. In fact, during
+one hundred and fifty days he caught one million eight hundred and sixty
+thousand seven hundred and twenty-six animals and birds, squirrels,
+moor-cocks, pheasants, and quails. As the Crow killed them, Henry
+plucked the feathers, skinned them, cut them up and cooked them in
+roasts or pies. When all was cooked he arranged them neatly and then the
+Crow said to him:
+
+"Adieu, Henry. There remains one obstacle yet to overcome but in that
+difficulty I cannot aid you. But do not be discouraged. The good fairies
+protect filial love."
+
+Before Henry had time to thank the Crow, he had disappeared. He then
+called the Wolf and said to him:
+
+"Master Wolf, here is all the game of your forest. I have prepared it as
+you 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 shall
+not be said that you have worked for the Wolf of the mountain without
+receiving your reward."
+
+Saying these words, he gave Henry a staff which he cut in the forest and
+said to him:
+
+[Illustration: _Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back_]
+
+"When you have gathered the plant of life and wish yourself transported
+to 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 but
+he wished to be polite, and receiving it smilingly, he thanked the Wolf
+cordially.
+
+"Get on my back, Henry," said the Wolf.
+
+Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back and he made a bound so prodigious
+that 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 the
+garden in which the plant of life was growing and his heart bounded for
+joy. He looked always upward as he walked, and went on as rapidly as his
+strength would permit, when suddenly he fell into a hole. He sprang
+backwards, 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 to
+me," said Henry to himself. "Since I have overcome all my other
+difficulties with the help of the good fairy Bienfaisante, she will
+assist 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 patiently
+till it shall please her to assist me this time."
+
+On saying these words, Henry began to walk along the ditch, hoping to
+find the end. He walked on steadily two days and found himself at the
+end of that time just where he had started. Henry would not give way to
+distress, he would not be discouraged; he seated himself on the borders
+of the ditch and said:
+
+"I will not move from this spot till the genius of the mountain allows
+me to pass this ditch."
+
+Henry had just uttered these words when an enormous Cat appeared before
+him and began to mew so horribly that he was almost deafened by the
+sound. The Cat said to him:
+
+"What are you doing here? Do you not know that I could tear you to
+pieces with one stroke of my claws?"
+
+"I do not doubt your power, Mr. Cat, but you will not do so when you
+know that I am seeking the plant of life to save my poor mother who is
+dying. If you will permit me to pass your ditch, I will do anything in
+my power to please you."
+
+"Will you?" said the Cat. "Well, then, listen; your countenance pleases
+me. If, therefore, you will catch all the fish in this ditch and salt
+and cook them, I will pass you over to the other side, on the faith of a
+Cat!"
+
+Henry advanced some steps and saw lines, fish-hooks, bait, and nets on
+the ground. He took a net, and hoped that by one vigorous haul he would
+take many fish and that he would succeed much better than with a line
+and 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 net
+again and drew it very softly: still nothing!
+
+Henry was patient. For ten days he tried faithfully without having
+caught a single fish. Then he gave up the net and tried the hook and
+line. 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 the
+ditch. He tried diligently fifteen days and caught not a single fish. He
+knew not now what to do. He thought of the good fairy Bienfaisante, who
+had abandoned him at the end of his undertaking. He seated himself sadly
+and gazed intently at the ditch when suddenly the water began to boil
+and he saw the head of a Frog appear.
+
+"Henry," said the Frog, "you saved my life--I wish now to save yours in
+return. If you do not execute the orders of the Cat of the mountain he
+will eat you for his breakfast. You cannot catch the fish because the
+water is so deep and they take refuge at the bottom. But allow me to act
+for you. Light your fire for cooking and prepare your vessels for
+salting. I will bring you the fish."
+
+Saying these words, the Frog plunged back into the water. Henry saw that
+the waves were agitated and boiling up, as if a grand contest was going
+on at the bottom of the ditch. In a moment, however, the Frog
+reappeared, sprang ashore and deposited a superb salmon which he had
+caught. Henry had scarcely time to seize the salmon when the Frog leaped
+ashore with a carp. During sixty days the Frog continued his labors.
+Henry cooked the large fish and threw the little ones into the casks to
+be salted. Finally, at the end of two months, the Frog leaped towards
+Henry and said:
+
+"There is not now a single fish in the ditch. You can call the Cat of
+the mountain."
+
+Henry thanked the Frog heartily, who extended his wet foot towards him,
+in sign of friendship. Henry pressed it affectionately and gratefully
+and the Frog disappeared.
+
+It took Henry fifteen days to arrange properly all the large fish he had
+cooked and all the casks of small fish he had salted. He then called the
+Cat, who appeared immediately.
+
+"Mr. Cat," said Henry, "here are all your fish cooked and salted. Will
+you 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 cooked
+fish, licked his lips, smiled and said to Henry:
+
+"You are a brave boy! I will recompense your fortitude and patience. It
+shall never be said that the Cat of the mountain does not pay his
+servants."
+
+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 forehead
+with this claw. Sickness, suffering and old age will disappear. This
+miraculous claw will have the same virtue for all that you love and all
+who love you."
+
+Henry thanked the Cat most warmly, took the precious claw and wished to
+try its powers immediately, as he felt painfully weary. The claw had
+scarcely touched his brow when he felt as fresh and vigorous as if he
+had 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 the
+tail lengthen itself till it reached across the ditch.
+
+
+
+
+THE PLANT OF LIFE
+
+
+When he had saluted the Cat respectfully, Henry ran towards the garden
+of the plant of life, which was only a hundred steps from him. He
+trembled lest some new obstacle should retard him but he reached the
+garden lattice without any difficulty. He sought the gate and found it
+readily, as the garden was not large. But, alas! the garden was filled
+with innumerable plants utterly unknown to him and it was impossible to
+know how to distinguish the plant of life. Happily he remembered that
+the good fairy Bienfaisante had told him that when he reached the summit
+of the mountain he must call the Doctor who cultivated the garden of the
+fairies. He called him then with a loud voice. In a moment he heard a
+noise among the plants near him and saw issue from them a little man, no
+taller than a hearth brush. He had a book under his arm, spectacles on
+his 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 it
+possible that you have gained this summit?"
+
+"Doctor, I come from the fairy Bienfaisante, to ask the plant of life to
+cure my poor sick mother, who is about to die."
+
+"All those who come from the fairy Bienfaisante," said the little
+Doctor, raising his hat respectfully, "are most welcome. Come, my boy, I
+will give you the plant you seek."
+
+The Doctor then buried himself in the botanical garden where Henry had
+some trouble in following him, as he was so small as to disappear
+entirely among the plants. At last they arrived near a bush growing by
+itself. The Doctor drew a little pruning-knife from his pocket, cut a
+bunch and gave it to Henry, saying:
+
+"Take this and use it as the good fairy Bienfaisante directed but do not
+allow it to leave your hands. If you lay it down under any circumstances
+it will escape from you and you will never recover it."
+
+Henry was about to thank him but the little man had disappeared in the
+midst of his medicinal herbs, and he found himself alone.
+
+"What shall I do now in order to arrive quickly at home? If I encounter
+on 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 my
+dear 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 to
+carry me home."
+
+Saying this, he mounted the stick and wished himself at home. In the
+same moment he felt himself raised in the air, through which he passed
+with the rapidity of lightning and found himself almost instantly by his
+mother's bed.
+
+Henry sprang to his mother and embraced her tenderly. But she neither
+saw nor heard him. He lost no time, but pressed the plant of life upon
+her lips. At the same moment she opened her eyes, threw her arms around
+Henry's neck and exclaimed:
+
+"My child! my dear Henry! I have been very sick but now I feel almost
+well. I am hungry."
+
+Then, looking at him in amazement, she said: "How you have grown, my
+darling! 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 six
+days had passed away since he left his home. He was now nearly ten years
+old. Before he had time to answer, the window opened and the good fairy
+Bienfaisante appeared. She embraced Henry and, approaching the couch of
+his mother, related to her all that little Henry had done and suffered,
+the dangers he had dared, the fatigues he endured; the courage, the
+patience, the goodness he had manifested. Henry blushed on hearing
+himself thus praised by the fairy. His mother pressed him to her heart,
+and covered him with kisses. After the first moments of happiness and
+emotion had passed away, the fairy said:
+
+"Now, Henry, you can make use of the present of the little Old Man and
+the Giant of the mountain."
+
+Henry drew out his little box and opened it. Immediately there issued
+from it a crowd of little workmen, not larger than bees, who filled the
+room. They began to work with such promptitude that in a quarter of an
+hour they had built and furnished a beautiful house in the midst of a
+lovely garden with a thick wood on one side and a beautiful meadow on
+the other.
+
+"All this is yours, my brave Henry," said the fairy. "The Giant's
+thistle will obtain for you all that is necessary. The Wolf's staff will
+transport you where you wish. The Cat's claw will preserve your health
+and your youth and also that of your dear mother. Adieu, Henry! Be happy
+and never forget that virtue and filial love are always recompensed."
+
+Henry threw himself on his knees before the fairy who gave him her hand
+to kiss, smiled upon him and disappeared.
+
+Henry's mother had a great desire to arise from her bed and admire her
+new house, her garden, her woods and her meadow. But, alas! she had no
+dress. During her first illness she had made Henry sell all that she
+possessed, as they were suffering for bread.
+
+"Alas! alas! my child, I cannot leave my bed. I have neither dresses nor
+shoes."
+
+"You shall have all those things, dear mother," exclaimed Henry.
+
+Drawing his thistle from his pocket, he smelled it while he wished for
+dresses, linen, shoes for his mother and himself and also for linen for
+the house. At the same moment the presses were filled with linen, his
+mother was dressed in a good and beautiful robe of merino and Henry
+completely clothed in blue cloth, with good, substantial shoes. They
+both uttered a cry of joy. His mother sprang from her bed to run through
+the house with Henry. Nothing was wanting. Everywhere the furniture was
+good and comfortable. The kitchen was filled with pots and kettles; but
+there was nothing in them.
+
+Henry again put his thistle to his nose and desired to have a good
+dinner served up.
+
+A table soon appeared, with good smoking soup, a splendid leg of lamb, a
+roasted pullet and good salad. They took seats at the table with the
+appetite of those who had not eaten for three years. The soup was soon
+swallowed, the leg of lamb entirely eaten, then the pullet, then the
+salad.
+
+When their hunger was thus appeased, the mother, aided by Henry, took
+off the cloth, washed and arranged all the dishes and then put the
+kitchen in perfect order. They then made up their beds with the sheets
+they found in the presses and went happily to bed, thanking God and the
+good fairy Bienfaisante. The mother also gave grateful thanks for her
+dear son Henry.
+
+They lived thus most happily, they wanted nothing--the thistle provided
+everything. 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 desire
+to leave it.
+
+Henry asked of his thistle only two cows, two good horses and the
+necessaries of life for every day. He wished for nothing superfluous,
+either in clothing or food and thus he preserved his thistle as long as
+he lived. It is not known when they died. It is supposed that the Queen
+of 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 eldest
+were twins--Orangine and Roussette--and their parents loved them very
+dearly. They were beautiful and intelligent, but they were not very
+good. In this they resembled the king and queen. The third princess was
+called Rosette and was three years younger than her sisters. She was as
+amiable as she was handsome, as good as she was beautiful.
+
+The fairy Puissante was Rosette's godmother and this made her two
+sisters, Orangine and Roussette, very jealous. They were angry because
+they also had not a fairy for their godmother.
+
+Some days after the birth of Rosette, the king and queen sent her to the
+country, on a farm, to be nursed. Rosette lived happily here for fifteen
+years without her parents coming once to see her. Every year they sent a
+small sum of money to the farmer to pay Rosette's expenses and asked
+some questions as to her health, but they never came to see her nor
+disturbed themselves about her education.
+
+Rosette would indeed have been very rude and ignorant if her good
+godmother, the fairy Puissante, had not sent her teachers and all that
+was necessary. In this way Rosette learned to read, to write, to keep
+accounts 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 amiable
+and the most excellent princess in the whole world. She had never
+disobeyed her nurse or godmother, and had therefore never been reproved.
+She did not regret her father and mother, as she did not know them and
+she did not desire any other home than the farm where she had been so
+happy.
+
+One day when Rosette was seated on a bench before the door, she saw a
+man arrive in a laced hat and coat; he approached her and asked if he
+could speak to the princess Rosette.
+
+"Yes, without doubt," answered the princess; "I am the princess
+Rosette."
+
+[Illustration: _She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat_]
+
+"Then, princess," said the man, respectfully taking off his hat, "be
+graciously pleased to receive this letter, which the king your father
+has 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 become
+acquainted with my father, mother and my sisters and then I will return
+to you."
+
+"But," said the nurse, shaking her head, "what dress will you wear, my
+poor child?"
+
+"My beautiful robe of white percale which I always wear on holidays, my
+dear nurse."
+
+"My poor little one, that robe is indeed very suitable for the country
+but would appear miserably poor at a party of kings and princes."
+
+"Of what consequence is all this, nurse? My father himself has said that
+no 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, whiten
+and smooth Rosette's white robe.
+
+The day before the king was to send for her, the nurse called her and
+said:
+
+"My dear child, here is your dress for the king's festival; be very
+careful with it as I shall not be there to whiten and smooth it for
+you."
+
+"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 of
+flowers for Rosette to wear in her hair. Just as she was about to close
+the trunk, the window opened violently and the fairy Puissante entered.
+
+"You are going, then, to your father's court, my dear Rosette?" said the
+fairy.
+
+"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 still
+open.
+
+The fairy smiled, drew a small bottle from her pocket and said: "I
+intend that my dear Rosette shall make a sensation by her dress. This is
+unworthy of her."
+
+The fairy opened the bottle, and threw some drops of the liquid it
+contained upon the robe, which became a coarse India rubber cloth; then
+a drop upon the cotton stockings, which changed into blue yarn; a third
+drop upon the bouquet, which became a hen's egg; a fourth upon the
+shoes, and they immediately changed into coarse felt.
+
+"In this manner," said she, with a gracious air, "do I wish my Rosette
+to appear. You must attire yourself in all this and, to complete your
+toilette, here is a necklace of nuts, a band for your hair of burrs, and
+bracelets of dried beans." She kissed Rosette who was completely
+stupefied. The fairy then disappeared and the nurse burst into tears.
+
+"Alas! it was not worth my while to give myself all the trouble of
+preparing this poor robe. Oh, my poor Rosette! Do not go to this
+festival. Pretend you are ill, my child."
+
+"No," said Rosette; "that would be to displease my godmother. I am sure
+that she does what is best for me. She is much wiser than I am. I will
+go and I will wear all that my godmother has brought me." And the good
+and obedient Rosette thought no more of her dress. She went to bed and
+slept tranquilly.
+
+She had scarce arranged her hair and dressed herself in the morning when
+the chariot of the fairy came for her. She embraced her nurse, took her
+little 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 ten
+leagues from the farm. When Rosette arrived, she was surprised to see
+that she had to descend in a little, dirty court-yard, where a page
+attended 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 will
+see her. In the mean time you can dress."
+
+Rosette followed the page, who led her through a long corridor, at the
+end of which was a narrow staircase. She ascended, slowly, after a long,
+long time arriving at another corridor where she entered the chamber
+destined for her. The queen had lodged Rosette in one of the servants'
+rooms. The little page placed Rosette's modest trunk in a corner and
+said, with an air of embarrassment,
+
+"Pardon me, princess, for having led you into this chamber, so unworthy
+of you. The queen has disposed of all the other apartments for her
+guests, the kings, queens, princes and princesses. There was no other
+room vacant and----"
+
+"Well, well," said Rosette, smiling, "I shall not blame you. Besides, I
+shall be very comfortable."
+
+"I will come for you, princess, to lead you to the king and queen at the
+proper hour."
+
+"I will be ready," said Rosette, "adieu, pretty page."
+
+Rosette now unpacked her trunk. Her heart was beating and swelling
+tumultuously. Sighing heavily, she drew out her robe of coarse cloth and
+the other articles of her toilette. Rosette was very adroit. She
+arranged her exquisite blonde hair most beautifully, with a pullet's
+feather and a band made of burrs. Her head-dress was indeed so charming
+that it made her a hundred times more lovely. When she had put on her
+shoes and stockings and her robe, what was her amazement to see that it
+was made of gold brocade, embroidered with rubies of marvellous beauty;
+her coarse heavy shoes were now white satin, adorned with buckles of one
+single ruby of wonderful splendour; her stockings were of silk and as
+fine as a spider's web; her necklace was of rubies surrounded with
+large diamonds; her bracelets of diamonds, the most splendid that had
+ever been seen.
+
+Rosette now ran to the glass and saw that the pullet's wing had become a
+magnificent locket and that the pendant was a carbuncle of such beauty
+and brilliancy that a fairy alone could possess it.
+
+Rosette, happy, delighted, exultant, danced around the little room and
+thanked her good godmother aloud for having tested her obedience and
+thus magnificently rewarded it.
+
+The page now knocked at the door, entered and started back, dazzled by
+the beauty of Rosette and the magnificence of her toilette. Rosette
+followed him. They descended the stairs, passed through many apartments
+and at last entered a suite of superb salons, filled with kings, queens
+and nobles. Every one who saw Rosette paused and turned to admire her.
+The modest princess, however, was ashamed to be thus gazed at and did
+not 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 who
+regarded her with a comic surprise.
+
+"Madam," said the king at last to her, "be graciously pleased to tell me
+your name. You are no doubt some great queen or still greater fairy
+whose unexpected presence is an honor and a happiness for us."
+
+"Sire," said Rosette, falling gracefully upon her knees, "I am neither
+a great queen nor a powerful fairy but your daughter Rosette, for whom
+you were kind enough to send."
+
+"Rosette!" exclaimed the queen; "Rosette clothed more magnificently than
+I have ever been! Who, then, miss, has given you all these beautiful
+things?"
+
+"My godmother, madam. Graciously permit me, madam, to kiss your hand and
+present 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 they
+drew back with terror, fearing that while embracing them Rosette would
+displace the red and white with which they were painted. Orangine
+covered herself with white to conceal her yellow skin and Roussette to
+hide her ugly freckles.
+
+Rosette was repulsed by her sisters but was soon surrounded by the
+ladies of the court and all the invited princes. As she conversed with
+ready grace and goodness and spoke several languages she charmed all
+those who approached her. Orangine and Roussette were frightfully
+jealous. The king and queen were furious for Rosette absorbed all
+attention; no one paid any attention to the sisters.
+
+At table the young prince Charmant, who was monarch of the most
+magnificent and beautiful of all the kingdoms of the earth and whom
+Orangine hoped to wed, placed himself by the side of Rosette and was
+completely absorbed in her during the repast.
+
+After dinner, Orangine and Roussette, in order to draw some attention
+towards themselves, sang a duet. They sang indeed admirably and
+accompanied themselves on the harp. Rosette who was truly good and
+wished her sister to love her, applauded them rapturously and
+complimented them on their talent.
+
+Orangine, in place of being touched by this generous sentiment and
+hoping to play her sister a malicious trick, now insisted upon her
+singing. Rosette for some time modestly refused. Her sisters, who
+supposed that she did not know how to sing, were insistent. The queen
+herself, desiring to humiliate poor Rosette, joined her entreaties to
+those of Orangine and Roussette and in fact commanded the young princess
+to sing.
+
+Rosette curtsied to the queen. "I obey, madam," said she.
+
+She took the harp and the enchanting grace of her position astonished
+her sisters. They would have been glad indeed to interrupt her when she
+commenced her prelude for they saw at a glance that her talent was much
+superior to theirs. But when, in a beautiful and melodious voice, she
+sang a romance, composed by herself on the happiness of being good and
+beloved there was an outbreak of admiration, the enthusiasm became
+general and her sisters almost fainted with jealousy and envy.
+
+Charmant was transported with admiration. He approached Rosette, his
+eyes 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, excused
+herself, saying she was fatigued. Prince Charmant, who had clear
+intellect and penetration, divined the true motive of her refusal and
+admired Rosette still more for her delicacy. The queen, irritated by the
+success of Rosette, terminated the party at an early hour and retired.
+
+Rosette returned to her little room and undressed herself. She removed
+her robe and her ornaments and put them in a superb case of ebony which
+she found in her room. Much to her surprise, she found in her little
+trunk the robe of coarse cloth, the pullet feather, the necklace of
+nuts, the burrs, the dry beans, the coarse shoes of felt and the blue
+yarn stockings. She would not allow herself, however, to be disquieted,
+certain that her good godmother would come to her assistance at the
+proper time. Rosette was indeed saddened by the coldness of her parents
+and the jealousy of her sisters; but, as she scarcely knew them, this
+painful impression was effaced by the remembrance of the Prince
+Charmant, who appeared so good and who had been so flattering in his
+attention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully and awoke late in the
+morning.
+
+
+
+
+FAMILY COUNCIL
+
+
+While Rosette was only occupied with smiling and pleasant thoughts, the
+king, the queen and the princesses Orangine and Roussette were choking
+with rage. They had all assembled in the queen's apartment.
+
+"This is too horrible," said the princesses. "Why did you send for this
+Rosette, who has such dazzling jewels and makes herself admired and
+sought after by all these foolish kings and princes? Was it to humiliate
+us, 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 by
+the order of the fairy Puissante I was compelled to write for her to
+come. Besides, I did not know that she was so beautiful and that----"
+
+"So beautiful!" interrupted the princesses. "Where do you find her so
+beautiful? She is indeed ugly and coarse. It is her magnificent attire
+alone which makes her admired. Why have you not given to us your most
+superb jewels and your richest robes? We have the air of young slovens
+by the side of this proud princess."
+
+"And where could I possibly have found jewels as magnificent as hers? I
+have none which would compare with them. It is her godmother, the fairy
+Puissante, who has lent her these jewels."
+
+"Why, then, did you summon a fairy to be the godmother of Rosette, when
+you gave to us only queens for our godmothers?"
+
+"It was not your father who called her," cried the queen. "The fairy
+Puissante herself, without being called, appeared to us and signified
+that 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 means
+of getting rid of Rosette and preventing Prince Charmant from seeing her
+again."
+
+"Nothing more easy than that," said the queen. "I will have her
+despoiled to-morrow of her rare jewels and her beautiful robes. I will
+order my servants to seize her and carry her back to the farm which she
+shall never leave again."
+
+The queen had scarcely uttered these words, when the fairy Puissante
+appeared with an angry and threatening air. "If you dare to touch
+Rosette," said she, with a thundering voice, "if you do not keep her at
+the palace, if she is not present at all the parties, you shall feel
+the terrible effects of my anger. You unworthy king and you heartless
+queen, you shall be changed into toads and you, odious daughters and
+sisters, shall become vipers. Dare now to touch Rosette!"
+
+Saying these words, she disappeared.
+
+The king, the queen and princesses were horribly frightened and
+separated without saying a single word but their hearts were filled with
+rage. The princesses slept but little and were yet more furious in the
+morning when they saw their eyes heavy and their features convulsed by
+evil 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 as
+unhappy and as despairing as the princesses and indeed they saw no
+remedy for their grief and disappointment.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL
+
+
+In the morning a coarse servant brought Rosette bread and milk and
+offered her services to dress her. Rosette, who did not wish this rude
+domestic to see the change in her dress, thanked her smilingly and
+replied that she was in the habit of arranging her hair and dressing
+herself. Rosette then began her toilette. When she had washed and combed
+her hair she wished to arrange it with the superb carbuncle she had worn
+the day before but she saw with surprise that the ebony case had
+disappeared and in its place was a small wooden trunk, upon which there
+lay 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 would
+come to her help at the proper time. She arranged her pullet wing in a
+different manner from that of the day before, put on her dress, her
+necklace, her shoes, her bracelets and then stood before the glass.
+
+When she saw her own reflection in the mirror she was amazed. She was
+attired in the richest and most splendid riding-suit of sky-blue velvet
+and pearl buttons as large as walnuts; her stockings were bordered with
+a wreath of pearls; her head-dress was a cap of sky-blue velvet with a
+long plume of dazzling whiteness, which floated down to her waist and
+was attached by a single pearl of unparalleled beauty and splendor. The
+boots were also of blue velvet embroidered in gold and pearls. Her
+bracelets and necklace also were of pearls, so large and so pure that a
+single one would have paid for the king's palace.
+
+At the moment when Rosette was about to leave her chamber to follow the
+page, a sweet voice whispered in her ear, "Rosette, do not mount any
+other horse than the one the prince Charmant will present you."
+
+She turned and saw no one; but she felt convinced that this counsel came
+from her good godmother.
+
+"Thanks, dear godmother," she said, in low tones. She felt a sweet kiss
+upon 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, allured
+all eyes and captivated all hearts.
+
+The prince Charmant, who was evidently expecting her, advanced to meet
+her, offered his arm and led her to the king and queen who received her
+with more coldness than the day before. Orangine and Roussette were
+bursting 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 this
+reception but the prince Charmant, seeing her distress, approached and
+asked permission to be her companion during the chase in the forest.
+
+"It will be a great pleasure to me," replied Rosette, who did not know
+how to dissimulate.
+
+"It seems to me," said he, "that I am your brother, so great is the
+affection which I feel for you, charming princess. Permit me to remain
+by 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 so
+worthy of the name he bears."
+
+Prince Charmant was enchanted by this gracious reply and,
+notwithstanding the malice of Orangine and Roussette, who tried in every
+possible way to attract him to themselves, he did not leave Rosette's
+side for a moment.
+
+After breakfast they descended to the court for a ride on horseback. A
+page advanced to Rosette, leading a splendid black horse, which could
+scarcely be held by the grooms, it was so wild and vicious.
+
+"You must not ride this horse, princess," said Prince Charmant, "it will
+certainly 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 no
+other horse than this," said the page. At this the prince exclaimed:
+
+"Dear princess, wait but for a moment; I myself will bring you a horse
+worthy 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 magnificent
+horse, white as snow. The saddle was of blue velvet, embroidered in
+pearls and the bridle was of gold and pearls. When Rosette wished to
+mount, the horse knelt down and rose quietly when she had placed herself
+in the saddle.
+
+Prince Charmant sprang lightly upon his beautiful steed Alezan and
+placed himself by the side of the princess Rosette. The king, the queen
+and the princesses, who had seen all this, were pale with rage but they
+dared say nothing for fear of the fairy Puissante.
+
+The king gave the signal to depart. Every lady had her attendant
+gentleman. Orangine and Roussette were obliged to content themselves
+with two insignificant princes who were neither so young nor so handsome
+as Prince Charmant. Orangine and Roussette were so sulky that even these
+princes declared they would never wed princesses so uninteresting.
+
+In place of following the chase, Prince Charmant and Rosette wandered in
+the beautiful shady walks of the forest, talking merrily and giving
+accounts of their past lives.
+
+"But," said Charmant, "if the king your father has not allowed you to
+reside in his palace, how is it that he has given you such beautiful
+jewels, worthy of a fairy?"
+
+"It is to my good godmother that I owe them," replied Rosette. And then
+she told Prince Charmant how she had been educated on a farm and that
+she was indebted to the fairy Puissante for everything that she knew and
+everything she valued. The fairy had watched over her education and
+granted her every wish of her heart.
+
+Charmant listened with a lively interest and a tender compassion. And
+now, in his turn, he told Rosette that he had been left an orphan at the
+age of seven years; that the fairy Puissante had presided over his
+education; that she had also sent him to the festivals given by the
+king, telling him he would find there the perfect woman he was seeking.
+
+"In short, I believe, dear Rosette, that I have found in you the
+charming and perfect creature of whom the fairy spoke. Deign, princess,
+to connect your life with mine and authorize me to demand your hand of
+your parents."
+
+"Before answering, dear prince, I must obtain permission of my godmother
+but you may be sure that I shall be very happy to pass my life with
+you."
+
+The morning thus passed away most agreeably for Rosette and Charmant and
+they returned to the palace to dress for dinner.
+
+Rosette entered her ugly garret and saw before her a magnificent box of
+rosewood, wide open. She undressed and as she removed her articles of
+clothing they arranged themselves in the box, which then closed firmly.
+She arranged her hair and dressed herself with her usual neatness and
+then 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 looked
+as if woven of the wings of butterflies. It was studded with diamonds as
+brilliant as stars. The hem of this robe, the corsage and the waist were
+trimmed with diamond fringe which sparkled like suns. Her hair was
+partly covered with a net of diamonds from which a tassel of immense
+diamonds fell to her shoulders. Every diamond was as large as a pear and
+was worth a kingdom. Her necklace and bracelets were so immense and so
+brilliant that you could not look at them fixedly without being
+blinded.
+
+The young princess thanked her godmother most tenderly and felt again
+upon her fair cheek the sweet kiss of the morning. She followed the page
+and entered the royal salon. Prince Charmant was awaiting her at the
+door, offered her his arm and conducted her to the apartment of the king
+and queen. Rosette advanced to salute them.
+
+Charmant saw with indignation the glances of rage and revenge which the
+king, queen and princesses cast upon poor Rosette. He remained by her
+side as he had done in the morning and was witness to the admiration
+which she inspired and the malice and envy of her sisters.
+
+Rosette was indeed sad to find herself the object of hatred to her
+father, mother and sisters. Charmant perceived her melancholy and asked
+the cause. She explained it to him frankly.
+
+"When, oh! when, my dear Rosette, will you permit me to ask your hand of
+your father? In my kingdom every one will love you and I more than all
+the rest."
+
+"To-morrow, dear prince, I will send you the reply of my godmother whom
+I shall question on the subject this evening."
+
+They were now summoned to dinner. Charmant placed himself at Rosette's
+side and they conversed in a most agreeable manner.
+
+After dinner the king gave orders for the ball to commence. Orangine and
+Roussette, who had taken lessons for ten years, danced well but without
+any peculiar grace. They believed that Rosette had never had any
+opportunity to dance and with a mocking, malicious air, they now
+announced to her that it was her turn.
+
+The modest Rosette hesitated and drew back because it was repugnant to
+her to show herself in public and attract the general regard. But the
+more she declined, the more her envious sisters insisted, hoping that
+she would at last suffer a real humiliation.
+
+The queen now interfered and sternly commanded Rosette to dance. Rosette
+rose at once to obey the queen. Charmant, seeing her embarrassment, said
+to 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. I
+accept you for my partner and hope that you will not have occasion to
+blush for your generosity."
+
+And now Rosette and Charmant commenced. A more animated, graceful and
+light dance was never seen. All present gazed at them with ever
+increasing admiration. Rosette was so superior in dancing to Orangine
+and Roussette, that they could scarcely suppress their rage. They wished
+to throw themselves upon the young princess, choke her and tear her
+diamonds from her. The king and queen, who had been watching them and
+divined their intention, stopped them, and whispered in their ears:
+
+"Remember the threats and power of the fairy Puissante! To-morrow shall
+be the last day."
+
+When the dance was concluded, the most rapturous applause resounded
+throughout the hall and every one entreated Charmant and Rosette to
+repeat the dance. As they felt no fatigue they did not wish to seem
+disobliging and executed a new dance, more graceful and attractive than
+the first.
+
+Orangine and Roussette could no longer control themselves. They were
+suffocating with rage, fainted and were carried from the room. They had
+become so marked by the passions of envy and rage that they had lost
+every vestige of beauty and no one had any sympathy for them, as all had
+seen their jealousy and wickedness.
+
+The applause and enthusiasm for Rosette and Charmant were so
+overpowering that they sought refuge in the garden. They walked side by
+side during the rest of the evening, and talked merrily and happily over
+their plans for the future, if the fairy Puissante would permit them to
+unite the smooth current of their lives. The diamonds of Rosette
+sparkled with such brilliancy that the alleys where they walked and the
+little groves where they seated themselves, seemed illuminated by a
+thousand stars. At last it was necessary to separate.
+
+[Illustration: _They walked side by side during the rest of the
+evening_]
+
+"To-morrow!" said Rosette, "to-morrow I hope to say, _yours eternally_."
+
+Rosette entered her little room. As she undressed, her clothing arranged
+itself as the day before in the case. This new case was of carved ivory
+and studded with turquoise nails. When Rosette had lain down peacefully
+upon 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 to
+Prince Charmant. Dictate my response, dear godmother. I will obey your
+command, no matter how painful it may be."
+
+"Say yes, my dear Rosette, to Prince Charmant," replied the soft voice
+of the fairy. "I myself arranged this marriage. It was to make you
+acquainted with Prince Charmant that I forced your father to invite you
+to this festival."
+
+Rosette thanked the kind fairy and slept the sleep of innocence, after
+having 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, and
+Orangine and Roussette, purple with rage, were quarrelling and disputing
+amongst themselves. Each was accusing the other of having brought about
+the triumph of Rosette and their own humiliating defeat. One last hope
+remained for them. In the morning there was to be a chariot race. Each
+chariot was to be drawn by two horses and driven by a lady. It was
+resolved 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 the
+queen, "as he had this morning in the case of the riding-horse. It is
+easy to find a horse for the saddle but it will be impossible for him to
+find a chariot ready for the course."
+
+The consoling thought that Rosette might be killed or grievously
+wounded and disfigured on the morrow brought peace to these four wicked
+beings. They retired and dreamed of the next best means of ridding
+themselves of Rosette if the chariot race failed. Orangine and Roussette
+slept but little so that in the morning they were still uglier and more
+unprepossessing than they had appeared the day before.
+
+Rosette, who had a tranquil conscience and contented heart, slept all
+night calmly. She had been much fatigued and did not wake till a late
+hour. Indeed, on rising she found she had scarcely time to dress. The
+coarse kitchen girl brought her a cup of milk and a piece of bread. This
+was by order of the queen who directed that she should be treated like a
+servant.
+
+Rosette was not difficult to please. She ate the coarse bread and milk
+with appetite and began to dress. The case of carved ivory had
+disappeared. She put on as usual her robe of coarse cloth, her pullet's
+wing, and all the rude ornaments she had brought from the farm and then
+looked at herself in the glass.
+
+She was attired in a riding habit of straw-colored satin, embroidered in
+front and at the hem with sapphires and emeralds. Her hat was of white
+velvet, ornamented with plumes of a thousand colors, taken from the
+plumage of the rarest birds and attached by a sapphire larger than an
+egg. On her neck was a chain of sapphires, at the end of which was a
+watch, the face of which was opal, the back a carved sapphire and the
+glass diamond. This watch was always going, was never out of order and
+never required to be wound up.
+
+Rosette heard her page at the door and followed him. On entering the
+salon she perceived Prince Charmant, who was awaiting her with the most
+lively impatience. He sprang forward to receive her, offered his arm and
+said with eagerness:--
+
+"Well, dear princess, what did the fairy say to you? What answer do you
+give me?"
+
+"That which my heart dictated, sweet prince. I consecrate my life to you
+as you have dedicated yours to me."
+
+"Thanks! a thousand times thanks, dear and bewitching Rosette. When may
+I 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 this
+very day. I cannot bear to see you subjected to the tyranny of your
+family 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 danger
+and during eight days from the setting of the sun this evening I cannot
+watch over her."
+
+Charmant trembled and repeated the fairy's words to Rosette, who replied
+that it was a warning they must not neglect as it undoubtedly came from
+the fairy Puissante.
+
+The princess now advanced to salute the king, the queen and her sisters
+but they neither looked at her nor spoke to her. She was however
+immediately surrounded by a crowd of kings and princes, each one of whom
+had himself proposed to ask her hand in marriage that evening but no one
+had an opportunity to speak to her as Charmant never left her side a
+single moment.
+
+After the repast they went down to get into the chariots. The kings and
+princes 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 reins
+and lifted her to the ground.
+
+"You shall not enter this chariot, princess. Look at these wild
+ungovernable horses."
+
+Rosette now saw that it took four men to hold each of the horses and
+that they were prancing and jumping alarmingly.
+
+At this instant a pretty little jockey, attired in a straw-colored satin
+vest, 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 two
+magnificent steeds with harness of straw-colored velvet ornamented with
+sapphires, drew up before the princess.
+
+Charmant scarcely knew whether to allow Rosette to mount this unknown
+chariot for he still feared some cunning wickedness of the king and
+queen. But the voice of the fairy sounded in his ear:--
+
+"Allow Rosette to ascend the chariot; these horses are a present from
+me. Follow them wherever they may take Rosette. The day is advancing. I
+have but a few hours left in which I can be of service to Rosette and
+she must be safe in your kingdom before the day closes."
+
+Charmant assisted Rosette to ascend the chariot and sprang upon his
+horse. A few moments afterwards, two chariots driven by veiled women
+advanced in front of Rosette. One of them dashed her chariot with such
+violence against that of Rosette, that the little chariot of
+mother-of-pearl would inevitably have been crushed had it not been
+constructed by fairies. The heavy and massive chariot was dashed to
+pieces instead of Rosette's. The veiled woman was thrown upon the
+stones, where she remained immovable whilst Rosette, who had recognized
+Orangine, tried to stop her own horses. The other chariot now dashed
+against that of Rosette and was crushed like the first and the veiled
+woman was also dashed upon the stones, which seemed placed there to
+receive her.
+
+Rosette recognised Roussette and was about to descend from her chariot
+when Charmant interfered, and said: "Listen, Rosette!"
+
+A voice whispered, "Go, flee quickly! The king is pursuing you with a
+great company to kill you both. The sun will set in a few hours. I have
+barely 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 more
+dead than alive. The superb steeds set off with such marvellous speed
+that they made more than twenty leagues an hour. For a long time they
+knew that they were pursued by the king with a numerous troop of armed
+men but they could not overtake the horses of the fairy. The chariot
+still flew on with lightning haste; the horses increased their speed
+till at last they made a hundred leagues an hour. During six hours they
+kept up this rate and then drew up at the foot of the stairs of Prince
+Charmant.
+
+The whole palace was illuminated and all the courtiers were waiting at
+the entrance in their most magnificent costumes to welcome the princess
+and the prince.
+
+The prince and Rosette were amazed, not knowing how to understand this
+unexpected reception. Charmant had just assisted the princess to descend
+from the chariot, when they saw before them the fairy Puissante, who
+said:--
+
+"Most welcome to your kingdom. Prince Charmant, follow me; all is
+prepared for your marriage. Conduct Rosette to her room that she may
+change her dress, whilst I explain to you all the events of this day
+which seem so incomprehensible to you. I have one hour at my disposal."
+
+The fairy and Charmant now led Rosette to an apartment, ornamented with
+the most exquisite taste, where she found her maids waiting to attend
+upon her.
+
+"I will return to seek you in a short time, my dear Rosette," said the
+fairy; "my moments are counted."
+
+She departed with Charmant and said to him:--
+
+"The hatred of the king and queen against Rosette had become so intense
+that they had blindly resolved to defy my vengeance and to get rid of
+Rosette. Seeing that their cunning arrangements in the chariot race had
+not succeeded after I substituted my horses for those which would
+certainly have killed Rosette, they resolved to have recourse to
+violence. The king employed a band of brigands, who swore to him a blind
+obedience; they pursued your steps with vengeance in their hearts and as
+the king knew your love for Rosette and foresaw that you would defend
+her 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 heavy
+chariots violently against the light chariot of the princess. I have
+punished them as they deserved.
+
+"Orangine and Roussette have had their faces so crushed and wounded by
+the stones that they have become frightful. I have aroused them from
+their state of unconsciousness, cured their wounds but left the hideous
+scars to disfigure them. I have deprived them of all their rich clothing
+and dressed them like peasants and I married them at once to two brutal
+ostlers whom I commissioned to beat and maltreat them until their wicked
+hearts are changed--and this I think will never take place.
+
+"As to the king and queen, I have changed them into beasts of burden and
+given them to wicked and cruel masters who will make them suffer for all
+their brutality to Rosette. Besides this, they have all been transported
+into your kingdom and they will be compelled to hear unceasingly the
+praises of Rosette and her husband.
+
+"I have but one piece of advice to give you, dear prince; hide from
+Rosette the punishment I have inflicted upon her parents and sisters.
+She is so good and tender-hearted that her happiness would be affected
+by it, but I ought not and will not take pity upon wicked people whose
+hearts are so vicious and unrepentant."
+
+Charmant thanked the fairy eagerly and promised silence. They now
+returned to Rosette, who was clothed in her wedding-robe, prepared by
+the fairy Puissante.
+
+It was a tissue of dazzling golden gauze, embroidered with garlands of
+flowers and birds, in stones of all colors, of admirable beauty; the
+jewels which formed the birds were so disposed as to produce, at every
+motion of Rosette, a warbling more melodious than the sweetest music.
+Upon her head was a crown of flowers made of gems still more beautiful
+and rare than those on her robe. Her neck and arms were covered with
+carbuncles more brilliant than the sun.
+
+Charmant was completely dazzled by his bride's beauty but the fairy
+recalled him from his ecstasy by saying:--
+
+"Quick! quick! onward! I have but half an hour, after which I must give
+myself 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. They
+walked towards the chapel which was brilliantly illuminated and here
+Charmant and Rosette received the nuptial benediction. On returning to
+the parlor, they perceived that the fairy had disappeared, but, as they
+were sure of again seeing her in eight days her absence caused them no
+anxiety. Charmant presented the new queen to his court. Everybody found
+her as charming and good as the prince and they felt disposed to love
+her as they loved him.
+
+With a most amiable and thoughtful attention, the fairy had transported
+the farm, upon which Rosette had been so happy, and all its occupants
+into 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. The
+fairy had also brought into the palace all those cases which contained
+the rich dresses in which Rosette had been so triumphant at the
+festivals.
+
+[Illustration: _The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her
+power for eight days_]
+
+Rosette and Charmant were very happy and loved each other tenderly
+always. Rosette never knew the terrible punishment of her father, mother
+and sisters. When she asked Charmant the fate of her sisters, he told
+her that their faces were much disfigured by their fall amongst the
+stones but they were well and married and the good fairy expressly
+forbade Rosette to think of them. She spoke of them no more.
+
+As to Orangine and Roussette, the more unhappy they were, the more cruel
+and wicked their hearts became, so the fairy allowed them to remain
+always ugly and in the most degraded ranks of life.
+
+The king and queen, changed into beasts of burden, found their only
+consolation in biting and kicking everything that came within their
+reach. They were obliged to carry their masters to festivals given in
+honor of Rosette's marriage and they were mad with rage when they heard
+the praises lavished upon the young couple and in seeing Rosette pass
+by, beautiful, radiant and adored by Charmant.
+
+The fairy had resolved that they should not return to their original
+forms till their hearts were changed. It is said that six thousand years
+have 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 alone
+with his little daughter. His wife had died a few days after the birth
+of this little girl, who was named Rosalie.
+
+Rosalie's father had a large fortune. He lived in a great house, which
+belonged to him. This house was surrounded by a large garden in which
+Rosalie walked whenever she pleased to do so.
+
+She had been trained with great tenderness and gentleness but her father
+had accustomed her to the most unquestioning obedience. He forbade her
+positively to ask him any useless questions or to insist upon knowing
+anything he did not wish to tell her. In this way, by unceasing care
+and watchfulness, he had almost succeeded in curing one of Rosalie's
+great faults, a fault indeed unfortunately too common--curiosity.
+
+[Illustration: _Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by
+high walls_]
+
+Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls. She
+never saw any one but her father. They had no domestic in the house;
+everything seemed to be done of itself. She always had what she
+wanted--clothing, books, work, and playthings. Her father educated her
+himself and although she was nearly fifteen years old, she was never
+weary and never thought that she might live otherwise and might see more
+of the world.
+
+There was a little house at the end of the park without windows and with
+but one door, which was always locked. Rosalie's father entered this
+house every day and always carried the key about his person. Rosalie
+thought 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 seeking
+a 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 little
+house."
+
+"No, Rosalie, there is no watering-pot there."
+
+Prudent's voice trembled so in pronouncing these words that Rosalie
+looked up with surprise, and saw that his face was pale and his forehead
+bathed 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 for
+your 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 with
+you?"
+
+"Rosalie, you know that I do not like to be questioned and that
+curiosity is the greatest defect in your character."
+
+Rosalie said no more but she remained very thoughtful. This little
+house, of which she had never before thought, was now constantly in her
+mind.
+
+"What can be concealed there?" she said to herself. "How pale my father
+turned when I asked his permission to enter! I am sure he thought I
+should be in some sort of danger. But why does he go there himself every
+day? It is no doubt to carry food to some ferocious beast confined
+there. But if it was some wild animal, would I not hear it roar or howl
+or shake the house? No, I have never heard any sound from this cabin. It
+cannot then be a beast. Besides, if it was a ferocious beast, it would
+devour 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. What
+can it be? A prisoner? My father is good, he would not deprive any
+unfortunate innocent of light and liberty. Well, I absolutely must
+discover this mystery. How shall I manage it? If I could only secretly
+get the key from my father for a half hour! Perhaps some day he will
+forget it."
+
+Rosalie was aroused from this chain of reflection by her father, who
+called to her with a strangely agitated voice.
+
+"Here, father--I am coming."
+
+She entered the house and looked steadily at her father. His pale, sad
+countenance indicated great agitation.
+
+More than ever curious, she resolved to feign gaiety and indifference in
+order to allay her father's suspicions and make him feel secure. In this
+way she thought she might perhaps obtain possession of the key at some
+future time. He might not always think of it if she herself seemed to
+have forgotten it.
+
+They seated themselves at the table. Prudent ate but little and was sad
+and silent, in spite of his efforts to appear gay. Rosalie, however,
+seemed so thoughtless and bright that her father at last recovered his
+accustomed good spirits.
+
+Rosalie would be fifteen years old in three weeks. Her father had
+promised an agreeable surprise for this event. A few days passed
+peacefully 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 out
+to arrange something for your birth-day. Wait for me in the house, my
+dear. Do not yield yourself up to idle curiosity. In fifteen days you
+will know all that you desire to know, for I read your thoughts and I
+know what occupies your mind. Adieu, my daughter, beware of curiosity!"
+
+Prudent embraced his daughter tenderly and withdrew, leaving her with
+great reluctance.
+
+As soon as he was out of sight, Rosalie ran to her father's room and
+what was her joy to see the key forgotten upon the table! She seized it
+and ran quickly to the end of the park. Arrived at the little house, she
+remembered the words of her father, "Beware of curiosity!" She
+hesitated, and was upon the point of returning the key without having
+looked at the house, when she thought she heard a light groan. She put
+her 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 creature
+whom my father holds captive."
+
+Tapping softly upon the door, she said: "Who are you, and what can I do
+for 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 and
+I will prove my gratitude by telling you truly who I am."
+
+Rosalie no longer hesitated: her curiosity was stronger than her
+obedience. She put the key in the lock, but her hand trembled so that
+she could not open it. She was about to give up the effort, when the
+little voice continued:--
+
+"Rosalie, that which I have to tell you will teach you many things which
+will interest you. Your father is not what he appears to be."
+
+At these words Rosalie made a last effort, the key turned and the door
+opened.
+
+
+
+
+THE FAIRY DETESTABLE
+
+
+Rosalie looked in eagerly. The little house was dark; she could see
+nothing 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 corner
+two brilliant little eyes gazing at her maliciously.
+
+"My cunning trick has succeeded, Rosalie, and betrayed you into yielding
+to your curiosity. If I had not spoken and sung you would have returned
+with the key and I should have been lost. Now that you have set me at
+liberty, you and your father are both in my power."
+
+Rosalie did not yet fully comprehend the extent of the misfortune she
+had brought about by her disobedience. She knew, however, that it was a
+dangerous foe which her father had held captive and she wished to retire
+and close the door.
+
+"Stop, Rosalie! It is no longer in your power to keep me in this odious
+prison from which I never could have escaped if you had waited until
+your fifteenth birth-day."
+
+At this moment the little house disappeared entirely, and Rosalie saw
+with 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 its
+sparkling little eyes and began to laugh in a thin, discordant voice.
+
+"Ha! ha! ha! What a frightened air you have, Rosalie! In truth you amuse
+me very much. But it is lucky for me that you had so much curiosity. It
+has been nearly fifteen years since I was shut up in this frightful
+prison, having no power to injure your father, whom I hate, or to bring
+any 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 fairy
+Detestable and the name suits me, I assure you. All the world hates me
+and I hate all the world. I shall follow you now for the rest of your
+life, wherever you go."
+
+"Go away at once, miserable creature! A mouse is not to be feared and I
+will 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 her
+hands_]
+
+Rosalie now ran rapidly towards the house; every time she turned she saw
+the mouse galloping after her, and laughing with a mocking air. Arrived
+at the house, she tried to crush the mouse in the door, but it remained
+open in spite of every effort she could make and the mouse remained
+quietly upon the door-sill.
+
+"Wait awhile, wicked monster!" cried Rosalie, beside herself with rage
+and terror.
+
+She seized a broom and tried to dash it violently against the mouse but
+the broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands; she threw
+it 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 was
+boiling on the fire, she emptied it upon the mouse but the boiling water
+was changed into good fresh milk and the mouse commenced drinking it,
+saying:--
+
+"How exceedingly amiable you are, Rosalie! Not content with having
+released me from captivity, you give me an excellent breakfast."
+
+Poor Rosalie now began to weep bitterly. She was utterly at a loss what
+to do, when she heard her father entering.
+
+"My father!" cried she, "my father! Oh! cruel mouse, I beseech you in
+pity to go away that my father may not see you!"
+
+"No, I shall not go but I will hide myself behind your heels until your
+father knows of your disobedience."
+
+The mouse had scarcely concealed herself behind Rosalie, when Prudent
+entered. He looked at Rosalie, whose paleness and embarrassed air
+betrayed her fear.
+
+"Rosalie," said Prudent, with a trembling voice, "I forgot the key of
+the little garden-house; have you found it?"
+
+"Here it is, father," said Rosalie, presenting it to him, and coloring
+deeply.
+
+"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 of
+the room and upset it there?"
+
+"No! no! father, it was I that did it; in carrying it, I accidentally
+overturned 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 unquiet
+glance about the room, sighed and turned his steps slowly towards the
+little house in the garden.
+
+Rosalie fell sobbing bitterly upon a chair; the mouse did not stir. A
+few moments afterwards, Prudent entered hastily, his countenance marked
+with horror.
+
+"Rosalie! unhappy child! what have you done? You have yielded to your
+fatal curiosity and released our most cruel enemy from prison."
+
+"Pardon me, father! oh pardon me!" she cried, throwing herself at his
+feet; "I was ignorant of the evil I did."
+
+"Misfortune is always the result of disobedience, Rosalie; disobedient
+children think they are only committing a small fault, when they are
+doing the greatest injury to themselves and others."
+
+"But, father, who and what then is this mouse, who causes you this
+terrible fear? How, if it had so much power, could you keep it so long a
+prisoner and why can you not put it in prison again?"
+
+"This mouse, my unhappy child, is a wicked fairy, but very powerful. For
+myself, I am the genius Prudent and since you have given liberty to my
+enemy, I can now reveal to you that which I should have concealed until
+you were fifteen years old.
+
+"I am, then, as I said to you, the genius Prudent; your dear mother was
+a simple mortal but her virtues and her graces touched the queen of the
+fairies 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 to
+invoke the fairy Detestable, who was already irritated against me for
+having married a princess, after having refused one of her daughters.
+She was so exasperated against me that she swore an implacable hatred
+against 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 beloved
+by 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 most
+violent convulsions which I could not calm. I left her for a few moments
+to invoke the aid of the queen of the fairies. When I returned your
+mother was dead.
+
+"The wicked fairy Detestable had profited by my absence and caused her
+death. She was about to endow you with all the passions and vices of
+this evil world, when my unexpected return happily paralyzed her
+efforts. I interrupted her at the moment when she had endowed you with a
+curiosity sufficient to make you wretched and to subject you entirely to
+her power at fifteen years of age. By my power, united to that of the
+queen of the fairies, I counter-balanced this fatal influence and we
+decided that you should not fall under her power at fifteen years of
+age, unless you yielded three times under the gravest circumstances to
+your idle curiosity.
+
+"At the same time the queen of the fairies, to punish the fairy
+Detestable, changed her into a mouse, shut her up in the little garden
+house, and declared that she should never leave it unless you
+voluntarily opened the door. Also, that she should never resume her
+original form of fairy unless you yielded three times to your criminal
+curiosity before you were fifteen years of age. Lastly, that if you
+resisted once the fatal passion you should be for ever released, as well
+as myself, from the power of the fairy Detestable.
+
+"With great difficulty I obtained all these favors and only by promising
+that I would share your fate and become, like yourself, the slave of
+the fairy Detestable, if you weakly allowed yourself to yield three
+times to your curiosity. I promised solemnly to educate you in such a
+manner as to destroy this terrible passion, calculated to cause so many
+sorrows.
+
+"For all these reasons I have confined myself and you, Rosalie, in this
+enclosure. I have permitted you to see no one, not even a domestic. I
+procured by my power all that your heart desired and I have been feeling
+quite satisfied in having succeeded so well with you. In three weeks you
+would have been fifteen, and for ever delivered from the odious yoke of
+the fairy Detestable.
+
+"I was alarmed when you asked for the key of the little house, of which
+you had never before seemed to think. I could not conceal the painful
+impression which this demand made upon me. My agitation excited your
+curiosity. In spite of your gaiety and assumed thoughtlessness, I
+penetrated your thoughts, and you may judge of my grief when the queen
+of the fairies ordered me to make the temptation possible and the
+resistance meritorious by leaving the key at least once in your reach. I
+was thus compelled to leave it, that fatal key, and thus facilitate by
+my 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 saw
+your embarrassment and blushes on my return, indicating to me too well
+that you had allowed your curiosity to master you.
+
+"I was commanded to conceal everything from you; to tell you nothing of
+your birth or of the dangers which surround you, until your fifteenth
+birthday. If I had disobeyed, you would at once have fallen into the
+power of the fairy Detestable.
+
+"And yet, Rosalie, all is not lost. You can yet repair your fault by
+resisting for fifteen days this terrible passion. At fifteen years of
+age you were to have been united to a charming prince, who is related to
+us, the prince Gracious. This union is yet possible.
+
+"Ah, Rosalie! my still dear child, take pity on yourself, if you have no
+mercy for me and resist your curiosity."
+
+Rosalie was on her knees before her father, her face concealed in her
+hands and weeping bitterly. At these words she took courage, embraced
+him tenderly and said to him:--
+
+"Oh, father! I promise you solemnly that I will atone for this fault. Do
+not leave me, dear father! With you by me, I shall be inspired with a
+courage which would otherwise fail me. I dare not be deprived of your
+wise paternal counsel."
+
+"Alas! Rosalie! it is no longer in my power to remain with you for I am
+now under the dominion of my enemy. Most certainly she will not allow me
+to stay by your side and warn you against the snares and temptations
+which she will spread at your feet. I am astonished at not having seen
+my cruel foe before this time. The view of my affliction and despair
+would have for her hard heart an irresistible charm."
+
+"I have been near you all the time, at your daughter's feet," said the
+little gray mouse, in a sharp voice, stepping out and showing herself to
+the unfortunate genius. "I have been highly entertained at the recital
+of all that I have already made you suffer, and the pleasure I felt in
+hearing you give this account to your daughter induced me to conceal
+myself 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 sharp
+little teeth and tried to draw her away. Rosalie uttered a piercing cry
+and clung convulsively to her father but an irresistible force bore her
+off. The unfortunate genius seized a stick and raised it to strike the
+mouse but before he had time to inflict the blow the mouse placed one of
+her little paws on the genius's foot and he remained as immovable as a
+statue. Rosalie embraced her father's knees and implored the mouse to
+take 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 the
+temptations to yield twice to your irresistible fault! We will travel
+all over the world together and I will show you many countries in
+fifteen days."
+
+The mouse pulled Rosalie without ceasing. Her arms were still clasped
+around her father, striving to resist the overpowering force of her
+enemy. The mouse uttered a discordant little cry and suddenly the house
+was in flames. Rosalie had sufficient presence of mind to reflect that
+if she allowed herself to be burned there would be no means left of
+saving her father, who must then remain eternally under the power of
+Detestable. Whereas, if she preserved her own life there remained always
+some chance of rescuing him.
+
+"Adieu, adieu, dear father!" she cried; "we will meet again in fifteen
+days. After having given you over to your enemy, your Rosalie will yet
+save 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 half
+dead with hunger, she resolved to approach a kind-looking woman who was
+seated at her door.
+
+"Madam," said she, "will you give me a place to sleep? I am dying with
+hunger and fatigue. Will you not be so kind as to allow me to enter and
+pass the night with you?"
+
+"How is it that so beautiful a girl as yourself is found upon the
+highways and what ugly animal is that with the expression of a demon
+which accompanies you."
+
+Rosalie turned round and saw the little gray mouse smiling upon her
+mockingly. She tried to chase it away but the mouse obstinately refused
+to 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 cannot
+lodge with me."
+
+Weeping bitterly, Rosalie continued her journey, and wherever she
+presented herself they refused to receive her and the mouse, who never
+quitted her side. She entered a forest where happily she found a brook
+at which she quenched her thirst. She found also fruits and nuts in
+abundance. She drank, ate and seated herself near a tree, thinking with
+agony of her father and wondering what would become of him during the
+fifteen days.
+
+While Rosalie was thus musing she kept her eyes closed so as not to see
+the wicked little gray mouse. Her fatigue, and the silence and darkness
+around her, brought on sleep and she slept a long time profoundly.
+
+
+
+
+THE PRINCE GRACIOUS
+
+
+While Rosalie was thus quietly sleeping, the prince Gracious was engaged
+in a hunt through the forest by torch-light. The fawn, pursued fiercely
+by the dogs, came trembling with terror to crouch down near the brook by
+which Rosalie was sleeping. The dogs and gamekeepers sprang forward
+after the fawn. Suddenly the dogs ceased barking and grouped themselves
+silently around Rosalie. The prince dismounted from his horse to set the
+dogs again upon the trail of the deer but what was his surprise to see a
+lovely young girl asleep in this lonely forest! He looked carefully
+around but saw no one else. She was indeed alone--abandoned. On
+examining her more closely, he saw traces of tears upon her cheeks and
+indeed they were still escaping slowly from her closed eyelids.
+
+Rosalie was simply clothed but the richness of her silk dress denoted
+wealth. Her fine white hands, her rosy nails, her beautiful chestnut
+locks, carefully and tastefully arranged with a gold comb, her elegant
+boots and necklace of pure pearls indicated elevated rank.
+
+Rosalie did not awake, notwithstanding the stamping of the horses, the
+baying of the dogs and the noisy tumult made by a crowd of sportsmen.
+
+The prince was stupefied and stood gazing steadily at Rosalie. No one
+present recognized her. Anxious and disquieted by this profound sleep,
+Prince Gracious took her hand softly. Rosalie still slept. The prince
+pressed her hand lightly in his but even this did not awaken her.
+
+Turning to his officers, he said: "I cannot thus abandon this
+unfortunate child, who has perhaps been led astray by some design, the
+victim 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 thus
+remove her to some hostel in the neighborhood while your highness
+continues the chase?"
+
+"Your idea is good, Hubert. Make the litter and we will immediately
+place her upon it, only you will not carry her to a hostel, but to my
+palace. This young maiden is assuredly of high birth, and she is
+beautiful as an angel. I will watch over her myself, so that she may
+receive the care and attention to which she is entitled."
+
+Hubert, with the assistance of his men, soon arranged the litter upon
+which Prince Gracious spread his mantle; then approaching Rosalie, who
+was still sleeping softly, he raised her gently in his arms and laid her
+upon the cloak. At this moment Rosalie seemed to be dreaming. She smiled
+and murmured, in low tones:--
+
+"My father! my father! saved for ever! The Queen of the Fairies! The
+Prince Gracious! I see him; he is charming!"
+
+The prince, surprised to hear his name pronounced, did not doubt that
+Rosalie was a princess under some cruel enchantment. He commanded his
+gamekeepers to walk very softly so as not to wake her and he walked by
+the side of the litter.
+
+On arriving at the palace, Prince Gracious ordered that the queen's
+apartment should be prepared for Rosalie. He suffered no one to touch
+her but carried her himself to her chamber and laid her gently upon the
+bed, ordering the women who were to wait upon and watch over her to
+apprise him as soon as she awaked. Then, casting a farewell look upon
+the sad, sweet face of the sleeper, he strode from the room.
+
+Rosalie slept tranquilly until morning. The sun was shining brightly
+when she awoke. She looked about her with great surprise. The wicked
+mouse 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 many
+officers, dressed in brilliant uniforms. More and more surprised, she
+was about to call one of the men, whom she believed to be either genii
+or enchanters, when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw
+the prince Gracious, clothed in an elegant and rich hunting-dress,
+standing before her and regarding her with admiration. Rosalie
+immediately recognized the prince of her dream and cried out
+involuntarily:--
+
+"The prince Gracious!"
+
+"You know me then?" said the prince, in amazement. "How, if you have
+ever known me, could I have forgotten your name and features?"
+
+"I have only seen you in my dreams, prince," said Rosalie, blushing. "As
+to my name, you could not possibly know it, since I myself did not know
+my father's name until yesterday."
+
+"And what is the name, may I ask, which has been concealed from you so
+long?"
+
+Rosalie then told him all that she had heard from her father. She
+frankly confessed her culpable curiosity and its terrible consequences.
+
+"Judge of my grief, prince, when I was compelled to leave my father in
+order to escape from the flames which the wicked fairy had lighted;
+when, rejected everywhere because of the wicked mouse, I found myself
+exposed to death from hunger and thirst! Soon, however, a heavy sleep
+took possession of me, during which I had many strange dreams. I do not
+know how I came here or whether it is in your palace that I find
+myself."
+
+Gracious then related to Rosalie how he had found her asleep in the
+forest and the words which he had heard her utter in her dream. He then
+added:--
+
+"There is one thing your father did not tell you, Rosalie; that is, that
+the queen of the fairies, who is our relation, had decided that we
+should be married when you were fifteen years of age. It was no doubt
+the queen of the fairies who inspired me with the desire to go hunting
+by torchlight, in order that I might find you in the forest where you
+had wandered. Since you will be fifteen in a few days, Rosalie, deign to
+consider 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 happy
+marriage."
+
+Rosalie thanked her young and handsome cousin heartily and then returned
+to her chamber, where she found her maids awaiting her with a wonderful
+selection of rich and splendid robes and head-dresses. Rosalie, who had
+never given much attention to her toilet, took the first dress that was
+presented to her. It was of rose-colored gauze, ornamented with fine
+lace with a head-dress of lace and moss rosebuds. Her beautiful chestnut
+hair was arranged in bands, forming a crown. When her toilet was
+completed, the prince came to conduct her to breakfast.
+
+Rosalie ate like a person who had not dined the day before. After the
+repast, the prince led her to the garden and conducted her to the
+green-houses, which were very magnificent. At the end of one of the
+hot-houses there was a little rotunda, ornamented with choice flowers;
+in the centre of this rotunda there was a large case which seemed to
+contain a tree but a thick heavy cloth was thrown over it and tightly
+sewed together. Through the cloth however could be seen a number of
+points of extraordinary brilliancy.
+
+
+
+
+THE TREE IN THE ROTUNDA
+
+
+Rosalie admired all the flowers very much but she waited with some
+impatience for the prince to remove the cloth which enveloped this
+mysterious tree. He left the green-house, however, without having spoken
+of 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 see
+it 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 you
+will 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 heavy
+penalties, to show it to you until after you become my wife. I do hope
+that you love me enough to control your curiosity till that time."
+
+These last words made Rosalie tremble, for they recalled to her the
+little gray mouse and the misfortunes which menaced her as well as her
+father, if she allowed herself to fall under the temptation, which,
+without doubt, her enemy the fairy Detestable had placed before her. She
+spoke no more of the mysterious case, and continued her walk with the
+prince. The day passed most agreeably. The prince presented her to the
+ladies of his court and commanded them to honor and respect in her the
+princess Rosalie, whom the queen of the fairies had selected as his
+bride. Rosalie was very amiable to every one and they all rejoiced in
+the idea of having so charming and lovely a queen.
+
+The following days were passed in every species of festivity. The prince
+and Rosalie both saw with joyous hearts the approach of the birth-day
+which was to be also that of their marriage:--the prince, because he
+tenderly loved his cousin, and Rosalie because she loved the prince,
+because she desired strongly to see her father again, and also because
+she hoped to see what the case in the rotunda contained. She thought of
+this incessantly. She dreamed of it during the night and whenever she
+was alone she could with difficulty restrain herself from rushing to
+the green-house to try to discover the secret.
+
+Finally, the last day of anticipation and anxiety arrived. In the
+morning Rosalie would be fifteen. The prince was much occupied with the
+preparations for his marriage; it was to be a very grand affair. All the
+good fairies of his acquaintance were to be present as well as the queen
+of the fairies. Rosalie found herself alone in the morning and she
+resolved to take a walk. While musing upon the happiness of the morrow,
+she involuntarily approached the green-house. She entered, smiling
+pensively, and found herself face to face with the cloth which covered
+the treasure.
+
+"To-morrow," said she, "I shall at last know what this thick cloth
+conceals from me. If I wished, indeed I might see it to-day, for I
+plainly perceive some little openings in which I might insert my fingers
+and by enlarging just a little----. In fact, who would ever know it? I
+would sew the cloth after having taken a glimpse. Since to-morrow is so
+near, 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 to
+gratify her curiosity, she forgot the goodness of the prince and the
+dangers which menaced them all if she yielded to this temptation.
+
+She passed her fingers through the little apertures and strained them
+lightly. The cloth was rent from the top to the bottom with a noise
+like thunder and Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous
+beauty, with a coral trunk and leaves of emeralds. The seeming fruits
+which covered the tree were of precious stones of all colors--diamonds,
+sapphires, pearls, rubies, opals, topazes, all as large as the fruits
+they were intended to represent and of such brilliancy that Rosalie was
+completely dazzled by them. But scarcely had she seen this rare and
+unparalleled tree, when a noise louder than the first drew her from her
+ecstasy. 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 the
+most frightful cries of terror and suffering issue from its walls. Soon
+Rosalie saw the prince himself creep from the ruins bleeding and his
+clothing almost torn from him. He advanced towards her and said sadly:--
+
+"Rosalie! ungrateful Rosalie! see what you have done to me, not only to
+me, but to my whole court. After what you have done, I do not doubt that
+you will yield a third time to your curiosity; that you will complete my
+misfortunes, those of your unhappy father and your own. Adieu, Rosalie,
+adieu! May sincere repentance atone for your ingratitude towards an
+unhappy 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 him
+tenderly but he disappeared without ever turning to contemplate her
+despair. Rosalie was about to faint away, when she heard the little
+discordant laugh of the gray mouse and saw it before her.
+
+"Your thanks are due to me, my dear Rosalie, for having assisted you so
+well. It was I who sent you those bewitching dreams of the mysterious
+tree during the night. It was I who nibbled the cloth, to help you in
+your wish to look in. Without this last artifice of mine, I believe I
+should 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 guilty
+girl.
+
+"This is all my fault," said she; "had it not been for my fatal
+curiosity and my base ingratitude, the gray mouse would not have
+succeeded in making me yield so readily to temptation. I must atone for
+all this by my sorrow, by my patience and by the firmness with which I
+will resist the third proof to which I am subjected, no matter how
+difficult it may be. Besides, I have but a few hours to wait and my dear
+prince has told me that his happiness and that of my dearly loved father
+and my own, depends upon myself."
+
+Before her lay the smouldering ruins of the palace of the Prince
+Gracious. So complete had been its destruction that a cloud of dust and
+smoke hung over it, and hardly one stone remained upon another. The
+cries of those in pain were borne to her ears and added to her
+bitterness of feeling.
+
+Rosalie continued to lie prone on the ground. The gray mouse employed
+every possible means to induce her to move from the spot. Rosalie, the
+poor, unhappy and guilty Rosalie, persisted in remaining in view of the
+ruin 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 order
+to punish me for all I have made my father and my cousin endure? I will
+await in this terrible spot the dawning of my fifteenth birthday."
+
+The night was falling when an old woman who was passing by, approached
+and 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 of
+my relations?"
+
+"Willingly, madam," replied Rosalie, who was very obliging. The old
+woman placed the casket in her hands, saying:--
+
+"Many thanks, my beautiful child! I shall not be absent long. But I
+entreat you not to look in this casket, for it contains things--things
+such as you have never seen--and as you will never have an opportunity
+to see again. Do not handle it rudely, for it is of very fragile ware
+and would be very easily broken and then you would see what it contains
+and no one ought to see what is there concealed."
+
+The old woman went off after saying this. Rosalie placed the casket near
+her and reflected on all the events which had just passed. It was now
+night and the old woman did not return. Rosalie now threw her eyes on
+the casket and saw with surprise that it illuminated the ground all
+around 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 but
+nothing could explain this extraordinary light and she placed it
+carefully upon the ground, saying:--
+
+"Of what importance is it to me what this casket contains? It is not
+mine but belongs to the old woman who confided it to me. I will not
+think 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 father
+and 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 I
+am 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 the
+casket and began to gnaw the lid.
+
+"Monster!" cried Rosalie, seizing the casket and pressing it against her
+bosom, "if you touch this casket again I will wring your neck."
+
+The mouse cast a diabolical glance upon Rosalie but it dared not brave
+her anger. While it was meditating some other means of exciting the
+curiosity of Rosalie, a clock struck twelve. At the same moment the
+mouse 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 and
+my temptations as are also your odious father and hated prince. As to
+myself, I am compelled to keep this ignoble form of a mouse until I can
+tempt some young girl beautiful and well born as yourself to fall into
+my 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 follow
+her last counsel, and resolved to guard the casket carefully till the
+dawn. Scarcely had she taken this resolution, when an owl, which was
+flying above her head, let a stone fall upon the casket, which broke
+into a thousand pieces. Rosalie uttered a cry of terror and at the same
+moment she saw before her the queen of the fairies, who said:--
+
+"Come Rosalie, you have finally triumphed over the cruel enemy of your
+family. I will now restore you to your father but first you must eat and
+drink, as you are much exhausted."
+
+The fairy now presented her with a rare fruit, of which a single
+mouthful satisfied both hunger and thirst. Then a splendid chariot,
+drawn by two dragons, drew up before the fairy. She entered and
+commanded Rosalie to do the same. Rosalie, as soon as she recovered from
+her surprise, thanked the queen of the fairies with all her heart for
+her protection and asked if she was not to see her father and the prince
+Gracious.
+
+"Your father awaits you in the palace of the prince."
+
+"But, madam, I thought that the palace of the prince was destroyed and
+he himself wounded sadly?"
+
+"That, Rosalie, was only an illusion to fill you with horror and remorse
+at the result of your curiosity and to prevent you from falling before
+the third temptation. You will soon see the palace of the prince just as
+it was before you tore the cloth which covered the precious tree he
+destined 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 the
+prince, who seemed to have no remembrance of the fault she had committed
+the day before. All was ready for the marriage ceremony which was to be
+celebrated immediately. All the good fairies assisted at this festival
+which lasted several days.
+
+Rosalie's father lived with his child and she was completely cured of
+her curiosity. She was tenderly loved by Prince Gracious whom she loved
+fondly all her life. They had beautiful children, for whom they chose
+powerful fairies as godmothers in order that they might be protected
+against the wicked fairies and genii.
+
+
+
+
+OURSON
+
+
+
+
+OURSON
+
+
+THE LARK AND THE TOAD
+
+
+There was once a pretty woman named Agnella, who cultivated a farm. She
+lived alone with a young servant named Passerose. The farm was small but
+beautiful and in fine order. She had a most charming cow, which gave a
+quantity of milk, a cat to destroy the mice and an ass to carry her
+fruit, butter, vegetables, eggs, and cheese to markets every Wednesday.
+
+No one knew up to that time how Agnella and Passerose had arrived at
+this unknown farm which received in the county the name of the Woodland
+Farm.
+
+One evening Passerose was busy milking the pretty white cow while
+Agnella prepared the supper. At the moment she was placing some good
+soup and a plate of cream upon the table, she saw an enormous toad
+devouring with avidity some cherries which had been put on the ground in
+a vine-leaf.
+
+"Ugly toad!" exclaimed Agnella, "I will teach you how to eat my
+cherries!" At the same moment she lifted the leaves which contained the
+cherries, 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 sharp
+whistle and raised itself upon its hind legs; its great eyes were
+flashing, and its enormous mouth opening and shutting with rage, its
+whole ugly body was trembling and from its quivering throat was heard a
+terrible bellowing.
+
+Agnella paused in amazement; she recoiled, indeed, to avoid the venom of
+the monstrous and enraged toad. She looked around for a broom to eject
+this hideous monster, when the toad advanced towards her, made with its
+fore paws a gesture of authority, and said in a voice trembling with
+rage:--
+
+"You have dared to touch me with your foot! You have prevented me from
+satisfying my appetite with the cherries which you had placed within my
+reach! You have tried to expel me from your house! My vengeance shall
+reach you and will fall upon that which you hold most dear! You shall
+know and feel that the fairy Furious is not to be insulted with
+impunity. You shall have a son, covered with coarse hair like a bear's
+cub and----"
+
+"Stop, sister," interrupted a small voice, sweet and flute-like, which
+seemed to come from above. Agnella raised her head and saw a lark
+perched on the top of the front door. "You revenge yourself too cruelly
+for an injury inflicted, not upon you in your character of a fairy but
+upon the ugly and disgusting form in which it has pleased you to
+disguise yourself. By my power, which is superior to yours, I forbid you
+to exaggerate the evil which you have already done in your blind rage
+and 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 a
+possible remedy for the deformity of your child. I will accord to him
+the power of changing his skin with any one whom he may, by his goodness
+and service rendered, inspire with sufficient gratitude and affection to
+consent to the change. He will then resume the handsome form which would
+have been his if my sister, the fairy Furious, had not given you this
+terrible proof of her malice and cruelty."
+
+"Alas! madam Lark," replied Agnella, "all this goodness cannot prevent
+my poor, unhappy son from being disgusting and like a wild beast. His
+very playmates will shun him as a monster."
+
+"That is true," replied the fairy Drolette; "and the more so as it is
+forbidden to yourself or to Passerose to change skins with him. But I
+will neither abandon you nor your son. You will name him Ourson until
+the day when he can assume a name worthy of his birth and beauty. He
+must then be called the prince Marvellous."
+
+Saying these words, the fairy flew lightly through the air and
+disappeared from sight.
+
+The fairy Furious withdrew, filled with rage, walking slowly and turning
+every instant to gaze at Agnella with a menacing air. As she moved
+slowly along, she spat her venom from side to side and the grass, the
+plants and the bushes perished along her course. This was a venom so
+subtle that nothing could ever flourish on the spot again and the path
+is called to this day the Road of the Fairy Furious.
+
+When Agnella found herself alone, she began to sob. Passerose, who had
+finished her work and saw the hour of supper approaching, entered the
+dining-room and with great surprise saw her mistress in tears.
+
+"Dear queen, what is the matter? Who can have caused you this great
+grief? I have seen no one enter the house."
+
+"No one has entered, my dear, except those who enter everywhere. A
+wicked fairy under the form of a toad and a good fairy under the
+appearance of a lark."
+
+"And what have these fairies said to you, my queen, to make you weep so
+piteously? Has not the good fairy interfered to prevent the misfortunes
+which the wicked fairy wished to bring about?"
+
+"No, my dear friend. She has somewhat lightened them but it was not in
+her 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 have
+a son with a skin like a bear. At this narrative Passerose wept as
+bitterly as her mistress.
+
+"What a misfortune!" she exclaimed. "What degradation and shame, that
+the 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 flight
+we were swept away by a whirlwind and dashed from cloud to cloud for
+twelve hours with such astonishing rapidity that we found ourselves more
+than three thousand leagues from the kingdom of Ferocious. Besides, you
+know his wickedness. You know how bitterly he hates me since I prevented
+him from killing his brother Indolent and his sister Nonchalante. You
+know that I fled because he wished to kill me also. I have no reason to
+fear that he will pursue me for I am sure that he will wish never to see
+me 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 at
+the table.
+
+"If we wept all night, dear queen, we could not prevent your son from
+being shaggy but we will endeavor to educate him so well, to make him so
+good, that he will not be a long time in finding some good and grateful
+soul who will exchange a white skin for this hairy one which the evil
+fairy Furious has put upon him. A beautiful present indeed! She would
+have done well to reserve it for herself."
+
+The poor queen, whom we will continue to call Agnella for fear of giving
+information to King Ferocious, rose slowly, dried her eyes and succeeded
+in somewhat overcoming her sadness. Little by little the gay and
+cheering conversation of Passerose dissipated her forebodings. Before
+the close of the evening, Passerose had convinced her that Ourson would
+not remain a long time a bear; that he would soon resume a form worthy
+of a noble prince. That she would herself indeed be most happy to
+exchange with him, if the fairy would permit it.
+
+Agnella and Passerose now retired to their chambers and slept
+peacefully.
+
+
+
+
+BIRTH AND INFANCY OF OURSON
+
+
+Three months after the appearance of the toad and the cruel sentence of
+the fairy Furious, Agnella gave birth to a boy whom she named Ourson, as
+the fairy Drolette had commanded. Neither Agnella nor Passerose could
+decide if he was ugly or handsome for he was so hairy, so covered with
+long 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 her
+like a sister, poor Ourson would have died from neglect for he was so
+frightful no one would have dared to touch--he would have been taken for
+a little cub and killed with pitchforks. But Agnella was his mother and
+her first movement was to embrace him lovingly and, bathed in tears, to
+exclaim:--
+
+"Poor little Ourson! who can ever love you well enough to deliver you
+from this horrible curse? Alas! why will not the fairy permit me to make
+this exchange, which is allowed to another who may love you? No one can
+ever 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 the
+habit of afflicting herself for a long time on any occasion so she dried
+her eyes and said to Agnella:--
+
+"Dear queen, I am very certain that your dear son will be clothed but a
+short time with this villainous bear-skin and from this day I shall call
+him Prince Marvellous."
+
+"I beseech you not to do so," said the queen, anxiously; "you know that
+the fairies love to be obeyed."
+
+Passerose took the child, clothed it in the linen that had been prepared
+for it and leaned over to embrace it but she pricked her lips against
+the rough bristles of Ourson and drew back precipitately.
+
+"It will not be I who will embrace you frequently, my boy," said she, in
+a low voice; "you prick like a real hedgehog."
+
+It was Passerose, however, to whom Agnella gave the charge of the little
+Ourson. He had nothing of the bear but his skin: he was the
+sweetest-tempered, the most knowing, the most affectionate child that
+ever was seen. Passerose soon loved him with all her heart.
+
+As Ourson grew up he was sometimes permitted to leave the farm. He was
+in no danger for no one knew him in the country. The children always ran
+away at his approach and the women repulsed him. Men avoided him--they
+looked upon him as something accursed. Sometimes when Agnella went to
+market she put him on her donkey and took him with her and on those days
+she found more difficulty in selling her vegetables and cheese. The
+mothers fled from her, fearing that Ourson would come too near them.
+
+Agnella wept often and vainly implored the fairy Drolette. Whenever a
+lark 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 eyes
+and a sweet voice; his bristles were no longer stiff but his hair was
+soft as silk, and those who loved him could embrace him without being
+scratched, as Passerose had been the day of his birth. Ourson loved his
+mother tenderly and Passerose almost as well but he was often alone and
+very sad. He saw too well the horror he inspired and he saw also that he
+was unlike other children.
+
+One day he was walking along a beautiful road which bordered on the
+farm. He had walked a long time and overcome with heat and fatigue he
+looked about him for some fresh and quiet spot for repose when he
+thought 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 to
+be about three years old and she was beautiful as the Loves and Graces.
+Her blonde hair partly covered her fair and dimpled shoulders while her
+soft cheeks were round and fresh and dimpled and a half smile played
+upon her rosy and parted lips, through which small teeth, white and even
+as pearls, could be seen. Her charming head was reposing upon a lovely
+rounded arm and the little hand was beautifully formed and white as
+snow. The attitude of this little girl was so graceful, so enchanting,
+that Ourson stood before her immovable with admiration. He watched with
+as much surprise as pleasure, this child sleeping as soundly and
+peacefully 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 more
+rich and elegant than anything he had ever seen. Her dress was of white
+silk embroidered in gold; her boots were of blue satin also embroidered
+in gold; her stockings were silk and fine as a spider's web; magnificent
+bracelets were sparkling upon her arms and the clasp seemed to contain
+her portrait; a string of beautiful pearls encircled her throat.
+
+A lark now commenced its song just above the lovely little girl and
+awakened her from her profound slumber. She looked about her, called her
+nurse but finding herself alone in the woods, began to weep bitterly.
+
+Ourson was much affected at her tears and his embarrassment was very
+great.
+
+"If I show myself," said he to himself, "this poor little one will take
+me for some wild beast of the forest. If she sees me she will be
+terrified; she will take to flight and wander still further from her
+home. If I leave her here, she will die of terror and hunger. What shall
+I 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, soft
+voice; "I would not injure you for the whole world; on the contrary, I
+will 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 might
+suppose, but a poor and most unfortunate little boy, who inspires every
+one with terror and whom everybody avoids."
+
+The sweet child's eyes became calmer and softer, her fear seemed melting
+away 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 paused
+and began to weep bitterly.
+
+"Unfortunate wretch that I am," he said; "I cannot even assist this poor
+lost child. My appearance fills her with terror! She would rather be
+lost than have help from me!"
+
+So saying, poor Ourson covered his face with his hands and sobbing
+piteously threw himself on the ground. A few moments afterwards he felt
+a little hand seeking to take possession of his own. He raised his head
+and saw the child standing before him, her eyes filled with tears. She
+caressed and patted the hairy cheeks of poor Ourson.
+
+"Don't cry, little cub, don't cry," said she. "Violette is no longer
+afraid, 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 rosy
+lips to Ourson's hairy cheek and gave him several kisses.
+
+"You see, little cub, that Violette is no longer afraid. Violette kisses
+you! The little cub won't eat Violette--she will follow you!"
+
+If Ourson had followed the dictates of his heart, he would have pressed
+her to his bosom and covered with kisses the good and charming child who
+overcame her natural terror in order to assuage the grief and
+mortification 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, and
+kissing them delicately. Violette permitted this smilingly.
+
+"Now little cub is satisfied. Little cub will love Violette, poor
+Violette, who is lost!"
+
+Ourson understood well that her name was Violette; but he could not
+comprehend how this little girl, so richly clad, was left alone in the
+forest.
+
+"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! so
+fast--so fast, a long time! Violette was so tired, she fell down and
+slept!"
+
+"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 smiled
+sweetly.
+
+"Shall I go and seek mamma, Violette?"
+
+"No, no! Violette cannot stay all alone in this wood. Violette will
+go."
+
+"Come, then, with me, dear little girl. I will take you to my mother."
+
+Ourson and Violette now turned their steps towards the farm. Ourson
+gathered strawberries and cherries for Violette, who would not touch
+them till Ourson had eaten half. When she found that he still held his
+half 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. Violette
+cannot have little cub unhappy. Violette will not see you weep."
+
+She looked at him to see if he was content and happy. Ourson was really
+happy. He saw that his good and pretty little companion not only
+tolerated him but was interested in him and sought to make herself
+agreeable. His eyes were sparkling with joy, his voice, always soft and
+sad, 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 not
+leave him."
+
+"You are willing, then, that I shall embrace you? you are no longer
+afraid of me?"
+
+Violette, without further reply, threw herself in his arms. Ourson
+embraced her tenderly and pressed her to his heart.
+
+"Dear Violette, I will always love you. I will never forget that you
+are the only child who was ever willing to speak to me, touch me or
+embrace me."
+
+A short time after they arrived at the farm. Agnella and Passerose were
+seated at the door, talking together. When they saw Ourson arrive
+holding a little girl richly dressed by the hand, they were so surprised
+that neither could utter a word.
+
+"Dear mamma, here is a good and charming little girl whom I found
+sleeping in the forest. She is called Violette. She is very well bred
+and 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 and
+trembling 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 with
+cherries and strawberries."
+
+"But what is all this about?" said Passerose. "Why has our Ourson the
+charge 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 saw
+this little child asleep in the wood all alone. She awoke and began to
+weep. Suddenly she saw me and cried out in terror. I spoke to her and
+began to approach her; but she screamed again with fright. I was
+sorrowful--oh! so very sorrowful! I wept bitterly."
+
+"Hush! hush! poor Ourson," exclaimed Violette, putting her little hand
+on his mouth; "Violette will certainly never make you cry again."
+
+While saying these words Violette's voice was trembling and her sweet
+eyes were full of tears.
+
+"Good little girl!" said Agnella, embracing her; "you love our poor
+Ourson, 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 she
+had already told Ourson. Her father was a king, her mother a queen and
+she did not know how she came to be alone in the forest.
+
+Agnella did not hesitate to take under her protection this poor lost
+child. She loved her already because of the affection the little one
+seemed to entertain for Ourson and because of the happiness Ourson's
+whole manner expressed on seeing himself loved by some one else than his
+mother and Passerose.
+
+It was now the hour for supper. Passerose laid the cloth and they all
+took their seats at the table. Violette asked to be put at Ourson's
+side. She was gay and laughed and talked merrily. Ourson was more happy
+than he had ever been. Agnella was contented, and Passerose jumped for
+joy on seeing a little playmate for her dear Ourson. In her transports
+she spilled a pan of cream which was not lost, however, as a cat came
+and licked it up to the last drop. After supper, Violette fell asleep in
+her 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 in
+the stable."
+
+Agnella and Passerose at first refused but Ourson insisted so much upon
+being allowed to make this little sacrifice, that they at last
+consented. 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 bundles
+of hay. He slept peacefully with content in his heart.
+
+Passerose rejoined Agnella in the parlor. She found her meditating, with
+her 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 the
+little stranger. This medallion ought to open but I have tried in vain
+to open it. Perhaps we shall find here a portrait or a name."
+
+"Give it to me, my child. These bracelets are beautiful; they may aid
+us, perhaps, in finding a resemblance which presents itself vaguely to
+my remembrance and which I am trying in vain to make clear."
+
+Agnella took the bracelets and turned them from side to side and pressed
+them in every way, trying to open the medallion, but she succeeded no
+better than Passerose had done.
+
+At the moment when, weary of her vain efforts, she returned them to
+Passerose, she saw in the middle of the room a woman glittering as the
+sun; her face was of dazzling whiteness, her hair seemed made of threads
+of gold and a crown of glittering stars adorned her brow. Her waist was
+small and her person seemed transparent, it was so delicate and
+luminous; her floating robe was studded with stars like those which
+formed her crown. Her glance was soft yet she smiled maliciously but
+still with goodness.
+
+"Madam," said she to Agnella, "you see in me the fairy Drolette, the
+protectress of your son and of the little princess whom he brought home
+this morning from the forest. This princess is nearly related to you for
+she is your niece--the daughter of your brother-in-law Indolent and
+sister-in-law Nonchalante. Your husband succeeded after your flight in
+killing Indolent and Nonchalante, who did not distrust him and who
+passed all their time in sleeping, eating and lounging. Unfortunately, I
+could not prevent this crime as I was absent assisting at the birth of a
+prince whose parents are under my protection, and I forgot myself while
+playing tricks upon a wicked old maid of honor and an old chamberlain
+who was cruel and avaricious, both of them friends of my sister, the
+fairy Furious. But I arrived in time to save the princess Violette, only
+daughter and heiress of King Indolent and Queen Nonchalante. She was
+playing in the garden while the king Ferocious was seeking her with his
+poniard 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 directed
+the steps of the prince your son. Conceal from both of them their birth
+and your own and do not allow Violette to see these bracelets, which
+contain the portraits of her father and mother, nor the rich clothing
+which I have replaced by other articles better suited to the quiet
+existence she will lead here. I have here," said the fairy, "a casket of
+precious stones. It contains the happiness of Violette but you must hide
+them from all eyes and not open the casket until she shall have been
+lost and found."
+
+"I will execute your orders most faithfully, madam, but I pray you tell
+me if my unhappy son must long wear his frightful covering."
+
+"Patience! patience!" cried the fairy, "I watch over you, over Violette
+and over your son. Inform Ourson of the faculty he has of exchanging his
+skin with any one who loves him well enough to make this sacrifice for
+his sake. Remember that no one must know the rank of Ourson or of
+Violette. Passerose, on account of devotion, deserves to be the only one
+initiated into this mystery and she can always be trusted. Adieu,
+queen; count always upon my protection. Here is a ring, which you must
+place upon your little finger. As long as you wear it there you will
+want for nothing."
+
+Waving her farewell with her hand, the fairy took the form of a lark and
+flew away singing merrily.
+
+Agnella and Passerose looked at each other. Agnella sighed, Passerose
+smiled.
+
+"Let us hide this precious casket, dear queen, and the clothing of
+Violette. I am going now to see what the fairy has prepared for
+Violette's dress to-morrow morning."
+
+She ran quickly and opened the wardrobe, and found it filled with
+clothing, linen and hosiery, all plain but good and comfortable. After
+having looked at all, counted all and approved all and after having
+assisted Agnella to undress, Passerose went to bed and was soon sound
+asleep.
+
+
+
+
+THE DREAM
+
+
+In the morning Ourson was the first awake, aroused by the lowing of the
+cow. He rubbed his eyes and looked about him and asked himself why he
+was in a stable. Then he recalled the events of the day before, sprang
+up from his bundle of hay and ran quickly to the fountain to wash his
+face.
+
+While he was washing, Passerose, who had like Ourson risen at a very
+early 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, who
+was still sleeping. He drew back the curtains from Violette's bed and
+found her sleeping as peacefully as Agnella.
+
+Ourson watched her for a long time and was happy to see that she smiled
+in her dreams. Suddenly Violette's brow contracted and she uttered a cry
+of alarm, half raised herself in the bed, and throwing her little arms
+around Ourson's neck, she exclaimed:
+
+"Ourson! good Ourson! save poor Violette! poor Violette is in the water
+and 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 to
+reassure and control her but she still exclaimed:
+
+"Wicked toad! good Ourson! save Violette!"
+
+Agnella, who had awaked at her first cry, could not yet understand
+Violette's alarm but she succeeded at last in calming her and the child
+told her dream.
+
+"Violette was walking with Ourson but he did not give his hand to
+Violette nor look at her. A wicked toad came and pulled Violette into
+the water; she fell and called Ourson; he came and saved Violette. She
+loves good Ourson," she added, in a tender voice; "will never forget
+him."
+
+Saying these words, Violette threw herself into his arms. He, no longer
+fearing the effect of his bear-skin, embraced her a thousand times and
+comforted and encouraged her.
+
+Agnella had no doubt that this dream was a warning sent by the fairy
+Drolette. She resolved to watch carefully over Violette and to make
+known to Ourson all that she could reveal to him without disobeying the
+fairy.
+
+When she had washed and dressed Violette, she called Ourson to
+breakfast. 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 everything
+here, with good Ourson and good Mamma Ourson!"
+
+"I am not called Mamma Ourson," said Agnella, laughing; "call me only
+Mamma."
+
+"Oh no, no! not mamma!" cried Violette, shaking her head sadly. "Mamma!
+mamma is lost! she was always sleeping, never walking, never taking care
+of poor Violette, never kissing little Violette, Mamma Ourson speaks,
+walks, kisses Violette and dresses her. I love Mamma Ourson, oh, so
+much!" 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 and
+passing 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 breakfast
+and then we will take a walk."
+
+They breakfasted with good appetites. Violette clapped her hands
+frequently 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 and
+Passerose attended to the house. Ourson played with Violette and
+gathered her flowers and strawberries. She said to him:
+
+"We will always walk with each other. You must always play with
+Violette."
+
+"I cannot always play, little girl. I have to help mamma and Passerose
+to work."
+
+"What sort of work, Ourson?"
+
+"To sweep, scour, take care of the cow, cut the grass and bring wood and
+water."
+
+"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 she
+was helping him but she was really too small to be useful. After some
+days had passed away, she began to wash the cups and saucers, spread the
+cloth, fold the linen and wipe the table. She went to the milking with
+Passerose, helped to strain the milk and skim it and wash the marble
+flag-stones. She was never out of temper, never disobedient and never
+answered impatiently or angrily.
+
+Ourson loved her more and more from day to day. Agnella and Passerose
+were also very fond of her and the more so because they knew that she
+was Ourson's cousin.
+
+Violette loved them but Ourson most of all. How could she help loving
+this good boy, who always forgot himself for her, who was constantly
+seeking to amuse and please her and who would indeed have been willing
+to die for his little friend?
+
+One day, when Passerose had taken Violette with her to market, Agnella
+related to Ourson the sad circumstances which had preceded his birth.
+She revealed to him the possibility of his getting rid of his hairy skin
+and receiving a smooth white skin in exchange if he could ever find any
+one who would voluntarily make this sacrifice from affection and
+gratitude.
+
+"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 of
+wretchedness which the vengeance of the fairy Furious has condemned me
+to endure; never, from a wish of mine, shall a heart capable of such a
+sacrifice suffer all that I have suffered and all that I still suffer
+from the fear and antipathy of men."
+
+Agnella argued in vain against this firm and noble resolve of Ourson. He
+declared that she must never again speak to him of this exchange, to
+which he would most assuredly never give his consent and that it must
+never be named to Violette or any other person who loved him.
+
+Agnella promised compliance, after a few weak arguments. In reality she
+approved and admired his sentiments. She could not but hope, however,
+that the fairy Drolette would recompense the generous and noble
+character of her little charge and, by some extraordinary exercise of
+her power, release him from his hairy skin.
+
+
+
+
+THE TOAD AGAIN
+
+
+Some years passed away in this peaceful manner without the occurrence of
+any remarkable event. Ourson and Violette both grew rapidly. Agnella
+thought no more of Violette's frightful dream; her vigilance had greatly
+relaxed and she often allowed her to walk alone or under the care of
+Ourson.
+
+Ourson was now fifteen years of age and he was tall and strong. No one
+could say whether he was handsome or homely for his long black hair
+covered his body and face entirely. He was good, generous and
+loving--always ready to render a service, always contented and cheerful.
+Since the day when he had found Violette in the wood his melancholy had
+disappeared; he was utterly indifferent to the general antipathy which
+he inspired and he no longer walked in uninhabited places but lived
+happily in the circle of the three beings whom he cherished and who
+loved him supremely.
+
+Violette was now ten years old and she had not lost a single sweet charm
+of her beauty in growing up. Her eyes were softer and more angelic, her
+complexion fresher and purer, her mouth more beautiful and arch in its
+expression. She had grown much in height--was tall, light and graceful
+and her rich blonde hair, when unbound, fell to her feet and entirely
+enveloped her like a veil. Passerose had the care of this superb hair
+and Agnella never ceased to admire it.
+
+Violette had learned many things during those seven years. Agnella had
+taught her how to do housework. In other things, Ourson had been her
+teacher. He had taught her to read, write and keep accounts and he often
+read aloud to her while she was sewing. Instructive and amusing books
+were 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 for
+going to market to sell or the neighboring village to buy. Through the
+agency of the ring on Agnella's little finger everything they wished
+for, or had need of, was speedily brought to them.
+
+One day when Ourson was walking with Violette she stumbled against a
+stone, fell and hurt her foot. Ourson was frightened when he saw his
+cherished Violette bleeding. He did not know what to do to relieve her;
+he saw how much she suffered, for, notwithstanding all her efforts, she
+could not suppress the tears which escaped from her eyes but finally he
+remembered that a brook flowed not ten paces from them.
+
+"Dear Violette," he said, "lean upon me and we will endeavor to reach
+the rivulet--the fresh water will relieve you."
+
+Violette tried to walk while Ourson supported her. He succeeded in
+seating her on the borders of the stream where she took off her shoe and
+bathed her delicate little foot in the fresh flowing water.
+
+"I will run to the house, dear Violette, and bring some linen to wrap up
+your foot. Wait for me, I shall not be long absent and take good care
+not to get nearer the stream for this little brook is deep and if you
+slip you might drown."
+
+When Ourson was out of sight Violette felt an uneasiness which she
+attributed to the pain caused by her wound. An unaccountable repulsion
+made her feel inclined to withdraw her foot from the water in which it
+was hanging. Before she decided to obey this strange impulse she saw the
+water troubled and the head of an enormous toad appear upon the surface.
+The great swollen angry eyes of the loathsome animal were fixed upon
+Violette, who since her dream had always had a dread of toads. The
+appearance of this hideous creature, its monstrous swollen body and
+menacing glance, froze her with such horror that she could neither move
+nor 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. "I
+am the fairy Furious, the enemy of your family. I have been lying in
+wait 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 warn
+you against me. Ourson whose hairy skin is a talisman of safety is now
+absent, my sister is on a journey and you are at last mine."
+
+Saying these words, she seized Violette's foot with her cold and shining
+paws and tried to draw her down into the water. Violette uttered the
+most piercing shrieks; she struggled and caught hold of the plants and
+shrubs 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 poor
+Violette! 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, more
+despairing, more terrible, answered to her own. But, alas! her hair
+alone appeared above the water when Ourson reached the spot, breathless
+and panting with terror. He had heard Violette's cries and had turned
+back with the rapidity of lightning.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he sprang into the water and seized
+Violette by her long hair but he felt instantly that he was sinking
+with her. The fairy Furious was drawing them to the bottom of the
+stream. He knew he was sinking but he did not lose his self-possession.
+Instead of releasing Violette, he seized her both arms and invoked the
+fairy Drolette. When they reached the bottom, he gave one vigorous
+stroke with his heel which brought him again to the surface. Holding
+Violette securely with one arm, he swam sturdily with the other and
+through some supernatural force he reached the shore where he deposited
+the unconscious Violette.
+
+Her eyes were closed, her teeth tightly clenched and the pallor of death
+was on her face. Ourson threw himself on his knees by her side weeping
+bitterly. Brave Ourson, whom no dangers could intimidate, no privation,
+no suffering could master, now wept like a child. His sweet sister, so
+well beloved! his only friend, his consolation, his happiness was lying
+there motionless, lifeless! Ourson's strength and courage had deserted
+him and he sank down without consciousness by the side of his beloved
+Violette.
+
+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 and
+disappeared.
+
+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 which
+succeeded them. She ran to the house to apprise Agnella and they both
+ran rapidly toward the stream from which the cries for help seemed to
+come.
+
+On approaching, they saw with surprise and alarm that Violette and
+Ourson were lying on the ground in a state of unconsciousness. Passerose
+placed her hand on Violette's heart and felt it still beating. Agnella
+ascertained at the same moment that Ourson was still living. She
+directed Passerose to take Violette home, undress her and put her to bed
+while she endeavored to restore consciousness to Ourson with salts and
+other restoratives before conducting him to the farm. Ourson was too
+tall and heavy to be carried while Violette, on the contrary, was light
+and it was easy for Passerose to carry her to the house. When she
+arrived there, she was soon restored to animation. It was some moments
+before she was conscious. She was still agitated with a vague
+remembrance 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 himself
+weeping 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. Passerose
+has carried her to the house and will bestow upon her all the attention
+she requires."
+
+Ourson seemed to revive on hearing these words. He rose and wished to
+run to the farm but his second thought was consideration for his mother
+and he restrained his impatience to suit her steps. On their way to the
+farm he told his mother all that he knew of the events which had almost
+cost Violette and himself their lives. He added that the slime from the
+mouth of the fairy Furious had left a strange dulness in his head.
+
+Agnella now told him how Passerose and herself had found them stretched
+unconscious upon the border of the stream. They soon arrived at the
+farm, 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 wept
+and Agnella and Passerose were both in tears. It was a concert of
+emotion, enough to soften all hearts. Passerose put an end to it by
+crying out:
+
+"Would not one say--ha! ha!--that we were the most--ha! ha!--unfortunate
+people--ha! ha!--in the universe!--Look at our poor Ourson, wet as a
+water-reed, bathing himself in his own and Violette's tears. Courage,
+children, courage and happiness! See, we are all alive, thanks to
+Ourson."
+
+"Oh, yes!" interrupted Violette; "thanks to Ourson--to my dear, my
+well-beloved Ourson. How shall I ever repay him for all I owe him? How
+can I ever testify my profound gratitude, my tender affection?"
+
+"By loving me always as you do now, my dear Violette, my sister. Ah! if
+it has indeed been in my power to render you some little service, have
+you not changed my whole existence? Have you not made me gay and
+happy--me who was so wretched and so miserable before? Are you not every
+day and every hour of the day the consolation and happiness of my life
+and of that of my excellent mother?"
+
+Violette was still weeping and she answered only by pressing more
+tenderly to her heart her Ourson, her adopted brother.
+
+"Dear son," said his mother, "you are dripping wet. Go and change your
+clothing. Violette has need of some hours' repose. We will meet again at
+dinner."
+
+Violette consented to go to bed but did not sleep for her heart was
+melting, overflowing with gratitude and tenderness. She sought in vain
+for some means of rewarding the devotion of Ourson. She could think of
+no other way than that of trying to become perfect so as to increase the
+happiness of Ourson and Agnella.
+
+
+
+
+VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE
+
+
+When the dinner hour came, Violette arose, dressed herself and entered
+the dining-room where Agnella and Passerose were awaiting her. Ourson
+was 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 head
+resting 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 strange
+heaviness in my head."
+
+Passerose flew to inform Agnella and Violette of his illness and they
+were by his side in an instant. Ourson made an effort to rise in order
+to reassure them but he fell upon a chair. Agnella found that he had a
+violent fever and she prevailed upon him to lie down. Violette
+absolutely refused to leave him.
+
+"I am the cause of his illness," she said, "and I will not leave his
+side till he is well. I shall die of anxiety if you force me to leave my
+dear brother."
+
+Agnella and Passerose also installed themselves near their dear invalid
+but alas! soon poor Ourson did not recognise them. He was delirious! He
+called his mother and Violette every moment and continued to call them
+most importunately and to complain of their absence, even while they
+were holding him in their arms.
+
+Agnella and Violette never left him day nor night during all his
+sickness. The eighth day, Agnella, exhausted with fatigue, had fallen
+asleep near the poor sufferer's bed; his difficult respiration and
+lifeless eye seemed to announce the near approach of death. Violette was
+on her knees, holding and pressing in her fine white hands the hairy
+hands of Ourson and covering them with tears and kisses.
+
+In the midst of this scene of desolation, a clear sweet song interrupted
+the mournful silence of the chamber of the dying boy. Violette started.
+This soft melody seemed to bring consolation and happiness; she raised
+her 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 love
+Ourson?"
+
+"Do I love him? Ah! love him--I love him more than any one else--more
+than 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 my
+happiness and of my own life."
+
+"Listen, then, Violette. I am the fairy Drolette. I love Ourson, I love
+you and I love your family. The venom which my sister the fairy Furious
+has blown upon the head of Ourson is sufficient to cause his death.
+Nevertheless, if you are sincere, if you really feel for Ourson the
+sentiments of gratitude and tenderness which you express, his life is in
+your hands. You are permitted to redeem it! But remember that you will
+soon be called upon to give the most terrible proof of your attachment
+and that if he lives you will pay for his existence by a most horrible
+sacrifice."
+
+"Oh, madam! quick, quick, tell me what I am to do to save my dear
+Ourson. Nothing will be terrible to me, all will be joy and happiness if
+you aid me to save my brother Ourson."
+
+"Well, my child, very well," replied the fairy. "Kiss his left ear three
+times, saying at each kiss: _'To thee!--For thee!--With thee!'_ Reflect
+again, Violette, before undertaking this cure. If you are not prepared
+for the most difficult sacrifices, the greatest misfortunes will
+overwhelm you and my sister Furious will be the mistress of your life."
+
+As her only reply, Violette crossed her hands upon her breast, cast upon
+the 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 them
+to 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 and
+thin? Your cheeks are hollow, you seem to have grown old and your
+beautiful eyes are red with weeping."
+
+"Hush!" said Violette, "do not wake your mother, who is sleeping by your
+side. She has not slept for a long time and is much fatigued. You have
+been 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 your
+sufferings?"
+
+Ourson was silent. He looked at her tenderly, kissed her hands and again
+asked her to tell him what had passed. She told him but she was too
+modest and too truly devoted to reveal to him the price that the fairy
+had affixed to his cure. Ourson, therefore, was far from knowing the
+truth.
+
+Ourson now felt himself restored to health, rose up, proceeded to his
+mother softly and awakened her by a kiss. Agnella thought he was
+delirious and called Passerose who was astonished when Violette told
+them that Ourson had been restored by the good fairy Drolette.
+
+After all this, Ourson and Violette loved each other more tenderly than
+ever and they never left each other unless their occupations forced them
+to 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 set
+off eagerly. The morning had appeared to her very long and she was
+impatient to be again with Ourson. To shorten the way she went through
+the forest which was composed of large trees under which she could
+easily 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 path
+to her dear Ourson. When she had passed over about half the distance she
+heard the noise of a heavy and precipitate step but too far off for her
+to imagine what it could be. After some moments of expectation she saw
+an enormous wild boar coming towards her. He seemed greatly enraged,
+ploughed the ground with his tusks and rubbed the bark from the trees as
+he passed along. His heavy snorting and breathing were as distinctly
+heard as his step. Violette did not know where to fly or to hide
+herself. While she was hesitating the wild boar came in sight, saw her,
+and paused. His eyes were flaming, his whole body bristling, his tusks
+clashing together. He uttered a ferocious grunt, and sprang towards
+Violette. Happily she was near a tree whose branches were within her
+reach. She seized one, sprang up with it, and climbed from branch to
+branch, until she knew she was beyond his reach. Scarcely was she in
+safety when the savage animal precipitated himself with all his weight
+against the tree in which she had taken refuge. Furious at this
+obstacle, he commenced tearing the bark from the tree and gave it such
+furious blows with his snout that Violette was terribly frightened. The
+concussion caused by these violent and repeated blows might at last
+cause 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 at
+the foot of the tree casting from time to time a menacing look at
+Violette.
+
+Many hours passed in this painful situation, Violette trembling but
+holding on steadily and the wild boar, sometimes calm, sometimes in a
+terrible rage, springing against the tree and tearing it with his
+tusks.
+
+[Illustration: _Violette takes refuge from the wild boar_]
+
+Violette called on her brother, her dear Ourson, for help. At every new
+attempt of the wild boar she renewed her cries for aid but alas! Ourson
+was 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 the
+tree, the wild boar had trampled upon it, crushed it and eaten up
+everything it contained.
+
+Whilst Violette was a prey to these terrors and vainly calling for help
+Ourson was amazed at not seeing her come with the dinner.
+
+"Can they have forgotten me?" he said to himself. "No, neither my mother
+nor Violette could have forgotten me. I could not have explained myself
+well. Without doubt they expected me back to dinner; they are looking
+for me now and are perhaps uneasy."
+
+At this thought Ourson abandoned his work and commenced walking
+precipitately towards the house. He also wished to shorten the way and
+determined to cross the forest. Soon he thought he heard plaintive cries
+of distress. He paused--he listened, his heart beat violently as he
+believed he recognized the voice of Violette. But, no--he heard nothing
+now. He was about to resume his march when he heard a more distinct and
+piercing cry.
+
+Now he knew that it must be Violette, his Violette, who was in danger
+and calling upon Ourson for help. He ran in the direction from which the
+noise seemed to come. Approaching, he heard not only calls for help but
+roars and growls accompanied by ferocious cries and violent blows. Poor
+Ourson ran on with the speed of despair. At last he perceived the wild
+boar shaking with his snout the tree upon which Violette was still
+crouched in safety though pale and overcome.
+
+This sight gave him new strength. He invoked the protection of the good
+fairy Drolette and rushed upon the wild boar with his axe in his hand.
+The wild boar in his rage bellowed furiously. He gnashed his formidable
+tusks one against the other and sprang towards Ourson, who dodged the
+attack and jumped to one side. The boar passed beyond him, paused a
+moment, then turned more furious than ever against Ourson who had now
+taken 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 violent
+blow but his bones were so hard he scarcely seemed to feel it. The
+violence of the attack overthrew Ourson. The wild boar, seeing his enemy
+on the ground, did not give him time to rise but sprang upon him and
+with 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 jeering
+song was heard just above the combatants. The wild boar shuddered,
+suddenly quitted Ourson, raised his head and saw a lark flying above
+them. 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 rested
+supported by the branches of the tree. Ourson, who thought himself torn
+to pieces, scarcely dared attempt to move but feeling no pain he rose
+promptly to assist Violette. His heart was full of gratitude to the
+fairy Drolette to whom he attributed his rescue. At this moment the lark
+flew towards him, pecked his cheeks and whispered in his ear:
+
+"Ourson, it was the fairy Furious who sent this wild boar. I arrived in
+time to save you. Profit by the gratitude of Violette and change skins
+with her. She will consent joyfully."
+
+"Never!" cried Ourson. "I would rather be a bear all my life--rather
+die. Poor Violette! I should indeed be base if I abused her tenderness
+towards me in this way."
+
+"Good-bye, obstinate one!" said the lark, flying away singing, "till we
+meet 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. He
+laid her upon the soft green moss and bathed her forehead with a little
+wine he found in a broken bottle.
+
+In a few moments Violette was restored to consciousness. She could
+scarcely 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! tell
+me, what can I do to prove my gratitude?"
+
+"Do not speak of gratitude, my cherished Violette. Do I not owe all my
+happiness 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 no
+less to render you some real and signal service, which will show all the
+gratitude and all the love with which my heart is filled."
+
+"Good! good! we shall see," said Ourson, laughing. "In the mean time let
+us think of preserving our lives. You have eaten nothing since morning,
+poor Violette, for I see on the ground the remnants of the provisions
+you brought, as I suppose, for our dinner. It is late and the day is
+declining so we must hurry to return to the farm before dark."
+
+Violette now tried to rise but her terror and her long fast had weakened
+her 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 had
+grown so large that he could not carry her so far, neither could he
+leave her exposed to the attacks of the ferocious beasts of the forest
+and he feared she could not do without food till the morning. In this
+perplexity he saw a packet fall at his feet. He raised it, opened it and
+found a pie, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. Ourson knew that this
+bounty was from the hand of the fairy Drolette and with a heart full of
+gratitude he put the bottle to Violette's lips. One mouthful of this
+good wine which was indeed unequalled restored a portion of Violette's
+strength. The pie and the bread completely restored her as well as
+Ourson who did full honor to the repast. While eating and drinking they
+conversed of their past terrors and present happiness.
+
+Now, however, it was night and neither Violette nor Ourson knew which
+way to turn their steps in order to reach the farm. They were in the
+midst of a wood. Violette was reclining against the tree which had been
+her refuge from the wild boar. They dared not quit this spot lest in the
+obscurity they might not find as comfortable a one.
+
+"Well, dear Violette, do not be alarmed. It is warm, the weather is
+beautiful and you are reclining upon a bed of soft green moss. Let us
+pass the night where we are. I will cover you with my coat and I will
+lie at your feet to protect you from all danger and alarm. Mamma and
+Passerose will not be very anxious for they are ignorant of the dangers
+we have encountered and you know that we have often on a lovely evening
+like this reached home after they had retired."
+
+Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest. In the
+first place, they could not do otherwise; secondly, she was never afraid
+with Ourson and always thought that what he decided to do was right.
+
+[Illustration: _Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the
+forest_]
+
+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 possession
+of 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 tree
+which had sheltered them during the night. Ourson awaked and not seeing
+Violette he sprang up in an instant and called her name in a voice
+choking 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? you
+tremble!"
+
+"I thought you had been carried away by some wicked fairy, dear
+Violette, and I reproached myself for having fallen asleep. Let us go
+now quickly in order to reach home before mamma and Passerose are
+awake."
+
+Ourson knew the forest well. He soon found the path to the farm and they
+arrived some moments before Agnella and Passerose awoke. They agreed to
+conceal from Agnella the dangers to which they had been exposed, to
+spare her anguish and disquietude for the future. Passerose alone was
+made the confidant of their dangerous adventures.
+
+
+
+
+THE CONFLAGRATION
+
+
+Ourson now forbade Violette to go alone in the forest. She was no longer
+allowed to carry him his dinner so he always returned to the house at
+midday. Violette never left the farm without Ourson.
+
+Three years after the event in the forest, Ourson saw Violette arise in
+the morning pale and exhausted. She was seeking him.
+
+"Come, come," she said, drawing him along, "I have something to
+say--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! What
+can 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 is
+terrible! terrible! Ourson, dear Ourson, your life is menaced! If you
+die, 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 to
+me and said:
+
+"'The moment approaches when your dear Ourson is to resume his natural
+skin. To you he is to be indebted for this change. I hate him! I hate
+you! You shall not make each other happy! Ourson shall perish and you
+cannot accomplish the sacrifice which in your folly you meditate. In a
+few days, yes, perhaps in a few hours I shall take a signal vengeance
+upon you both. Good-bye--do you hear?--till we meet again!'
+
+"I awoke, suppressed a cry which was about to issue from my lips and
+saw, as I saw on that day in which you saved me from the water, the
+hideous toad creeping upon the shutter and gazing at me menacingly. It
+disappeared, leaving me more dead than alive. I arose dressed myself and
+came to find you my brother, my friend to warn you against the vengeance
+of the fairy Furious and to entreat you to seek the aid of the good
+fairy Drolette."
+
+Ourson listened in great alarm. He was not frightened by the fate which
+menaced himself--he was agitated by the sacrifice which Furious
+announced and which he understood but too well. The thought alone of his
+dear and lovely Violette being muffled up in his hideous bear's skin
+through devotion to him made him tremble and he preferred death.
+Ourson's anguish was pictured in his countenance, and Violette, who was
+watching 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 me
+encourage me and sustain me in all my fears have now no word to utter to
+restore my failing courage. You who have combated the most terrible
+dangers now bow your head and are resigned to fate."
+
+"No, Violette, it is not fear which makes me tremble--it is not fear
+which agitates me. It is a word which the fairy Furious has uttered, of
+which you do not comprehend the meaning but which I understand
+perfectly. The threat was addressed to you, my Violette. It is for you I
+tremble!"
+
+Violette divined from this that the moment of sacrifice had come, that
+she was about to be called upon to keep the promise she had made to the
+fairy Drolette. In place of trembling and shrinking, she felt the most
+lively joy. She could now at last make some return for the devotion, the
+incessant watchful tenderness of her dear Ourson--could in her turn be
+useful to him. She made no response to the fears expressed by Ourson but
+thanked him and spoke to him more tenderly than ever before, thinking
+that soon perhaps she would be separated from him by death. Ourson had
+the same thought. They both fervently invoked the protection of the
+fairy Drolette. Ourson, indeed, called upon her in a loud voice but she
+did not respond to his appeal.
+
+The day passed away sadly. Neither Ourson nor Violette spoke to Agnella
+on the subject of their disquiet for fear of aggravating her melancholy
+which had been constantly increasing as Ourson grew to manhood.
+
+"Already twenty years old!" thought she. "If he persists in living in
+this 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 this
+bear-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. The
+fairy Drolette had appeared to her:
+
+"Courage, queen," she said to her, "in a few days Ourson will lose his
+bear's skin and you can give him his true name of Prince Marvellous."
+
+Agnella had awaked full of hope and happiness. She redoubled her
+tenderness to Violette, believing that it was to her she would owe the
+happiness 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's
+heart bounding with joy at that same future which appeared so near and
+so replete with happiness, Passerose, astonished at the melancholy of
+the one and the joy of the other and ignorant of the cause of both.
+
+All slept, however. Violette after weeping profusely. Ourson after
+having invoked the fairy Drolette; Agnella after smiling and thinking of
+Ourson handsome and attractive and Passerose after saying to herself a
+hundred times: "But what is the matter with them all to-day?"
+
+Scarcely an hour after all at the farm were asleep, Violette was aroused
+by 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 about
+us!"
+
+They sprang from their beds and ran to the parlor. The flames had
+already 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 and
+windows 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 windows
+were ineffectual.
+
+"Oh! my terrible dream!" murmured Violette. "Dear Ourson, adieu for
+ever!"
+
+Ourson had also been awakened by the flames and smoke. He slept out of
+the farm-house, and near the stable. His first impulse was to run to the
+front of the house but notwithstanding his extraordinary strength he
+could not open it. One would have thought that the door would break to
+pieces under his efforts. It was evidently held fast by the fairy
+Furious.
+
+Ourson sprang upon a ladder and passed across the flames into a granary
+through an open window, then descended into the room where his mother
+and Violette were embracing, expecting instant death. Before they had
+time to recognize him he seized them in his arms and cried to Passerose
+to follow him. He ran along the granary and descended the ladder with
+his mother in one arm and Violette in the other and followed by
+Passerose. The moment after they reached the ground in safety, the
+ladder and granary became a prey to the flames.
+
+Ourson led Agnella and Violette some distance from the fire. Passerose
+was self-possessed: she had quite a large package of clothing which she
+had collected at the commencement of the fire. Agnella and Violette had
+escaped barefooted and in their night robes, and the clothing brought
+by Passerose was thus very necessary to protect them from the cold.
+After having thanked Ourson for saving their lives at the peril of his
+own they complimented Passerose upon her forethought.
+
+"See," said Passerose, "the advantage of not losing one's senses. Whilst
+you two were only thinking of your Ourson, I made up this package of
+necessary things."
+
+"That is true, my good Passerose; but what purpose would your package
+have 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 up
+alive. Is any one ever in danger when you are present? Is not this the
+third 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 rewards
+him for all he has done for you. I feel assured that on your part you
+would 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 forehead
+and 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, that
+Ourson questioned her as to this precious casket which seemed to trouble
+her so much.
+
+"The casket was a present of the fairy Drolette. She told me that the
+happiness of Violette was contained in it. It was in the wardrobe, at
+the foot of my bed. Alas! by what fatality did I forget it?"
+
+She had scarcely uttered these words when the brave Ourson sprang
+towards the burning house and notwithstanding the tears and
+supplications of Agnella, Violette and Passerose, disappeared in the
+flames exclaiming:
+
+"You shall have the casket, mother, or I will perish with it!"
+
+A horrible silence followed this act of Ourson. Violette fell on her
+knees with her arms extended towards the burning house, Agnella with her
+hands clasped looked with straining eyes at the opening through which
+Ourson had entered while Passerose was motionless, hiding her face with
+her hands. Some moments passed thus and they appeared ages to the three
+women who were expecting a sentence of life or death.
+
+Ourson did not reappear. The crackling of the burning wood, the flashing
+of the flames, increased in violence. Suddenly, a frightful noise made
+Violette and Agnella utter a cry of despair.
+
+The roof, covered with flames, had fallen in and Ourson was buried under
+the ruins--crushed by the ruins, consumed by the fire.
+
+The silence of death succeeded this dreadful catastrophe. The flames
+diminished, then died away--no sound now interrupted the despair of
+Agnella and Violette.
+
+Violette had fallen into the arms of Agnella and they sobbed thus a long
+time in silence. Passerose contemplated the smoking ruins and wept. Poor
+Ourson was buried there a victim of his courage and his devotion!
+Agnella and Violette still wept bitterly; they appeared neither to hear
+nor 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 the
+night--the evening fortunately is mild."
+
+"What shelter do I want?" said Violette. "What is the evening to me or
+the morning? There are no more beautiful days for me! The sun will shine
+no more but to illumine my despair!"
+
+"But if we remain here weeping we shall die of hunger, Violette, and in
+spite 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 place
+where I saw my dear Ourson for the last time--where he perished, a
+victim of his tenderness for us."
+
+Passerose shrugged her shoulders; she remembered that the stable had not
+been burned so she ran there with all speed, milked the cow, drank a
+cupful of milk and tried in vain to make Agnella and Violette do the
+same.
+
+Agnella rose and said to Violette in a solemn tone:
+
+"Your grief is just, my daughter. Never did a more noble or generous
+heart beat in a human form than Ourson's and he loved you more than he
+loved himself--to spare your grief he sacrificed his happiness and his
+life."
+
+Agnella now recounted to Violette the scene which preceded Ourson's
+birth, the power Violette had to deliver him from his deformity by
+accepting it for herself and Ourson's constant prayer that Violette
+should never be informed of the possibility of such a sacrifice.
+
+It is easy to comprehend the feelings of loving tenderness and regret
+which filled the heart of Violette after this confidence and she wept
+more bitterly than ever.
+
+"And now, my daughter," continued Agnella, "there remains one duty to
+fulfil, that is to give burial to my son. We must clear away these ruins
+and remove the ashes and when we have found the remains of our
+well-beloved Ourson----"
+
+Sobs interrupted her speech; she could say no more.
+
+
+
+
+THE WELL
+
+
+Agnella, Violette and Passerose walked slowly towards the burned walls
+of the farmhouse. With the courage of despair they removed the smoking
+ruins. They worked diligently two days before this work was completed.
+No vestige of poor Ourson appeared and yet they had removed piece by
+piece, handful by handful, all that covered the site. On removing the
+last half-burned planks, Violette perceived an aperture, which she
+quickly enlarged. It was the orifice of a well. Her heart beat
+violently--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 consciousness
+and fell into the well which enclosed her dear Ourson. If the good fairy
+Drolette had not watched over her fall, she would have broken her head
+and limbs against the sides of the well. But their kind protectress,
+who had already rendered them so many services, sustained her and she
+fell safely at Ourson's feet.
+
+Violette soon returned to consciousness. Their happiness was too great
+to be believed in--to be trusted. They did not cease to give the most
+tender assurances of affection. And now they were aroused from their
+ecstasy by the cries of Passerose, who, losing sight of Violette and
+seeking her amongst the ruins, discovered the open well. Peering into
+the darkness she saw Violette's white robe and she imagined that the
+poor girl had thrown herself intentionally into the well and there found
+the death she sought. Passerose screamed loud enough to destroy her
+lungs. Agnella came slowly forward to know the cause of this alarm.
+
+"Be silent, Passerose," cried Ourson in a loud voice; "you are
+frightening our mother. I am in the well with Violette; we are happy and
+want for nothing."
+
+"Oh blessed news! blessed news!" cried Passerose; "I see them! I see
+them! Madam, madam, come quickly, quickly! They are here--they are
+well--they have need of nothing!"
+
+Agnella, pale, and half dead with emotion, listened to Passerose without
+comprehending 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 her
+by the arms and drawn her back suddenly.
+
+"For the love of Ourson, dear queen, do not throw yourself into this
+hole; you will kill yourself! I will restore Ourson and Violette to you
+unharmed."
+
+Agnella, trembling with happiness, comprehended the wisdom of the
+counsel given by Passerose. She remained rooted to the spot but
+shuddering with agitation while Passerose ran to seek a ladder.
+
+Passerose was absent a long time which was excusable as she was somewhat
+confused. First she seized a cord, then a pitchfork, then a chair. For
+an instant she thought of lowering the cow to the bottom of the well so
+that poor Ourson might have a drink of fresh warm milk. At last she
+found the ladder before her eyes, almost in her hands, but she had not
+seen it.
+
+While Passerose was seeking the ladder, Ourson and Violette talked
+incessantly of their present happiness and the despair and anguish they
+had endured.
+
+"I passed uninjured through the flames," said Ourson, "and sought
+groping about for the wardrobe of my mother. The smoke suffocated and
+blinded me. Then I felt myself raised by the hair and cast to the bottom
+of this well where you have come to join me, dear Violette.
+
+"In place of finding water, or even moisture here, I felt at once a
+sweet, fresh air. A soft carpet was spread on the bottom: you see it is
+still here. There was from some source sufficient light around me. I
+found ample provisions at my side. Look at them, Violette, I have not
+touched them. A few drops of wine was all I could swallow.
+
+"The knowledge of your despair and that of my mother rendered me too
+unhappy and the fairy Drolette took pity on me. She appeared to me under
+your form, dear Violette, and I took her for you and sprang forward to
+seize you in my arms but I embraced only a vague form of air or vapor. I
+could see her but I could not touch her.
+
+"'Ourson', said the fairy, smiling sweetly upon me, 'I have assumed
+Violette's form to testify my friendship in the most agreeable way. Be
+comforted; you shall see her to-morrow. She weeps bitterly, because she
+believes you to be dead but I will send her to you to-morrow. She will
+make you a visit at the bottom of this well. She will accompany you when
+you go forth from this tomb and you shall see your mother and the blue
+heavens and the dazzling sun which neither your mother nor Violette wish
+to look upon since your loss, but which appeared beautiful to them while
+you were with them. You will return once more to this well for it
+contains your happiness.'
+
+"'My happiness!' I exclaimed to the fairy; 'when I have found my mother
+and my Violette I shall be in possession of all my happiness.'
+
+"'Believe implicitly what I say. This well contains your happiness and
+that 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 be
+wanting to complete your happiness. You will find it here. We will meet
+again, 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 and
+then you will wish that you had never seen me. Silence and farewell.'
+
+"She flew away smiling sweetly, leaving behind her a delicious perfume
+and an atmosphere so soft and heavenly that it diffused a peaceful calm
+in my heart. I suffered no more--I expected you."
+
+Violette on her part comprehended better than Ourson why the next return
+of the fairy would be painful to him. Since Agnella had revealed to her
+in confidence the nature of the sacrifice that she could impose upon
+herself, she was resolved to accomplish it, in spite of the opposition
+of Ourson. She thought only of the delight of giving an immense proof of
+her affection. This hope tempered her joy at having found him.
+
+When Ourson had completed his narrative, they heard the shrill voice of
+Passerose crying out to them:
+
+"Look, look, my children! the ladder. I will put it down to you. Take
+care that it does not fall on your heads. You must have some provisions
+down there; send them up, if you please; we are somewhat destitute above
+here. 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! here
+they are: here are Ourson's and Violette's heads--Good! Step up! There
+you are!"
+
+Agnella, still pallid and trembling, was immovable as a statue.
+
+After having seen Violette in safety, Ourson sprang from the well and
+threw himself into his mother's arms. She covered him with tears and
+kisses and held him a long time clasped to her heart. After having
+thought him dead during so many painful hours, it seemed a dream to her
+almost impossible to realize that she was holding him safe once more.
+Finally Passerose terminated this melting scene by seizing Ourson and
+saying to him:
+
+"Now it is my turn! I am forgotten, forsooth, because I do not bathe
+myself 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 and
+indeed I thank you for drawing me out of it where, however, I was doing
+very well after my sweet Violette came down to me."
+
+"But now I think of it," said Passerose, "tell me, Violette, how did you
+get to the bottom of that well without killing yourself?"
+
+"I did not go down purposely. I fell and Ourson received me in his
+arms."
+
+"All this is not very clear," said Passerose. "The fairy Drolette had
+something to do with it."
+
+"Yes, the good and amiable fairy," said Ourson. "She is always
+counteracting the cruelties of her wicked sister."
+
+While thus talking merrily, their stomachs gave indication that they
+were suffering for dinner. Ourson had left in the well the provisions
+furnished by the fairy. The rest of the happy family were still
+embracing and weeping over past remembrances but Passerose without
+saying a word descended into the well and remounted with the provisions
+which she placed on a bundle of straw; she then placed around the table
+four other bundles of straw for seats.
+
+"Dinner is ready," said she; "come and eat; you all need food. The good
+queen and Violette will soon fall from exhaustion. Ourson has had a
+little wine but he has eaten nothing. Here is a pie, a ham, bread and
+wine. Long life to the good fairy!"
+
+Agnella, Violette and Ourson did not require to be told a second time
+but placed themselves gayly at the table. Their appetites were good and
+the repast excellent. Happiness illuminated every countenance; they
+talked, laughed, clasped each other's hands and were in paradise.
+
+When dinner was over, Passerose was surprised that the fairy Drolette
+had not provided for all their wants.
+
+"Look," said she, "the house is in ruins, we are destitute of
+everything! The stable is our only shelter, the straw our only bed and
+the provisions I brought up from the well our only food. Formerly
+everything was provided before we had the time to ask for it."
+
+Agnella looked suddenly at her hand--the ring was no longer there! They
+must now gain their bread by the sweat of their brows. Ourson and
+Violette seeing her air of consternation demanded the cause of it.
+
+"Alas! my children, you will no doubt think me very ungrateful to feel
+disquieted about the future in the midst of our great happiness but I
+perceive that during the fire I have lost the ring given me by the good
+fairy and this ring would have furnished us with all the necessaries of
+life so long as it was upon my finger. Alas! I have it no longer. What
+shall we do?"
+
+"Dismiss all anxiety, dear mother," said Ourson. "Am I not tall and
+strong? 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 and
+Passerose? In seeking work for yourself, Ourson, you can also find
+something for me to do."
+
+"I will go at once and seek work," said Ourson. "Adieu, mother. We will
+meet again, Violette."
+
+Kissing their hands, he set off with a light step.
+
+He had no presentiment, poor boy, of the reception which awaited him in
+the three houses where he sought employment.
+
+
+
+
+THE FARM--THE CASTLE--THE FORGE
+
+
+Ourson walked more than three hours before he arrived at a large and
+beautiful farm where he hoped to obtain employment. He saw from a
+distance the farmer and his family seated before his front door taking
+their evening meal.
+
+He was but a short way off when one of the children, a little boy about
+ten years of age, perceived him. He sprang from his seat, uttered a cry
+of terror and fled into the house.
+
+A second child, a little girl eight years old, hearing the cry of her
+brother turned towards Ourson and commenced the most piercing shrieks.
+
+All the family now followed the movement of the children and turned
+around. At the sight of Ourson the women cried out with terror and the
+children fled in wild alarm. The men seized sticks and pitchforks
+expecting to be attacked by poor Ourson whom they took for some
+extraordinary animal escaped from a menagerie.
+
+Ourson, seeing this movement of terror and preparation for attack, spoke
+to them hoping to dissipate their fears.
+
+"I am not a bear, as you seem to suppose, but a poor boy seeking work
+and who would be very glad if you should give him employment."
+
+The farmer was greatly amazed to hear a bear speak. He did not know
+whether to fly or to interrogate him further. He resolved, however, to
+speak.
+
+"Who are you and from whence do you come?"
+
+"I come from the Woodland Farm and I am the son of Agnella," Ourson
+replied.
+
+"Ah, then it was you who in your childhood went with your mother to
+market and frightened all our children to death. You have lived in the
+woods and done without our help. Why do you seek us now? Go away and
+live as you have lived heretofore."
+
+"Our farm-house is burned to the ground. I have to work now with my
+hands to support my mother and sister. For this reason, I pray you to
+give me work. I will do all you command me."
+
+"Do you suppose, boy, that I will take into my service a villainous
+animal like you who will frighten my wife and my servants to death and
+throw 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 finish
+our dinner."
+
+"Master farmer, be merciful. Only try my work. Place me altogether by
+myself; then no one will fear me. I will conceal myself so well that
+your children shall not see me."
+
+"Will you be done talking, wicked bear? Go instantly; if you don't you
+shall feel the teeth of my pitchfork."
+
+Poor Ourson bowed his head. Tears of humiliation and disappointment
+glittered in his eyes. He withdrew slowly, followed by the coarse laugh
+and shouts of the farm hands.
+
+When out of sight he no longer restrained his tears, but in all this
+shame and despair the thought that Violette could take upon herself his
+ugly covering did not enter his thoughts.
+
+Ourson walked on till he came in sight of a castle where he saw a crowd
+of men coming, going and laboring at every kind of work. Some were
+mowing, some raking, some currying horses, some sweeping, some watering
+plants, some sowing.
+
+"Here is a house where I shall certainly find work," said Ourson to
+himself. "I see neither women nor children and I think the men will not
+be afraid of me."
+
+Ourson drew near without being seen. He took off his hat and stood
+before a man who seemed to be the superintendent.
+
+"Sir--" said he.
+
+The man looked up, recoiled a step when he saw Ourson and examined him
+with 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 my
+mother and sister. I hope you will be good enough to give me
+employment."
+
+"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 capable
+of gratitude and affection. You shall have no reason to complain either
+of 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 and
+prance and the grooms could scarcely hold them. Some of them indeed
+escaped and fled in terror to the woods.
+
+"It is the bear! It is the bear!" cried the grooms. "It has terrified
+the 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, you
+hairy beast. I will give you something to run for. Halloa, men! bring
+out the dogs, and set them upon this animal. Hurry!--see him scampering
+off!"
+
+In fact Ourson, more dead than alive at this cruel treatment,
+precipitately withdrew from the presence of these wicked and inhuman
+men. This second attempt had failed utterly but he would not allow
+himself to be discouraged.
+
+"It is still three or four hours before sunset so I have time to
+continue my search for work."
+
+He directed his steps towards a forge which was some distance from
+Woodland Farm. The master of the forge employed a great many workmen. He
+gave work to those who asked it, not in charity, but in view of his own
+interest. He was feared but he was not loved. He developed the riches of
+the country but no one thanked him for it because he alone profited by
+it. By his avidity and his opulence he ground down the poor workmen who
+could only find employment with this new Marquis of Carabas.
+
+Poor Ourson arrived at the forge. The master was at the door, scolding
+some, 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 at
+Ourson. When his eye fell upon him he did not finish his phrase; his
+eyes flashed with rage and he stammered out:--
+
+"What foolery is this? Are we in the midst of the Carnival, that a
+workman ventures upon such a ridiculous masquerade? Throw off your ugly
+bear'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! my
+natural skin but if you will be humane enough to employ me you will see
+that 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 a
+menagerie or I will throw you into a den with your brother bears. You
+will have work enough to defend yourself from their claws. Be off!"
+
+And brandishing his club he would have dealt Ourson a heavy blow if the
+poor boy had not made a hasty retreat.
+
+
+
+
+THE SACRIFICE
+
+
+Ourson turned his steps homeward, discouraged and exhausted. He walked
+slowly and arrived at the farm late. Violette ran to meet him, took him
+by the hand, and without saying a word led him to his mother. There she
+fell 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 fairy
+Drolette has confirmed her story. My mother, when our Ourson was, as we
+believed, lost to us for ever and lost for my sake you revealed to me
+that which in his nobility and goodness he wished to conceal. I know
+that by changing skins with him I can restore to him his original
+beauty. Happy, a hundred times happy in having this opportunity to
+recompense the tenderness and devotion of my dearly-loved brother
+Ourson, I demand to make this exchange allowed by the fairy Drolette and
+I entreat her to complete the transfer immediately."
+
+"Violette! Violette!" exclaimed Ourson, in great agitation, "take back
+your words! You do not know to what you engage yourself; you are
+ignorant of the life of anguish and misery unparalleled, the life of
+solitude and isolation to which you thus condemn yourself; you know not
+the unceasing desolation you will feel at knowing that you are an object
+of fear to all mankind. Violette, Violette, in pity to me, withdraw your
+words!"
+
+"Dear Ourson," said Violette, calmly, but resolutely, "in making what
+you believe to be so great a sacrifice, I accomplish the dearest wish of
+my heart; I secure my own happiness; I satisfy an ardent and imperious
+desire to testify my tenderness and my gratitude. I esteem myself for
+doing what I propose. I should despise myself if I left it undone."
+
+"Pause, Violette, for one instant longer, I beseech you! Think of my
+grief, when I no longer see my beautiful Violette, when I think of you
+exposed to the railleries, the horror of men. Oh! Violette, do not
+condemn your poor Ourson to this anguish."
+
+The lovely face of Violette was veiled with sadness. The fear that
+Ourson would feel repugnance towards her made her heart tremble; but
+this thought, which was wholly personal, was very fleeting--it could not
+triumph over her devoted tenderness. Her only response was to throw
+herself 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 lovingly
+upon her--whilst Ourson, on his knees, supplicated her to leave him his
+bear-skin to which he had been accustomed for twenty years--Violette
+called out again in a loud voice:--
+
+"Fairy Drolette! Fairy Drolette! come and accept the price of the life
+and health of my dear Ourson."
+
+At this moment the fairy Drolette appeared in all her glory. She was
+seated 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 brilliant
+colors 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 it
+was light as gauze. Her hair, glittering like tissue of gold, was
+ornamented by a crown of carbuncles more brilliant than the sun; each of
+her slippers was carved from a single ruby and her beautiful face, soft,
+yet gay, breathed contentment. She fixed upon Violette a most
+affectionate 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 me
+with boundless gratitude--you, good and just--will you execute the mad
+wish of my dear Violette? Will you make my whole life wretched by
+forcing 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 light
+touch with her wand of pearl and Ourson another--then said:--
+
+"Let it be according to the wish of your heart, my daughter. Let it be
+contrary to your ardent desires, my son."
+
+At the same moment, the face, arms and the whole body of the lovely
+young girl were covered with the long hair which Ourson had worn, and
+Ourson appeared with a white smooth skin, which set off his extreme
+beauty to advantage.
+
+Violette gazed at him with admiration, while he, his eyes cast down and
+full of tears, dared not look at his poor Violette, so horribly
+metamorphosed. At last he looked up, threw himself in her arms, and they
+wept together.
+
+Ourson was marvellously handsome. Violette was, as Ourson had been,
+without form, without beauty, but not ugly. When Violette raised her
+head 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 thousand
+times more than ever before."
+
+"Violette," said Ourson, "never fear being ugly in our eyes. To my
+eyes, you are a hundred times more beautiful than when clothed with all
+your loveliness. To me you are a sister--a friend incomparable. You will
+always 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 the
+air, and they saw descend a chariot made of crocodile's skin, drawn by
+fifty enormous toads. All the toads were hissing and blowing, and would
+have cast their infectious venom in every direction, if they had not
+been restrained by the power of the fairy Drolette.
+
+When the chariot reached the ground, the fairy Furious, a huge and heavy
+creature, issued from it. Her big eyes seemed bursting from their
+sockets, her large flat nose covered her wrinkled, withered cheeks, her
+monstrous mouth extended from ear to ear and when it was open a long
+pointed black tongue was seen licking her horrid teeth.
+
+She was not more than three feet in height and was very corpulent; her
+grizzly skin was gluey and cold, like a snail's and her thin red hair
+fell in locks of unequal length around her throat, which was disfigured
+by a goitre. Her large, flat hands looked like the fins of a shark, her
+dress 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 true
+name of Prince Marvellous) with a slow step. She paused in front of him
+and casting a furious glance upon the fairy Drolette and an eye of
+mocking triumph upon Violette, she folded her great cold arms and said
+in 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 your
+original beauty at the expense of that little fool, who is now frightful
+and repugnant and whom you will now never wish to approach. Yes! yes!
+weep, my handsome Ourson! You will weep a long time, Violette, and you
+will regret bitterly, if you do not already regret, that you have given
+your beautiful skin to the prince Marvellous."
+
+"Never, madam, never! My only regret is that I did not know sooner what
+I could do to testify my gratitude."
+
+The fairy Drolette, whose countenance had assumed an unaccustomed
+expression of severity and irritation, now waved her wand and said:--
+
+"Silence, sister! You shall not triumph long over the misfortunes of
+Violette. I will provide a remedy for those misfortunes: her generous
+devotion merits recompense."
+
+"I defy you to come to her assistance under penalty of my wrath," said
+Furious.
+
+"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 hissing
+furiously, she called her chariot, mounted it, rose in the air and tried
+to launch upon Drolette all the venom of her toads in order to suffocate
+her.
+
+But Drolette knew her sister perfectly. Her faithful larks held the door
+of 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 turning
+adroitly to one side. They however threw their venom on the larks which
+were nearest to them, who died instantly.
+
+Drolette detached them with the rapidity of a thunder-bolt, rose again
+in the air and fell so adroitly on the toads, that the larks tore out
+their eyes with their claws, before Furious had time to come to the
+rescue of her army.
+
+The outcries of the toads and the hissing of the larks made a deafening
+noise; and the fairy Drolette called out to her friends, who were
+regarding 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 in
+such a way as to meet the larks face to face, and to dart their venom
+upon them.
+
+But Drolette rose higher and higher in the air and Furious found herself
+always 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 should
+gladly see in the lower regions!"
+
+Scarcely had she pronounced these words when her chariot fell heavily to
+the earth. The toads perished and the chariot disappeared. The fairy
+Furious only remained, in the form of an enormous toad. She wished to
+speak but she could only bellow and snuffle. She gazed at Drolette and
+her larks--at Prince Marvellous, Violette and Agnella, in a transport of
+rage but her power was destroyed.
+
+The fairy Drolette lowered her chariot, descended to the earth and
+said:--
+
+"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, which
+happily reached no one.
+
+Drolette extended her wand towards her and said:
+
+"I command you to disappear and never to appear again to the prince
+Marvellous, 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 her
+brow, as if to chase away a sad thought; then approaching Prince
+Marvellous, she said to him:--
+
+"Prince, the title which I give you indicates your birth. You are the
+son of King Ferocious and the queen Aimee, concealed till now under the
+appearance of a modest farmer woman. The name of your father
+sufficiently indicates his character. Your mother having prevented him
+from killing his brother Indolent and his sister-in-law Nonchalante, he
+turned his rage against her. I was her protectress, and carried her off
+with her faithful Passerose in a cloud.
+
+"And you, Princess Violette, your birth is equal to that of Prince
+Marvellous. Your father and mother were that same King Indolent and
+Queen Nonchalante who, saved once by Queen Aimee, became at last the
+victims of King Ferocious and their own apathy. Since that time King
+Ferocious has been killed by his subjects who could no longer support
+his cruel yoke.
+
+"They expect you, prince, to reign over them. I have revealed to them
+your existence and I have promised them that you will take a wife worthy
+of you. You can select from the twelve princesses whom your father
+retained captive after having slain their parents. They are all wise and
+beautiful and each has a kingdom for her marriage portion."
+
+Surprise had kept Prince Marvellous silent. At the last words of the
+fairy he turned towards Violette, and seeing that she was weeping, he
+said:--
+
+"Why do you weep, my Violette? Do you fear that I will blush for
+you--that I will not dare to testify before my whole court the
+tenderness with which you inspire me? That I will conceal what you have
+done for me or forget the bonds which attach me to you for ever? Can you
+believe that I will be ungrateful enough to seek any other affection
+than yours and fill your place by any of those princesses held captive
+by my father? No, dearest Violette! Until this time I have seen in you
+only a sister but from this moment you are the companion of my life, my
+sole friend, my wife!"
+
+"Your wife, dear brother? That is impossible! How can you seat upon your
+throne a creature so repulsive as your poor Violette? How will you dare
+to brave the raillery of your subjects and of the neighboring kings? And
+how could I show my deformity in the midst of the festivals given on
+your 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 be
+your wife! No one shall blame you for having made so sad a choice."
+
+The prince insisted long and firmly. Violette could scarcely control her
+emotions but she resisted with as much resolution as devotion. Agnella
+said nothing. She would have been willing that her son should accept
+even this last sacrifice from poor Violette and simply allow her to
+live near to them but hidden from the world.
+
+Passerose wept and in a low tone encouraged the prince in his
+determination.
+
+"Violette," said the prince, at last, "since you absolutely refuse to
+ascend the throne with me, I abandon it and all royal power in order to
+live with you as before in solitude and happiness. Without your sweet
+presence, the sceptre would be a heavy burden; with you at my side, our
+little 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 so
+many years: modest in our lives, happy in our affections."
+
+"Noble prince and generous princess," said the fairy, "you shall be
+recompensed for this rare and devoted tenderness. Prince, in the well to
+which I carried you during the fire, there is a priceless treasure for
+Violette and yourself. Descend into the well, seek for it, and when you
+have 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 the
+well; the ladder was still there and he descended. On arriving at the
+bottom, he saw nothing but the carpet which had been there from the
+first; he searched the walls of the well, but saw no indication of
+treasure. Finally he raised the carpet, and perceived a black stone with
+a ring attached; he raised the stone and discovered a casket which
+glittered 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 ascended
+the ladder hastily, holding the casket carefully in his arms.
+
+They were awaiting his return with impatience. He handed the casket to
+the fairy. Agnella exclaimed:--
+
+"This is the same casket you confided to me, madam, and which I supposed
+I 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 general
+disappointment, when, in place of some rich treasure which they supposed
+it contained, they found only the bracelets which Violette had worn when
+her 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 and
+consternation. She took the bracelets and gave them to Violette.
+
+"This is my bridal present, my dear child; every one of these diamonds
+has the property of guarding from all evil influences the person who
+wears it, and of endowing its wearer with every virtue, enormous riches
+and resplendent beauty, with wit, intellect and all desirable happiness.
+Use them for the children who will be born of your union with Prince
+Marvellous.
+
+"As to this vial of perfumed oil, it is the wedding gift of the prince
+your cousin. I know you love perfumes, this has peculiar virtues; use it
+to-day. To-morrow I will return to seek you and carry you all to your
+kingdom," 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, desire
+to accept the crown which you are about to refuse. I forbid you,
+however, to accept it before my return. And you, dear and amiable
+prince," added she, in a sweet voice, accompanied with an affectionate
+glance, "I forbid you to repeat this offer before my return. Adieu till
+to-morrow. When you are truly happy, my dear children, think kindly of
+your friend the fairy Drolette."
+
+The fairy ascended her chariot. The larks flew like lightning and she
+soon disappeared, leaving behind her a delicious perfume.
+
+
+
+
+THE RECOMPENSE
+
+
+Prince Marvellous looked at Violette and sighed heavily; Violette gazed
+at the prince and smiled sweetly.
+
+"How handsome you are, my dear cousin! I am so happy to have it in my
+power to restore you your beauty. And now I will pour some of this
+perfumed oil upon my hands; since I cannot please your eye, I will at
+least embalm you," said she, laughing.
+
+She uncorked the vial, and entreated Marvellous to sprinkle some drops
+on her forehead and cheeks. The heart of the prince was too full for
+words. He took the vial and obeyed the order of his cousin. Their
+surprise and joy were indescribable on seeing that as soon as the oil
+touched Violette's forehead the hair disappeared and her skin resumed
+its 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 saw
+Agnella and Passerose. They called their attention to the happy effect
+of this perfumed oil given them by the fairy. Both joined in their
+happiness. The prince could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses.
+And now nothing could prevent his union with Violette, so good, so
+devoted, so tender, so lovely, so well constituted to make him supremely
+happy.
+
+The queen thought of the morrow--of her return to her kingdom, which she
+had abandoned twenty years ago. She wished that she herself, that
+Violette, that her son the prince had clothing worthy of so great an
+occasion but, alas! she had neither the time nor the means to procure
+them: they would therefore be compelled to wear their coarse clothing,
+and thus show themselves to their people. Violette and Marvellous
+laughed at this distress of their mother.
+
+"Do you not think, mamma," said Violette, "that our dear prince is
+sufficiently adorned with his rare beauty and that a rich and royal robe
+would not make him more beautiful or more amiable?"
+
+"And do you not agree with me, my dear mother," said Marvellous, "in
+thinking that our dear Violette is lovely enough in the simplest
+clothing, that the lustre of her eyes surpasses the most brilliant
+diamonds, that the clear whiteness of her teeth rivals successfully the
+rarest pearls, that the richness of her blonde hair surpasses a crown of
+brilliants?"
+
+"Yes, yes, my children," replied Agnella, "without doubt, you are both
+of you handsome and attractive but a rich dress spoils nothing, not even
+beauty. Jewels, embroidery and heavy brocades would detract nothing from
+your charms. And I who am old----"
+
+"But not ugly, madam," interrupted Passerose, hastily. "You are still
+amiable and handsome, in spite of your little country cap, your skirts
+of coarse striped cloth, your waist of red camlet and your stomacher of
+simple cloth. Besides, when you return to your kingdom, you can buy
+every kind of dress your heart desires."
+
+The evening passed away gayly and there seemed no anxiety about the
+future. The fairy had provided their supper; they passed the night on
+the bundles of hay in the stable and as they were all fatigued by the
+emotions of the day they slept profoundly. The sun had been shining a
+long time and the fairy Drolette was with them, before they awoke.
+
+A soft "Hem! hem!" of the fairy aroused them. The prince was the first
+to open his eyes; he threw himself on his knees before the fairy and
+thanked 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 of
+the prince.
+
+"I do not doubt your gratitude, dear children," said the fairy; "but I
+have much to do. I am expected in the kingdom of the king Benin where I
+am to attend at the birth of the third son of the princess Blondine.
+This prince is to be the husband of your first daughter, Prince
+Marvellous, and I am resolved to endow him with all the qualities which
+will obtain for him the warm love of your daughter. And now I must
+conduct you to your kingdom; I will return in time to be present at your
+wedding. Queen," she continued, turning to Aimee, who was now just
+opening her eyes, "we are about to set out immediately for your son's
+kingdom. Are you and your faithful Passerose ready for the journey?"
+
+"Madam," replied the queen, with a slight embarrassment, "we are ready
+to follow you but will you not blush for our dress, so little worthy of
+our rank?"
+
+"It is not I who will blush, queen," said the fairy, smiling, "but
+rather yourself who have this sensation of shame. But I will remedy this
+evil also."
+
+Saying this, she described a circle with her wand above the head of the
+queen, who in the same moment found herself clothed in a robe of gold
+brocade. Upon her head was a hat with splendid plumes, fastened with a
+band of superb diamonds and her boots were of velvet, spangled with
+gold.
+
+Aimee looked at her robe with an air of complaisance.
+
+"And Violette and my son the prince, will you not extend your goodness
+to 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, "I
+have been sufficiently happy in this robe of simple cloth. In this
+costume my brother knew me and loved me. Permit me to continue to wear
+it as far as regard for my station allows and allow me to preserve it
+always in remembrance of the happy years of my childhood."
+
+The prince thanked Violette for these sweet words, and pressed her hand
+tenderly.
+
+The fairy kindly nodded her approval and called for her chariot, which
+was waiting a few steps from them. She entered and placed the queen next
+herself, then the prince, Violette and Passerose.
+
+In less than an hour the larks had flown over the three thousand leagues
+which separated them from the kingdom of Prince Marvellous. All his
+court and all his subjects, apprised beforehand by the fairy, expected
+him. The streets and the palaces were filled by the eager, happy crowd.
+
+When the chariot appeared in sight, the people uttered cries of joy
+which were redoubled when it drew up before the great entrance of the
+palace, when they saw descend Queen Aimee, a little older, no doubt, but
+still pretty and gracious, and the Prince Marvellous, whose natural
+beauty and grace were enhanced by the splendor of his clothing,
+glittering with gold and precious stones, which were also a present from
+the fairy.
+
+But the acclamations arose to frenzy when the prince, taking Violette
+by the hand, presented her to the people.
+
+Her sweet, attractive countenance, her superb and elegant form, were
+adorned with a dress with which the fairy had clothed her by one stroke
+of her wand.
+
+Her robe was of gold lace, while her waist, her arms and shoulders shone
+with innumerable larks formed of diamonds larger than humming-birds. On
+her graceful head she wore a crown of larks made of precious stones of
+all colors. Her countenance, soft but gay, her grace, her beauty, won
+the hearts of all.
+
+For a long time nothing was heard but shouts of "Long live King
+Marvellous! Long live Queen Violette!" The noise and tumult were so
+great that many persons became deaf. The good fairy, who desired that
+only joy and happiness should prevail throughout the kingdom on this
+auspicious day, cured them instantly at the request of Violette.
+
+There was a magnificent feast spread for the court and the people. A
+million, three hundred and forty-six thousand, eight hundred and
+twenty-two persons dined at the expense of the fairy and each guest was
+permitted 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 that
+his mother was a little sad at not being queen, entreated her earnestly
+to accept Violette's kingdom and she consented to reign there on
+condition that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come every year
+and pass three months with her.
+
+Queen Aimee, before parting with her children, wished to witness their
+marriage. The fairy Drolette and many other fairies of her acquaintance
+and many genii were invited to the marriage. They all received the most
+magnificent presents, and were so satisfied with the welcome given them
+by King Marvellous and Queen Violette that they graciously promised to
+return whenever they were invited.
+
+Two years afterwards they received an invitation to be present at the
+birth of the first child of King Marvellous. There came to Queen
+Violette a daughter, who, like her mother, was a marvel of goodness and
+beauty.
+
+The king and queen could not fulfil the promise they had made to Queen
+Aimee. One of the genii who had been invited to the wedding of
+Marvellous and Violette, found in Queen Aimee so much of goodness,
+sweetness, and beauty, that he loved her, and, visiting her several
+times in her new kingdom and being affectionately and graciously
+received by her, he carried her off one day in a whirlwind. Queen Aimee
+wept 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 granted
+to her as a wedding present the power of participating in all the
+privileges of her husband: never to die, never to grow old and the
+ability to transport herself in the twinkling of an eye wherever she
+wished to go. Aimee used this power very often to visit her son and his
+children.
+
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette had eight sons and four daughters and
+they were all charming. They were happy, without doubt, for they loved
+each other tenderly and their grandmother, who, it was said spoiled them
+a little induced their grandfather, the genius Bienveillant, to
+contribute all in his power to their happiness. Consequently, they
+received many rich gifts.
+
+Passerose, who was warmly attached to Queen Aimee, had followed her into
+her new kingdom but when the genius carried her off in a whirlwind,
+Passerose, seeing herself forgotten and not being able to follow her
+mistress was so sad in the loneliness caused by the departure of Aimee,
+that she prayed the fairy Drolette to transport her to the kingdom of
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette. She remained with them and took care
+of their children to whom she often recounted the adventures of Ourson
+and Violette. She still remains, it is said, though the genius and his
+queen have made her many excuses for not having carried her off in the
+whirlwind.
+
+"No, no," Passerose replied to all these explanations; "let us remain as
+we are. You forgot me once--you might forget me another time. Here, my
+dear Ourson and my sweet Violette never forget their old nurse. I love
+them and I will remain with them. They loved me and they will take care
+of me."
+
+The farmer, the superintendent, and the master of the forge who had been
+so cruel to Ourson were severely punished by the fairy Drolette.
+
+The farmer was devoured by a bear, some hours after he had chased away
+Ourson.
+
+The superintendent was dismissed by his master for having let loose the
+dogs, who escaped and never could be found. The same night he was bitten
+by 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 blazing
+furnace where he perished miserably.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de S�gur
+
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+    <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" />
+    <link rel="coverpage" href="images/icover.jpg" />
+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de S&eacute;gur.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
+body {
+    margin-left: 10%;
+    margin-right: 10%;
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+
+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de S�gur
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Old French Fairy Tales
+
+Author: Comtesse de S�gur
+
+Illustrator: Virginia Frances Sterrett
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2009 [EBook #30129]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD FRENCH FAIRY TALES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Iona Vaughan, Meredith Bach, Mark Akrigg and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at
+http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from
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+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/icover.jpg" width="412" height="575" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 500px; height: 685px;">
+<a name="ifrontis" id="ifrontis"></a><img src="images/ifrontis.jpg" width="500" height="685" alt="Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty</i></div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/ititle.jpg" width="495" height="700" alt="OLD FRENCH
+FAIRY TALES
+
+by
+
+Comtesse De Segur
+
+Illustrated by
+Virginia Frances Sterrett" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/icopyright.jpg" width="400" height="325" alt="The Penn Publishing Company
+Philadelphia
+
+Copyright 1920 by
+The Penn Publishing Co." title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<hr />
+<h2>THE STORIES</h2>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="4" summary="table of contents" width="45%">
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">BLONDINE, BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINE">9</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine Lost</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINE_LOST">15</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Forest of Lilacs</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FOREST_OF_LILACS">23</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine's Awakening&mdash;Beau-Minon</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINES_AWAKENING_BEAU-MINON">25</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Bonne-Biche</td><td align="right"><a href="#BONNE_BICHE">28</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Blondine's Second Awakening</td><td align="right"><a href="#BLONDINES_SECOND_AWAKENING">33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Parrot</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_PARROT">40</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Repentance</td><td align="right"><a href="#REPENTANCE">49</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Tortoise</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_TORTOISE">56</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Journey and Arrival</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_JOURNEY_AND_ARRIVAL">59</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">GOOD LITTLE HENRY</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Poor Sick Mother</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_POOR_SICK_MOTHER">69</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Crow, the Cock, and the Frog</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CROW_THE_COCK_AND_THE_FROG">73</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Harvest</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_HARVEST">78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Vintage</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_VINTAGE">81</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Chase</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CHASE">84</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Fishing</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FISHING">89</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Plant of Life</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_PLANT_OF_LIFE">94</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">PRINCESS ROSETTE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Farm</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FARM">103</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Rosette at the Court of the King Her Father</td><td align="right"><a href="#ROSETTE_AT_THE_COURT_OF_THE_KING_HER">109</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Family Council</td><td align="right"><a href="#FAMILY_COUNCIL">116</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Second Day of the Festival</td><td align="right"><a href="#SECOND_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL">119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Third and Last Day of the Festival</td><td align="right"><a href="#THIRD_AND_LAST_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL">129</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">THE LITTLE GREY MOUSE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Little House</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_LITTLE_HOUSE">143</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Fairy Detestable</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FAIRY_DETESTABLE">150</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Prince Gracious</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_PRINCE_GRACIOUS">162</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Tree in the Rotunda</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_TREE_IN_THE_ROTUNDA">168</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Casket</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CASKET">174</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center" colspan="2">OURSON</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Lark and the Toad</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_LARK_AND_THE_TOAD">182</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Birth and Infancy of Ourson</td><td align="right"><a href="#BIRTH_AND_INFANCY_OF_OURSON">189</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Violette</td><td align="right"><a href="#VIOLETTE">192</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Dream</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_DREAM">204</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Toad Again</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_TOAD_AGAIN">210</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">Violette's Sacrifice</td><td align="right"><a href="#VIOLETTES_SACRIFICE">218</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Wild Boar</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_WILD_BOAR">223</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Conflagration</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_CONFLAGRATION">232</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Well</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_WELL">243</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Farm&mdash;The Castle&mdash;The Forge</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_FARM_THE_CASTLE_THE_FORGE">252</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Sacrifice</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_SACRIFICE">258</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Combat</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_COMBAT">263</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left" class="sc">The Recompense</td><td align="right"><a href="#THE_RECOMPENSE">272</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<h2>ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="list of illustrations">
+<tr><td align="left">Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty</td><td align="right"><a href="#ifrontis"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td align="right" class="stext">PAGE</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette</td><td align="right"><a href="#i011">11</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche</td><td align="right"><a href="#i035">35</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon</td><td align="right"><a href="#i050">50</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">They were three months passing through the forest</td><td align="right"><a href="#i060">60</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain</td><td align="right"><a href="#i075">75</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise</td><td align="right"><a href="#i082">82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back</td><td align="right"><a href="#i087">87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"What are you seeking, little one?"</td><td align="right"><a href="#i094">94</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat</td><td align="right"><a href="#i105">105</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">They walked side by side during the rest of the evening</td><td align="right"><a href="#i127">127</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her power for eight days</td><td align="right"><a href="#i138">138</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Rosalie never left the park which was surrounded by high walls</td><td align="right"><a href="#i144">144</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands</td><td align="right"><a href="#i152">152</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud</td><td align="right"><a href="#i185">185</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!"</td><td align="right"><a href="#i211">211</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Violette takes refuge from the wild boar</td><td align="right"><a href="#i224">224</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest</td><td align="right"><a href="#i229">229</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span></div>
+
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/iblondine.jpg" width="600" height="226" alt="Blondine Bonne Biche and Beau Minon" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i009.jpg" width="600" height="310" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">THE STORY OF BLONDINE, BONNE-BICHE,<br />
+AND BEAU-MINON</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINE" id="BLONDINE"></a>BLONDINE</h3>
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a king called Benin. He was good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span>
+and all the world loved him; he was just and the
+wicked feared him. His wife, the Queen Doucette,
+was also good, and much beloved.</p>
+
+<p>This happy pair had a daughter called the Princess
+Blondine, because of her superb fair hair, and she was as
+amiable and charming as her father the king and her mother
+the queen.</p>
+
+<p>Unfortunately, the poor queen died a short time after
+the birth of Blondine and for a long time the king wept bitterly
+at his great loss. Blondine was too young to under<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span>stand
+her mother's death: she did not weep but continued to
+laugh, to play and to sleep peacefully. The king loved her
+tenderly and she loved him more than all the world. He
+gave his little daughter the most beautiful jewels, the finest
+bonbons, and the most rare and delicious fruits. Blondine
+was very happy.</p>
+
+<p>One day it was announced to the king, that all his subjects
+demanded that he should marry again in order to have
+a son who should reign after him. He refused at first but
+finally yielded to the pressing desires of his people and said
+to his minister Leger:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My dear friend, my subjects wish me to marry again
+but my heart is so sad because of the death of my cherished
+queen Doucette that I cannot undertake the task of seeking
+another wife. Go, then, my good Leger and find me a princess
+who will make my sweet Blondine happy. Go; I ask
+for nothing more. When you have found a perfect woman,
+you will demand her hand in marriage and conduct her to
+my court."</p>
+
+<p>Leger set off immediately, visited many courts and saw
+innumerable princesses&mdash;ugly, humpbacked and wicked.</p>
+
+<p>At last he arrived at the kingdom of the monarch Turbulent,
+who had a lovely daughter, bright, winning and apparently
+good. Leger found her so charming, that he asked
+her hand in marriage for his king Benin, without sufficiently
+inquiring into her real character.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 525px; height: 441px;">
+<a name="i011" id="i011"></a><img src="images/i011.jpg" width="525" height="441" alt="Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Turbulent was enchanted at the prospect of getting rid
+of his daughter who was jealous, proud and wicked. Also,
+her presence often interfered with his excursions for pleasure,
+with the chase and with his various entertainments at the
+palace.</p>
+
+<p>Without a moment's hesitation, he acceded to the Prime
+Minister's request, and he returned with the princess to the
+kingdom of the good king Benin.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The princess Fourbette was accompanied by four thousand
+mules, loaded with the jewels and wardrobe of the
+charming bride.</p>
+
+<p>King Benin had been apprised of their approach by
+a courier and went forward to receive the princess Fourbette.
+He found her beautiful but he noted the absence
+of the mild and attractive expression of the poor lost Doucette.</p>
+
+<p>When Fourbette's eyes fell upon Blondine her glance
+was so cruel, so wicked, that the poor child, who was now
+three years old, was greatly terrified and began to weep bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" said the king. "Why does my
+sweet and sensible Blondine weep like a bad little girl?"</p>
+
+<p>"Papa! dear papa!" cried Blondine, throwing herself
+into the arms of the king, "do not give me into the hands of
+this princess. I am afraid of her&mdash;her eyes are cruel!"</p>
+
+<p>The king was much surprised. He turned so suddenly
+towards the princess Fourbette that she had no time to control
+herself and he perceived the terrible glance with which
+she regarded the little Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>Benin immediately resolved that Blondine should be
+wholly separated from the new queen and remain as before
+under the exclusive protection of the nurse who had taken
+care of her and who loved her tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>The queen thus saw Blondine rarely, and when she met<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span>
+her by chance she could not wholly dissimulate the hatred
+she felt for her.</p>
+
+<p>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 the raven's wing.</p>
+
+<p>Brunette was pretty but not so lovely as Blondine; moreover
+she was as wicked as her mother. She detested Blondine
+and played all sorts of cruel tricks upon her, bit her,
+pinched her, pulled her hair, broke her toys and tore her
+beautiful dresses.</p>
+
+<p>The good little Blondine was never in a passion with
+her sister but always tried to make excuses for her conduct.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, papa!" she said to the king, "do not scold Brunette;
+she is so little! 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."</p>
+
+<p>The good king embraced his little daughter, and was
+silent but he knew that Brunette was cruel and wicked; that
+Blondine was too gentle and good to accuse her. He loved
+Blondine, therefore, more and more from day to day and his
+heart grew cold to Brunette.</p>
+
+<p>The ambitious queen Fourbette saw all this clearly and
+hated intensely the innocent and gentle Blondine. If she
+had not feared the rage of the king she would have made
+Blondine the most wretched child in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Benin had commanded that Blondine should never be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span>
+left alone with the queen. He was known to be just and
+good but he punished disobedience severely and the queen
+herself dared not defy his commands.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINE_LOST" id="BLONDINE_LOST"></a>BLONDINE LOST</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> grew to be seven years old and Brunette<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span>
+three.</p>
+
+<p>The king had given Blondine a charming little
+carriage drawn by ostriches, and a little coachman ten years
+of age, who was the nephew of her nurse.</p>
+
+<p>The little page, who was called Gourmandinet, loved
+Blondine tenderly. He had been her playmate from her
+birth and she had shown him a thousand acts of kindness.</p>
+
+<p>But Gourmandinet had one terrible fault; he was a
+gourmand&mdash;was so fond of dainties and sweet things, that
+for a paper of bonbons he would commit almost any wicked
+action. Blondine often said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"I love you dearly, Gourmandinet, but I do not love to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span>
+see you so greedy. I entreat you to correct this villainous
+fault which will make you despised by all the world."</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet kissed her hand and promised to reform.
+But, alas! he continued to steal cakes from the kitchen and
+bonbons from the store-room. Often, indeed, he was
+whipped for his disobedience and gluttony.</p>
+
+<p>The queen Fourbette heard on every hand the reproaches
+lavished upon the page and she was cunning
+enough to think that she might make use of this weakness of
+Gourmandinet and thus get rid of poor Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>The garden in which Blondine drove in her little carriage,
+drawn by ostriches and guided by her little coachman,
+Gourmandinet, was separated by a grating from an immense
+and magnificent forest, called the Forest of Lilacs because
+during the whole year these lilacs were always covered with
+superb flowers.</p>
+
+<p>No one, however, entered these woods. It was well
+known that it was enchanted ground and that if you once
+entered there you could never hope to escape.</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet knew the terrible secret of this forest.
+He had been severely forbidden ever to drive the carriage of
+Blondine in that direction lest by some chance Blondine
+might pass the grating and place her little feet on the enchanted
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Many times the king Benin had sought to build a wall
+the entire length of the grating or to secure it in some way<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span>
+so as to make an entrance there impossible. But the workmen
+had no sooner laid the foundation than some unknown
+and invisible power raised the stones and they disappeared
+from sight.</p>
+
+<p>The queen Fourbette now sought diligently to gain the
+friendship of Gourmandinet by giving him every day some
+delicious dainties. In this way she made him so complete a
+slave to his appetite that he could not live without the jellies,
+bonbons and cakes which she gave him in such profusion.
+At last she sent for him to come to her, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself
+whether you shall have a large trunk full of bonbons and delicious
+dainties or never again eat one during your life."</p>
+
+<p>"Never again eat one! Oh! madam, I should die of
+such punishment. Speak, madam, what must I do to escape
+this terrible fate?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is necessary," said the queen, looking at him fixedly,
+"that you should drive the princess Blondine near to the
+Forest of Lilacs."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot do it, madam; the king has forbidden it."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you cannot do it; well, then, adieu. No more
+dainties for you. I shall command every one in the house to
+give you nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! madam," said Gourmandinet, weeping bitterly,
+"do not be so cruel. Give me some order which it is in my
+power to execute."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I can only repeat that I command you to lead the princess
+Blondine near to the Forest of Lilacs; that you encourage
+her to descend from the carriage, to cross the grating
+and enter the enchanted ground."</p>
+
+<p>"But, madam," replied Gourmandinet, turning very
+pale, "if the princess enters this forest she can never escape
+from it. You know the penalty of entering upon enchanted
+ground. To send my dear princess there is to give her up
+to certain death."</p>
+
+<p>"For the third and last time," said the queen, frowning
+fearfully, "I ask if you will take the princess to the forest?
+Choose! either an immense box of bonbons which I will renew
+every month or never again to taste the delicacies which
+you love."</p>
+
+<p>"But how shall I escape from the dreadful punishment
+which his majesty will inflict upon me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do not be disquieted on that account. As soon as you
+have induced Blondine to enter the Forest of Lilacs, return
+to me. I will send you off out of danger with your bonbons,
+and I charge myself with your future fortune."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! madam, have pity upon me. Do not compel me
+to lead my dear princess to destruction. She who has always
+been so good to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"You still hesitate, miserable coward! Of what importance
+is the fate of Blondine to you? When you have
+obeyed my commands I will see that you enter the service of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span>
+Brunette and I declare to you solemnly that the bonbons shall
+never fail."</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments
+longer and, alas! at last resolved to sacrifice his good little
+mistress to his gluttony.</p>
+
+<p>The remainder of that day he still hesitated and he lay
+awake all night weeping bitter tears as he endeavored to discover
+some way to escape from the power of the wicked
+queen; but the certainty of the queen's bitter revenge if he
+refused to execute her cruel orders, and the hope of rescuing
+Blondine at some future day by seeking the aid of some powerful
+fairy, conquered his irresolution and decided him to
+obey the queen.</p>
+
+<p>In the morning at ten o'clock Blondine ordered her little
+carriage and entered it for a drive, after having embraced
+the king her father and promised him to return in two hours.</p>
+
+<p>The garden was immense. Gourmandinet, on starting,
+turned the ostriches away from the Forest of Lilacs. When,
+however, they were entirely out of sight of the palace, he
+changed his course and turned towards the grating which
+separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad
+and silent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You
+say nothing Are you ill, Gourmandinet?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my princess, I am well."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"But how pale you are! Tell me what distresses you,
+poor boy, and I promise to do all in my power to make you
+happy."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened
+the hard heart of Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the
+bonbons promised by the wicked queen, Fourbette, soon
+chased away his good resolutions. Before he had time to reply,
+the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest of Lilacs.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how
+fragrant&mdash;how delicious! I must have a bouquet of those
+beautiful flowers for my good papa. Get down, Gourmandinet
+and bring me some of those superb branches."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might
+run away with you during my absence."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fear," replied Blondine; "I could guide them
+myself to the palace."</p>
+
+<p>"But the king would give me a terrible scolding for having
+abandoned you, princess. It is best that you go yourself
+and gather your flowers."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. I should be very sorry to get you a scolding,
+my poor Gourmandinet."</p>
+
+<p>While saying these words she sprang lightly from the
+carriage, crossed the bars of the grating and commenced to
+gather the flowers.</p>
+
+<p>At this moment Gourmandinet shuddered and was overwhelmed
+with remorse. He wished to repair his fault by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span>
+calling Blondine but although she was only ten steps from
+him,&mdash;although he saw her perfectly&mdash;she could not hear his
+voice, and in a short time she was lost to view in the enchanted
+forest.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time Gourmandinet wept over his crime,
+cursed his gluttony and despised the wicked queen Fourbette.</p>
+
+<p>At last he recalled to himself that the hour approached
+at which Blondine would be expected at the palace. He returned
+to the stables through the back entrance and ran at
+once to the queen, who was anxiously expecting him.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing him so deadly pale and his eyes inflamed from
+the tears of awful remorse, she knew that Blondine had perished.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it done?" said she.</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet bowed his head. He had not the
+strength to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said she, "behold your reward!"</p>
+
+<p>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 the mules which had brought her
+jewelry.</p>
+
+<p>"I confide this box to Gourmandinet, in order that he
+may take it to my father," she said. "Go, boy, and return in
+a month for another." She placed in his hand at the same
+time a purse full of gold.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet mounted the mule in perfect silence and
+set off in full gallop. The mule was obstinate and wilful
+and soon grew restive under the weight of the box and began
+to prance and kick. He did this so effectually that he threw
+Gourmandinet and his precious box of bonbons upon the
+ground.</p>
+
+<p>Gourmandinet, who had never ridden upon a horse or
+mule, fell heavily with his head upon the stones and died
+instantly.</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>No one regretted him. No one but the poor Blondine
+had ever loved him.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FOREST_OF_LILACS" id="THE_FOREST_OF_LILACS"></a>THE FOREST OF LILACS</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hen</span> Blondine entered the forest she commenced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span>
+gathering the beautiful branches of
+lilacs. She rejoiced in their profusion and
+delighted in their fragrance.</p>
+
+<p>As she made her selection, it seemed to her that those
+which were more distant were still more beautiful so she
+emptied her apron and her hat, which were both full and
+filled them again and again.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine had been thus busily occupied for about an
+hour. She began to suffer from the heat and to feel great
+fatigue. She found the branches of lilacs heavy to carry and
+thought it was time to return to the palace. She looked
+around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. She called
+Gourmandinet but no one replied.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I have wandered further than I intended," said Blondine.
+"I will return at once, though I am very weary.
+Gourmandinet will hear me and will surely come to meet
+me."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine walked on rapidly for some time but she could
+not find the boundaries of the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandinet
+but he did not respond and at last she became terribly frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"What will become of me, all alone in this vast forest?
+What will my poor papa think when I do not return? And
+Gourmandinet, how will he dare go back to the palace without
+me? He will be scolded, perhaps beaten and all 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 this forest if the wolves do not eat me up this night."</p>
+
+<p>Weeping bitterly, Blondine fell on the ground at the
+foot of a large tree. She wept a long time. At last her great
+fatigue mastered her grief. She placed her little head upon
+her bundle of lilacs, and slept peacefully.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINES_AWAKENING_BEAU-MINON" id="BLONDINES_AWAKENING_BEAU-MINON"></a>BLONDINE'S AWAKENING&mdash;BEAU-MINON</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> slept calmly all night; no ferocious beast<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span>
+came to trouble her slumbers. She did not suffer
+from the cold and awakened at a late hour in the
+morning. She rubbed her eyes, much surprised to see herself
+surrounded by trees, in place of being in her own room
+in the palace, and upon her own bed.</p>
+
+<p>She called her nurse and a soft mewing was the only response.
+Astonished and almost frightened, she looked
+around and saw at her feet a superb white cat, looking gently
+upon her and continuing to mew plaintively.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! pretty puss! how beautiful you are!" cried Blondine,
+placing her little hand caressingly upon the soft fur,
+white as snow. "I am so happy to see you, pretty puss, for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span>
+you will conduct me to your home. I am indeed very hungry
+and I have not the strength to walk much further without
+food."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine had scarcely uttered these words, when the
+white pussy mewed again 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 it contained bread
+and butter which she found delicious. She gave the crumbs
+to pussy, who munched them with seeming delight.</p>
+
+<p>When they had finished their simple meal, Blondine
+leaned over towards her little companion, and said, caressingly:</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, pretty puss, for the breakfast you have given
+me. Now, can you conduct me to my papa, who is certainly
+in despair because of my absence?"</p>
+
+<p>Pussy, whom Blondine named Beau-Minon, shook her
+head and mewed plaintively.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you understand me, Beau-Minon," said Blondine.
+"I entreat you to have pity upon me and lead me to
+some house before I perish with hunger, cold and terror in
+this vast forest!"</p>
+
+<p>Beau-Minon looked at the princess fixedly and made a
+sign with her little graceful white head which seemed to say,
+"I understand you." She rose, advanced a few steps and
+paused to see if Blondine followed her.</p>
+
+<p>"I am here, Beau-Minon; I am following you gladly,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span>
+said Blondine; "but how can we pass through these bushy
+thickets? I see no path."</p>
+
+<p>Beau-Minon made no reply but sprang lightly into the
+thicket which opened of itself to allow Blondine and Beau-Minon
+to pass, and then closed up immediately.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine walked on for about half an hour. As she advanced,
+the forest became lighter, the grass was finer and the
+flowers more abundant. She saw many pretty birds singing
+melodiously and graceful squirrels, bounding along the
+branches of the trees.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine, who had no doubt that she was about to leave
+the forest and see her dear father again, was enchanted with
+all that she saw; she wished to pause and gather the lovely
+wild flowers; but Beau-Minon advanced steadily and
+mewed plaintively whenever Blondine relaxed her speed.</p>
+
+<p>In about an hour Blondine perceived an elegant castle.
+Beau-Minon led her to the gilded grating. However, Blondine
+did not know how to enter. There was no bell and
+the gate was closed. Beau-Minon had disappeared and
+Blondine was once more alone.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BONNE_BICHE" id="BONNE_BICHE"></a>BONNE-BICHE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">eau-Minon</span> had entered by a little passage, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span>
+seemed made expressly for him and had probably
+given notice to some one at the castle, as the gate
+opened without Blondine having called.</p>
+
+<p>She entered the court-yard but saw no one.</p>
+
+<p>The door of the castle opened of itself. Blondine entered
+the vestibule which was of rare white marble. All the
+doors of the castle now opened like the first and the princess
+passed through a suite of beautiful rooms.</p>
+
+<p>At last, in the back part of a charming salon, furnished
+with blue and gold, she perceived a white hind, lying upon
+a bed of fine and fragrant grasses. Beau-Minon stood near
+her. The pretty hind saw Blondine, arose, and approached
+her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"You are most welcome, Blondine," said she. "My son
+Beau-Minon and I have expected you for a long time."</p>
+
+<p>At these words, Blondine was much frightened.</p>
+
+<p>"Take courage, princess; you are with friends. I
+know the king your father and I love him and I love you
+also."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam," said Blondine, "if you know the king my
+father, I pray you to take me to him. My absence must
+make him very wretched."</p>
+
+<p>"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 the hands of the magician of the
+Forest of Lilacs. I myself am subject to his power which is
+superior to mine but I can send soft dreams to your father,
+which will reassure him as to your fate and let him know that
+you are safe with me."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, in an agony of grief,
+"shall I never again see my father whom I love so tenderly?
+My poor father!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Blondine, do not distress yourself as to the future.
+Wisdom and prudence are always recompensed. You will
+see your father again but not now. In the meantime be
+good and docile. Beau-Minon and I will do all in our
+power to make you happy."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sighed heavily and shed a few tears. She then
+reflected that to manifest such grief was a poor recompense<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span>
+for all the goodness of Bonne-Biche. She resolved, therefore,
+to control herself and to be cheerful.</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they had prepared
+for her. The bedroom was hung with rose-colored
+silk embroidered with gold. The furniture was covered
+with white velvet worked with silks of the most brilliant
+hues. Every species of animal, bird and butterfly were represented
+in rare embroidery.</p>
+
+<p>Adjoining Blondine's chamber was a small study. It
+was hung with sky-blue damask, embroidered with fine pearls.
+The furniture was covered with silver moir&eacute;, adorned with
+nails of turquoise. Two magnificent portraits, representing
+a young and superbly handsome woman and a strikingly attractive
+young man, hung on the walls. Their costumes indicated
+that they were of royal race.</p>
+
+<p>"Whose portraits are these, madam?" said Blondine to
+Bonne-Biche.</p>
+
+<p>"I am forbidden to answer that question, dear Blondine.
+You will know later;&mdash;but this is the hour for dinner.
+Come, Blondine, I am sure you are hungry."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was in fact almost dying of hunger. She followed
+Bonne-Biche and they entered the dining-room where
+she saw a table strangely served.</p>
+
+<p>An enormous cushion of black satin was placed on the
+floor for Bonne-Biche. On the table before her was a vase
+filled with the choicest herbs, fresh and nutritious and near<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>
+this vase was a golden bucket, filled with fresh and limpid
+water.</p>
+
+<p>Opposite Bonne-Biche was a little stool for Beau-Minon
+while before him was a little porringer in gold, filled with
+little fried fish and the thighs of snipes. At one side was a
+bowl of rich crystal full of fresh milk.</p>
+
+<p>Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was
+placed for Blondine. Her chair was of carved ivory covered
+with crimson velvet attached with nails of diamonds.
+Before her was a gold plate richly chased, filled with delicious
+soup made of a young pullet and fig-birds, her glass
+and water-bottle were of carved rock-crystal, a muffin was
+placed by her side, her fork and spoon were of gold and her
+napkin was of linen, finer than anything she had ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>The table was served by gazelles who were marvellously
+adroit. They waited, carved and even divined the wishes of
+Blondine, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. The dinner was
+exquisite&mdash;the chicken was splendid, the game and fish most
+delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine was
+hungry so she ate of all and found all excellent.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted
+the princess into the garden. She found there the most delicious
+fruits and lovely walks.</p>
+
+<p>After a charming walk, Blondine entered the castle with
+her new friends, much fatigued. Bonne-Biche proposed
+that she retire, to which she agreed joyfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Blondine entered her chamber and found two gazelles
+waiting to attend her. They disrobed her with grace and
+adroitness, placed her in bed and seated themselves by her
+couch to watch over her.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was soon peacefully asleep&mdash;not, however,
+without having first thought of her father and wept bitterly
+over her cruel separation from him.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BLONDINES_SECOND_AWAKENING" id="BLONDINES_SECOND_AWAKENING"></a>BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> slept profoundly, and on awaking she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span>
+found herself entirely changed. Indeed, it seemed
+to her she could not be the same person. She was
+much taller, her intellect was developed, her knowledge enlarged.
+She remembered a number of books she thought
+she had read during her sleep. She was sure she had been
+writing, drawing, singing and playing on the piano and
+harp.</p>
+
+<p>She looked around, however, and knew that the chamber
+was the same to which Bonne-Biche had conducted her
+and in which she had gone to sleep.</p>
+
+<p>Agitated, disquieted, she rose and ran to the glass. She
+saw that she was much grown and she found herself charm<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span>ing,
+a hundred times more beautiful than when she retired
+the night before. Her fair ringlets fell to her feet, her complexion
+was like the lily and the rose, her eyes celestial blue,
+her nose beautifully formed, her cheeks rosy as the morn, and
+her form was erect and graceful. In short, Blondine
+thought herself the most beautiful person she had ever seen.</p>
+
+<p>Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily
+and ran to seek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the
+apartment where she had first seen her.</p>
+
+<p>"Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat
+you to explain to me the change which I see and feel in myself.
+Last night I went to sleep a child&mdash;I awoke this morning,
+and found myself a young lady. Is this an illusion or
+have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day.
+But you have slept peacefully seven years. My son
+Beau-Minon and I wished to spare you the weariness of all
+early studies. When you first entered the castle you knew
+nothing; not even how to read. I put you to sleep for seven
+years, and Beau-Minon and I have passed this time in instructing
+you during your sleep. I see by the wonder expressed
+in your eyes, sweet princess, that you doubt all this.
+Come into your study and reassure yourself on this point."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine followed Bonne-Biche to the little room. She
+ran first to the piano, commenced playing and found that
+she played remarkably well. She then tried the harp and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span>
+drew from it the most ravishing sounds, and she sang enchantingly.</p>
+
+<p>She took her pencil and brushes and drew and painted
+with a facility which denoted a true talent. She wrote and
+found her handwriting clear and elegant. She looked at the
+countless books which were ranged round the room and
+knew that she had read them all.</p>
+
+<p>Surprised, delighted, she threw her arms around the
+neck of Bonne-Biche, embraced Beau-Minon tenderly and
+said to them:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my dear true good friends, what a debt of gratitude
+do I owe you for having thus watched over my childhood
+and developed my intellect and my heart. I feel how
+much I am improved in every respect and I owe it all to
+you."</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche returned her caresses and Beau-Minon
+patted her hand delicately. After the first few happy moments
+had passed, Blondine cast down her eyes and said timidly:</p>
+
+<p>"Do not think me ungrateful, my dear good friends,
+if I wish you to add one more to the benefits you have already
+conferred upon me. Tell me something of my father.
+Does he still weep my absence? Is he happy since he lost
+me?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Blondine, your anxiety on this point is most natural
+and shall be relieved. Look in this mirror, Blondine,
+and you shall see the king your father and all that has passed
+since you left the palace."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 493px; height: 678px;">
+<a name="i035" id="i035"></a><img src="images/i035.jpg" width="493" height="678" alt="She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>She threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Blondine raised her eyes to the mirror and looked into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span>
+the apartment of her father. The king seemed much agitated
+and was walking backwards and forwards. He appeared
+to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette,
+entered and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances
+of Gourmandinet, Blondine had herself seized the
+reins and guided the ostriches who becoming frightened
+dashed off in the direction of the Forest of Lilacs and overturned
+the carriage. Blondine was thrown over the grating
+which bounded the forest. She stated that Gourmandinet
+had become insane from terror and grief and she had sent him
+home to his parents. The king was in wild despair at this
+news. He ran to the Forest of Lilacs and he had to be withheld
+by force from throwing himself across the boundary in
+order to search for his cherished Blondine. They carried
+him to the palace where he yielded to the most frightful sorrow
+and despair, calling unceasingly upon his dear Blondine,
+his beloved child. At last, overcome by grief, he slept
+and saw in a dream Blondine in the castle of Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon. Bonne-Biche gave him the sweet assurance
+that Blondine should one day be restored to him and
+that her childhood should be calm and happy.</p>
+
+<p>The mirror now became misty and everything disappeared,
+then again clear as crystal and Blondine saw her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>
+father a second time. He had become old, his hair was
+white as snow and his countenance was sad. He held in his
+hand a little portrait of Blondine, his tears fell upon it and
+he pressed it often to his lips. The king was alone. Blondine
+saw neither the Queen nor Brunette.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Blondine wept bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said she, "why is my dear father alone?
+Where is the queen? Where is Brunette?"</p>
+
+<p>"The queen," said Bonne-Biche, "showed so little grief
+at your death, my princess, that your father's heart was filled
+with hatred and suspicion towards her and he sent her back
+to the king Turbulent, her father, who confined her in a
+tower, where she soon died of rage and anger. All the
+world supposed you to be dead. As to your sister Brunette,
+she became so wicked, so insupportable, that the king hastened
+to give her in marriage last year to the prince Violent,
+who charged himself with the duty of reforming the character
+of the cruel and envious princess Brunette. The prince
+was stern and harsh. Brunette saw that her wicked heart
+prevented her from being happy and she commenced trying
+to correct her faults. You will see her again some day, dear
+Blondine and your example may complete her reformation."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine thanked Bonne-Biche tenderly for all these details.
+Her heart prompted her to ask, "But when shall I see
+my father and sister?" But she feared to appear ungrateful
+and too anxious to leave the castle of her good friends. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span>
+resolved then to await another more suitable opportunity
+to ask this question.</p>
+
+<p>The days passed away quietly and pleasantly. Blondine
+was much occupied, but was sometimes melancholy.
+She had no one to talk with but Bonne-Biche and she was
+only with her during the hours of lessons and repasts. Beau-Minon
+could not converse and could only make himself understood
+by signs. The gazelles served Blondine with zeal
+and intelligence but they had not the gift of speech.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine walked every day, always accompanied by
+Beau-Minon, who pointed out to her the most lovely and sequestered
+paths and the rarest and richest flowers.</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche had made Blondine promise solemnly
+never to leave the enclosure of the park and never to enter
+the forest. Many times Blondine had asked Bonne-Biche
+the reason of this prohibition. Sighing profoundly, she
+had replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Blondine! do not seek to penetrate the forest. It is
+a fatal spot. May you never enter there."</p>
+
+<p>Sometimes Blondine mounted a pavilion which was
+built on an eminence near the boundary of the forest. She
+looked admiringly and longingly at the magnificent trees,
+the lovely and fragrant flowers, the thousand graceful birds
+flying and singing and seeming to call her name.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas!" said she, "why will not Bonne-Biche allow me
+to walk in this beautiful forest? What possible danger can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span>
+I encounter in that lovely place and under her protection?"</p>
+
+<p>Whenever she was lost in these reflections, Beau-Minon,
+who seemed to comprehend what was passing in her heart,
+mewed plaintively, pulled her robe and tried to draw her
+from the pavilion.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine smiled sweetly, followed her gentle companion
+and recommenced her walk in the solitary park.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_PARROT" id="THE_PARROT"></a>THE PARROT</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">S</span><span class="upper">ix</span> months had passed since Blondine awaked from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span>
+her seven years' sleep. It seemed to the little princess
+a long time. The remembrance of her dear father
+often saddened her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon seemed to divine her
+thoughts. Beau-Minon mewed plaintively, and Bonne-Biche
+heaved the most profound sighs. Blondine spoke but
+rarely of that which occupied her thoughts continually.
+She feared to offend Bonne-Biche, who had said to her three
+or four times:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Blondine, be patient. You will see your father
+when you are fifteen, if you continue wise and good. Trust
+me, dear child; do not trouble yourself about the future and
+above all do not seek to leave us."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>One morning Blondine was alone and very sad. She
+was musing upon her singular and monotonous existence.
+Suddenly she was disturbed in her reverie by three soft little
+strokes upon her window. Raising her head, she perceived
+a parrot with beautiful green plumage and throat and breast
+of bright orange.</p>
+
+<p>Surprised at the appearance of a bird entirely unknown
+to her, she opened the window and invited the parrot to enter.</p>
+
+<p>What was her amazement when the bird said to her, in a
+fine sharp voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Good day, Blondine! I know that you sometimes
+have a very tedious time of it, because you have no one to talk
+to. I have taken pity upon you and come to have a chat with
+you. But I pray you do not mention that you have seen me,
+for Bonne-Biche would cut my throat if she knew it."</p>
+
+<p>"Why so, beautiful Parrot? Bonne-Biche is good; she
+injures no one and only hates the wicked."</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine, listen! If you do not promise to conceal
+my visit from Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon, I will fly away
+at once and never return."</p>
+
+<p>"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 opportunity to converse. You seem to me
+gay and witty. I do not doubt that you will amuse me
+much."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine listened with delight to the lively talk of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span>
+Parrot, who complimented extravagantly her beauty, her wit
+and her talents.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was enchanted. In about an hour the Parrot
+flew away, promising to return the next day. In short, he
+returned every day and continued to compliment and amuse
+her.</p>
+
+<p>One morning he struck upon the window and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine! Blondine! open the window, quickly! I
+bring you news of your father. But above all make no noise
+unless you want my throat cut."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was overwhelmed with joy. She opened the
+window with alacrity and said: "Is it true, my beautiful Parrot,
+that you bring me news of my dear father? Speak
+quickly! What is he doing and how is he?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your father is well, Blondine, but he weeps your loss
+always. I have promised him to employ all my power to deliver
+you from your prison but I can do nothing without your
+assistance."</p>
+
+<p>"My prison!" said Blondine. "But you are ignorant of
+all the goodness which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon have
+shown me, of the pains they have lavished upon my education,
+of all their tenderness and forbearance. They will be
+enchanted to find a way of restoring me to my father. Come
+with me, beautiful Parrot and I will present you to Bonne-Biche.
+Come, I entreat you."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Blondine," said the sharp voice of the Parrot, "it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span>
+is you, Princess, who do not know Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.
+They detest me because I have sometimes succeeded
+in rescuing their victims from them. You will never
+see your father again, Blondine, you will never leave this
+forest, unless you yourself shall break the charm which holds
+you here."</p>
+
+<p>"What charm?" said Blondine. "I know of no charm
+and what interest have Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in
+keeping me a prisoner?"</p>
+
+<p>"Is it not to their interest to enliven their solitude,
+Blondine? There is a talisman which can procure your
+release. It is a simple Rose, which, gathered by yourself,
+will deliver you from your exile and restore you to the arms
+of your fond father."</p>
+
+<p>"But there is not a single Rose in the garden. How
+then can I gather one?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will explain this to you another day, Blondine. Now
+I can tell you no more, as I hear Bonne-Biche coming. But
+to convince you of the virtues of the Rose, entreat Bonne-Biche
+to give you one and see what she will say. To-morrow&mdash;to-morrow,
+Blondine!"</p>
+
+<p>The Parrot flew away, well content to have scattered
+in Blondine's heart the first seeds of discontent and ingratitude.</p>
+
+<p>The Parrot had scarcely disappeared when Bonne-Biche
+entered. She appeared greatly agitated.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"With whom have you been talking, Blondine?" looking
+suspiciously towards the open window.</p>
+
+<p>"With no one, madam," said the princess.</p>
+
+<p>"I am certain I heard voices in conversation."</p>
+
+<p>"I must have been speaking to myself."</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche made no reply. She was very sad and
+tears fell from her eyes.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was also engaged in thought. The cunning
+words of the Parrot made her look upon the kindness
+of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in a totally different
+light.</p>
+
+<p>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 seven years, to dedicate seven years to a
+tiresome and ignorant little girl, in short, a hind lodged and
+served like a queen, could be no ordinary criminal; in place
+of cherishing a sentiment of gratitude for all that Bonne-Biche
+had done for her, Blondine, alas! believed blindly in
+the Parrot, the unknown bird of whose character and veracity
+she had no proof. She did not remember that the Parrot
+could have no possible motive for risking its life to render
+her a service. Blondine believed it though, implicitly,
+because of the flattery which the Parrot had lavished upon
+her. She did not even recall with gratitude the sweet and
+happy existence which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon had
+secured to her. She resolved to follow implicitly the coun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span>sels
+of the Parrot. During the course of the day she said to
+Bonne-Biche:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Why, madam, do I not see among your flowers the
+most lovely and charming of all flowers&mdash;the fragrant
+Rose?"</p>
+
+<p>Bonne-Biche was greatly agitated and said in a trembling
+voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine! Blondine! do not ask for this most perfidious
+flower, which pierces all who touch it! Never speak to me
+of the Rose, Blondine. You cannot know what fatal danger
+this flower contains for you!"</p>
+
+<p>The expression of Bonne-Biche was so stern and severe
+that Blondine dared not question her further.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed away sadly enough. Bonne-Biche was
+unhappy and Beau-Minon very sad.</p>
+
+<p>Early in the morning, Blondine ran to her window and
+the Parrot entered the moment she opened it.</p>
+
+<p>"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 by which you could obtain
+one of these charming flowers. Listen now to my counsel.
+You will leave this park and enter the forest. I will accompany
+you and I will conduct you to a garden where you will
+find the most beautiful Rose in the world!"</p>
+
+<p>"But how is it possible for me to leave the park? Beau-Minon
+always accompanies me in my walks."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Try to get rid of him," said the Parrot; "but if that is
+impossible, go in spite of him."</p>
+
+<p>"If this Rose is at a distance, will not my absence be
+perceived?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is about an hour's walk. Bonne-Biche has been
+careful to separate you as far as possible from the Rose in
+order that you might not find the means to escape from her
+power."</p>
+
+<p>"But why does she wish to hold me captive? She is
+all-powerful and could surely find pleasures more acceptable
+than educating an ignorant child."</p>
+
+<p>"All this will be explained to you in the future, Blondine,
+when you will be in the arms of your father. Be firm!
+After breakfast, in some way get away from Beau-Minon
+and enter the forest. I will expect you there."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine promised, and closed the window, fearing that
+Bonne-Biche would surprise her.</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast, according to her usual custom, she
+entered the garden. Beau-Minon followed her in spite of
+some rude rebuffs which he received with plaintive mews.
+Arrived at the alley which led out of the park, Blondine
+resolved to get rid of Beau-Minon.</p>
+
+<p>"I wish to be alone," said she, sternly; "begone, Beau-Minon!"</p>
+
+<p>Beau-Minon pretended not to understand. Blondine
+was impatient and enraged. She forgot herself so far as to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>
+strike Beau-Minon with her foot. When poor Beau-Minon
+received this humiliating blow, he uttered a cry of anguish
+and fled towards the palace. Blondine trembled and was on
+the point of recalling him, when a false shame arrested her.
+She walked on rapidly to the gate, opened it not without
+trembling and entered the forest. The Parrot joined her
+without delay.</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, Blondine! in one hour you will have the
+Rose and will see your father, who weeps for you."</p>
+
+<p>At these words, Blondine recovered her resolution
+which had begun to falter. She walked on in the path indicated
+by the Parrot, who flew before her from branch to
+branch. The forest, which had seemed so beautiful and
+attractive near the park of Bonne-Biche, became wilder
+and more entangled. Brambles and stones almost filled up
+the path, the sweet songs of the birds were no longer heard
+and the flowers had entirely disappeared. Blondine felt
+oppressed by an inexplicable restlessness. The Parrot
+pressed her eagerly to advance.</p>
+
+<p>"Quick, quick, Blondine! time flies! If Bonne-Biche
+perceives your absence you will never again see your father."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms
+torn by the briers and her shoes in shreds, now declared that
+she would go no further when the Parrot exclaimed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"We have arrived, Blondine. Look! that is the enclosure
+which separates us from the Rose."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Blondine saw at a turn in the path a small enclosure,
+the gate of which was quickly opened by the Parrot. The
+soil was arid and stony but a magnificent, majestic rose-bush
+adorned with one Rose, which was more beautiful than all
+the roses of the world grew in the midst of this sterile spot.</p>
+
+<p>"Take it, Blondine!" said the parrot; "you deserve it&mdash;you
+have truly earned it!"</p>
+
+<p>Blondine seized the branch eagerly and in spite of the
+thorns which pierced her fingers cruelly, she tore it from the
+bush.</p>
+
+<p>The Rose was scarcely grasped firmly in her hand, when
+she heard a burst of mocking laughter. The Flower fell
+from her grasp, crying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, Blondine, for having delivered me from the
+prison in which Bonne-Biche held me captive. I am your
+evil genius! Now you belong to me!"</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha!" now exclaimed the Parrot. "Thanks, Blondine!
+I can now resume my form of magician. You have
+destroyed your friends for I am their mortal enemy!"</p>
+
+<p>Saying these cruel words, the Parrot and the Rose disappeared,
+leaving Blondine alone in the forest.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="REPENTANCE" id="REPENTANCE"></a>REPENTANCE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">B</span><span class="upper">londine</span> was stupefied! Her conduct now appeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span>
+to her in all its horror. She had shown a
+monstrous ingratitude towards the friends who had
+been so tenderly devoted to her&mdash;who had dedicated seven
+years to the care of her education. Would these kind
+friends ever receive her, ever pardon her? What would be
+her fate, if they should close their doors against her? And
+then, what did those awful words of the wicked Parrot
+signify: "You have caused the destruction of your
+friends"?</p>
+
+<p>Blondine turned round and wished to retrace her steps
+to the castle of Bonne-Biche. The briers and thorns tore her
+arms and face terribly. She continued however to force her
+way bravely through the thickets and after three hours of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span>
+most painful walking she came before the castle of Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 540px; height: 445px;">
+<a name="i050" id="i050"></a><img src="images/i050.jpg" width="540" height="445" alt="Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Blondine sees the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Horror seized upon her, when in place of the superb
+building she saw only an appalling ruin&mdash;in place of the
+magnificent trees and rare flowers which surrounded it, only
+briers and thorns, nettles and thistles, could be seen.
+Terrified and most desolate, she tried to force her way in the
+midst of the ruins, to seek some knowledge of her kind<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span>
+friends. A large Toad issued from a pile of stones, advanced
+before her, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What are you seeking? Have you not occasioned the
+death of your friends by the basest ingratitude? Begone!
+do not insult their memory by your unwelcome presence!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas!" cried Blondine, "my poor friends, Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon, why can I not atone by my death for
+the sufferings I have caused them?" And she fell, sobbing
+piteously, upon the stones and nettles; her grief and her repentance
+were so excessive that she did not feel their sharp
+points in her tender flesh. She wept profusely a long time.
+At last she arose and looked about her, hoping to find some
+shelter where she might take refuge. Ruin only stared her
+in the face!</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said she, "let the wild beasts tear me to pieces,
+let me die of hunger and thirst, if I can expiate my sins here
+upon the tomb of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"</p>
+
+<p>As she uttered these words, she heard a soft voice
+saying: "True repentance can atone for the worst of
+crimes."</p>
+
+<p>She raised her head and saw only an immense black
+Crow flying above her.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas!" said Blondine, "my repentance however
+true, however bitter it may be, can never give me back the
+lives of my dear Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, courage, Blondine! redeem your fault by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span>
+your repentance and do not allow yourself to be utterly cast
+down by grief."</p>
+
+<p>The poor princess arose and left the scene of desolation.
+She followed a little path, where the large trees seemed to
+have rooted out the brambles and the earth was covered with
+moss. She was utterly exhausted with grief and fatigue and
+fell at the foot of a large tree, sobbing piteously.</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, Blondine!" said another voice; "courage and
+hope!"</p>
+
+<p>She saw near her only a Frog, which was looking at her
+compassionately.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, Frog!" said the princess, "you seem to pity my
+anguish! What will become of me now that I am alone
+and desolate in the world?"</p>
+
+<p>"Courage and hope!" was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sighed deeply and looked around, hoping to
+discover some herb or fruit to appease her hunger and thirst.
+She saw nothing and her tears flowed freely. The sound of
+bells now somewhat dissipated her despairing thoughts.
+She saw a beautiful cow approaching her, gently and
+slowly. On arriving near her, the cow paused, bowed down,
+and showed her a silver porringer attached to her neck by a
+chain of beaten gold.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was very grateful for this unexpected succor.
+She detached the porringer, milked the cow and drank the
+sweet milk with delight. The pretty, gentle cow signed to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span>
+her to replace the porringer. Blondine obeyed, kissed her
+on the neck and said, sadly:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, Blanchette, it is without doubt to my poor
+friends that I owe this sweet charity. Perhaps in another
+and better world they can see the repentance of their poor
+Blondine and wish to assist her in her frightful position."</p>
+
+<p>"A true repentance will obtain pardon for all faults,"
+said a kind voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah!" exclaimed Blondine, "years of sorrow and weeping
+for my crimes would not suffice! I can never pardon
+myself!"</p>
+
+<p>In the mean time, night approached. Notwithstanding
+her anguish and repentance, Blondine began to reflect upon
+some means of securing herself from the ferocious wild
+beasts, whose terrible roars she already believed she heard in
+the distance. She saw some steps before her a kind of hut,
+formed by several trees growing near together and interlacing
+their branches. Bowing her head, she entered, and
+found that by carefully connecting some branches she could
+form a pretty and secure retreat. She employed the remainder
+of the day in arranging this little room and gathered a
+quantity of moss, with which she made herself a bed and
+pillow. She concealed the entrance to this little retreat by
+some broken branches and leaves and went to rest, utterly
+worn out with regret and fatigue.</p>
+
+<p>When Blondine awoke it was broad daylight. At first<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span>
+she could scarcely collect her thoughts and understand her
+position but the sad realities of her lot were soon apparent to
+her and she commenced weeping as before.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine was hungry, and she could not imagine how she
+was to secure food but soon she heard again the sound of the
+cow-bells. In a few moments, Blanchette stood near her.
+Blondine again loosened the porringer, drew the milk and
+drank till her hunger was appeased, then replaced the porringer
+and kissed Blanchette, hoping to see her again during
+the day. Every day&mdash;in the morning, at midday and in the
+evening&mdash;Blanchette came to offer Blondine her frugal
+repast.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine passed the time in tears for her poor friends,
+and bitter self-reproach for her crimes.</p>
+
+<p>"By my unpardonable disobedience," she said to herself,
+"I have caused the most terrible misfortunes, which it is
+not in my power to repair. I have not only lost my good and
+true friends but I am deprived of the only means of finding
+my father, my poor father, who perhaps still expects his Blondine,
+his most unhappy Blondine, condemned to live and die
+alone in this frightful forest where her evil genius reigns
+supreme."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sought to amuse and employ herself in every
+possible way. Her little home was neatly arranged, and
+fresh moss and leaves composed her simple couch. She
+had tied some branches together and formed a seat and she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span>
+made herself some needles and pins of the thorns and twisted
+some thread from the hemp which grew near her little hut,
+and with these implements she had mended the rents in her
+shoes.</p>
+
+<p>In this simple way Blondine lived for six months; her
+grief was always the same and it is just to say that it was not
+her sad and solitary life which made her unhappy but sincere
+regret for her fault. She would willingly have consented to
+pass her life in the forest if she could thus have brought to
+life Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_TORTOISE" id="THE_TORTOISE"></a>THE TORTOISE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">ne</span> day Blondine was seated at the entrance of her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span>
+hut, musing sadly as usual, thinking of her lost
+friends and of her father, when she saw before her
+an enormous Tortoise.</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine," said the Tortoise, "if you will place yourself
+under my protection, I will conduct you out of this
+forest."</p>
+
+<p>"And why, Madam Tortoise, should I seek to leave this
+forest? Here I caused the death of my friends and here I
+wish to die."</p>
+
+<p>"Are you very certain of their death, Blondine?"</p>
+
+<p>"What do you mean? Is it possible I may be deceived?
+But, no; I saw the ruins of their castle. The Parrot and the
+Toad assured me of their death. You are kind and good and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span>
+wish to console me without doubt but, alas! I do not hope to
+see them again. If they still lived they would not have left
+me alone with the frightful despair of having caused their
+death."</p>
+
+<p>"But how do you know, Blondine, that this seeming neglect
+is not forced upon them? They may now be subjected
+to a power greater than their own. You know, Blondine,
+that a true repentance will obtain pardon for many crimes."</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! Madam Tortoise, if they still live, if you can give
+me news of them, if you can assure me that I need no longer
+reproach myself with their death, assure me that I shall one
+day see them again, there is no price which I will not gladly
+pay to merit this great happiness."</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine, I am not permitted to disclose to you the fate
+of your friends but if you have the courage to mount on my
+back, remain there for six months and not address a single
+question to me during the journey, I will conduct you to a
+place where all will be revealed."</p>
+
+<p>"I promise all that you ask, Madam Tortoise, provided I
+can only learn what has become of my friends."</p>
+
+<p>"Take care, Blondine! reflect well. Six months without
+descending from my back and without asking me a single
+question! When once you have accepted the conditions,
+when we have commenced our journey, if you have not the
+courage to endure to the end, you will remain eternally in
+the power of the enchanter, Perroquet, and his sister Rose<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span>
+and I cannot even continue to bestow upon you the little
+assistance to which you owe your life during the last six
+months."</p>
+
+<p>"Let us go, Madam Tortoise let us be off, immediately.
+I prefer to die of hunger and fatigue rather than of grief and
+uncertainty. Your words have brought hope to my poor
+heart, and I have courage to undertake even a more difficult
+journey than that of which you speak."</p>
+
+<p>"Let it be according to your wish, Blondine. Mount
+my back. Fear neither hunger nor thirst nor cold nor sunshine
+nor any accident during our long journey. As long
+as it lasts you shall not suffer from any inconvenience."</p>
+
+<p>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."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_start.jpg" width="275" height="277" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_JOURNEY_AND_ARRIVAL" id="THE_JOURNEY_AND_ARRIVAL"></a>THE JOURNEY AND ARRIVAL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">he</span> journey of Blondine lasted, as the Tortoise had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span>
+said, six months. They were three months passing
+through the forest. At the end of that time she
+found herself on an arid plain which it required six weeks to
+cross. Then Blondine perceived a castle which reminded
+her of that of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They were a
+full month passing through the avenue to this castle.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine burned with impatience. Would she indeed
+learn the fate of her dear friends at the palace? In spite of
+her extreme anxiety, she dared not ask a single question. If
+she could have descended from the back of the Tortoise, ten
+minutes would have sufficed for her to reach the castle.
+But, alas! the Tortoise crept on slowly and Blondine remem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span>bered
+that she had been forbidden to alight or to utter a word.
+She resolved, therefore, to control her impatience. The
+Tortoise seemed rather to relax than to increase her speed.
+She consumed fourteen days still in passing through this
+avenue. They seemed fourteen centuries to Blondine. She
+never, however, lost sight of the castle or of the door. The
+place seemed deserted; she heard no noise, she saw no sign
+of life.</p>
+
+<p>At last, after twenty-four days' journey, the Tortoise
+paused, and said to Blondine:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Now, princess, descend. By your courage and obedience
+you have earned the recompense I promised. Enter
+the little door which you see before you. The first person
+you will meet will be the fairy Bienveillante and she will
+make known to you the fate of your friends."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine sprang lightly to the earth. She had been
+immovable so long she feared her limbs would be cramped
+but on the contrary she was as light and active as when she
+had lived so happily with her dear Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon
+and ran joyously and gracefully gathering flowers
+and chasing butterflies.</p>
+
+<p>After having thanked the Tortoise most warmly she
+opened the door which had been pointed out to her and found
+herself before a young person clothed in white, who asked in
+a sweet voice, whom she desired to see?</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 494px; height: 679px;">
+<a name="i060" id="i060"></a><img src="images/i060.jpg" width="494" height="679" alt="They were three months passing through the forest" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>They were three months passing through the forest</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+
+<p>"I wish to see the fairy Bienveillante. Tell her, I pray
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span>you, miss, that the princess Blondine begs earnestly to see her
+without delay."</p>
+
+<p>"Follow me, princess", replied the young girl.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine followed in great agitation. She passed
+through several beautiful rooms and met many young girls
+clothed in white, like her guide. They looked at her as if
+they recognized her and smiled graciously.</p>
+
+<p>At last Blondine arrived in a room in every respect
+resembling that of Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs.
+The remembrances which this recalled were so painful that
+she did not perceive the disappearance of her fair young
+guide.</p>
+
+<p>Blondine gazed sadly at the furniture of the room. She
+saw but one piece which had not adorned the apartment of
+Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs. This was a wardrobe
+in gold and ivory, exquisitely carved. It was closed.
+Blondine felt herself drawn towards it in an inexplicable
+manner. She was gazing at it intently, not having indeed
+the power to turn her eyes away, when a door opened and a
+young and beautiful woman, magnificently dressed, entered
+and drew near Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish, my child?" said she, in a sweet,
+caressing voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, throwing herself at her
+feet, "I have been assured that you could give me news of my
+dear, kind friends, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. You<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span>
+know, madam, without doubt by what heedless disobedience
+I gave them up to destruction and that I wept for them a long
+time, believing them to be dead but the Tortoise, who conducted
+me here, has given me reason to hope I may one day
+see them again. Tell me, madam, tell me if they yet live and
+if I may dare hope for the happiness of rejoining them?"</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine", replied the fairy Bienveillante, sadly, "you
+are now about to know the fate of your friends, but no matter
+what you see or hear, do not lose courage or hope."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she seized the trembling Blondine
+and conducted her in front of the wardrobe which had already
+so forcibly attracted her attention.</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine, here is the key to this wardrobe. Open it,
+and be brave!"</p>
+
+<p>She handed Blondine a gold key. With a trembling
+hand the princess opened the wardrobe. What was her
+anguish when she saw the skins of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon
+fastened to the wardrobe with diamond nails! At
+this terrible sight the unfortunate princess uttered a cry of
+horror and fell insensible at the feet of the fairy. At this
+moment the door opened and a prince, beautiful as the day,
+sprang towards Blondine, saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my mother! this is too severe a trial for my sweet
+Blondine!"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! my son, my heart also bleeds for her. But you
+know that this last punishment was indispensable to deliver<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span>
+her for ever from the yoke of the cruel genius of the Forest
+of Lilacs."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Bienveillante now with her wand touched
+Blondine, who was immediately restored to consciousness
+but despairing and sobbing convulsively, she exclaimed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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! my cherished friends! I will join
+you soon in the land of shadows!"</p>
+
+<p>"Blondine! ever dear Blondine!" said the fairy, clasping
+her in her arms, "your friends live and love you tenderly. I
+am Bonne-Biche and this is my son, Beau-Minon. The
+wicked genius of the Forest of Lilacs, taking advantage of
+the negligence of my son, obtained dominion over us and
+forced us into the forms under which you have known us.
+We could not resume our natural appearance unless you
+should pluck the Rose, which I, knowing it to be your evil
+genius, retained captive. I placed it as far as possible from
+the castle in order to withdraw it from your view. I knew
+the misfortune to which you would be exposed on delivering
+your evil genius from his prison and Heaven is my witness,
+that my son and I would willingly have remained a Hind and
+a Cat for ever in your eyes in order to spare you the cruel
+tortures to which you have been subjected. The Parrot
+gained you over, in spite of all our precautions. You know
+the rest, my dear child. But you can never know all that we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span>
+have suffered in witnessing your tears and your desolation."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine embraced the Fairy ardently and addressed a
+thousand questions to her.</p>
+
+<p>"What has become of the gazelles who waited upon us
+so gracefully?"</p>
+
+<p>"You have already seen them, dear Blondine. They
+are the young girls who accompanied you. They also were
+changed when the evil genius gained his power over us."</p>
+
+<p>"And the good white cow who brought me milk every
+day?"</p>
+
+<p>"We obtained permission from the Queen of the Fairies
+to send you this light refreshment. The encouraging words
+of the Crow came also from us."</p>
+
+<p>"You, then, madam, also sent me the Tortoise?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Blondine. The Queen of the Fairies, touched by
+your repentance and your grief, deprived the Evil Genius
+of the Forest of all power over us on condition of obtaining
+from you one last proof of submission, compelling you to
+take this long and fatiguing journey and inflicting the
+terrible punishment of making you believe that my son and I
+had died from your imprudence. I implored, entreated the
+Queen of the Fairies to spare you at least this last anguish
+but she was inflexible."</p>
+
+<p>Blondine gazed at her lost friends, listened eagerly to
+every word and did not cease to embrace those she had feared
+were eternally separated from her by death. The remem<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span>brance
+of her dear father now presented itself. The prince
+Parfait understood her secret desire and made it known to his
+mother, the fairy Bienveillante.</p>
+
+<p>"Prepare yourself, dear Blondine, to see your father.
+Informed by me, he now expects you."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment, Blondine found herself in a chariot of
+gold and pearls, the fairy Bienveillante seated at her right
+hand, and the prince Parfait at her feet, regarding her kindly
+and tenderly. The chariot was drawn by four swans of dazzling
+whiteness. They flew with such rapidity, that five
+minutes brought them to the palace of King Benin. All the
+court was assembled about the king, all were expecting the
+princess Blondine.</p>
+
+<p>When the chariot appeared, the cries of joy and welcome
+were so tumultuous that the swans were confused and
+almost lost their way. Prince Parfait, who guided them,
+succeeded in arresting their attention and the chariot drew
+up at the foot of the grand stairway. King Benin sprang
+towards Blondine who, jumping lightly from the chariot,
+threw herself in her father's arms. They remained a long
+time in this position and everybody wept tears of joy.</p>
+
+<p>When King Benin had somewhat recovered himself he
+kissed, respectfully and tenderly, the hand of the good fairy
+who, after having protected and educated the princess Blondine
+had now restored her to him. He embraced the prince
+Parfait whom he found most charming.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>There were eight resplendent gala days in honor of the
+return of Blondine. At the close of this gay festival, the
+fairy Bienveillante announced her intention of returning
+home. But Prince Parfait and Blondine were so melancholy
+at the prospect of this separation that King Benin resolved
+they should never quit the place. He wedded the
+fairy and Blondine became the happy wife of Prince Parfait
+who was always for her the Beau-Minon of the Forest of
+Lilacs.</p>
+
+<p>Brunette, whose character had entirely changed, came
+often to see Blondine. Prince Violent, her husband, became
+more amiable as Brunette became more gentle and
+they were very happy.</p>
+
+<p>As to Blondine, she had no misfortunes, no griefs. She
+had lovely daughters, who resembled her, and good and
+handsome sons, the image of their manly father, Prince Parfait.
+Everybody loved them and every one connected with
+them was happy ever after.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_blondine_end.jpg" width="170" height="167" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/ihenry.jpg" width="600" height="212" alt="Good Little Henry" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i069.jpg" width="589" height="309" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">GOOD LITTLE HENRY</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_POOR_SICK_MOTHER" id="THE_POOR_SICK_MOTHER"></a>THE POOR SICK MOTHER</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was a poor woman, a widow, who lived alone<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span>
+with her little son Henry. She loved him tenderly
+and she had good reason to do so, for no one had
+ever seen a more charming child. Although he was but
+seven years old, he kept the house while his good mother labored
+diligently and then left home to sell her work and buy
+food for herself and her little Henry. He swept, he washed
+the floor, he cooked, he dug and cultivated the garden and
+when all this was done he seated himself to mend his clothes
+or his mother's shoes and to make stools and tables&mdash;in short,
+to do everything his strength would enable him to do.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The house in which they lived belonged to them, but it
+was very lonesome. In front of their dwelling there was a
+lofty mountain so high that no one had ever ascended to its
+summit, and besides it was surrounded by a rushing torrent,
+by high walls and insurmountable precipices.</p>
+
+<p>The mother and her little boy were happy but alas! one
+day the poor mother fell sick. They knew no doctor and
+besides they had no money to pay for one. Poor Henry
+did not know how to cure her. He brought her fresh cool
+water for he had nothing else to give her, he stayed by her
+night and day and ate his little morsel of dry bread at the
+foot of her bed. When she slept he looked at her sadly and
+wept. The sickness increased from day to day and at last
+the poor woman was almost in a dying condition. She
+could neither speak nor swallow and she no longer knew her
+little Henry, who was sobbing on his knees near her bed.
+In his despair, he cried out:</p>
+
+<p>"Fairy Bienfaisante, come to my help! Save my
+mother!"</p>
+
+<p>Henry had scarcely pronounced these words, when a
+window opened and a lady richly dressed entered and in a
+soft voice, said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"What do you wish of me, my little friend? You called
+me&mdash;here I am!"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," cried Henry, throwing himself on his knees
+and clasping his hands, "if you are the fairy Bienfaisante,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span>
+save my poor mother who is about to die and leave me alone
+in the world."</p>
+
+<p>The good fairy looked at Henry most compassionately
+and then, without saying a word, she approached the poor
+woman, bent over her, examined her attentively, breathed
+upon her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"It is not in my power, my poor child, to cure your
+mother; her life depends upon you alone, if you have the
+courage to undertake the journey I will point out to you."</p>
+
+<p>"Speak, madam! I entreat you to speak! there is nothing
+I will not undertake to save the life of my dear mother."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy replied,</p>
+
+<p>"You must go and seek the plant of life, which grows on
+top of the mountain that you see from this window. When
+you have obtained this plant, press its juice into the mouth of
+your mother and she will be immediately restored to health."</p>
+
+<p>"I will start out immediately, madam. But who will
+take care of my poor mother during my absence? And,
+moreover," said he, sobbing bitterly, "she will be dead before
+my return."</p>
+
+<p>"Do not worry, my dear child. If you go to seek the
+plant of life, your mother will need nothing before your
+return; she will remain precisely in the condition in which
+you leave her. But you must dare many dangers and endure
+many things before you pluck the plant of life. Great courage
+and great perseverance are necessary on your part."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I fear nothing, madam, my courage and perseverance
+shall not fail. Tell me only how I shall know this plant
+amongst all the others which cover the top of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>"When you reach the summit, call the doctor who has
+charge of this plant, inform him that I have sent you and he
+will give you a branch of the plant of life."</p>
+
+<p>Henry kissed the good fairy's hands and thanked her
+heartily, took a sorrowful leave of his mother, covering her
+with kisses, put some bread in his pocket and set out, after
+saluting the fairy respectfully.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy smiled encouragingly at this poor child who
+so bravely resolved to ascend a mountain so dangerous that
+none of those who had attempted it had ever reached the
+summit.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CROW_THE_COCK_AND_THE_FROG" id="THE_CROW_THE_COCK_AND_THE_FROG"></a>THE CROW, THE COCK, AND THE FROG</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">L</span><span class="upper">ittle</span> Henry marched resolutely to the mountain<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span>
+which he found much more distant than it had
+appeared to him. Instead of arriving in a half
+hour as he had expected, he walked rapidly the whole day
+without reaching its base.</p>
+
+<p>About one-third of the way he saw a Crow which was
+caught by the claw in a snare which some wicked boy had
+set for him. The poor Crow sought in vain to release himself
+from this trap which caused him cruel sufferings.
+Henry ran to him, cut the cord which bound him and set
+him at liberty. The poor Crow flew off rapidly, after having
+said to Henry,</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, my brave Henry, I will see you again."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was much surprised to hear the Crow speak but
+he did not relax his speed.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Some time afterwards while he was resting in a grove
+and eating a morsel of bread, he saw a Cock followed by a
+fox and about to be taken by him in spite of his efforts to
+escape. The poor frightened Cock passed very near to
+Henry, who seized it adroitly, and hid it under his coat without
+the fox having seen him. The fox continued his pursuit,
+supposing that the Cock was before him. Henry did
+not move till he was entirely out of sight. He then released
+the Cock, who said to him in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks, my brave Henry, I will see you again."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was now rested. He rose and continued his
+journey. When he had advanced a considerable distance
+he saw a poor Frog about to be devoured by a serpent. The
+Frog trembled and, paralyzed by fear, could not move. The
+serpent advanced rapidly, its horrid mouth open. Henry
+seized a large stone and threw it so adroitly that it entered the
+serpent's throat the moment it was about to devour the Frog.
+The frightened Frog leaped to a distance and cried out,</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks, brave Henry; we will meet again."</p>
+
+<p>Henry, who had before heard the Crow and the Cock
+speak, was not now astonished at these words of the Frog and
+continued to walk on rapidly.</p>
+
+<p>A short time after he arrived at the foot of the mountain
+but he was greatly 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 he paused to reflect.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 538px; height: 452px;">
+<a name="i075" id="i075"></a><img src="images/i075.jpg" width="538" height="452" alt="A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>A large and deep river ran at the foot of the mountain</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"Perhaps," said he, hopefully, "I may find a bridge, or
+ford, or a boat."</p>
+
+<p>Henry followed the course of the river which flowed
+entirely around the mountain but everywhere it was equally
+wide and deep and he saw neither bridge nor boat. Poor
+Henry seated himself on the bank of the river, weeping bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Fairy Bienfaisante! Fairy Bienfaisante! come to my<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span>
+help," he exclaimed. "Of what use will it be to me to know
+that there is a plant at the top of the mountain which will
+save the life of my poor mother, if I can never reach its summit?"</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the Cock whom he had protected from
+the fox appeared on the borders of the river, and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"The fairy Bienfaisante can do nothing for you. This
+mountain is beyond her control. But you have saved my
+life and I wish to prove my gratitude. Mount my back,
+Henry, and by the faith of a Cock I will take you safe to the
+other side."</p>
+
+<p>Henry did not hesitate. He sprang on the Cock's back,
+fully expecting to fall into the water but his clothes were not
+even moist. The Cock received him so adroitly on his back
+that he felt as secure as if he had been on horseback. He
+held on firmly to the crest of the Cock who now commenced
+the passage.</p>
+
+<p>The river was so wide that he was flying constantly
+twenty-one days before he reached the other shore; but during
+these twenty-one days Henry was not sleepy and felt
+neither hunger nor thirst.</p>
+
+<p>When they arrived, Henry thanked the Cock most politely,
+who graciously bristled his feathers and disappeared.
+A moment after this Henry turned and to his astonishment
+the river was no longer to be seen.</p>
+
+<p>"It was without doubt the genius of the mountain who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span>
+wished to prevent my approach," said Henry. "But, with
+the help of the good fairy Bienfaisante, I think I shall yet succeed
+in my mission."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_HARVEST" id="THE_HARVEST"></a>THE HARVEST</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">H</span><span class="upper">enry</span> walked a long, long time but he walked in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span>
+vain for he saw that he was no farther from the
+foot of the mountain and no nearer to the summit
+than he had been when he crossed the river. Any other
+child would have retraced his steps but the brave little Henry
+would not allow himself to be discouraged. Notwithstanding
+his extreme fatigue he walked on twenty-one days without
+seeming to make any advance. At the end of this time
+he was no more discouraged than at the close of the first day.</p>
+
+<p>"If I am obliged to walk a hundred years," he said aloud,
+"I will go on till I reach the summit."</p>
+
+<p>"You have then a great desire to arrive there, little boy?"
+said an old man, looking at him maliciously and standing
+just in his path. "What are you seeking at the top of this
+mountain?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"The plant of life, my good sir, to save the life of my
+dear mother who is about to die."</p>
+
+<p>The little old man shook his head, rested his little
+pointed chin on the top of his gold-headed cane and after
+having a long time regarded Henry, he said:</p>
+
+<p>"Your sweet and fresh face pleases me, my boy. I am
+one of the genii of this mountain. I will allow you to advance
+on condition that you will gather all my wheat, that
+you will beat it out, make it into flour and then into bread.
+When you have gathered, beaten, ground and cooked it, then
+call me. You will find all the necessary implements in the
+ditch near you. The fields of wheat are before you and
+cover the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>The old man disappeared and Henry gazed in terror at
+the immense fields of wheat which were spread out before
+him. But he soon mastered this feeling of discouragement&mdash;took
+off his vest, seized a scythe and commenced cutting
+the wheat diligently. This occupied him a hundred and
+ninety-five days and nights.</p>
+
+<p>When the wheat was all cut, Henry commenced to beat
+it with a flail which he found at hand. This occupied him
+sixty days.</p>
+
+<p>When the grain was all beaten out he began to grind it
+in a mill which rose up suddenly near him. This occupied
+him seventy days.</p>
+
+<p>When the wheat was all ground he began to knead it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span>
+and to cook it. He kneaded and cooked for a hundred and
+twenty days.</p>
+
+<p>As the bread was cooked he arranged it properly on
+shelves, like books in a library.</p>
+
+<p>When all was finished Henry was transported with joy
+and called the genius of the mountain who appeared immediately
+and counted four hundred and sixty-eight thousand
+three hundred and twenty-nine new loaves of bread. He bit
+and ate a little end off of two or three, drew near to Henry,
+tapped him on the cheek and said:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a good boy and I wish to pay you for your
+work."</p>
+
+<p>He drew from his pocket a little wooden box which he
+gave to Henry and said, maliciously:</p>
+
+<p>"When you return home, open this box and you will find
+in it the most delicious tobacco you have ever seen."</p>
+
+<p>Now Henry had never used tobacco and the present of
+the little genius seemed to him very useless but he was too
+polite to let this be seen and he thanked the old man as if
+satisfied.</p>
+
+<p>The old one smiled, then burst out laughing and disappeared.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_VINTAGE" id="THE_VINTAGE"></a>THE VINTAGE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">H</span><span class="upper">enry</span> began to walk rapidly and perceived with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>
+great delight that every step brought him nearer
+to the summit of the mountain. In three hours
+he had walked two-thirds of the way. But suddenly he
+found himself arrested by a very high wall which he had not
+perceived before. He walked around it, and found, after
+three days' diligent advance, that this wall surrounded the
+entire mountain and that there was no door, not the smallest
+opening by which he could enter.</p>
+
+<p>Henry seated himself on the ground, to reflect upon his
+situation. He resolved to wait patiently&mdash;he sat there forty-five
+days. At the end of this time he said:</p>
+
+<p>"I will not go back if I have to wait here a hundred
+years."</p>
+
+<p>He had scarcely uttered these words when a part of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span>
+wall crumbled away with a terrible noise and he saw in the
+opening a giant, brandishing an enormous cudgel.</p>
+
+<p>"You have then a great desire to pass here, my boy?
+What are you seeking beyond my wall?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am seeking the plant of life, Master Giant, to cure
+my poor mother who is dying. If it is in your power and
+you will allow me to pass this wall, I will do anything for you
+that you may command."</p>
+
+<p>"Is it so? Well, listen! Your countenance pleases
+me. I am one of the genii of this mountain. I will allow
+you to pass this wall if you will fill my wine-cellar. Here
+are all my vines. Gather the grapes, crush them, put the
+juice in the casks and arrange them well in my wine-cellar.
+You will find all the implements necessary at the foot of this
+wall. When it is done, call me."</p>
+
+<p>The Giant disappeared, closing the wall behind him.
+Henry looked around him and as far as he could see, the
+vines of the Giant were growing luxuriously.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," said Henry to himself, "I cut all the wheat
+of the little old man&mdash;I can surely also gather the grapes of
+the big Giant. It will not take me so long and it will not be
+as difficult to make wine of these grapes as to make bread
+of the wheat."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 501px; height: 688px;">
+<a name="i082" id="i082"></a><img src="images/i082.jpg" width="501" height="688" alt="A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>A part of the wall crumbled with a terrible noise</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Henry took off his coat, picked up a pruning-knife
+which he saw at his feet and began to cut the grapes and
+throw them into the vats. It took him thirty days to gather
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span>this crop. When all was finished, he crushed the grapes,
+poured the juice into the casks and ranged them in the cellar,
+which they completely filled. He was ninety days making
+the wine.</p>
+
+<p>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:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave little man and I wish to pay you for
+your trouble. It shall not be said that you worked gratis for
+the Giant of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>He drew a thistle from his pocket, gave it to Henry and
+said:</p>
+
+<p>"After your return home, whenever you desire anything,
+smell this thistle."</p>
+
+<p>Henry did not think the Giant very generous but he received
+the thistle with an amiable smile.</p>
+
+<p>Then the Giant whistled so loudly that the mountain
+trembled and the wall and Giant disappeared entirely and
+Henry was enabled to continue his journey.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CHASE" id="THE_CHASE"></a>THE CHASE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">H</span><span class="upper">enry</span> was within a half-hour's walk of the summit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>
+of the mountain when he reached a pit so wide
+that he could not possibly jump to the other side
+and so deep that it seemed bottomless. Henry did not lose
+courage, however. He followed the borders of the pit till
+he found himself where he started from and knew that this
+yawning pit surrounded the mountain.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! what shall I do?" said poor Henry; "I scarcely
+overcome one obstacle when another more difficult seems to
+rise up before me. How shall I ever pass this pit?"</p>
+
+<p>The poor child felt for the first time that his eyes were
+filled with tears. He looked around for some means of passing
+over but saw no possible chance and seated himself sadly
+on the brink of the precipice. Suddenly he heard a terrible
+growl. He turned and saw within ten steps of him an enormous
+Wolf gazing at him with flaming eyes.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"What are you seeking in my kingdom?" said the Wolf,
+in a threatening voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Master Wolf, I am seeking the plant of life which
+alone can save my dear mother who is about to die. If you
+will assist me to cross this pit, I will be your devoted servant
+and will obey any command you may give me."</p>
+
+<p>"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 the faith of the genius of the mountain, I will
+pass you over to the other side. You will find near this tree
+all the instruments necessary to catch the game and to cook
+it. When your work is done, call me."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, he disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Henry took courage. He lifted a bow and arrow
+which he saw on the ground, and began to shoot at the partridges,
+woodcocks, pheasants and game of all kinds which
+abounded there. But, alas! he did not understand it and
+killed nothing.</p>
+
+<p>During eight days he was shooting right and left in vain
+and was at last wearied and despairing, when he saw near
+him the Crow whose life he had saved in the commencement
+of his journey.</p>
+
+<p>"You rescued me from mortal danger," said the Crow,
+"and I told you I should see you again. I have come to redeem
+my promise. If you do not fulfil your promise to the
+Wolf, he will change you into some terrible wild beast. Fol<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span>low
+me. I am going a-hunting and you have only to gather
+the game and cook it."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the Crow flew above the trees of the
+forest and with his beak and his claws killed all the game to
+be found. In fact, during one hundred and fifty days he
+caught one million eight hundred and sixty thousand seven
+hundred and twenty-six animals and birds, squirrels, moor-cocks,
+pheasants, and quails. As the Crow killed them,
+Henry plucked the feathers, skinned them, cut them up and
+cooked them in roasts or pies. When all was cooked he arranged
+them neatly and then the Crow said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, Henry. There remains one obstacle yet to
+overcome but in that difficulty I cannot aid you. But do not
+be discouraged. The good fairies protect filial love."</p>
+
+<p>Before Henry had time to thank the Crow, he had disappeared.
+He then called the Wolf and said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"Master Wolf, here is all the game of your forest. I
+have prepared it as you ordered and now will you assist me to
+pass this precipice?"</p>
+
+<p>The Wolf examined a pheasant, crunched a roast squirrel
+and a pie, licked his lips and said to Henry:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave and good boy. I will pay you for
+your trouble. It shall not be said that you have worked for
+the Wolf of the mountain without receiving your reward."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, he gave Henry a staff which he cut
+in the forest and said to him:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 550px; height: 457px;">
+<a name="i087" id="i087"></a><img src="images/i087.jpg" width="550" height="457" alt="Henry sprang upon the Wolf&#39;s back" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"When you have gathered the plant of life and wish
+yourself transported to any part of the world, mount the stick
+and it will be your horse."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was on the point of throwing this useless stick
+into the woods but he wished to be polite, and receiving it
+smilingly, he thanked the Wolf cordially.</p>
+
+<p>"Get on my back, Henry," said the Wolf.</p>
+
+<p>Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back and he made a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>
+bound so prodigious that they landed immediately on the
+other side of the precipice.</p>
+
+<p>Henry dismounted, thanked the Wolf and walked on
+vigorously.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FISHING" id="THE_FISHING"></a>THE FISHING</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">A</span><span class="upper">t</span> last, after so many labors and perils, Henry saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span>
+the lattice of the garden in which the plant of life
+was growing and his heart bounded for joy. He
+looked always upward as he walked, and went on as rapidly
+as his strength would permit, when suddenly he fell into a
+hole. He sprang backwards, looked anxiously around him
+and saw a ditch full of water, large and long, so long indeed
+that he could not see either end.</p>
+
+<p>"Without doubt this is that last obstacle of which the
+Crow spoke to me," said Henry to himself. "Since I have
+overcome all my other difficulties with the help of the good
+fairy Bienfaisante, she will assist 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 patiently till
+it shall please her to assist me this time."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>On saying these words, Henry began to walk along the
+ditch, hoping to find the end. He walked on steadily two
+days and found himself at the end of that time just where he
+had started. Henry would not give way to distress, he would
+not be discouraged; he seated himself on the borders of the
+ditch and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I will not move from this spot till the genius of the
+mountain allows me to pass this ditch."</p>
+
+<p>Henry had just uttered these words when an enormous
+Cat appeared before him and began to mew so horribly that
+he was almost deafened by the sound. The Cat said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"What are you doing here? Do you not know that I
+could tear you to pieces with one stroke of my claws?"</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your power, Mr. Cat, but you will not
+do so when you know that I am seeking the plant of life to
+save my poor mother who is dying. If you will permit me
+to pass your ditch, I will do anything in my power to please
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you?" said the Cat. "Well, then, listen; your
+countenance pleases me. If, therefore, you will catch all the
+fish in this ditch and salt and cook them, I will pass you over
+to the other side, on the faith of a Cat!"</p>
+
+<p>Henry advanced some steps and saw lines, fish-hooks,
+bait, and nets on the ground. He took a net, and hoped that
+by one vigorous haul he would take many fish and that he
+would succeed much better than with a line and hook. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span>
+threw the net and drew it in with great caution. But alas!
+he had caught nothing!</p>
+
+<p>Disappointed, Henry thought he had not been adroit.
+He threw the net again and drew it very softly: still nothing!</p>
+
+<p>Henry was patient. For ten days he tried faithfully
+without having caught a single fish. Then he gave up the
+net and tried the hook and line. He waited an hour, two
+hours;&mdash;not a single fish bit at the bait! He moved from
+place to place, till he had gone entirely around the ditch.
+He tried diligently fifteen days and caught not a single fish.
+He knew not now what to do. He thought of the good
+fairy Bienfaisante, who had abandoned him at the end of his
+undertaking. He seated himself sadly and gazed intently at
+the ditch when suddenly the water began to boil and he saw
+the head of a Frog appear.</p>
+
+<p>"Henry," said the Frog, "you saved my life&mdash;I wish now
+to save yours in return. If you do not execute the orders of
+the Cat of the mountain he will eat you for his breakfast.
+You cannot catch the fish because the water is so deep and
+they take refuge at the bottom. But allow me to act for you.
+Light your fire for cooking and prepare your vessels for salting.
+I will bring you the fish."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the Frog plunged back into the
+water. Henry saw that the waves were agitated and boiling
+up, as if a grand contest was going on at the bottom of
+the ditch. In a moment, however, the Frog reappeared,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span>
+sprang ashore and deposited a superb salmon which he had
+caught. Henry had scarcely time to seize the salmon when
+the Frog leaped ashore with a carp. During sixty days the
+Frog continued his labors. Henry cooked the large fish
+and threw the little ones into the casks to be salted. Finally,
+at the end of two months, the Frog leaped towards Henry
+and said:</p>
+
+<p>"There is not now a single fish in the ditch. You can
+call the Cat of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>Henry thanked the Frog heartily, who extended his wet
+foot towards him, in sign of friendship. Henry pressed it
+affectionately and gratefully and the Frog disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>It took Henry fifteen days to arrange properly all the
+large fish he had cooked and all the casks of small fish he
+had salted. He then called the Cat, who appeared immediately.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Cat," said Henry, "here are all your fish cooked
+and salted. Will you now keep your promise and pass me
+over to the other side?"</p>
+
+<p>The Cat examined the fish and the casks; tasted a salted
+and a cooked fish, licked his lips, smiled and said to Henry:</p>
+
+<p>"You are a brave boy! I will recompense your fortitude
+and patience. It shall never be said that the Cat of the
+mountain does not pay his servants."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the Cat tore off one of his own claws
+and said, handing it to Henry:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"When you are sick or feel yourself growing old, touch
+your forehead with this claw. Sickness, suffering and old
+age will disappear. This miraculous claw will have the
+same virtue for all that you love and all who love you."</p>
+
+<p>Henry thanked the Cat most warmly, took the precious
+claw and wished to try its powers immediately, as he felt painfully
+weary. The claw had scarcely touched his brow when
+he felt as fresh and vigorous as if he had just left his bed.</p>
+
+<p>The Cat looked on smiling, and said: "Now get on my
+tail."</p>
+
+<p>Henry obeyed. He was no sooner seated on the Cat's
+tail than he saw the tail lengthen itself till it reached across
+the ditch.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_start.jpg" width="359" height="251" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_PLANT_OF_LIFE" id="THE_PLANT_OF_LIFE"></a>THE PLANT OF LIFE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hen</span> he had saluted the Cat respectfully,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span>
+Henry ran towards the garden of the plant of
+life, which was only a hundred steps from him.
+He trembled lest some new obstacle should retard him but he
+reached the garden lattice without any difficulty. He
+sought the gate and found it readily, as the garden was not
+large. But, alas! the garden was filled with innumerable
+plants utterly unknown to him and it was impossible
+to know how to distinguish the plant of life. Happily he
+remembered that the good fairy Bienfaisante had told him
+that when he reached the summit of the mountain he must
+call the Doctor who cultivated the garden of the fairies. He
+called him then with a loud voice. In a moment he heard
+a noise among the plants near him and saw issue from them
+a little man, no taller than a hearth brush. He had a book
+under his arm, spectacles on his crooked little nose and wore
+the great black cloak of a doctor.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 496px; height: 672px;">
+<a name="i094" id="i094"></a><img src="images/i094.jpg" width="496" height="672" alt="&quot;What are you seeking little one?&quot;" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>&quot;What are you seeking little one?&quot;</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"What are you seeking, little one?" said the Doctor;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span>
+"and how is it possible that you have gained this summit?"</p>
+
+<p>"Doctor, I come from the fairy Bienfaisante, to ask the
+plant of life to cure my poor sick mother, who is about to
+die."</p>
+
+<p>"All those who come from the fairy Bienfaisante," said
+the little Doctor, raising his hat respectfully, "are most welcome.
+Come, my boy, I will give you the plant you seek."</p>
+
+<p>The Doctor then buried himself in the botanical garden
+where Henry had some trouble in following him, as he was
+so small as to disappear entirely among the plants. At last
+they arrived near a bush growing by itself. The Doctor
+drew a little pruning-knife from his pocket, cut a bunch and
+gave it to Henry, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Take this and use it as the good fairy Bienfaisante directed
+but do not allow it to leave your hands. If you lay it
+down under any circumstances it will escape from you and
+you will never recover it."</p>
+
+<p>Henry was about to thank him but the little man had disappeared
+in the midst of his medicinal herbs, and he found
+himself alone.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I do now in order to arrive quickly at
+home? If I encounter on my return the same obstacles
+which met me as I came up the mountain, I shall perhaps lose
+<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span>my plant, my dear plant, which should restore my dear
+mother to life."</p>
+
+<p>Happily Henry now remembered the stick which the
+Wolf had given him.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, let us see," said he, "if this stick has really the
+power to carry me home."</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, he mounted the stick and wished himself at
+home. In the same moment he felt himself raised in the air,
+through which he passed with the rapidity of lightning and
+found himself almost instantly by his mother's bed.</p>
+
+<p>Henry sprang to his mother and embraced her tenderly.
+But she neither saw nor heard him. He lost no time, but
+pressed the plant of life upon her lips. At the same moment
+she opened her eyes, threw her arms around Henry's neck
+and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"My child! my dear Henry! I have been very sick but
+now I feel almost well. I am hungry."</p>
+
+<p>Then, looking at him in amazement, she said: "How
+you have grown, my darling! How is this? How can you
+have changed so in a few days?"</p>
+
+<p>Henry had indeed grown a head taller. Two years,
+seven months and six days had passed away since he left his
+home. He was now nearly ten years old. Before he had
+time to answer, the window opened and the good fairy Bienfaisante
+appeared. She embraced Henry and, approaching
+the couch of his mother, related to her all that little Henry<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span>
+had done and suffered, the dangers he had dared, the fatigues
+he endured; the courage, the patience, the goodness he had
+manifested. Henry blushed on hearing himself thus praised
+by the fairy. His mother pressed him to her heart, and covered
+him with kisses. After the first moments of happiness
+and emotion had passed away, the fairy said:</p>
+
+<p>"Now, Henry, you can make use of the present of the
+little Old Man and the Giant of the mountain."</p>
+
+<p>Henry drew out his little box and opened it. Immediately
+there issued from it a crowd of little workmen, not
+larger than bees, who filled the room. They began to work
+with such promptitude that in a quarter of an hour they had
+built and furnished a beautiful house in the midst of a lovely
+garden with a thick wood on one side and a beautiful
+meadow on the other.</p>
+
+<p>"All this is yours, my brave Henry," said the fairy.
+"The Giant's thistle will obtain for you all that is necessary.
+The Wolf's staff will transport you where you wish. The
+Cat's claw will preserve your health and your youth and also
+that of your dear mother. Adieu, Henry! Be happy and
+never forget that virtue and filial love are always recompensed."</p>
+
+<p>Henry threw himself on his knees before the fairy who
+gave him her hand to kiss, smiled upon him and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Henry's mother had a great desire to arise from her bed
+and admire her new house, her garden, her woods and her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>
+meadow. But, alas! she had no dress. During her first
+illness she had made Henry sell all that she possessed, as they
+were suffering for bread.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! alas! my child, I cannot leave my bed. I have
+neither dresses nor shoes."</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have all those things, dear mother," exclaimed
+Henry.</p>
+
+<p>Drawing his thistle from his pocket, he smelled it while
+he wished for dresses, linen, shoes for his mother and himself
+and also for linen for the house. At the same moment the
+presses were filled with linen, his mother was dressed in a
+good and beautiful robe of merino and Henry completely
+clothed in blue cloth, with good, substantial shoes. They
+both uttered a cry of joy. His mother sprang from her bed
+to run through the house with Henry. Nothing was wanting.
+Everywhere the furniture was good and comfortable.
+The kitchen was filled with pots and kettles; but there was
+nothing in them.</p>
+
+<p>Henry again put his thistle to his nose and desired to
+have a good dinner served up.</p>
+
+<p>A table soon appeared, with good smoking soup, a
+splendid leg of lamb, a roasted pullet and good salad. They
+took seats at the table with the appetite of those who had
+not eaten for three years. The soup was soon swallowed,
+the leg of lamb entirely eaten, then the pullet, then the salad.</p>
+
+<p>When their hunger was thus appeased, the mother,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span>
+aided by Henry, took off the cloth, washed and arranged all
+the dishes and then put the kitchen in perfect order. They
+then made up their beds with the sheets they found in the
+presses and went happily to bed, thanking God and the good
+fairy Bienfaisante. The mother also gave grateful thanks
+for her dear son Henry.</p>
+
+<p>They lived thus most happily, they wanted nothing&mdash;the
+thistle provided everything. They did not grow old or sick&mdash;the
+claw cured every ill. They never used the staff, as they
+were too happy at home ever to desire to leave it.</p>
+
+<p>Henry asked of his thistle only two cows, two good
+horses and the necessaries of life for every day. He wished
+for nothing superfluous, either in clothing or food and thus
+he preserved his thistle as long as he lived. It is not known
+when they died. It is supposed that the Queen of the Fairies
+made them immortal and transported them to her palace,
+where they still are.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_henry_end.jpg" width="200" height="166" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span></div>
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/irosette.jpg" width="600" height="209" alt="The Princess Rosette" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span></div>
+
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i103.jpg" width="600" height="313" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h2 class="chapter">HISTORY OF PRINCESS ROSETTE</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FARM" id="THE_FARM"></a>THE FARM</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a king and queen, who had three<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span>
+daughters. The two eldest were twins&mdash;Orangine
+and Roussette&mdash;and their parents loved them very
+dearly. They were beautiful and intelligent, but they were
+not very good. In this they resembled the king and queen.
+The third princess was called Rosette and was three years
+younger than her sisters. She was as amiable as she was
+handsome, as good as she was beautiful.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Puissante was Rosette's godmother and this
+made her two sisters, Orangine and Roussette, very jealous.
+They were angry because they also had not a fairy for their
+godmother.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Some days after the birth of Rosette, the king and queen
+sent her to the country, on a farm, to be nursed. Rosette
+lived happily here for fifteen years without her parents coming
+once to see her. Every year they sent a small sum of
+money to the farmer to pay Rosette's expenses and asked
+some questions as to her health, but they never came to see
+her nor disturbed themselves about her education.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette would indeed have been very rude and ignorant
+if her good godmother, the fairy Puissante, had not sent her
+teachers and all that was necessary. In this way Rosette
+learned to read, to write, to keep accounts and to work beautifully.
+She became an accomplished musician, she knew
+how to draw and spoke several languages.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was the most beautiful, the most attractive, the
+most amiable and the most excellent princess in the whole
+world. She had never disobeyed her nurse or godmother,
+and had therefore never been reproved. She did not regret
+her father and mother, as she did not know them and she did
+not desire any other home than the farm where she had been
+so happy.</p>
+
+<p>One day when Rosette was seated on a bench before the
+door, she saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat; he approached
+her and asked if he could speak to the princess
+Rosette.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, without doubt," answered the princess; "I am the
+princess Rosette."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 549px; height: 462px;">
+<a name="i105" id="i105"></a><img src="images/i105.jpg" width="549" height="462" alt="She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"Then, princess," said the man, respectfully taking off
+his hat, "be graciously pleased to receive this letter, which the
+king your father has charged me to deliver to you."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette took the letter, opened it, and read the following:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquote"><p>"<span class="smcap">Rosette</span>: Your sisters are now eighteen years old and
+it is time they were married. I have invited the princes and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span>
+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.</p>
+
+
+<div class="sc right">"The King Your Father."</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>Rosette ran quickly to show this letter to her nurse.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you pleased, Rosette, to go to this festival?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, my good nurse, I am delighted. I will enjoy myself
+and become acquainted with my father, mother and my
+sisters and then I will return to you."</p>
+
+<p>"But," said the nurse, shaking her head, "what dress will
+you wear, my poor child?"</p>
+
+<p>"My beautiful robe of white percale which I always
+wear on holidays, my dear nurse."</p>
+
+<p>"My poor little one, that robe is indeed very suitable for
+the country but would appear miserably poor at a party of
+kings and princes."</p>
+
+<p>"Of what consequence is all this, nurse? My father
+himself has said that no 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."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The nurse sighed but said nothing and began immediately
+to mend, whiten and smooth Rosette's white robe.</p>
+
+<p>The day before the king was to send for her, the nurse
+called her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child, here is your dress for the king's festival;
+be very careful with it as I shall not be there to whiten and
+smooth it for you."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, my good nurse; be satisfied&mdash;I will take great
+care."</p>
+
+<p>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 of flowers for Rosette to wear in
+her hair. Just as she was about to close the trunk, the window
+opened violently and the fairy Puissante entered.</p>
+
+<p>"You are going, then, to your father's court, my dear
+Rosette?" said the fairy.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dear godmother, but only for three days."</p>
+
+<p>"But what dress have you prepared for those three
+days?"</p>
+
+<p>"Look, godmother! look!" and she pointed to the trunk,
+which was still open.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy smiled, drew a small bottle from her pocket
+and said: "I intend that my dear Rosette shall make a sensation
+by her dress. This is unworthy of her."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy opened the bottle, and threw some drops of the
+liquid it contained upon the robe, which became a coarse In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span>dia
+rubber cloth; then a drop upon the cotton stockings,
+which changed into blue yarn; a third drop upon the bouquet,
+which became a hen's egg; a fourth upon the shoes,
+and they immediately changed into coarse felt.</p>
+
+<p>"In this manner," said she, with a gracious air, "do I
+wish my Rosette to appear. You must attire yourself in
+all this and, to complete your toilette, here is a necklace of
+nuts, a band for your hair of burrs, and bracelets of dried
+beans." She kissed Rosette who was completely stupefied.
+The fairy then disappeared and the nurse burst into tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! it was not worth my while to give myself all the
+trouble of preparing this poor robe. Oh, my poor Rosette!
+Do not go to this festival. Pretend you are ill, my child."</p>
+
+<p>"No," said Rosette; "that would be to displease my godmother.
+I am sure that she does what is best for me. She is
+much wiser than I am. I will go and I will wear all that my
+godmother has brought me." And the good and obedient
+Rosette thought no more of her dress. She went to bed and
+slept tranquilly.</p>
+
+<p>She had scarce arranged her hair and dressed herself in
+the morning when the chariot of the fairy came for her.
+She embraced her nurse, took her little trunk and departed.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="ROSETTE_AT_THE_COURT_OF_THE_KING_HER" id="ROSETTE_AT_THE_COURT_OF_THE_KING_HER"></a>ROSETTE AT THE COURT OF THE KING HER FATHER</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">hey</span> were but two hours on the way, for the king's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span>
+capital was only ten leagues from the farm. When
+Rosette arrived, she was surprised to see that she
+had to descend in a little, dirty court-yard, where a page attended
+her.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, princess, I am commissioned to conduct you to
+your chamber."</p>
+
+<p>"Can I not see the queen my mother?" asked Rosette,
+timidly.</p>
+
+<p>"In two hours, princess, when they are assembled for
+dinner, you will see her. In the mean time you can dress."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette followed the page, who led her through a long
+corridor, at the end of which was a narrow staircase. She
+ascended, slowly, after a long, long time arriving at another
+corridor where she entered the chamber destined for her.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span>
+The queen had lodged Rosette in one of the servants' rooms.
+The little page placed Rosette's modest trunk in a corner and
+said, with an air of embarrassment,</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, princess, for having led you into this
+chamber, so unworthy of you. The queen has disposed of
+all the other apartments for her guests, the kings, queens,
+princes and princesses. There was no other room vacant
+and&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, well," said Rosette, smiling, "I shall not blame
+you. Besides, I shall be very comfortable."</p>
+
+<p>"I will come for you, princess, to lead you to the king
+and queen at the proper hour."</p>
+
+<p>"I will be ready," said Rosette, "adieu, pretty page."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette now unpacked her trunk. Her heart was beating
+and swelling tumultuously. Sighing heavily, she drew
+out her robe of coarse cloth and the other articles of her toilette.
+Rosette was very adroit. She arranged her exquisite
+blonde hair most beautifully, with a pullet's feather and a
+band made of burrs. Her head-dress was indeed so charming
+that it made her a hundred times more lovely. When she
+had put on her shoes and stockings and her robe, what was
+her amazement to see that it was made of gold brocade, embroidered
+with rubies of marvellous beauty; her coarse heavy
+shoes were now white satin, adorned with buckles of one
+single ruby of wonderful splendour; her stockings were of
+silk and as fine as a spider's web; her necklace was of rubies<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span>
+surrounded with large diamonds; her bracelets of diamonds,
+the most splendid that had ever been seen.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette now ran to the glass and saw that the pullet's
+wing had become a magnificent locket and that the pendant
+was a carbuncle of such beauty and brilliancy that a fairy
+alone could possess it.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette, happy, delighted, exultant, danced around the
+little room and thanked her good godmother aloud for having
+tested her obedience and thus magnificently rewarded it.</p>
+
+<p>The page now knocked at the door, entered and started
+back, dazzled by the beauty of Rosette and the magnificence
+of her toilette. Rosette followed him. They descended the
+stairs, passed through many apartments and at last entered a
+suite of superb salons, filled with kings, queens and nobles.
+Every one who saw Rosette paused and turned to admire her.
+The modest princess, however, was ashamed to be thus gazed
+at and did not dare raise her eyes. At last the page paused
+and said to Rosette:</p>
+
+<p>"Princess, behold the queen your mother and the king!"</p>
+
+<p>Rosette raised her eyes and saw just before her the king
+and queen who regarded her with a comic surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said the king at last to her, "be graciously
+pleased to tell me your name. You are no doubt some great
+queen or still greater fairy whose unexpected presence is an
+honor and a happiness for us."</p>
+
+<p>"Sire," said Rosette, falling gracefully upon her knees,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span>
+"I am neither a great queen nor a powerful fairy but your
+daughter Rosette, for whom you were kind enough to send."</p>
+
+<p>"Rosette!" exclaimed the queen; "Rosette clothed more
+magnificently than I have ever been! Who, then, miss, has
+given you all these beautiful things?"</p>
+
+<p>"My godmother, madam. Graciously permit me,
+madam, to kiss your hand and present me to my sisters."</p>
+
+<p>The queen gave her hand coldly. Then pointing to
+Orangine and Roussette, who were by her side, she said:
+"There are your sisters."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Rosette, saddened by this cold welcome from her
+father and mother, turned gladly towards her sisters and
+wished to embrace them but they drew back with terror, fearing
+that while embracing them Rosette would displace the
+red and white with which they were painted. Orangine covered
+herself with white to conceal her yellow skin and Roussette
+to hide her ugly freckles.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was repulsed by her sisters but was soon surrounded
+by the ladies of the court and all the invited princes.
+As she conversed with ready grace and goodness and spoke
+several languages she charmed all those who approached her.
+Orangine and Roussette were frightfully jealous. The king
+and queen were furious for Rosette absorbed all attention;
+no one paid any attention to the sisters.</p>
+
+<p>At table the young prince Charmant, who was monarch
+of the most magnificent and beautiful of all the kingdoms of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span>
+the earth and whom Orangine hoped to wed, placed himself
+by the side of Rosette and was completely absorbed in her
+during the repast.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner, Orangine and Roussette, in order to draw
+some attention towards themselves, sang a duet. They sang
+indeed admirably and accompanied themselves on the harp.
+Rosette who was truly good and wished her sister to love her,
+applauded them rapturously and complimented them on
+their talent.</p>
+
+<p>Orangine, in place of being touched by this generous
+sentiment and hoping to play her sister a malicious trick,
+now insisted upon her singing. Rosette for some time modestly
+refused. Her sisters, who supposed that she did not
+know how to sing, were insistent. The queen herself, desiring
+to humiliate poor Rosette, joined her entreaties to those
+of Orangine and Roussette and in fact commanded the
+young princess to sing.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette curtsied to the queen. "I obey, madam," said
+she.</p>
+
+<p>She took the harp and the enchanting grace of her position
+astonished her sisters. They would have been glad indeed
+to interrupt her when she commenced her prelude for
+they saw at a glance that her talent was much superior to
+theirs. But when, in a beautiful and melodious voice, she
+sang a romance, composed by herself on the happiness of
+being good and beloved there was an outbreak of admiration,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span>
+the enthusiasm became general and her sisters almost fainted
+with jealousy and envy.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant was transported with admiration. He approached
+Rosette, his eyes moistened with tears and said to
+her:</p>
+
+<p>"Enchanting and lovely princess, I have never heard so
+touching a voice. Can I not have the happiness of hearing
+you once more?"</p>
+
+<p>Rosette, who was painfully aware of the jealousy of her
+sisters, excused herself, saying she was fatigued. Prince
+Charmant, who had clear intellect and penetration, divined
+the true motive of her refusal and admired Rosette still more
+for her delicacy. The queen, irritated by the success of Rosette,
+terminated the party at an early hour and retired.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette returned to her little room and undressed herself.
+She removed her robe and her ornaments and put
+them in a superb case of ebony which she found in her room.
+Much to her surprise, she found in her little trunk the robe of
+coarse cloth, the pullet feather, the necklace of nuts, the
+burrs, the dry beans, the coarse shoes of felt and the blue
+yarn stockings. She would not allow herself, however, to be
+disquieted, certain that her good godmother would come to
+her assistance at the proper time. Rosette was indeed saddened
+by the coldness of her parents and the jealousy of her
+sisters; but, as she scarcely knew them, this painful impression
+was effaced by the remembrance of the Prince Char<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span>mant,
+who appeared so good and who had been so flattering
+in his attention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully and
+awoke late in the morning.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="FAMILY_COUNCIL" id="FAMILY_COUNCIL"></a>FAMILY COUNCIL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hile</span> Rosette was only occupied with smiling<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span>
+and pleasant thoughts, the king, the queen and
+the princesses Orangine and Roussette were
+choking with rage. They had all assembled in the queen's
+apartment.</p>
+
+<p>"This is too horrible," said the princesses. "Why did
+you send for this Rosette, who has such dazzling jewels and
+makes herself admired and sought after by all these foolish
+kings and princes? Was it to humiliate us, my father, that
+you called us to the court at this time?"</p>
+
+<p>"I swear to you, my beautiful darlings," said the king,
+"that it was by the order of the fairy Puissante I was compelled
+to write for her to come. Besides, I did not know that
+she was so beautiful and that&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"So beautiful!" interrupted the princesses. "Where do
+you find her so beautiful? She is indeed ugly and coarse.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span>
+It is her magnificent attire alone which makes her admired.
+Why have you not given to us your most superb jewels and
+your richest robes? We have the air of young slovens by
+the side of this proud princess."</p>
+
+<p>"And where could I possibly have found jewels as magnificent
+as hers? I have none which would compare with
+them. It is her godmother, the fairy Puissante, who has lent
+her these jewels."</p>
+
+<p>"Why, then, did you summon a fairy to be the godmother
+of Rosette, when you gave to us only queens for our
+godmothers?"</p>
+
+<p>"It was not your father who called her," cried the queen.
+"The fairy Puissante herself, without being called, appeared
+to us and signified that she would be Rosette's godmother."</p>
+
+<p>"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 means of getting rid of Rosette and preventing
+Prince Charmant from seeing her again."</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing more easy than that," said the queen. "I will
+have her despoiled to-morrow of her rare jewels and her
+beautiful robes. I will order my servants to seize her and
+carry her back to the farm which she shall never leave again."</p>
+
+<p>The queen had scarcely uttered these words, when the
+fairy Puissante appeared with an angry and threatening air.
+"If you dare to touch Rosette," said she, with a thundering
+voice, "if you do not keep her at the palace, if she is not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span>
+present at all the parties, you shall feel the terrible effects
+of my anger. You unworthy king and you heartless queen,
+you shall be changed into toads and you, odious daughters
+and sisters, shall become vipers. Dare now to touch Rosette!"</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>The king, the queen and princesses were horribly frightened
+and separated without saying a single word but their
+hearts were filled with rage. The princesses slept but little
+and were yet more furious in the morning when they saw
+their eyes heavy and their features convulsed by evil 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 as unhappy and as despairing as the princesses
+and indeed they saw no remedy for their grief and
+disappointment.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="SECOND_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL" id="SECOND_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL"></a>SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">I</span><span class="upper">n</span> the morning a coarse servant brought Rosette bread<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span>
+and milk and offered her services to dress her. Rosette,
+who did not wish this rude domestic to see the change in
+her dress, thanked her smilingly and replied that she was in
+the habit of arranging her hair and dressing herself. Rosette
+then began her toilette. When she had washed and
+combed her hair she wished to arrange it with the superb
+carbuncle she had worn the day before but she saw with surprise
+that the ebony case had disappeared and in its place
+was a small wooden trunk, upon which there lay a folded
+paper. She took it and read the following directions:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquote"><p>"Here are your things, Rosette. Dress yourself as you
+were dressed yesterday, in the clothing you brought from
+the farm."</p></div>
+
+<p>Rosette did not hesitate an instant, certain that her godmother<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span>
+would come to her help at the proper time. She arranged
+her pullet wing in a different manner from that of
+the day before, put on her dress, her necklace, her shoes, her
+bracelets and then stood before the glass.</p>
+
+<p>When she saw her own reflection in the mirror she was
+amazed. She was attired in the richest and most splendid
+riding-suit of sky-blue velvet and pearl buttons as large as
+walnuts; her stockings were bordered with a wreath of
+pearls; her head-dress was a cap of sky-blue velvet with a
+long plume of dazzling whiteness, which floated down to
+her waist and was attached by a single pearl of unparalleled
+beauty and splendor. The boots were also of blue velvet embroidered
+in gold and pearls. Her bracelets and necklace
+also were of pearls, so large and so pure that a single one
+would have paid for the king's palace.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment when Rosette was about to leave her
+chamber to follow the page, a sweet voice whispered in her
+ear, "Rosette, do not mount any other horse than the one
+the prince Charmant will present you."</p>
+
+<p>She turned and saw no one; but she felt convinced that
+this counsel came from her good godmother.</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, dear godmother," she said, in low tones. She
+felt a sweet kiss upon her cheek and smiled with happiness
+and gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>The little page conducted her, as the day before, into the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span>
+royal salon, where her appearance produced a greater effect
+than before. Her fine, sweet countenance, her splendid figure,
+her magnificent dress, allured all eyes and captivated all
+hearts.</p>
+
+<p>The prince Charmant, who was evidently expecting her,
+advanced to meet her, offered his arm and led her to the king
+and queen who received her with more coldness than the day
+before. Orangine and Roussette were bursting with spite
+at the sight of the splendid appearance of Rosette. They
+would not even say good-day to their sister.</p>
+
+<p>The good, young princess was of course somewhat embarrassed
+by this reception but the prince Charmant, seeing
+her distress, approached and asked permission to be her companion
+during the chase in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>"It will be a great pleasure to me," replied Rosette, who
+did not know how to dissimulate.</p>
+
+<p>"It seems to me," said he, "that I am your brother, so
+great is the affection which I feel for you, charming princess.
+Permit me to remain by your side and to defend you against
+all enemies."</p>
+
+<p>"It will be an honor and a pleasure for me to be protected
+by a king so worthy of the name he bears."</p>
+
+<p>Prince Charmant was enchanted by this gracious reply
+and, notwithstanding the malice of Orangine and Roussette,
+who tried in every possible way to attract him to themselves,
+he did not leave Rosette's side for a moment.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>After breakfast they descended to the court for a ride on
+horseback. A page advanced to Rosette, leading a splendid
+black horse, which could scarcely be held by the grooms, it
+was so wild and vicious.</p>
+
+<p>"You must not ride this horse, princess," said Prince
+Charmant, "it will certainly kill you. Bring another horse
+for the princess," he said, turning to the page.</p>
+
+<p>"The king and the queen gave orders that the princess
+should ride no other horse than this," said the page. At this
+the prince exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear princess, wait but for a moment; I myself will
+bring you a horse worthy of you but I implore you not to
+mount this dangerous animal."</p>
+
+<p>"I will wait your return," said Rosette, with a gracious
+smile.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments afterwards Prince Charmant appeared,
+leading a magnificent horse, white as snow. The saddle was
+of blue velvet, embroidered in pearls and the bridle was of
+gold and pearls. When Rosette wished to mount, the horse
+knelt down and rose quietly when she had placed herself in
+the saddle.</p>
+
+<p>Prince Charmant sprang lightly upon his beautiful steed
+Alezan and placed himself by the side of the princess Rosette.
+The king, the queen and the princesses, who had seen
+all this, were pale with rage but they dared say nothing for
+fear of the fairy Puissante.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The king gave the signal to depart. Every lady had
+her attendant gentleman. Orangine and Roussette were
+obliged to content themselves with two insignificant princes
+who were neither so young nor so handsome as Prince Charmant.
+Orangine and Roussette were so sulky that even these
+princes declared they would never wed princesses so uninteresting.</p>
+
+<p>In place of following the chase, Prince Charmant and
+Rosette wandered in the beautiful shady walks of the forest,
+talking merrily and giving accounts of their past lives.</p>
+
+<p>"But," said Charmant, "if the king your father has not
+allowed you to reside in his palace, how is it that he has given
+you such beautiful jewels, worthy of a fairy?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is to my good godmother that I owe them," replied
+Rosette. And then she told Prince Charmant how she had
+been educated on a farm and that she was indebted to the
+fairy Puissante for everything that she knew and everything
+she valued. The fairy had watched over her education and
+granted her every wish of her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant listened with a lively interest and a tender
+compassion. And now, in his turn, he told Rosette that he
+had been left an orphan at the age of seven years; that the
+fairy Puissante had presided over his education; that she had
+also sent him to the festivals given by the king, telling him
+he would find there the perfect woman he was seeking.</p>
+
+<p>"In short, I believe, dear Rosette, that I have found in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>
+you the charming and perfect creature of whom the fairy
+spoke. Deign, princess, to connect your life with mine and
+authorize me to demand your hand of your parents."</p>
+
+<p>"Before answering, dear prince, I must obtain permission
+of my godmother but you may be sure that I shall be very
+happy to pass my life with you."</p>
+
+<p>The morning thus passed away most agreeably for Rosette
+and Charmant and they returned to the palace to dress
+for dinner.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette entered her ugly garret and saw before her a
+magnificent box of rosewood, wide open. She undressed
+and as she removed her articles of clothing they arranged
+themselves in the box, which then closed firmly. She arranged
+her hair and dressed herself with her usual neatness
+and then ran to the glass. She could not suppress a cry of
+admiration.</p>
+
+<p>Her robe was of gauze and was so fine and light, and
+brilliant it looked as if woven of the wings of butterflies. It
+was studded with diamonds as brilliant as stars. The hem of
+this robe, the corsage and the waist were trimmed with diamond
+fringe which sparkled like suns. Her hair was partly
+covered with a net of diamonds from which a tassel of immense
+diamonds fell to her shoulders. Every diamond was
+as large as a pear and was worth a kingdom. Her necklace
+and bracelets were so immense and so brilliant that you could
+not look at them fixedly without being blinded.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>The young princess thanked her godmother most tenderly
+and felt again upon her fair cheek the sweet kiss of the
+morning. She followed the page and entered the royal salon.
+Prince Charmant was awaiting her at the door, offered
+her his arm and conducted her to the apartment of the king
+and queen. Rosette advanced to salute them.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant saw with indignation the glances of rage and
+revenge which the king, queen and princesses cast upon poor
+Rosette. He remained by her side as he had done in the
+morning and was witness to the admiration which she inspired
+and the malice and envy of her sisters.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was indeed sad to find herself the object
+of hatred to her father, mother and sisters. Charmant perceived
+her melancholy and asked the cause. She explained
+it to him frankly.</p>
+
+<p>"When, oh! when, my dear Rosette, will you permit me
+to ask your hand of your father? In my kingdom every one
+will love you and I more than all the rest."</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow, dear prince, I will send you the reply of
+my godmother whom I shall question on the subject this
+evening."</p>
+
+<p>They were now summoned to dinner. Charmant
+placed himself at Rosette's side and they conversed in a most
+agreeable manner.</p>
+
+<p>After dinner the king gave orders for the ball to commence.
+Orangine and Roussette, who had taken lessons for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span>
+ten years, danced well but without any peculiar grace.
+They believed that Rosette had never had any opportunity to
+dance and with a mocking, malicious air, they now announced
+to her that it was her turn.</p>
+
+<p>The modest Rosette hesitated and drew back because it
+was repugnant to her to show herself in public and attract
+the general regard. But the more she declined, the more her
+envious sisters insisted, hoping that she would at last suffer
+a real humiliation.</p>
+
+<p>The queen now interfered and sternly commanded Rosette
+to dance. Rosette rose at once to obey the queen.
+Charmant, seeing her embarrassment, said to her in low
+tones:</p>
+
+<p>"I will be your partner, dear Rosette. If you do not
+know a single step, let me execute it for you alone."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, dear prince. I recognize and am grateful
+for your courtesy. I accept you for my partner and hope
+that you will not have occasion to blush for your generosity."</p>
+
+<p>And now Rosette and Charmant commenced. A more
+animated, graceful and light dance was never seen. All
+present gazed at them with ever increasing admiration.
+Rosette was so superior in dancing to Orangine and Roussette,
+that they could scarcely suppress their rage. They
+wished to throw themselves upon the young princess, choke
+her and tear her diamonds from her. The king and queen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span>
+who had been watching them and divined their intention,
+stopped them, and whispered in their ears:</p>
+
+<p>"Remember the threats and power of the fairy Puissante!
+To-morrow shall be the last day."</p>
+
+<p>When the dance was concluded, the most rapturous applause
+resounded throughout the hall and every one entreated
+Charmant and Rosette to repeat the dance. As they
+felt no fatigue they did not wish to seem disobliging and executed
+a new dance, more graceful and attractive than the
+first.</p>
+
+<p>Orangine and Roussette could no longer control themselves.
+They were suffocating with rage, fainted and were
+carried from the room. They had become so marked by the
+passions of envy and rage that they had lost every vestige of
+beauty and no one had any sympathy for them, as all had seen
+their jealousy and wickedness.</p>
+
+<p>The applause and enthusiasm for Rosette and Charmant
+were so overpowering that they sought refuge in the garden.
+They walked side by side during the rest of the evening, and
+talked merrily and happily over their plans for the future, if
+the fairy Puissante would permit them to unite the smooth
+current of their lives. The diamonds of Rosette sparkled
+with such brilliancy that the alleys where they walked and
+the little groves where they seated themselves, seemed illuminated
+by a thousand stars. At last it was necessary to separate.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 512px; height: 700px;">
+<a name="i127" id="i127"></a><img src="images/i127.jpg" width="512" height="700" alt="They walked side by side during the rest of the evening" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>They walked side by side during the rest of the evening</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"To-morrow!" said Rosette, "to-morrow I hope to say,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span>
+<i>yours eternally</i>."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette entered her little room. As she undressed, her
+clothing arranged itself as the day before in the case. This
+new case was of carved ivory and studded with turquoise
+nails. When Rosette had lain down peacefully upon her
+bed she put out the light, and said, in a low voice:</p>
+
+<p>"My dear, good godmother, to-morrow I must give a
+definite answer to Prince Charmant. Dictate my response,
+dear godmother. I will obey your command, no matter how
+painful it may be."</p>
+
+<p>"Say yes, my dear Rosette, to Prince Charmant," replied
+the soft voice of the fairy. "I myself arranged this marriage.
+It was to make you acquainted with Prince Charmant
+that I forced your father to invite you to this festival."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette thanked the kind fairy and slept the sleep of innocence,
+after having felt the maternal lips of her good protectress
+upon her cheeks.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_start.jpg" width="255" height="247" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THIRD_AND_LAST_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL" id="THIRD_AND_LAST_DAY_OF_THE_FESTIVAL"></a>THIRD AND LAST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hile</span> Rosette was thus sleeping peacefully, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span>
+king, the queen, and Orangine and Roussette,
+purple with rage, were quarrelling and disputing
+amongst themselves. Each was accusing the other of
+having brought about the triumph of Rosette and their own
+humiliating defeat. One last hope remained for them. In
+the morning there was to be a chariot race. Each chariot
+was to be drawn by two horses and driven by a lady. It was
+resolved to give Rosette a very high chariot, drawn by two
+wild, untrained and prancing horses.</p>
+
+<p>"Prince Charmant will have no chariot and horses to exchange,"
+said the queen, "as he had this morning in the case
+of the riding-horse. It is easy to find a horse for the saddle
+but it will be impossible for him to find a chariot ready for
+the course."</p>
+
+<p>The consoling thought that Rosette might be killed or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>
+grievously wounded and disfigured on the morrow brought
+peace to these four wicked beings. They retired and
+dreamed of the next best means of ridding themselves of
+Rosette if the chariot race failed. Orangine and Roussette
+slept but little so that in the morning they were still uglier
+and more unprepossessing than they had appeared the day
+before.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette, who had a tranquil conscience and contented
+heart, slept all night calmly. She had been much fatigued
+and did not wake till a late hour. Indeed, on rising she
+found she had scarcely time to dress. The coarse kitchen
+girl brought her a cup of milk and a piece of bread. This
+was by order of the queen who directed that she should be
+treated like a servant.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette was not difficult to please. She ate the coarse
+bread and milk with appetite and began to dress. The case
+of carved ivory had disappeared. She put on as usual her
+robe of coarse cloth, her pullet's wing, and all the rude ornaments
+she had brought from the farm and then looked at herself
+in the glass.</p>
+
+<p>She was attired in a riding habit of straw-colored satin,
+embroidered in front and at the hem with sapphires and
+emeralds. Her hat was of white velvet, ornamented with
+plumes of a thousand colors, taken from the plumage of the
+rarest birds and attached by a sapphire larger than an egg.
+On her neck was a chain of sapphires, at the end of which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span>
+was a watch, the face of which was opal, the back a carved
+sapphire and the glass diamond. This watch was always
+going, was never out of order and never required to be
+wound up.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette heard her page at the door and followed him.
+On entering the salon she perceived Prince Charmant, who
+was awaiting her with the most lively impatience. He
+sprang forward to receive her, offered his arm and said with
+eagerness:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Well, dear princess, what did the fairy say to you?
+What answer do you give me?"</p>
+
+<p>"That which my heart dictated, sweet prince. I
+consecrate my life to you as you have dedicated yours to
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks! a thousand times thanks, dear and bewitching
+Rosette. When may I demand your hand of the king your
+father?"</p>
+
+<p>"At the close of the chariot race, dear prince."</p>
+
+<p>"Permit me to add to my first petition that of being
+married to you this very day. I cannot bear to see you subjected
+to the tyranny of your family and I wish to conduct
+you at once to my kingdom."</p>
+
+<p>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 danger and during eight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span>
+days from the setting of the sun this evening I cannot watch
+over her."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant trembled and repeated the fairy's words to
+Rosette, who replied that it was a warning they must not
+neglect as it undoubtedly came from the fairy Puissante.</p>
+
+<p>The princess now advanced to salute the king, the queen
+and her sisters but they neither looked at her nor spoke to
+her. She was however immediately surrounded by a crowd
+of kings and princes, each one of whom had himself proposed
+to ask her hand in marriage that evening but no one
+had an opportunity to speak to her as Charmant never left
+her side a single moment.</p>
+
+<p>After the repast they went down to get into the chariots.
+The kings and princes were to go on horseback and the ladies
+to drive the chariots.</p>
+
+<p>The chariot designed for Rosette by the queen was now
+brought forward. Charmant seized Rosette at the moment
+she was about to take the reins and lifted her to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"You shall not enter this chariot, princess. Look at
+these wild ungovernable horses."</p>
+
+<p>Rosette now saw that it took four men to hold each of
+the horses and that they were prancing and jumping alarmingly.</p>
+
+<p>At this instant a pretty little jockey, attired in a straw-colored
+satin vest, with blue ribbon knots, exclaimed in
+silvery tones:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The equipage of the Princess Rosette!"</p>
+
+<p>And now a little chariot of pearls and mother-of-pearl,
+drawn by two magnificent steeds with harness of straw-colored
+velvet ornamented with sapphires, drew up before
+the princess.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant scarcely knew whether to allow Rosette to
+mount this unknown chariot for he still feared some cunning
+wickedness of the king and queen. But the voice of the
+fairy sounded in his ear:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Allow Rosette to ascend the chariot; these horses are a
+present from me. Follow them wherever they may take
+Rosette. The day is advancing. I have but a few hours
+left in which I can be of service to Rosette and she must be
+safe in your kingdom before the day closes."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant assisted Rosette to ascend the chariot and
+sprang upon his horse. A few moments afterwards, two
+chariots driven by veiled women advanced in front of
+Rosette. One of them dashed her chariot with such violence
+against that of Rosette, that the little chariot of mother-of-pearl
+would inevitably have been crushed had it not been
+constructed by fairies. The heavy and massive chariot was
+dashed to pieces instead of Rosette's. The veiled woman
+was thrown upon the stones, where she remained immovable
+whilst Rosette, who had recognized Orangine, tried to stop
+her own horses. The other chariot now dashed against that
+of Rosette and was crushed like the first and the veiled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span>
+woman was also dashed upon the stones, which seemed
+placed there to receive her.</p>
+
+<p>Rosette recognised Roussette and was about to descend
+from her chariot when Charmant interfered, and said:
+"Listen, Rosette!"</p>
+
+<p>A voice whispered, "Go, flee quickly! The king is
+pursuing you with a great company to kill you both. The
+sun will set in a few hours. I have barely time to rescue you
+from this danger so give my horses the reins; Charmant,
+abandon yours."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant sprang into the chariot by the side of Rosette,
+who was more dead than alive. The superb steeds set off
+with such marvellous speed that they made more than twenty
+leagues an hour. For a long time they knew that they were
+pursued by the king with a numerous troop of armed men
+but they could not overtake the horses of the fairy. The
+chariot still flew on with lightning haste; the horses increased
+their speed till at last they made a hundred leagues an hour.
+During six hours they kept up this rate and then drew up at
+the foot of the stairs of Prince Charmant.</p>
+
+<p>The whole palace was illuminated and all the courtiers
+were waiting at the entrance in their most magnificent costumes
+to welcome the princess and the prince.</p>
+
+<p>The prince and Rosette were amazed, not knowing how
+to understand this unexpected reception. Charmant had
+just assisted the princess to descend from the chariot, when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span>
+they saw before them the fairy Puissante, who said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Most welcome to your kingdom. Prince Charmant,
+follow me; all is prepared for your marriage. Conduct
+Rosette to her room that she may change her dress, whilst I
+explain to you all the events of this day which seem so incomprehensible
+to you. I have one hour at my disposal."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy and Charmant now led Rosette to an apartment,
+ornamented with the most exquisite taste, where she
+found her maids waiting to attend upon her.</p>
+
+<p>"I will return to seek you in a short time, my dear
+Rosette," said the fairy; "my moments are counted."</p>
+
+<p>She departed with Charmant and said to him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The hatred of the king and queen against Rosette had
+become so intense that they had blindly resolved to defy my
+vengeance and to get rid of Rosette. Seeing that their cunning
+arrangements in the chariot race had not succeeded
+after I substituted my horses for those which would certainly
+have killed Rosette, they resolved to have recourse to violence.
+The king employed a band of brigands, who swore
+to him a blind obedience; they pursued your steps with vengeance
+in their hearts and as the king knew your love for
+Rosette and foresaw that you would defend her 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 heavy chariots violently against the light chariot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>
+of the princess. I have punished them as they deserved.</p>
+
+<p>"Orangine and Roussette have had their faces so
+crushed and wounded by the stones that they have become
+frightful. I have aroused them from their state of unconsciousness,
+cured their wounds but left the hideous scars to
+disfigure them. I have deprived them of all their rich clothing
+and dressed them like peasants and I married them at
+once to two brutal ostlers whom I commissioned to beat and
+maltreat them until their wicked hearts are changed&mdash;and
+this I think will never take place.</p>
+
+<p>"As to the king and queen, I have changed them into
+beasts of burden and given them to wicked and cruel masters
+who will make them suffer for all their brutality to Rosette.
+Besides this, they have all been transported into your kingdom
+and they will be compelled to hear unceasingly the
+praises of Rosette and her husband.</p>
+
+<p>"I have but one piece of advice to give you, dear prince;
+hide from Rosette the punishment I have inflicted upon her
+parents and sisters. She is so good and tender-hearted that
+her happiness would be affected by it, but I ought not and
+will not take pity upon wicked people whose hearts are so
+vicious and unrepentant."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant thanked the fairy eagerly and promised
+silence. They now returned to Rosette, who was clothed in
+her wedding-robe, prepared by the fairy Puissante.</p>
+
+<p>It was a tissue of dazzling golden gauze, embroidered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span>
+with garlands of flowers and birds, in stones of all colors, of
+admirable beauty; the jewels which formed the birds were so
+disposed as to produce, at every motion of Rosette, a warbling
+more melodious than the sweetest music. Upon her
+head was a crown of flowers made of gems still more beautiful
+and rare than those on her robe. Her neck and arms
+were covered with carbuncles more brilliant than the sun.</p>
+
+<p>Charmant was completely dazzled by his bride's beauty
+but the fairy recalled him from his ecstasy by saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Quick! quick! onward! I have but half an hour, after
+which I must give myself 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."</p>
+
+<p>Charmant presented his hand to Rosette and the fairy
+preceded them. They walked towards the chapel which was
+brilliantly illuminated and here Charmant and Rosette received
+the nuptial benediction. On returning to the parlor,
+they perceived that the fairy had disappeared, but, as they
+were sure of again seeing her in eight days her absence
+caused them no anxiety. Charmant presented the new
+queen to his court. Everybody found her as charming and
+good as the prince and they felt disposed to love her as they
+loved him.</p>
+
+<p>With a most amiable and thoughtful attention, the fairy
+had transported the farm, upon which Rosette had been so
+happy, and all its occupants into Charmant's kingdom.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span>
+This farm was placed at the end of the park, so that Rosette
+could walk there every day and see her good nurse. The
+fairy had also brought into the palace all those cases which
+contained the rich dresses in which Rosette had been so
+triumphant at the festivals.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 530px; height: 443px;">
+<a name="i138" id="i138"></a><img src="images/i138.jpg" width="530" height="443" alt="The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her power for eight days" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her power for eight days</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Rosette and Charmant were very happy and loved each
+other tenderly always. Rosette never knew the terrible
+punishment of her father, mother and sisters. When she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span>
+asked Charmant the fate of her sisters, he told her that their
+faces were much disfigured by their fall amongst the stones
+but they were well and married and the good fairy expressly
+forbade Rosette to think of them. She spoke of them no
+more.</p>
+
+<p>As to Orangine and Roussette, the more unhappy they
+were, the more cruel and wicked their hearts became, so the
+fairy allowed them to remain always ugly and in the most
+degraded ranks of life.</p>
+
+<p>The king and queen, changed into beasts of burden,
+found their only consolation in biting and kicking everything
+that came within their reach. They were obliged to
+carry their masters to festivals given in honor of Rosette's
+marriage and they were mad with rage when they heard the
+praises lavished upon the young couple and in seeing Rosette
+pass by, beautiful, radiant and adored by Charmant.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy had resolved that they should not return to
+their original forms till their hearts were changed. It is said
+that six thousand years have passed, and they are still beasts
+of burden.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_rosette_end.jpg" width="220" height="193" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span></div>
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/igreymouse.jpg" width="600" height="253" alt="The Little Grey Mouse" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span></div>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i143.jpg" width="600" height="304" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">THE LITTLE GREY MOUSE</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_LITTLE_HOUSE" id="THE_LITTLE_HOUSE"></a>THE LITTLE HOUSE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a man named Prudent, who was a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span>
+widower and he lived alone with his little daughter.
+His wife had died a few days after the birth of this
+little girl, who was named Rosalie.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie's father had a large fortune. He lived in a
+great house, which belonged to him. This house was surrounded
+by a large garden in which Rosalie walked whenever
+she pleased to do so.</p>
+
+<p>She had been trained with great tenderness and gentleness
+but her father had accustomed her to the most unquestioning
+obedience. He forbade her positively to ask him
+any useless questions or to insist upon knowing anything he
+did not wish to tell her. In this way, by unceasing care and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span>
+watchfulness, he had almost succeeded in curing one of
+Rosalie's great faults, a fault indeed unfortunately too common&mdash;curiosity.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 496px; height: 419px;">
+<a name="i144" id="i144"></a><img src="images/i144.jpg" width="496" height="419" alt="Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by
+high walls. She never saw any one but her father. They
+had no domestic in the house; everything seemed to be done
+of itself. She always had what she wanted&mdash;clothing, books,
+work, and playthings. Her father educated her himself and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span>
+although she was nearly fifteen years old, she was never
+weary and never thought that she might live otherwise and
+might see more of the world.</p>
+
+<p>There was a little house at the end of the park without
+windows and with but one door, which was always locked.
+Rosalie's father entered this house every day and always
+carried the key about his person. Rosalie thought 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 seeking a watering-pot for her flowers, she said to
+him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Father, please give me the key of the little house in the
+garden."</p>
+
+<p>"What do you want with this key, Rosalie?"</p>
+
+<p>"I want a watering-pot and I think I could find one in
+that little house."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Rosalie, there is no watering-pot there."</p>
+
+<p>Prudent's voice trembled so in pronouncing these
+words that Rosalie looked up with surprise, and saw that his
+face was pale and his forehead bathed in perspiration.</p>
+
+<p>"What is the matter, father?" said she, alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, daughter, nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"It was my asking for the key which agitated you so
+violently, father. What does this little house contain which
+frightens you so much?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, Rosalie! you do not know what you are say<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span>ing.
+Go and look for your watering-pot in the green-house."</p>
+
+<p>"But, father, what is there in the little garden-house?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing that can interest you, Rosalie."</p>
+
+<p>"But why do you go there every day without permitting
+me to go with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, you know that I do not like to be questioned
+and that curiosity is the greatest defect in your character."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie said no more but she remained very thoughtful.
+This little house, of which she had never before thought,
+was now constantly in her mind.</p>
+
+<p>"What can be concealed there?" she said to herself.
+"How pale my father turned when I asked his permission to
+enter! I am sure he thought I should be in some sort of
+danger. But why does he go there himself every day? It
+is no doubt to carry food to some ferocious beast confined
+there. But if it was some wild animal, would I not hear it
+roar or howl or shake the house? No, I have never heard
+any sound from this cabin. It cannot then be a beast. Besides,
+if it was a ferocious beast, it would devour 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. What can it be? A prisoner? My father is good,
+he would not deprive any unfortunate innocent of light and
+liberty. Well, I absolutely must discover this mystery.
+How shall I manage it? If I could only secretly get the key<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span>
+from my father for a half hour! Perhaps some day he will
+forget it."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie was aroused from this chain of reflection by her
+father, who called to her with a strangely agitated voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Here, father&mdash;I am coming."</p>
+
+<p>She entered the house and looked steadily at her father.
+His pale, sad countenance indicated great agitation.</p>
+
+<p>More than ever curious, she resolved to feign gaiety and
+indifference in order to allay her father's suspicions and
+make him feel secure. In this way she thought she might
+perhaps obtain possession of the key at some future time.
+He might not always think of it if she herself seemed to have
+forgotten it.</p>
+
+<p>They seated themselves at the table. Prudent ate but
+little and was sad and silent, in spite of his efforts to appear
+gay. Rosalie, however, seemed so thoughtless and bright
+that her father at last recovered his accustomed good spirits.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie would be fifteen years old in three weeks. Her
+father had promised an agreeable surprise for this event. A
+few days passed peacefully away. There remained but
+fifteen days before her birth-day. One morning Prudent
+said to Rosalie:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My dear child, I am compelled to be absent for one
+hour. I must go out to arrange something for your birth-day.
+Wait for me in the house, my dear. Do not yield
+yourself up to idle curiosity. In fifteen days you will know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span>
+all that you desire to know, for I read your thoughts and I
+know what occupies your mind. Adieu, my daughter, beware
+of curiosity!"</p>
+
+<p>Prudent embraced his daughter tenderly and withdrew,
+leaving her with great reluctance.</p>
+
+<p>As soon as he was out of sight, Rosalie ran to her father's
+room and what was her joy to see the key forgotten upon the
+table! She seized it and ran quickly to the end of the park.
+Arrived at the little house, she remembered the words of her
+father, "Beware of curiosity!" She hesitated, and was upon
+the point of returning the key without having looked at the
+house, when she thought she heard a light groan. She put
+her ear against the door and heard a very little voice singing
+softly:&mdash;</p>
+
+<div class="block">
+<div class="poem">
+"A lonely prisoner I pine,<br />
+No hope of freedom now is mine;<br />
+I soon must draw my latest breath,<br />
+And in this dungeon meet my death."<br />
+</div></div>
+
+<p>"No doubt," said Rosalie to herself, "this is some unfortunate
+creature whom my father holds captive."</p>
+
+<p>Tapping softly upon the door, she said: "Who are
+you, and what can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Open the door, Rosalie! I pray you open the door!"</p>
+
+<p>"But why are you a prisoner? Have you not committed
+some crime?"</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! no, Rosalie. An enchanter keeps me here a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span>
+prisoner. Save me and I will prove my gratitude by telling
+you truly who I am."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie no longer hesitated: her curiosity was stronger
+than her obedience. She put the key in the lock, but her
+hand trembled so that she could not open it. She was about
+to give up the effort, when the little voice continued:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, that which I have to tell you will teach you
+many things which will interest you. Your father is not
+what he appears to be."</p>
+
+<p>At these words Rosalie made a last effort, the key turned
+and the door opened.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FAIRY_DETESTABLE" id="THE_FAIRY_DETESTABLE"></a>THE FAIRY DETESTABLE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">R</span><span class="upper">osalie</span> looked in eagerly. The little house was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span>
+dark; she could see nothing but she heard the little
+voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, Rosalie, it is to you that I owe my deliverance."</p>
+
+<p>The voice seemed to come from the earth. She looked,
+and saw in a corner two brilliant little eyes gazing at her
+maliciously.</p>
+
+<p>"My cunning trick has succeeded, Rosalie, and betrayed
+you into yielding to your curiosity. If I had not spoken and
+sung you would have returned with the key and I should have
+been lost. Now that you have set me at liberty, you and your
+father are both in my power."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie did not yet fully comprehend the extent of the
+misfortune she had brought about by her disobedience. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span>
+knew, however, that it was a dangerous foe which her father
+had held captive and she wished to retire and close the door.</p>
+
+<p>"Stop, Rosalie! It is no longer in your power to keep
+me in this odious prison from which I never could have
+escaped if you had waited until your fifteenth birth-day."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the little house disappeared entirely, and
+Rosalie saw with 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 its sparkling little eyes and
+began to laugh in a thin, discordant voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! ha! ha! What a frightened air you have, Rosalie!
+In truth you amuse me very much. But it is lucky for me
+that you had so much curiosity. It has been nearly fifteen
+years since I was shut up in this frightful prison, having no
+power to injure your father, whom I hate, or to bring any
+evil upon you, whom I detest because you are his daughter."</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you, then, wicked mouse?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am the mortal enemy of your family, my pet. I call
+myself the fairy Detestable and the name suits me, I assure
+you. All the world hates me and I hate all the world. I
+shall follow you now for the rest of your life, wherever you
+go."</p>
+
+<p>"Go away at once, miserable creature! A mouse is not
+to be feared and I will find a way to get rid of you."</p>
+
+<p>"We shall see, my pet! I shall remain at your side
+wherever you go!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 539px; height: 454px;">
+<a name="i152" id="i152"></a><img src="images/i152.jpg" width="539" height="454" alt="The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>The broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Rosalie now ran rapidly towards the house; every time
+she turned she saw the mouse galloping after her, and laughing
+with a mocking air. Arrived at the house, she tried to
+crush the mouse in the door, but it remained open in spite of
+every effort she could make and the mouse remained quietly
+upon the door-sill.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait awhile, wicked monster!" cried Rosalie, beside
+herself with rage and terror.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>She seized a broom and tried to dash it violently against
+the mouse but the broom was on fire at once, blazed up and
+burned her hands; she threw it 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 was boiling on
+the fire, she emptied it upon the mouse but the boiling water
+was changed into good fresh milk and the mouse commenced
+drinking it, saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"How exceedingly amiable you are, Rosalie! Not
+content with having released me from captivity, you give me
+an excellent breakfast."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Rosalie now began to weep bitterly. She was
+utterly at a loss what to do, when she heard her father
+entering.</p>
+
+<p>"My father!" cried she, "my father! Oh! cruel mouse,
+I beseech you in pity to go away that my father may not see
+you!"</p>
+
+<p>"No, I shall not go but I will hide myself behind your
+heels until your father knows of your disobedience."</p>
+
+<p>The mouse had scarcely concealed herself behind
+Rosalie, when Prudent entered. He looked at Rosalie,
+whose paleness and embarrassed air betrayed her fear.</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie," said Prudent, with a trembling voice, "I forgot
+the key of the little garden-house; have you found it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Here it is, father," said Rosalie, presenting it to him,
+and coloring deeply.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"How did this cream come to be upset on the floor?"</p>
+
+<p>"Father, it was the cat."</p>
+
+<p>"The cat? Impossible. The cat brought a vessel of
+milk to the middle of the room and upset it there?"</p>
+
+<p>"No! no! father, it was I that did it; in carrying it, I
+accidentally overturned it."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie spoke in a low voice, and dared not look at her
+father.</p>
+
+<p>"Take the broom, Rosalie, and sweep up this cream."</p>
+
+<p>"There is no broom, father."</p>
+
+<p>"No broom! there was one when I left the house."</p>
+
+<p>"I burned it, father, accidentally, by&mdash;&mdash; by&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>She paused&mdash;her father looked fixedly at her, threw a
+searching unquiet glance about the room, sighed and turned
+his steps slowly towards the little house in the garden.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie fell sobbing bitterly upon a chair; the mouse
+did not stir. A few moments afterwards, Prudent entered
+hastily, his countenance marked with horror.</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie! unhappy child! what have you done? You
+have yielded to your fatal curiosity and released our most
+cruel enemy from prison."</p>
+
+<p>"Pardon me, father! oh pardon me!" she cried,
+throwing herself at his feet; "I was ignorant of the evil I
+did."</p>
+
+<p>"Misfortune is always the result of disobedience,
+Rosalie; disobedient children think they are only committing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span>
+a small fault, when they are doing the greatest injury to
+themselves and others."</p>
+
+<p>"But, father, who and what then is this mouse, who
+causes you this terrible fear? How, if it had so much power,
+could you keep it so long a prisoner and why can you not
+put it in prison again?"</p>
+
+<p>"This mouse, my unhappy child, is a wicked fairy, but
+very powerful. For myself, I am the genius Prudent and
+since you have given liberty to my enemy, I can now reveal
+to you that which I should have concealed until you were
+fifteen years old.</p>
+
+<p>"I am, then, as I said to you, the genius Prudent; your
+dear mother was a simple mortal but her virtues and her
+graces touched the queen of the fairies 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 to
+invoke the fairy Detestable, who was already irritated
+against me for having married a princess, after having refused
+one of her daughters. She was so exasperated against
+me that she swore an implacable hatred against 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
+beloved by the queen of the fairies. Many times by the
+power of my enchantments, I triumphed over the malicious
+hatred of the fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"A few hours after your birth your mother was thrown<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span>
+into the most violent convulsions which I could not calm. I
+left her for a few moments to invoke the aid of the queen of
+the fairies. When I returned your mother was dead.</p>
+
+<p>"The wicked fairy Detestable had profited by my absence
+and caused her death. She was about to endow you
+with all the passions and vices of this evil world, when my
+unexpected return happily paralyzed her efforts. I interrupted
+her at the moment when she had endowed you with a
+curiosity sufficient to make you wretched and to subject you
+entirely to her power at fifteen years of age. By my power,
+united to that of the queen of the fairies, I counter-balanced
+this fatal influence and we decided that you should not fall
+under her power at fifteen years of age, unless you yielded
+three times under the gravest circumstances to your idle
+curiosity.</p>
+
+<p>"At the same time the queen of the fairies, to punish the
+fairy Detestable, changed her into a mouse, shut her up in
+the little garden house, and declared that she should never
+leave it unless you voluntarily opened the door. Also, that
+she should never resume her original form of fairy unless
+you yielded three times to your criminal curiosity before you
+were fifteen years of age. Lastly, that if you resisted once
+the fatal passion you should be for ever released, as well as
+myself, from the power of the fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"With great difficulty I obtained all these favors and
+only by promising that I would share your fate and become,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span>
+like yourself, the slave of the fairy Detestable, if you weakly
+allowed yourself to yield three times to your curiosity. I
+promised solemnly to educate you in such a manner as to
+destroy this terrible passion, calculated to cause so many
+sorrows.</p>
+
+<p>"For all these reasons I have confined myself and you,
+Rosalie, in this enclosure. I have permitted you to see no
+one, not even a domestic. I procured by my power all that
+your heart desired and I have been feeling quite satisfied in
+having succeeded so well with you. In three weeks you
+would have been fifteen, and for ever delivered from the
+odious yoke of the fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"I was alarmed when you asked for the key of the little
+house, of which you had never before seemed to think. I
+could not conceal the painful impression which this demand
+made upon me. My agitation excited your curiosity. In
+spite of your gaiety and assumed thoughtlessness, I penetrated
+your thoughts, and you may judge of my grief when
+the queen of the fairies ordered me to make the temptation
+possible and the resistance meritorious by leaving the key at
+least once in your reach. I was thus compelled to leave it,
+that fatal key, and thus facilitate by my absence my own and
+your destruction.</p>
+
+<p>"Imagine, Rosalie, what I suffered during the hour of
+my absence, leaving you alone with this temptation before
+your eyes and when I saw your embarrassment and blushes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span>
+on my return, indicating to me too well that you had allowed
+your curiosity to master you.</p>
+
+<p>"I was commanded to conceal everything from you; to
+tell you nothing of your birth or of the dangers which surround
+you, until your fifteenth birthday. If I had disobeyed,
+you would at once have fallen into the power of the
+fairy Detestable.</p>
+
+<p>"And yet, Rosalie, all is not lost. You can yet repair
+your fault by resisting for fifteen days this terrible passion.
+At fifteen years of age you were to have been united to a
+charming prince, who is related to us, the prince Gracious.
+This union is yet possible.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, Rosalie! my still dear child, take pity on yourself,
+if you have no mercy for me and resist your curiosity."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie was on her knees before her father, her face
+concealed in her hands and weeping bitterly. At these
+words she took courage, embraced him tenderly and said to
+him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, father! I promise you solemnly that I will atone
+for this fault. Do not leave me, dear father! With you by
+me, I shall be inspired with a courage which would otherwise
+fail me. I dare not be deprived of your wise paternal
+counsel."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Rosalie! it is no longer in my power to remain
+with you for I am now under the dominion of my enemy.
+Most certainly she will not allow me to stay by your side and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span>
+warn you against the snares and temptations which she will
+spread at your feet. I am astonished at not having seen my
+cruel foe before this time. The view of my affliction and
+despair would have for her hard heart an irresistible charm."</p>
+
+<p>"I have been near you all the time, at your daughter's
+feet," said the little gray mouse, in a sharp voice, stepping
+out and showing herself to the unfortunate genius. "I have
+been highly entertained at the recital of all that I have already
+made you suffer, and the pleasure I felt in hearing you give
+this account to your daughter induced me to conceal myself
+till this moment. Now say adieu to your dear but curious
+Rosalie; she must accompany me, and I forbid you to follow
+her."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she seized the hem of Rosalie's dress
+with her sharp little teeth and tried to draw her away.
+Rosalie uttered a piercing cry and clung convulsively to her
+father but an irresistible force bore her off. The unfortunate
+genius seized a stick and raised it to strike the mouse
+but before he had time to inflict the blow the mouse placed
+one of her little paws on the genius's foot and he remained as
+immovable as a statue. Rosalie embraced her father's knees
+and implored the mouse to take pity upon her but the
+little wretch gave one of her sharp, diabolical laughs and
+said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come, my pretty! Pity it is not here that you
+will find the temptations to yield twice to your irresistible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span>
+fault! We will travel all over the world together and I will
+show you many countries in fifteen days."</p>
+
+<p>The mouse pulled Rosalie without ceasing. Her arms
+were still clasped around her father, striving to resist the
+overpowering force of her enemy. The mouse uttered a
+discordant little cry and suddenly the house was in flames.
+Rosalie had sufficient presence of mind to reflect that if she
+allowed herself to be burned there would be no means left of
+saving her father, who must then remain eternally under the
+power of Detestable. Whereas, if she preserved her own
+life there remained always some chance of rescuing him.</p>
+
+<p>"Adieu, adieu, dear father!" she cried; "we will meet
+again in fifteen days. After having given you over to your
+enemy, your Rosalie will yet save you."</p>
+
+<p>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 half dead with hunger,
+she resolved to approach a kind-looking woman who was
+seated at her door.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said she, "will you give me a place to sleep?
+I am dying with hunger and fatigue. Will you not be so
+kind as to allow me to enter and pass the night with you?"</p>
+
+<p>"How is it that so beautiful a girl as yourself is found
+upon the highways and what ugly animal is that with the
+expression of a demon which accompanies you."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Rosalie turned round and saw the little gray mouse
+smiling upon her mockingly. She tried to chase it away but
+the mouse obstinately refused to move. The good woman,
+seeing this contest, shook her head and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Go on your ways, my pretty one. The Evil One and
+his followers cannot lodge with me."</p>
+
+<p>Weeping bitterly, Rosalie continued her journey, and
+wherever she presented herself they refused to receive her
+and the mouse, who never quitted her side. She entered a
+forest where happily she found a brook at which she
+quenched her thirst. She found also fruits and nuts in
+abundance. She drank, ate and seated herself near a tree,
+thinking with agony of her father and wondering what
+would become of him during the fifteen days.</p>
+
+<p>While Rosalie was thus musing she kept her eyes closed
+so as not to see the wicked little gray mouse. Her fatigue,
+and the silence and darkness around her, brought on sleep
+and she slept a long time profoundly.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_PRINCE_GRACIOUS" id="THE_PRINCE_GRACIOUS"></a>THE PRINCE GRACIOUS</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hile</span> Rosalie was thus quietly sleeping, the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>
+prince Gracious was engaged in a hunt
+through the forest by torch-light. The fawn,
+pursued fiercely by the dogs, came trembling with terror to
+crouch down near the brook by which Rosalie was sleeping.
+The dogs and gamekeepers sprang forward after the fawn.
+Suddenly the dogs ceased barking and grouped themselves
+silently around Rosalie. The prince dismounted from his
+horse to set the dogs again upon the trail of the deer but what
+was his surprise to see a lovely young girl asleep in this
+lonely forest! He looked carefully around but saw no one
+else. She was indeed alone&mdash;abandoned. On examining
+her more closely, he saw traces of tears upon her cheeks and
+indeed they were still escaping slowly from her closed eyelids.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie was simply clothed but the richness of her silk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span>
+dress denoted wealth. Her fine white hands, her rosy nails,
+her beautiful chestnut locks, carefully and tastefully arranged
+with a gold comb, her elegant boots and necklace of
+pure pearls indicated elevated rank.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie did not awake, notwithstanding the stamping of
+the horses, the baying of the dogs and the noisy tumult made
+by a crowd of sportsmen.</p>
+
+<p>The prince was stupefied and stood gazing steadily at
+Rosalie. No one present recognized her. Anxious and
+disquieted by this profound sleep, Prince Gracious took her
+hand softly. Rosalie still slept. The prince pressed her
+hand lightly in his but even this did not awaken her.</p>
+
+<p>Turning to his officers, he said: "I cannot thus abandon
+this unfortunate child, who has perhaps been led astray
+by some design, the victim of some cruel wickedness."</p>
+
+<p>"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 thus remove her to some hostel
+in the neighborhood while your highness continues the
+chase?"</p>
+
+<p>"Your idea is good, Hubert. Make the litter and we
+will immediately place her upon it, only you will not carry
+her to a hostel, but to my palace. This young maiden is
+assuredly of high birth, and she is beautiful as an angel. I
+will watch over her myself, so that she may receive the care
+and attention to which she is entitled."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Hubert, with the assistance of his men, soon arranged
+the litter upon which Prince Gracious spread his mantle;
+then approaching Rosalie, who was still sleeping softly, he
+raised her gently in his arms and laid her upon the cloak.
+At this moment Rosalie seemed to be dreaming. She smiled
+and murmured, in low tones:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My father! my father! saved for ever! The Queen of
+the Fairies! The Prince Gracious! I see him; he is
+charming!"</p>
+
+<p>The prince, surprised to hear his name pronounced, did
+not doubt that Rosalie was a princess under some cruel enchantment.
+He commanded his gamekeepers to walk very
+softly so as not to wake her and he walked by the side of the
+litter.</p>
+
+<p>On arriving at the palace, Prince Gracious ordered that
+the queen's apartment should be prepared for Rosalie. He
+suffered no one to touch her but carried her himself to her
+chamber and laid her gently upon the bed, ordering the
+women who were to wait upon and watch over her to apprise
+him as soon as she awaked. Then, casting a farewell look
+upon the sad, sweet face of the sleeper, he strode from the
+room.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie slept tranquilly until morning. The sun was
+shining brightly when she awoke. She looked about her
+with great surprise. The wicked mouse was not near her
+to terrify her&mdash;it had happily disappeared.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Am I delivered from this wicked fairy Detestable?"
+said she, joyfully. "Am I in the hands of a fairy more
+powerful than herself?"</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie now stepped to the window and saw many armed
+men and many officers, dressed in brilliant uniforms. More
+and more surprised, she was about to call one of the men,
+whom she believed to be either genii or enchanters, when she
+heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw the
+prince Gracious, clothed in an elegant and rich hunting-dress,
+standing before her and regarding her with admiration.
+Rosalie immediately recognized the prince of her
+dream and cried out involuntarily:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The prince Gracious!"</p>
+
+<p>"You know me then?" said the prince, in amazement.
+"How, if you have ever known me, could I have forgotten
+your name and features?"</p>
+
+<p>"I have only seen you in my dreams, prince," said
+Rosalie, blushing. "As to my name, you could not possibly
+know it, since I myself did not know my father's name until
+yesterday."</p>
+
+<p>"And what is the name, may I ask, which has been concealed
+from you so long?"</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie then told him all that she had heard from her
+father. She frankly confessed her culpable curiosity and its
+terrible consequences.</p>
+
+<p>"Judge of my grief, prince, when I was compelled to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span>
+leave my father in order to escape from the flames which the
+wicked fairy had lighted; when, rejected everywhere because
+of the wicked mouse, I found myself exposed to death from
+hunger and thirst! Soon, however, a heavy sleep took possession
+of me, during which I had many strange dreams. I
+do not know how I came here or whether it is in your palace
+that I find myself."</p>
+
+<p>Gracious then related to Rosalie how he had found her
+asleep in the forest and the words which he had heard her
+utter in her dream. He then added:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"There is one thing your father did not tell you, Rosalie;
+that is, that the queen of the fairies, who is our relation, had
+decided that we should be married when you were fifteen
+years of age. It was no doubt the queen of the fairies who
+inspired me with the desire to go hunting by torchlight, in
+order that I might find you in the forest where you had wandered.
+Since you will be fifteen in a few days, Rosalie,
+deign to consider 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 happy marriage."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie thanked her young and handsome cousin
+heartily and then returned to her chamber, where she found
+her maids awaiting her with a wonderful selection of rich
+and splendid robes and head-dresses. Rosalie, who had
+never given much attention to her toilet, took the first dress
+that was presented to her. It was of rose-colored gauze,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span>
+ornamented with fine lace with a head-dress of lace and moss
+rosebuds. Her beautiful chestnut hair was arranged in
+bands, forming a crown. When her toilet was completed,
+the prince came to conduct her to breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie ate like a person who had not dined the day before.
+After the repast, the prince led her to the garden and
+conducted her to the green-houses, which were very magnificent.
+At the end of one of the hot-houses there was a
+little rotunda, ornamented with choice flowers; in the centre
+of this rotunda there was a large case which seemed to contain
+a tree but a thick heavy cloth was thrown over it and
+tightly sewed together. Through the cloth however could
+be seen a number of points of extraordinary brilliancy.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_TREE_IN_THE_ROTUNDA" id="THE_TREE_IN_THE_ROTUNDA"></a>THE TREE IN THE ROTUNDA</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">R</span><span class="upper">osalie</span> admired all the flowers very much but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span>
+she waited with some impatience for the prince to
+remove the cloth which enveloped this mysterious
+tree. He left the green-house, however, without having
+spoken of it.</p>
+
+<p>"What then, my prince, is this tree which is so carefully
+concealed?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is the wedding present which I destined for you but
+you cannot see it until your fifteenth birthday," said the
+prince, gayly.</p>
+
+<p>"But what is it that shines so brilliantly under the
+cloth?" said she, importunately.</p>
+
+<p>"You will know all in a few days, Rosalie, and I flatter
+myself that you will not find my present a common affair."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And can I not see it before my birthday?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, Rosalie; the queen of the fairies has forbidden me,
+under heavy penalties, to show it to you until after you become
+my wife. I do hope that you love me enough to control
+your curiosity till that time."</p>
+
+<p>These last words made Rosalie tremble, for they recalled
+to her the little gray mouse and the misfortunes which
+menaced her as well as her father, if she allowed herself to
+fall under the temptation, which, without doubt, her enemy
+the fairy Detestable had placed before her. She spoke no
+more of the mysterious case, and continued her walk with
+the prince. The day passed most agreeably. The prince
+presented her to the ladies of his court and commanded them
+to honor and respect in her the princess Rosalie, whom the
+queen of the fairies had selected as his bride. Rosalie was
+very amiable to every one and they all rejoiced in the idea of
+having so charming and lovely a queen.</p>
+
+<p>The following days were passed in every species of
+festivity. The prince and Rosalie both saw with joyous
+hearts the approach of the birth-day which was to be also that
+of their marriage:&mdash;the prince, because he tenderly loved his
+cousin, and Rosalie because she loved the prince, because she
+desired strongly to see her father again, and also because she
+hoped to see what the case in the rotunda contained. She
+thought of this incessantly. She dreamed of it during the
+night and whenever she was alone she could with difficulty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span>
+restrain herself from rushing to the green-house to try to discover
+the secret.</p>
+
+<p>Finally, the last day of anticipation and anxiety arrived.
+In the morning Rosalie would be fifteen. The prince was
+much occupied with the preparations for his marriage; it
+was to be a very grand affair. All the good fairies of his
+acquaintance were to be present as well as the queen of the
+fairies. Rosalie found herself alone in the morning and she
+resolved to take a walk. While musing upon the happiness
+of the morrow, she involuntarily approached the green-house.
+She entered, smiling pensively, and found herself
+face to face with the cloth which covered the treasure.</p>
+
+<p>"To-morrow," said she, "I shall at last know what this
+thick cloth conceals from me. If I wished, indeed I might
+see it to-day, for I plainly perceive some little openings in
+which I might insert my fingers and by enlarging just a
+little&mdash;&mdash;. In fact, who would ever know it? I would sew
+the cloth after having taken a glimpse. Since to-morrow is
+so near, when I am to see all, I may as well take a glance
+to-day."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie looked about her and saw no one; and, in her
+extreme desire to gratify her curiosity, she forgot the goodness
+of the prince and the dangers which menaced them all
+if she yielded to this temptation.</p>
+
+<p>She passed her fingers through the little apertures and
+strained them lightly. The cloth was rent from the top to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span>
+the bottom with a noise like thunder and Rosalie saw before
+her eyes a tree of marvellous beauty, with a coral trunk and
+leaves of emeralds. The seeming fruits which covered the
+tree were of precious stones of all colors&mdash;diamonds, sapphires,
+pearls, rubies, opals, topazes, all as large as the
+fruits they were intended to represent and of such brilliancy
+that Rosalie was completely dazzled by them. But scarcely
+had she seen this rare and unparalleled tree, when a noise
+louder than the first drew her from her ecstasy. 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 the
+most frightful cries of terror and suffering issue from its
+walls. Soon Rosalie saw the prince himself creep from the
+ruins bleeding and his clothing almost torn from him. He
+advanced towards her and said sadly:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie! ungrateful Rosalie! see what you have done
+to me, not only to me, but to my whole court. After what
+you have done, I do not doubt that you will yield a third time
+to your curiosity; that you will complete my misfortunes,
+those of your unhappy father and your own. Adieu,
+Rosalie, adieu! May sincere repentance atone for your ingratitude
+towards an unhappy prince who loved you and
+only sought to make you happy!"</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, he withdrew slowly.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie threw herself upon her knees, bathed in tears
+and called him tenderly but he disappeared without ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span>
+turning to contemplate her despair. Rosalie was about to
+faint away, when she heard the little discordant laugh of the
+gray mouse and saw it before her.</p>
+
+<p>"Your thanks are due to me, my dear Rosalie, for having
+assisted you so well. It was I who sent you those bewitching
+dreams of the mysterious tree during the night. It was I
+who nibbled the cloth, to help you in your wish to look in.
+Without this last artifice of mine, I believe I should 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!"</p>
+
+<p>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 guilty girl.</p>
+
+<p>"This is all my fault," said she; "had it not been for my
+fatal curiosity and my base ingratitude, the gray mouse
+would not have succeeded in making me yield so readily to
+temptation. I must atone for all this by my sorrow, by my
+patience and by the firmness with which I will resist the third
+proof to which I am subjected, no matter how difficult it may
+be. Besides, I have but a few hours to wait and my dear
+prince has told me that his happiness and that of my dearly
+loved father and my own, depends upon myself."</p>
+
+<p>Before her lay the smouldering ruins of the palace of the
+Prince Gracious. So complete had been its destruction that
+a cloud of dust and smoke hung over it, and hardly one stone
+remained upon another. The cries of those in pain were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span>
+borne to her ears and added to her bitterness of feeling.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie continued to lie prone on the ground. The
+gray mouse employed every possible means to induce her to
+move from the spot. Rosalie, the poor, unhappy and guilty
+Rosalie, persisted in remaining in view of the ruin she had
+caused.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_start.jpg" width="325" height="330" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CASKET" id="THE_CASKET"></a>THE CASKET</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">hus</span> passed the entire day. Rosalie suffered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span>
+cruelly with thirst.</p>
+
+<p>"Ought I not suffer even more than I do?" she
+said to herself, "in order to punish me for all I have made my
+father and my cousin endure? I will await in this terrible
+spot the dawning of my fifteenth birthday."</p>
+
+<p>The night was falling when an old woman who was
+passing by, approached and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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 of my relations?"</p>
+
+<p>"Willingly, madam," replied Rosalie, who was very
+obliging. The old woman placed the casket in her hands,
+saying:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Many thanks, my beautiful child! I shall not be absent
+long. But I entreat you not to look in this casket, for it
+contains things&mdash;things such as you have never seen&mdash;and
+as you will never have an opportunity to see again. Do not
+handle it rudely, for it is of very fragile ware and would be
+very easily broken and then you would see what it contains
+and no one ought to see what is there concealed."</p>
+
+<p>The old woman went off after saying this. Rosalie
+placed the casket near her and reflected on all the events
+which had just passed. It was now night and the old woman
+did not return. Rosalie now threw her eyes on the casket
+and saw with surprise that it illuminated the ground all
+around her.</p>
+
+<p>"What can there be in this casket which is so
+brilliant?" said she.</p>
+
+<p>She turned it round and round and regarded it from
+every side but nothing could explain this extraordinary light
+and she placed it carefully upon the ground, saying:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Of what importance is it to me what this casket contains?
+It is not mine but belongs to the old woman who
+confided it to me. I will not think of it again for fear I may
+be tempted to open it."</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"In the morning I shall be fifteen years of age. I shall<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span>
+see my father and Gracious and will have nothing more to
+fear from the wicked fairy."</p>
+
+<p>"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 I am not, if you wish it, I will
+show you what this casket contains."</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie did not reply.</p>
+
+<p>"Rosalie, do you not hear what I propose? I am your
+friend, believe me."</p>
+
+<p>No reply.</p>
+
+<p>Then the little gray mouse, having no time to lose,
+sprang upon the casket and began to gnaw the lid.</p>
+
+<p>"Monster!" cried Rosalie, seizing the casket and pressing
+it against her bosom, "if you touch this casket again I
+will wring your neck."</p>
+
+<p>The mouse cast a diabolical glance upon Rosalie but it
+dared not brave her anger. While it was meditating some
+other means of exciting the curiosity of Rosalie, a clock
+struck twelve. At the same moment the mouse uttered a cry
+of rage and disappointment and said to Rosalie:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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 and my temptations as are
+also your odious father and hated prince. As to myself, I
+am compelled to keep this ignoble form of a mouse until I
+can tempt some young girl beautiful and well born as your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span>self
+to fall into my snares. Adieu, Rosalie! you can now
+open the casket."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the mouse disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie, wisely distrusting these words of her enemy,
+would not follow her last counsel, and resolved to guard the
+casket carefully till the dawn. Scarcely had she taken this
+resolution, when an owl, which was flying above her head,
+let a stone fall upon the casket, which broke into a thousand
+pieces. Rosalie uttered a cry of terror and at the same
+moment she saw before her the queen of the fairies, who
+said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Come Rosalie, you have finally triumphed over the
+cruel enemy of your family. I will now restore you to your
+father but first you must eat and drink, as you are much
+exhausted."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy now presented her with a rare fruit, of which a
+single mouthful satisfied both hunger and thirst. Then a
+splendid chariot, drawn by two dragons, drew up before the
+fairy. She entered and commanded Rosalie to do the same.
+Rosalie, as soon as she recovered from her surprise, thanked
+the queen of the fairies with all her heart for her protection
+and asked if she was not to see her father and the prince
+Gracious.</p>
+
+<p>"Your father awaits you in the palace of the prince."</p>
+
+<p>"But, madam, I thought that the palace of the prince
+was destroyed and he himself wounded sadly?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"That, Rosalie, was only an illusion to fill you with
+horror and remorse at the result of your curiosity and to prevent
+you from falling before the third temptation. You
+will soon see the palace of the prince just as it was before you
+tore the cloth which covered the precious tree he destined for
+you."</p>
+
+<p>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 the prince, who seemed to have
+no remembrance of the fault she had committed the day before.
+All was ready for the marriage ceremony which was
+to be celebrated immediately. All the good fairies assisted
+at this festival which lasted several days.</p>
+
+<p>Rosalie's father lived with his child and she was completely
+cured of her curiosity. She was tenderly loved by
+Prince Gracious whom she loved fondly all her life. They
+had beautiful children, for whom they chose powerful fairies
+as godmothers in order that they might be protected against
+the wicked fairies and genii.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_greymouse_end.jpg" width="230" height="198" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span></div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/iourson.jpg" width="260" height="121" alt="OURSON" title="" />
+</div>
+<div><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></div>
+
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i181.jpg" width="590" height="300" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h2 class="chapter">OURSON</h2>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_LARK_AND_THE_TOAD" id="THE_LARK_AND_THE_TOAD"></a>THE LARK AND THE TOAD</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">here</span> was once a pretty woman named Agnella,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span>
+who cultivated a farm. She lived alone with a
+young servant named Passerose. The farm was
+small but beautiful and in fine order. She had a most charming
+cow, which gave a quantity of milk, a cat to destroy the
+mice and an ass to carry her fruit, butter, vegetables, eggs,
+and cheese to markets every Wednesday.</p>
+
+<p>No one knew up to that time how Agnella and Passerose
+had arrived at this unknown farm which received in the
+county the name of the Woodland Farm.</p>
+
+<p>One evening Passerose was busy milking the pretty
+white cow while Agnella prepared the supper. At the moment
+she was placing some good soup and a plate of cream<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span>
+upon the table, she saw an enormous toad devouring with
+avidity some cherries which had been put on the ground in a
+vine-leaf.</p>
+
+<p>"Ugly toad!" exclaimed Agnella, "I will teach you how
+to eat my cherries!" At the same moment she lifted the
+leaves which contained the cherries, 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 sharp whistle and
+raised itself upon its hind legs; its great eyes were flashing,
+and its enormous mouth opening and shutting with rage, its
+whole ugly body was trembling and from its quivering throat
+was heard a terrible bellowing.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella paused in amazement; she recoiled, indeed, to
+avoid the venom of the monstrous and enraged toad. She
+looked around for a broom to eject this hideous monster,
+when the toad advanced towards her, made with its fore paws
+a gesture of authority, and said in a voice trembling with
+rage:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You have dared to touch me with your foot! You
+have prevented me from satisfying my appetite with the
+cherries which you had placed within my reach! You have
+tried to expel me from your house! My vengeance shall
+reach you and will fall upon that which you hold most dear!
+You shall know and feel that the fairy Furious is not to be
+insulted with impunity. You shall have a son, covered with
+coarse hair like a bear's cub and&mdash;&mdash;"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Stop, sister," interrupted a small voice, sweet and flute-like,
+which seemed to come from above. Agnella raised her
+head and saw a lark perched on the top of the front door.
+"You revenge yourself too cruelly for an injury inflicted,
+not upon you in your character of a fairy but upon the ugly
+and disgusting form in which it has pleased you to disguise
+yourself. By my power, which is superior to yours, I forbid
+you to exaggerate the evil which you have already done in
+your blind rage and 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 a possible remedy
+for the deformity of your child. I will accord to him the
+power of changing his skin with any one whom he may, by
+his goodness and service rendered, inspire with sufficient
+gratitude and affection to consent to the change. He will
+then resume the handsome form which would have been his
+if my sister, the fairy Furious, had not given you this terrible
+proof of her malice and cruelty."</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! madam Lark," replied Agnella, "all this goodness
+cannot prevent my poor, unhappy son from being disgusting
+and like a wild beast. His very playmates will shun
+him as a monster."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true," replied the fairy Drolette; "and the more
+so as it is forbidden to yourself or to Passerose to change
+skins with him. But I will neither abandon you nor your
+son. You will name him Ourson until the day when he can<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span>
+assume a name worthy of his birth and beauty. He must
+then be called the prince Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, the fairy flew lightly through the
+air and disappeared from sight.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Furious withdrew, filled with rage, walking
+slowly and turning every instant to gaze at Agnella with a
+menacing air. As she moved slowly along, she spat her
+venom from side to side and the grass, the plants and the
+bushes perished along her course. This was a venom so
+subtle that nothing could ever flourish on the spot again and
+the path is called to this day the Road of the Fairy Furious.</p>
+
+<p>When Agnella found herself alone, she began to sob.
+Passerose, who had finished her work and saw the hour of
+supper approaching, entered the dining-room and with great
+surprise saw her mistress in tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear queen, what is the matter? Who can have
+caused you this great grief? I have seen no one enter the
+house."</p>
+
+<p>"No one has entered, my dear, except those who enter
+everywhere. A wicked fairy under the form of a toad and
+a good fairy under the appearance of a lark."</p>
+
+<p>"And what have these fairies said to you, my queen, to
+make you weep so piteously? Has not the good fairy interfered
+to prevent the misfortunes which the wicked fairy
+wished to bring about?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, my dear friend. She has somewhat lightened<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span>
+them but it was not in her power to set them aside altogether."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 560px; height: 469px;">
+<a name="i185" id="i185"></a><img src="images/i185.jpg" width="560" height="469" alt="Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Agnella and Passerose were dashed from cloud to cloud</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Agnella then recounted all that had taken place and that
+she would have a son with a skin like a bear. At this narrative
+Passerose wept as bitterly as her mistress.</p>
+
+<p>"What a misfortune!" she exclaimed. "What degradation
+and shame, that the heir of a great kingdom should be a
+bear! What will King Ferocious, your husband, say if he
+should ever discover us?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"And how will he ever find us, Passerose? You know
+that after our flight we were swept away by a whirlwind and
+dashed from cloud to cloud for twelve hours with such
+astonishing rapidity that we found ourselves more than three
+thousand leagues from the kingdom of Ferocious. Besides,
+you know his wickedness. You know how bitterly he hates
+me since I prevented him from killing his brother Indolent
+and his sister Nonchalante. You know that I fled because
+he wished to kill me also. I have no reason to fear that he
+will pursue me for I am sure that he will wish never to see
+me again."</p>
+
+<p>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 at the table.</p>
+
+<p>"If we wept all night, dear queen, we could not prevent
+your son from being shaggy but we will endeavor to educate
+him so well, to make him so good, that he will not be a long
+time in finding some good and grateful soul who will exchange
+a white skin for this hairy one which the evil fairy
+Furious has put upon him. A beautiful present indeed!
+She would have done well to reserve it for herself."</p>
+
+<p>The poor queen, whom we will continue to call Agnella
+for fear of giving information to King Ferocious, rose
+slowly, dried her eyes and succeeded in somewhat overcoming
+her sadness. Little by little the gay and cheering conversation
+of Passerose dissipated her forebodings. Before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span>
+the close of the evening, Passerose had convinced her that
+Ourson would not remain a long time a bear; that he would
+soon resume a form worthy of a noble prince. That she
+would herself indeed be most happy to exchange with him, if
+the fairy would permit it.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose now retired to their chambers
+and slept peacefully.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image"><img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" /></div>
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="BIRTH_AND_INFANCY_OF_OURSON" id="BIRTH_AND_INFANCY_OF_OURSON"></a>BIRTH AND INFANCY OF OURSON</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">hree</span> months after the appearance of the toad and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span>
+the cruel sentence of the fairy Furious, Agnella
+gave birth to a boy whom she named Ourson, as
+the fairy Drolette had commanded. Neither Agnella nor
+Passerose could decide if he was ugly or handsome for he
+was so hairy, so covered with long brown bristles, you could
+see nothing but his eyes and his mouth, and not even these
+unless he opened them.</p>
+
+<p>If Agnella had not been his mother and if Passerose had
+not loved her like a sister, poor Ourson would have died from
+neglect for he was so frightful no one would have dared to
+touch&mdash;he would have been taken for a little cub and
+killed with pitchforks. But Agnella was his mother and her
+first movement was to embrace him lovingly and, bathed in
+tears, to exclaim:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Poor little Ourson! who can ever love you well enough<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span>
+to deliver you from this horrible curse? Alas! why will not
+the fairy permit me to make this exchange, which is allowed
+to another who may love you? No one can ever love you as
+I do."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson did not reply to these endearments; he slept
+peacefully.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose wept also in sympathy with Agnella but she
+was not in the habit of afflicting herself for a long time on any
+occasion so she dried her eyes and said to Agnella:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Dear queen, I am very certain that your dear son will
+be clothed but a short time with this villainous bear-skin and
+from this day I shall call him Prince Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>"I beseech you not to do so," said the queen, anxiously;
+"you know that the fairies love to be obeyed."</p>
+
+<p>Passerose took the child, clothed it in the linen that had
+been prepared for it and leaned over to embrace it but she
+pricked her lips against the rough bristles of Ourson and
+drew back precipitately.</p>
+
+<p>"It will not be I who will embrace you frequently, my
+boy," said she, in a low voice; "you prick like a real hedgehog."</p>
+
+<p>It was Passerose, however, to whom Agnella gave the
+charge of the little Ourson. He had nothing of the bear but
+his skin: he was the sweetest-tempered, the most knowing,
+the most affectionate child that ever was seen. Passerose
+soon loved him with all her heart.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>As Ourson grew up he was sometimes permitted to leave
+the farm. He was in no danger for no one knew him in the
+country. The children always ran away at his approach
+and the women repulsed him. Men avoided him&mdash;they
+looked upon him as something accursed. Sometimes when
+Agnella went to market she put him on her donkey and took
+him with her and on those days she found more difficulty in
+selling her vegetables and cheese. The mothers fled from
+her, fearing that Ourson would come too near them.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella wept often and vainly implored the fairy
+Drolette. Whenever a lark 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.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="VIOLETTE" id="VIOLETTE"></a>VIOLETTE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> at eight years of age was tall and strong,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span>
+with magnificent eyes and a sweet voice; his bristles
+were no longer stiff but his hair was soft as silk, and
+those who loved him could embrace him without being
+scratched, as Passerose had been the day of his birth. Ourson
+loved his mother tenderly and Passerose almost as well
+but he was often alone and very sad. He saw too well the
+horror he inspired and he saw also that he was unlike other
+children.</p>
+
+<p>One day he was walking along a beautiful road which
+bordered on the farm. He had walked a long time and overcome
+with heat and fatigue he looked about him for some
+fresh and quiet spot for repose when he thought 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
+to be about three years old and she was beautiful as the Loves<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span>
+and Graces. Her blonde hair partly covered her fair and
+dimpled shoulders while her soft cheeks were round and
+fresh and dimpled and a half smile played upon her rosy and
+parted lips, through which small teeth, white and even as
+pearls, could be seen. Her charming head was reposing
+upon a lovely rounded arm and the little hand was beautifully
+formed and white as snow. The attitude of this little girl
+was so graceful, so enchanting, that Ourson stood before
+her immovable with admiration. He watched with as much
+surprise as pleasure, this child sleeping as soundly and peacefully
+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 more rich and elegant than anything he had
+ever seen. Her dress was of white silk embroidered in gold;
+her boots were of blue satin also embroidered in gold; her
+stockings were silk and fine as a spider's web; magnificent
+bracelets were sparkling upon her arms and the clasp seemed
+to contain her portrait; a string of beautiful pearls encircled
+her throat.</p>
+
+<p>A lark now commenced its song just above the lovely
+little girl and awakened her from her profound slumber.
+She looked about her, called her nurse but finding herself
+alone in the woods, began to weep bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was much affected at her tears and his embarrassment
+was very great.</p>
+
+<p>"If I show myself," said he to himself, "this poor little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span>
+one will take me for some wild beast of the forest. If she
+sees me she will be terrified; she will take to flight and wander
+still further from her home. If I leave her here, she will die
+of terror and hunger. What shall I do!"</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>"Do not fly from me, dear little one," said Ourson, in
+his sad, soft voice; "I would not injure you for the whole
+world; on the contrary, I will assist you to find your father
+and mother."</p>
+
+<p>The child gazed at him with staring eyes and seemed
+much alarmed.</p>
+
+<p>"Speak to me, little one," said Ourson; "I am not a bear,
+as you might suppose, but a poor and most unfortunate little
+boy, who inspires every one with terror and whom everybody
+avoids."</p>
+
+<p>The sweet child's eyes became calmer and softer, her
+fear seemed melting away and she looked undecided.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson took one step towards her but she became
+greatly frightened, uttered a sharp cry and tried again to rise
+and run off. Ourson paused and began to weep bitterly.</p>
+
+<p>"Unfortunate wretch that I am," he said; "I cannot even
+assist this poor lost child. My appearance fills her with terror!
+She would rather be lost than have help from me!"</p>
+
+<p>So saying, poor Ourson covered his face with his hands<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span>
+and sobbing piteously threw himself on the ground. A few
+moments afterwards he felt a little hand seeking to take possession
+of his own. He raised his head and saw the child
+standing before him, her eyes filled with tears. She caressed
+and patted the hairy cheeks of poor Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't cry, little cub, don't cry," said she. "Violette is
+no longer afraid, 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."</p>
+
+<p>Tears of happiness and tenderness succeeded those of
+despair in Ourson. Violette, seeing that he was again weeping,
+approached her soft rosy lips to Ourson's hairy cheek
+and gave him several kisses.</p>
+
+<p>"You see, little cub, that Violette is no longer afraid.
+Violette kisses you! The little cub won't eat Violette&mdash;she
+will follow you!"</p>
+
+<p>If Ourson had followed the dictates of his heart, he
+would have pressed her to his bosom and covered with kisses
+the good and charming child who overcame her natural terror
+in order to assuage the grief and mortification of a poor
+being whom she saw unfortunate and miserable. But he
+feared to arouse her terrors.</p>
+
+<p>"She would think that I was about to devour her," he
+said.</p>
+
+<p>He contented himself, therefore, with clasping her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>
+hands softly, and kissing them delicately. Violette permitted
+this smilingly.</p>
+
+<p>"Now little cub is satisfied. Little cub will love Violette,
+poor Violette, who is lost!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson understood well that her name was Violette; but
+he could not comprehend how this little girl, so richly clad,
+was left alone in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>"Where do you live, my dear little Violette?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yonder&mdash;yonder&mdash;with papa and mamma."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the name of your papa?"</p>
+
+<p>"He is the king and dear mamma is the queen."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was more and more surprised and asked:</p>
+
+<p>"Why are you alone in this forest?"</p>
+
+<p>"Violette doesn't know. Poor Violette rode on a big
+dog&mdash;he ran, oh! so fast&mdash;so fast, a long time! Violette was
+so tired, she fell down and slept!"</p>
+
+<p>"And the dog, where is he?"</p>
+
+<p>Violet turned in every direction and called softly:</p>
+
+<p>"Ami! Ami!"</p>
+
+<p>No dog appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! Ami has gone! Poor Violette is alone&mdash;alone!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson took Violette's hand and she did not withdraw it
+but smiled sweetly.</p>
+
+<p>"Shall I go and seek mamma, Violette?"</p>
+
+<p>"No, no! Violette cannot stay all alone in this wood.
+Violette will go."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Come, then, with me, dear little girl. I will take you
+to my mother."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson and Violette now turned their steps towards the
+farm. Ourson gathered strawberries and cherries for Violette,
+who would not touch them till Ourson had eaten half.
+When she found that he still held his half in his hand, she
+took them, and placed them herself in his mouth, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"Eat&mdash;eat, little cub. Violette will not eat unless you
+eat. Violette cannot have little cub unhappy. Violette will
+not see you weep."</p>
+
+<p>She looked at him to see if he was content and happy.
+Ourson was really happy. He saw that his good and pretty
+little companion not only tolerated him but was interested in
+him and sought to make herself agreeable. His eyes were
+sparkling with joy, his voice, always soft and sad, was now
+tender. After half an hour's walk, he said to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Violette, you are no longer afraid of poor Ourson, are
+you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! no, no, no!" exclaimed she. "Ourson is good&mdash;Violette
+will not leave him."</p>
+
+<p>"You are willing, then, that I shall embrace you? you
+are no longer afraid of me?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette, without further reply, threw herself in his
+arms. Ourson embraced her tenderly and pressed her to his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Violette, I will always love you. I will never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span>
+forget that you are the only child who was ever willing to
+speak to me, touch me or embrace me."</p>
+
+<p>A short time after they arrived at the farm. Agnella
+and Passerose were seated at the door, talking together.
+When they saw Ourson arrive holding a little girl richly
+dressed by the hand, they were so surprised that neither could
+utter a word.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear mamma, here is a good and charming little girl
+whom I found sleeping in the forest. She is called Violette.
+She is very well bred and is not afraid of me. She even embraced
+me when she saw me weeping."</p>
+
+<p>"And why did you weep, my poor boy?" said Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"Because the little girl was afraid of me," said Ourson,
+in a sad and trembling voice, "and hurt herself when trying
+to run away from me."</p>
+
+<p>"Violette is not afraid now," said she, interrupting him
+hastily. "Violette gave her hand to poor Ourson, embraced
+him and fed him with cherries and strawberries."</p>
+
+<p>"But what is all this about?" said Passerose. "Why has
+our Ourson the charge of this little girl? why was she alone
+in the wood? who is she? Answer, Ourson, I do not understand
+this."</p>
+
+<p>"I know nothing more than yourself, dear Passerose,"
+said Ourson. "I saw this little child asleep in the wood all
+alone. She awoke and began to weep. Suddenly she saw
+me and cried out in terror. I spoke to her and began to ap<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span>proach
+her; but she screamed again with fright. I was sorrowful&mdash;oh!
+so very sorrowful! I wept bitterly."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush! hush! poor Ourson," exclaimed Violette, putting
+her little hand on his mouth; "Violette will certainly
+never make you cry again."</p>
+
+<p>While saying these words Violette's voice was trembling
+and her sweet eyes were full of tears.</p>
+
+<p>"Good little girl!" said Agnella, embracing her; "you
+love our poor Ourson, who is so unhappy!"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes! Violette loves Ourson&mdash;will always love Ourson!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose asked Violette many questions
+about her father, mother and country; but they could learn
+nothing more from her than she had already told Ourson.
+Her father was a king, her mother a queen and she did not
+know how she came to be alone in the forest.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella did not hesitate to take under her protection this
+poor lost child. She loved her already because of the affection
+the little one seemed to entertain for Ourson and because
+of the happiness Ourson's whole manner expressed on seeing
+himself loved by some one else than his mother and Passerose.</p>
+
+<p>It was now the hour for supper. Passerose laid the
+cloth and they all took their seats at the table. Violette asked
+to be put at Ourson's side. She was gay and laughed and
+talked merrily. Ourson was more happy than he had ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span>
+been. Agnella was contented, and Passerose jumped for joy
+on seeing a little playmate for her dear Ourson. In her
+transports she spilled a pan of cream which was not lost, however,
+as a cat came and licked it up to the last drop. After
+supper, Violette fell asleep in her chair.</p>
+
+<p>"Where shall we lay her?" said Agnella. "I have no
+bed for her."</p>
+
+<p>"Give her mine, dear mamma," said Ourson; "I can
+sleep quite as well in the stable."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose at first refused but Ourson insisted
+so much upon being allowed to make this little sacrifice,
+that they at last consented. 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 bundles
+of hay. He slept peacefully with content in his
+heart.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose rejoined Agnella in the parlor. She found
+her meditating, with her head resting on her hand.</p>
+
+<p>"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 the little stranger. This medallion
+ought to open but I have tried in vain to open it. Perhaps
+we shall find here a portrait or a name."</p>
+
+<p>"Give it to me, my child. These bracelets are beautiful;
+they may aid us, perhaps, in finding a resemblance which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span>
+presents itself vaguely to my remembrance and which I am
+trying in vain to make clear."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella took the bracelets and turned them from side
+to side and pressed them in every way, trying to open the medallion,
+but she succeeded no better than Passerose had done.</p>
+
+<p>At the moment when, weary of her vain efforts, she returned
+them to Passerose, she saw in the middle of the room
+a woman glittering as the sun; her face was of dazzling
+whiteness, her hair seemed made of threads of gold and a
+crown of glittering stars adorned her brow. Her waist was
+small and her person seemed transparent, it was so delicate
+and luminous; her floating robe was studded with stars like
+those which formed her crown. Her glance was soft yet she
+smiled maliciously but still with goodness.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," said she to Agnella, "you see in me the fairy
+Drolette, the protectress of your son and of the little princess
+whom he brought home this morning from the forest. This
+princess is nearly related to you for she is your niece&mdash;the
+daughter of your brother-in-law Indolent and sister-in-law
+Nonchalante. Your husband succeeded after your flight in
+killing Indolent and Nonchalante, who did not distrust him
+and who passed all their time in sleeping, eating and lounging.
+Unfortunately, I could not prevent this crime as I
+was absent assisting at the birth of a prince whose parents
+are under my protection, and I forgot myself while playing
+tricks upon a wicked old maid of honor and an old chamber<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span>lain
+who was cruel and avaricious, both of them friends of
+my sister, the fairy Furious. But I arrived in time to save
+the princess Violette, only daughter and heiress of King Indolent
+and Queen Nonchalante. She was playing in the
+garden while the king Ferocious was seeking her with his
+poniard 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 directed the steps of the prince your son.
+Conceal from both of them their birth and your own and do
+not allow Violette to see these bracelets, which contain the
+portraits of her father and mother, nor the rich clothing
+which I have replaced by other articles better suited to the
+quiet existence she will lead here. I have here," said the
+fairy, "a casket of precious stones. It contains the happiness
+of Violette but you must hide them from all eyes and not
+open the casket until she shall have been lost and found."</p>
+
+<p>"I will execute your orders most faithfully, madam, but
+I pray you tell me if my unhappy son must long wear his
+frightful covering."</p>
+
+<p>"Patience! patience!" cried the fairy, "I watch over you,
+over Violette and over your son. Inform Ourson of the faculty
+he has of exchanging his skin with any one who loves
+him well enough to make this sacrifice for his sake. Remember
+that no one must know the rank of Ourson or of
+Violette. Passerose, on account of devotion, deserves to be
+the only one initiated into this mystery and she can always be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span>
+trusted. Adieu, queen; count always upon my protection.
+Here is a ring, which you must place upon your little finger.
+As long as you wear it there you will want for nothing."</p>
+
+<p>Waving her farewell with her hand, the fairy took the
+form of a lark and flew away singing merrily.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose looked at each other. Agnella
+sighed, Passerose smiled.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us hide this precious casket, dear queen, and the
+clothing of Violette. I am going now to see what the fairy
+has prepared for Violette's dress to-morrow morning."</p>
+
+<p>She ran quickly and opened the wardrobe, and found it
+filled with clothing, linen and hosiery, all plain but good and
+comfortable. After having looked at all, counted all and
+approved all and after having assisted Agnella to undress,
+Passerose went to bed and was soon sound asleep.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_DREAM" id="THE_DREAM"></a>THE DREAM</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">I</span><span class="upper">n</span> the morning Ourson was the first awake, aroused by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span>
+the lowing of the cow. He rubbed his eyes and looked
+about him and asked himself why he was in a stable.
+Then he recalled the events of the day before, sprang up from
+his bundle of hay and ran quickly to the fountain to wash his
+face.</p>
+
+<p>While he was washing, Passerose, who had like Ourson
+risen at a very early 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, who was still sleeping.
+He drew back the curtains from Violette's bed and found her
+sleeping as peacefully as Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson watched her for a long time and was happy to
+see that she smiled in her dreams. Suddenly Violette's brow
+contracted and she uttered a cry of alarm, half raised herself
+in the bed, and throwing her little arms around Ourson's
+neck, she exclaimed:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! good Ourson! save poor Violette! poor Violette
+is in the water and a wicked toad is pulling Violette!"</p>
+
+<p>She now awoke, weeping bitterly, with all the symptoms
+of great alarm. She clasped Ourson tightly with her
+little arms: he tried in vain to reassure and control her but
+she still exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Wicked toad! good Ourson! save Violette!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, who had awaked at her first cry, could not yet
+understand Violette's alarm but she succeeded at last in calming
+her and the child told her dream.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette was walking with Ourson but he did not give
+his hand to Violette nor look at her. A wicked toad came
+and pulled Violette into the water; she fell and called Ourson;
+he came and saved Violette. She loves good Ourson,"
+she added, in a tender voice; "will never forget him."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, Violette threw herself into his arms.
+He, no longer fearing the effect of his bear-skin, embraced
+her a thousand times and comforted and encouraged
+her.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella had no doubt that this dream was a warning
+sent by the fairy Drolette. She resolved to watch carefully
+over Violette and to make known to Ourson all that she could
+reveal to him without disobeying the fairy.</p>
+
+<p>When she had washed and dressed Violette, she called
+Ourson to breakfast. Passerose brought them a bowl of
+milk fresh from the cow, some good brown bread and a pot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span>
+of butter. Violette, who was hungry, shouted for joy when
+she saw this good breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette loves good milk, good bread, good butter,
+loves everything here, with good Ourson and good Mamma
+Ourson!"</p>
+
+<p>"I am not called Mamma Ourson," said Agnella, laughing;
+"call me only Mamma."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no, no! not mamma!" cried Violette, shaking her
+head sadly. "Mamma! mamma is lost! she was always
+sleeping, never walking, never taking care of poor Violette,
+never kissing little Violette, Mamma Ourson speaks,
+walks, kisses Violette and dresses her. I love Mamma Ourson,
+oh, so much!" she said, seizing Agnella's hand and
+pressing it to her heart.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella replied by clasping her tenderly in her arms.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was much moved&mdash;his eyes were moist. Violette
+perceived this and passing her hand over his eyes, she
+said, entreatingly:</p>
+
+<p>"I pray you don't cry, Ourson; if you cry, Violette must
+cry too."</p>
+
+<p>"No, no, dear little girl, I will cry no more. Let us eat
+our breakfast and then we will take a walk."</p>
+
+<p>They breakfasted with good appetites. Violette
+clapped her hands frequently and exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh how good it is! I love it! I am very glad!"</p>
+
+<p>After breakfast, Ourson and Violette went out to walk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span>
+while Agnella and Passerose attended to the house. Ourson
+played with Violette and gathered her flowers and strawberries.
+She said to him:</p>
+
+<p>"We will always walk with each other. You must always
+play with Violette."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot always play, little girl. I have to help
+mamma and Passerose to work."</p>
+
+<p>"What sort of work, Ourson?"</p>
+
+<p>"To sweep, scour, take care of the cow, cut the grass and
+bring wood and water."</p>
+
+<p>"Violette will work with Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>"You are too little, dear Violette, but still you can try."</p>
+
+<p>When they returned to the house, Ourson started on his
+various tasks. Violette followed him everywhere, she did
+her best and believed that she was helping him but she was
+really too small to be useful. After some days had passed
+away, she began to wash the cups and saucers, spread the
+cloth, fold the linen and wipe the table. She went to the
+milking with Passerose, helped to strain the milk and skim it
+and wash the marble flag-stones. She was never out of temper,
+never disobedient and never answered impatiently or
+angrily.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson loved her more and more from day to day. Agnella
+and Passerose were also very fond of her and the more
+so because they knew that she was Ourson's cousin.</p>
+
+<p>Violette loved them but Ourson most of all. How<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span>
+could she help loving this good boy, who always forgot himself
+for her, who was constantly seeking to amuse and please
+her and who would indeed have been willing to die for his
+little friend?</p>
+
+<p>One day, when Passerose had taken Violette with her
+to market, Agnella related to Ourson the sad circumstances
+which had preceded his birth. She revealed to him the possibility
+of his getting rid of his hairy skin and receiving a
+smooth white skin in exchange if he could ever find any one
+who would voluntarily make this sacrifice from affection
+and gratitude.</p>
+
+<p>"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 of wretchedness which the vengeance of
+the fairy Furious has condemned me to endure; never, from
+a wish of mine, shall a heart capable of such a sacrifice suffer
+all that I have suffered and all that I still suffer from the fear
+and antipathy of men."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella argued in vain against this firm and noble resolve
+of Ourson. He declared that she must never again
+speak to him of this exchange, to which he would most assuredly
+never give his consent and that it must never be
+named to Violette or any other person who loved him.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella promised compliance, after a few weak arguments.
+In reality she approved and admired his sentiments.
+She could not but hope, however, that the fairy Drolette<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span>
+would recompense the generous and noble character of her
+little charge and, by some extraordinary exercise of her
+power, release him from his hairy skin.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_TOAD_AGAIN" id="THE_TOAD_AGAIN"></a>THE TOAD AGAIN</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">S</span><span class="upper">ome</span> years passed away in this peaceful manner without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span>
+the occurrence of any remarkable event. Ourson
+and Violette both grew rapidly. Agnella
+thought no more of Violette's frightful dream; her vigilance
+had greatly relaxed and she often allowed her to walk alone
+or under the care of Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was now fifteen years of age and he was tall and
+strong. No one could say whether he was handsome or
+homely for his long black hair covered his body and face
+entirely. He was good, generous and loving&mdash;always
+ready to render a service, always contented and cheerful.
+Since the day when he had found Violette in the wood his
+melancholy had disappeared; he was utterly indifferent to the
+general antipathy which he inspired and he no longer walked
+in uninhabited places but lived happily in the circle of the
+three beings whom he cherished and who loved him supremely.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Violette was now ten years old and she had not lost a single
+sweet charm of her beauty in growing up. Her eyes
+were softer and more angelic, her complexion fresher and
+purer, her mouth more beautiful and arch in its expression.
+She had grown much in height&mdash;was tall, light and graceful
+and her rich blonde hair, when unbound, fell to her feet and
+entirely enveloped her like a veil. Passerose had the care of
+this superb hair and Agnella never ceased to admire it.</p>
+
+<p>Violette had learned many things during those seven
+years. Agnella had taught her how to do housework. In
+other things, Ourson had been her teacher. He had taught
+her to read, write and keep accounts and he often read aloud
+to her while she was sewing. Instructive and amusing
+books were 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 for going to market
+to sell or the neighboring village to buy. Through the
+agency of the ring on Agnella's little finger everything they
+wished for, or had need of, was speedily brought to them.</p>
+
+<p>One day when Ourson was walking with Violette she
+stumbled against a stone, fell and hurt her foot. Ourson
+was frightened when he saw his cherished Violette bleeding.
+He did not know what to do to relieve her; he saw how much
+she suffered, for, notwithstanding all her efforts, she could
+not suppress the tears which escaped from her eyes but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span>
+finally he remembered that a brook flowed not ten paces from
+them.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Violette," he said, "lean upon me and we will endeavor
+to reach the rivulet&mdash;the fresh water will relieve you."</p>
+
+<p>Violette tried to walk while Ourson supported her. He
+succeeded in seating her on the borders of the stream where
+she took off her shoe and bathed her delicate little foot in the
+fresh flowing water.</p>
+
+<p>"I will run to the house, dear Violette, and bring some
+linen to wrap up your foot. Wait for me, I shall not be
+long absent and take good care not to get nearer the stream
+for this little brook is deep and if you slip you might drown."</p>
+
+<p>When Ourson was out of sight Violette felt an uneasiness
+which she attributed to the pain caused by her wound.
+An unaccountable repulsion made her feel inclined to withdraw
+her foot from the water in which it was hanging. Before
+she decided to obey this strange impulse she saw the
+water troubled and the head of an enormous toad appear
+upon the surface. The great swollen angry eyes of the
+loathsome animal were fixed upon Violette, who since her
+dream had always had a dread of toads. The appearance
+of this hideous creature, its monstrous swollen body and
+menacing glance, froze her with such horror that she could
+neither move nor cry out.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 499px; height: 680px;">
+<a name="i211" id="i211"></a><img src="images/i211.jpg" width="499" height="680" alt="&quot;Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!&quot;" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>&quot;Ah, ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!&quot;</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>"Ah! ha! you are at last in my domain, little fool!" said
+the toad. "I am the fairy Furious, the enemy of your fam<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span>ily.
+I have been lying in wait 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 warn you against
+me. Ourson whose hairy skin is a talisman of safety is
+now absent, my sister is on a journey and you are at last
+mine."</p>
+
+<p>Saying these words, she seized Violette's foot with her
+cold and shining paws and tried to draw her down into the
+water. Violette uttered the most piercing shrieks; she struggled
+and caught hold of the plants and shrubs growing on the
+borders of the stream. The first, alas, gave way, and Violette
+in despair seized hold of others.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! oh, Ourson! help! help! dear Ourson, save
+me, save your poor Violette! I am perishing! save me!
+help! help!"</p>
+
+<p>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.</p>
+
+<p>The poor Violette disappeared under the water just as
+another cry, more despairing, more terrible, answered to her
+own. But, alas! her hair alone appeared above the water
+when Ourson reached the spot, breathless and panting with
+terror. He had heard Violette's cries and had turned back
+with the rapidity of lightning.</p>
+
+<p>Without a moment's hesitation he sprang into the water
+and seized Violette by her long hair but he felt instantly that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span>
+he was sinking with her. The fairy Furious was drawing
+them to the bottom of the stream. He knew he was sinking
+but he did not lose his self-possession. Instead of releasing
+Violette, he seized her both arms and invoked the fairy
+Drolette. When they reached the bottom, he gave one vigorous
+stroke with his heel which brought him again to the
+surface. Holding Violette securely with one arm, he swam
+sturdily with the other and through some supernatural force
+he reached the shore where he deposited the unconscious
+Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Her eyes were closed, her teeth tightly clenched and the
+pallor of death was on her face. Ourson threw himself on
+his knees by her side weeping bitterly. Brave Ourson,
+whom no dangers could intimidate, no privation, no suffering
+could master, now wept like a child. His sweet sister,
+so well beloved! his only friend, his consolation, his happiness
+was lying there motionless, lifeless! Ourson's strength
+and courage had deserted him and he sank down without
+consciousness by the side of his beloved Violette.</p>
+
+<p>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 and disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>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 which succeeded them. She ran to
+the house to apprise Agnella and they both ran rapidly to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span>ward
+the stream from which the cries for help seemed to
+come.</p>
+
+<p>On approaching, they saw with surprise and alarm that
+Violette and Ourson were lying on the ground in a state of
+unconsciousness. Passerose placed her hand on Violette's
+heart and felt it still beating. Agnella ascertained at the
+same moment that Ourson was still living. She directed
+Passerose to take Violette home, undress her and put her to
+bed while she endeavored to restore consciousness to Ourson
+with salts and other restoratives before conducting him to the
+farm. Ourson was too tall and heavy to be carried while
+Violette, on the contrary, was light and it was easy for Passerose
+to carry her to the house. When she arrived there,
+she was soon restored to animation. It was some moments
+before she was conscious. She was still agitated with a
+vague remembrance of terror but without knowing what had
+alarmed her.</p>
+
+<p>During this time the tender care of Agnella had restored
+Ourson to life. He opened his eyes, gazed tenderly
+at his mother and threw himself weeping upon her
+neck.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, dear mother!" he exclaimed, "my Violette, my
+beloved sister, has perished! Let me die with her!"</p>
+
+<p>"Be composed, my son," replied Agnella; "Violette
+still lives. Passerose has carried her to the house and will
+bestow upon her all the attention she requires."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Ourson seemed to revive on hearing these words. He
+rose and wished to run to the farm but his second thought
+was consideration for his mother and he restrained his impatience
+to suit her steps. On their way to the farm he told his
+mother all that he knew of the events which had almost cost
+Violette and himself their lives. He added that the slime
+from the mouth of the fairy Furious had left a strange dulness
+in his head.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella now told him how Passerose and herself had
+found them stretched unconscious upon the border of the
+stream. They soon arrived at the farm, and Ourson, still
+dripping, rushed into Violette's presence.</p>
+
+<p>On seeing him Violette remembered everything and she
+sprang towards him. She threw her arms around him and
+wept upon his bosom. Ourson also wept and Agnella and
+Passerose were both in tears. It was a concert of emotion,
+enough to soften all hearts. Passerose put an end to it by
+crying out:</p>
+
+<p>"Would not one say&mdash;ha! ha!&mdash;that we were the most&mdash;ha!
+ha!&mdash;unfortunate people&mdash;ha! ha!&mdash;in the universe!&mdash;Look
+at our poor Ourson, wet as a water-reed, bathing himself
+in his own and Violette's tears. Courage, children,
+courage and happiness! See, we are all alive, thanks to
+Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes!" interrupted Violette; "thanks to Ourson&mdash;to
+my dear, my well-beloved Ourson. How shall I ever repay<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span>
+him for all I owe him? How can I ever testify my profound
+gratitude, my tender affection?"</p>
+
+<p>"By loving me always as you do now, my dear Violette,
+my sister. Ah! if it has indeed been in my power to render
+you some little service, have you not changed my whole existence?
+Have you not made me gay and happy&mdash;me who was
+so wretched and so miserable before? Are you not every
+day and every hour of the day the consolation and happiness
+of my life and of that of my excellent mother?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette was still weeping and she answered only by
+pressing more tenderly to her heart her Ourson, her adopted
+brother.</p>
+
+<p>"Dear son," said his mother, "you are dripping wet.
+Go and change your clothing. Violette has need of some
+hours' repose. We will meet again at dinner."</p>
+
+<p>Violette consented to go to bed but did not sleep for her
+heart was melting, overflowing with gratitude and tenderness.
+She sought in vain for some means of rewarding the
+devotion of Ourson. She could think of no other way than
+that of trying to become perfect so as to increase the happiness
+of Ourson and Agnella.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="VIOLETTES_SACRIFICE" id="VIOLETTES_SACRIFICE"></a>VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">W</span><span class="upper">hen</span> the dinner hour came, Violette arose,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span>
+dressed herself and entered the dining-room
+where Agnella and Passerose were awaiting
+her. Ourson was not there.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson is not with you, mother," said Violette.</p>
+
+<p>"I have not seen him," said Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"Nor I," said Passerose; "I will go and seek him."</p>
+
+<p>She entered his chamber and found him seated upon his
+bed, his head resting upon his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, Ourson, come quick; we are waiting dinner for
+you."</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot come," said Ourson, in a weak voice; "I have
+a strange heaviness in my head."</p>
+
+<p>Passerose flew to inform Agnella and Violette of his illness
+and they were by his side in an instant. Ourson made
+an effort to rise in order to reassure them but he fell upon a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span>
+chair. Agnella found that he had a violent fever and she
+prevailed upon him to lie down. Violette absolutely refused
+to leave him.</p>
+
+<p>"I am the cause of his illness," she said, "and I will not
+leave his side till he is well. I shall die of anxiety if you
+force me to leave my dear brother."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Passerose also installed themselves near
+their dear invalid but alas! soon poor Ourson did not recognise
+them. He was delirious! He called his mother and
+Violette every moment and continued to call them most importunately
+and to complain of their absence, even while
+they were holding him in their arms.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Violette never left him day nor night during
+all his sickness. The eighth day, Agnella, exhausted
+with fatigue, had fallen asleep near the poor sufferer's bed;
+his difficult respiration and lifeless eye seemed to announce
+the near approach of death. Violette was on her knees, holding
+and pressing in her fine white hands the hairy hands of
+Ourson and covering them with tears and kisses.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of this scene of desolation, a clear sweet
+song interrupted the mournful silence of the chamber of the
+dying boy. Violette started. This soft melody seemed to
+bring consolation and happiness; she raised her head and
+saw a lark perched upon the open shutter.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette!" said the lark.</p>
+
+<p>Violette trembled fearfully.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Violette," repeated the little soft voice of the lark, "do
+you love Ourson?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I love him? Ah! love him&mdash;I love him more than
+any one else&mdash;more than I love myself."</p>
+
+<p>"Would you purchase his life at the price of your happiness?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, gladly would I purchase life for him by the sacrifice
+of my happiness and of my own life."</p>
+
+<p>"Listen, then, Violette. I am the fairy Drolette. I
+love Ourson, I love you and I love your family. The venom
+which my sister the fairy Furious has blown upon the head
+of Ourson is sufficient to cause his death. Nevertheless, if
+you are sincere, if you really feel for Ourson the sentiments
+of gratitude and tenderness which you express, his life is in
+your hands. You are permitted to redeem it! But remember
+that you will soon be called upon to give the most terrible
+proof of your attachment and that if he lives you will pay
+for his existence by a most horrible sacrifice."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, madam! quick, quick, tell me what I am to do to
+save my dear Ourson. Nothing will be terrible to me, all
+will be joy and happiness if you aid me to save my brother
+Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, my child, very well," replied the fairy. "Kiss his
+left ear three times, saying at each kiss: <i>'To thee!&mdash;For thee!&mdash;With
+thee!'</i> Reflect again, Violette, before undertaking
+this cure. If you are not prepared for the most difficult sac<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span>rifices,
+the greatest misfortunes will overwhelm you and my
+sister Furious will be the mistress of your life."</p>
+
+<p>As her only reply, Violette crossed her hands upon her
+breast, cast upon the 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:</p>
+
+<p>"To thee!&mdash;For thee!&mdash;With thee!"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had she said these words, when Ourson uttered
+a profound sigh, opened his eyes, perceived Violette and
+seizing her hands carried them to his lips, saying:</p>
+
+<p>"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 and thin? Your cheeks are
+hollow, you seem to have grown old and your beautiful eyes
+are red with weeping."</p>
+
+<p>"Hush!" said Violette, "do not wake your mother, who
+is sleeping by your side. She has not slept for a long time
+and is much fatigued. You have been very ill, Ourson!"</p>
+
+<p>"And you, dear Violette, have you been resting?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette blushed and hesitated.</p>
+
+<p>"How could I sleep, dear Ourson, when I was the cause
+of all your sufferings?"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was silent. He looked at her tenderly, kissed
+her hands and again asked her to tell him what had passed.
+She told him but she was too modest and too truly devoted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span>
+to reveal to him the price that the fairy had affixed to his cure.
+Ourson, therefore, was far from knowing the truth.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson now felt himself restored to health, rose up, proceeded
+to his mother softly and awakened her by a kiss. Agnella
+thought he was delirious and called Passerose who was
+astonished when Violette told them that Ourson had been
+restored by the good fairy Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>After all this, Ourson and Violette loved each other
+more tenderly than ever and they never left each other unless
+their occupations forced them to be apart.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_WILD_BOAR" id="THE_WILD_BOAR"></a>THE WILD BOAR</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">T</span><span class="upper">wo</span> years passed. One day Ourson had been cutting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span>
+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 set off eagerly. The morning had appeared
+to her very long and she was impatient to be again
+with Ourson. To shorten the way she went through the forest
+which was composed of large trees under which she could
+easily walk. There were neither briars nor thorns in her
+way and a soft, thick moss covered the earth.</p>
+
+<p>Violette stepped lightly for she was happy to have found
+a shorter path to her dear Ourson. When she had passed
+over about half the distance she heard the noise of a heavy
+and precipitate step but too far off for her to imagine what
+it could be. After some moments of expectation she saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span>
+an enormous wild boar coming towards her. He seemed
+greatly enraged, ploughed the ground with his tusks and
+rubbed the bark from the trees as he passed along. His
+heavy snorting and breathing were as distinctly heard as his
+step. Violette did not know where to fly or to hide herself.
+While she was hesitating the wild boar came in sight, saw
+her, and paused. His eyes were flaming, his whole body
+bristling, his tusks clashing together. He uttered a ferocious
+grunt, and sprang towards Violette. Happily she
+was near a tree whose branches were within her reach. She
+seized one, sprang up with it, and climbed from branch to
+branch, until she knew she was beyond his reach. Scarcely
+was she in safety when the savage animal precipitated himself
+with all his weight against the tree in which she had
+taken refuge. Furious at this obstacle, he commenced tearing
+the bark from the tree and gave it such furious blows
+with his snout that Violette was terribly frightened. The
+concussion caused by these violent and repeated blows might
+at last cause 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 at the foot of the tree casting
+from time to time a menacing look at Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Many hours passed in this painful situation, Violette
+trembling but holding on steadily and the wild boar, sometimes
+calm, sometimes in a terrible rage, springing against
+the tree and tearing it with his tusks.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 571px; height: 484px;">
+<a name="i224" id="i224"></a><img src="images/i224.jpg" width="571" height="484" alt="Violette takes refuge from the wild boar" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Violette takes refuge from the wild boar</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Violette called on her brother, her dear Ourson, for
+help. At every new attempt of the wild boar she renewed
+her cries for aid but alas! Ourson was too far off and he
+could not hear. No one came to her aid.</p>
+
+<p>Discouragement and despair gained upon her; she began
+to feel hunger. She had thrown away the basket of provisions
+when she sprang up the tree, the wild boar had
+trampled upon it, crushed it and eaten up everything it contained.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Whilst Violette was a prey to these terrors and vainly
+calling for help Ourson was amazed at not seeing her come
+with the dinner.</p>
+
+<p>"Can they have forgotten me?" he said to himself.
+"No, neither my mother nor Violette could have forgotten
+me. I could not have explained myself well. Without
+doubt they expected me back to dinner; they are looking for
+me now and are perhaps uneasy."</p>
+
+<p>At this thought Ourson abandoned his work and commenced
+walking precipitately towards the house. He also
+wished to shorten the way and determined to cross the forest.
+Soon he thought he heard plaintive cries of distress. He
+paused&mdash;he listened, his heart beat violently as he believed
+he recognized the voice of Violette. But, no&mdash;he heard
+nothing now. He was about to resume his march when he
+heard a more distinct and piercing cry.</p>
+
+<p>Now he knew that it must be Violette, his Violette, who
+was in danger and calling upon Ourson for help. He ran
+in the direction from which the noise seemed to come. Approaching,
+he heard not only calls for help but roars and
+growls accompanied by ferocious cries and violent blows.
+Poor Ourson ran on with the speed of despair. At last he
+perceived the wild boar shaking with his snout the tree upon
+which Violette was still crouched in safety though pale and
+overcome.</p>
+
+<p>This sight gave him new strength. He invoked the pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span>tection
+of the good fairy Drolette and rushed upon the wild
+boar with his axe in his hand. The wild boar in his rage bellowed
+furiously. He gnashed his formidable tusks one
+against the other and sprang towards Ourson, who dodged
+the attack and jumped to one side. The boar passed beyond
+him, paused a moment, then turned more furious than ever
+against Ourson who had now taken breath and with his axe
+raised in his hand awaited his enemy.</p>
+
+<p>The wild boar sprung on Ourson and received on his
+head a most violent blow but his bones were so hard he
+scarcely seemed to feel it. The violence of the attack overthrew
+Ourson. The wild boar, seeing his enemy on the
+ground, did not give him time to rise but sprang upon him
+and with his tusks endeavored to tear him to pieces.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson now thought himself lost, indeed he thought no
+more of himself, he prayed only for Violette's safety.</p>
+
+<p>Whilst the wild boar was thus trampling and kicking
+his enemy, a jeering song was heard just above the combatants.
+The wild boar shuddered, suddenly quitted Ourson,
+raised his head and saw a lark flying above them. The
+mocking song continued and the brute, uttering a cry of
+rage, lowered his head and withdrew slowly without once
+turning round.</p>
+
+<p>Violette at sight of Ourson's danger had fainted away
+but had rested supported by the branches of the tree. Ourson,
+who thought himself torn to pieces, scarcely dared at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>tempt
+to move but feeling no pain he rose promptly to assist
+Violette. His heart was full of gratitude to the fairy Drolette
+to whom he attributed his rescue. At this moment the
+lark flew towards him, pecked his cheeks and whispered in
+his ear:</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson, it was the fairy Furious who sent this wild
+boar. I arrived in time to save you. Profit by the gratitude
+of Violette and change skins with her. She will consent
+joyfully."</p>
+
+<p>"Never!" cried Ourson. "I would rather be a bear all
+my life&mdash;rather die. Poor Violette! I should indeed be
+base if I abused her tenderness towards me in this way."</p>
+
+<p>"Good-bye, obstinate one!" said the lark, flying away
+singing, "till we meet again. I shall come again&mdash;and
+then&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"The result will be the same," said Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>He then climbed the tree, took Violette in his arms, and
+descended. He laid her upon the soft green moss and
+bathed her forehead with a little wine he found in a broken
+bottle.</p>
+
+<p>In a few moments Violette was restored to consciousness.
+She could scarcely believe her senses when she saw
+Ourson, living and unwounded, kneeling by her side and
+bathing her forehead and temples.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! dear Ourson! again you have saved my life.
+Tell me, oh! tell me, what can I do to prove my gratitude?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Do not speak of gratitude, my cherished Violette. Do
+I not owe all my happiness to you? In saving your life I
+save my own and all I value."</p>
+
+<p>"All that you say, dear brother, is sweet and tender but
+I desire no less to render you some real and signal service,
+which will show all the gratitude and all the love with which
+my heart is filled."</p>
+
+<p>"Good! good! we shall see," said Ourson, laughing.
+"In the mean time let us think of preserving our lives. You
+have eaten nothing since morning, poor Violette, for I see on
+the ground the remnants of the provisions you brought, as I
+suppose, for our dinner. It is late and the day is declining
+so we must hurry to return to the farm before dark."</p>
+
+<p>Violette now tried to rise but her terror and her long fast
+had weakened her so much that she fell to the ground.</p>
+
+<p>"I cannot stand, Ourson, I am too weak. What will become
+of us?"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was greatly embarrassed. Violette was no
+longer a child and had grown so large that he could not carry
+her so far, neither could he leave her exposed to the attacks
+of the ferocious beasts of the forest and he feared she could
+not do without food till the morning. In this perplexity he
+saw a packet fall at his feet. He raised it, opened it and
+found a pie, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. Ourson
+knew that this bounty was from the hand of the fairy Drolette
+and with a heart full of gratitude he put the bottle to Vio<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span>lette's
+lips. One mouthful of this good wine which was indeed
+unequalled restored a portion of Violette's strength.
+The pie and the bread completely restored her as well as
+Ourson who did full honor to the repast. While eating and
+drinking they conversed of their past terrors and present
+happiness.</p>
+
+<p>Now, however, it was night and neither Violette nor
+Ourson knew which way to turn their steps in order to reach
+the farm. They were in the midst of a wood. Violette was
+reclining against the tree which had been her refuge from
+the wild boar. They dared not quit this spot lest in the obscurity
+they might not find as comfortable a one.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, dear Violette, do not be alarmed. It is warm,
+the weather is beautiful and you are reclining upon a bed
+of soft green moss. Let us pass the night where we are. I
+will cover you with my coat and I will lie at your feet to protect
+you from all danger and alarm. Mamma and Passerose
+will not be very anxious for they are ignorant of the dangers
+we have encountered and you know that we have often on a
+lovely evening like this reached home after they had retired."</p>
+
+<p>Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest.
+In the first place, they could not do otherwise; secondly,
+she was never afraid with Ourson and always thought
+that what he decided to do was right.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image border3" style="width: 494px; height: 671px;">
+<a name="i229" id="i229"></a><img src="images/i229.jpg" width="494" height="671" alt="Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest" title="" /></div>
+<div class="caption"><i>Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest</i></div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+<p>Ourson now arranged Violette's bed of moss in the best
+possible manner, took off his coat and in spite of her resist<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span>ance
+spread it over her. Then, after having seen Violette's
+eyes close and sleep take possession of all her senses he lay at
+her feet and soon slept most profoundly.</p>
+
+<p>Violette was the first awake in the morning. She
+walked around the tree which had sheltered them during the
+night. Ourson awaked and not seeing Violette he sprang
+up in an instant and called her name in a voice choking with
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>"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? you tremble!"</p>
+
+<p>"I thought you had been carried away by some wicked
+fairy, dear Violette, and I reproached myself for having
+fallen asleep. Let us go now quickly in order to reach home
+before mamma and Passerose are awake."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson knew the forest well. He soon found the path
+to the farm and they arrived some moments before Agnella
+and Passerose awoke. They agreed to conceal from Agnella
+the dangers to which they had been exposed, to spare
+her anguish and disquietude for the future. Passerose alone
+was made the confidant of their dangerous adventures.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_CONFLAGRATION" id="THE_CONFLAGRATION"></a>THE CONFLAGRATION</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> now forbade Violette to go alone in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span>
+forest. She was no longer allowed to carry him
+his dinner so he always returned to the house at
+midday. Violette never left the farm without Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>Three years after the event in the forest, Ourson saw
+Violette arise in the morning pale and exhausted. She was
+seeking him.</p>
+
+<p>"Come, come," she said, drawing him along, "I have
+something to say&mdash;something to relate&mdash;Oh, come!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was much alarmed and followed her precipitately.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it, dear Violette? For the love of Heaven,
+speak to me! What can I do for you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing, nothing, dear Ourson; you can do nothing&mdash;only
+listen to me. You remember the dream I had in my
+childhood, of the toad! the river! the danger! Well, last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>
+night I had this same dream again. It is terrible! terrible!
+Ourson, dear Ourson, your life is menaced! If you die, I
+will die also!"</p>
+
+<p>"How! By whom is my life threatened?"</p>
+
+<p>"Listen! I was sleeping and a toad&mdash;still a toad&mdash;always
+a toad&mdash;came to me and said:</p>
+
+<p>"'The moment approaches when your dear Ourson is to
+resume his natural skin. To you he is to be indebted for this
+change. I hate him! I hate you! You shall not make
+each other happy! Ourson shall perish and you cannot accomplish
+the sacrifice which in your folly you meditate. In
+a few days, yes, perhaps in a few hours I shall take a signal
+vengeance upon you both. Good-bye&mdash;do you hear?&mdash;till
+we meet again!'</p>
+
+<p>"I awoke, suppressed a cry which was about to issue
+from my lips and saw, as I saw on that day in which you
+saved me from the water, the hideous toad creeping upon the
+shutter and gazing at me menacingly. It disappeared, leaving
+me more dead than alive. I arose dressed myself and
+came to find you my brother, my friend to warn you against
+the vengeance of the fairy Furious and to entreat you to seek
+the aid of the good fairy Drolette."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson listened in great alarm. He was not frightened
+by the fate which menaced himself&mdash;he was agitated by the
+sacrifice which Furious announced and which he understood
+but too well. The thought alone of his dear and lovely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>
+Violette being muffled up in his hideous bear's skin through
+devotion to him made him tremble and he preferred death.
+Ourson's anguish was pictured in his countenance, and Violette,
+who was watching him closely, threw herself upon his
+neck and sobbed violently.</p>
+
+<p>"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 me encourage me and sustain
+me in all my fears have now no word to utter to restore my
+failing courage. You who have combated the most terrible
+dangers now bow your head and are resigned to fate."</p>
+
+<p>"No, Violette, it is not fear which makes me tremble&mdash;it
+is not fear which agitates me. It is a word which the fairy
+Furious has uttered, of which you do not comprehend the
+meaning but which I understand perfectly. The threat was
+addressed to you, my Violette. It is for you I tremble!"</p>
+
+<p>Violette divined from this that the moment of sacrifice
+had come, that she was about to be called upon to keep the
+promise she had made to the fairy Drolette. In place of
+trembling and shrinking, she felt the most lively joy. She
+could now at last make some return for the devotion, the incessant
+watchful tenderness of her dear Ourson&mdash;could in
+her turn be useful to him. She made no response to the
+fears expressed by Ourson but thanked him and spoke to him
+more tenderly than ever before, thinking that soon perhaps
+she would be separated from him by death. Ourson had the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span>
+same thought. They both fervently invoked the protection
+of the fairy Drolette. Ourson, indeed, called upon her in a
+loud voice but she did not respond to his appeal.</p>
+
+<p>The day passed away sadly. Neither Ourson nor Violette
+spoke to Agnella on the subject of their disquiet for fear
+of aggravating her melancholy which had been constantly
+increasing as Ourson grew to manhood.</p>
+
+<p>"Already twenty years old!" thought she. "If he persists
+in living in this 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 this bear-skin till his
+death."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella wept, often wept; but her tears brought her no
+remedy.</p>
+
+<p>The day Violette had her frightful dream, Agnella also
+had a dream. The fairy Drolette had appeared to her:</p>
+
+<p>"Courage, queen," she said to her, "in a few days Ourson
+will lose his bear's skin and you can give him his true
+name of Prince Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella had awaked full of hope and happiness. She
+redoubled her tenderness to Violette, believing that it was to
+her she would owe the happiness of her son.</p>
+
+<p>Every one retired at night with different feelings. Violette
+and Ourson, full of anxiety for the future which appeared
+so threatening, Agnella's heart bounding with joy
+at that same future which appeared so near and so replete<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span>
+with happiness, Passerose, astonished at the melancholy of
+the one and the joy of the other and ignorant of the cause
+of both.</p>
+
+<p>All slept, however. Violette after weeping profusely.
+Ourson after having invoked the fairy Drolette; Agnella
+after smiling and thinking of Ourson handsome and attractive
+and Passerose after saying to herself a hundred times:
+"But what is the matter with them all to-day?"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely an hour after all at the farm were asleep, Violette
+was aroused by the smell of fire and smoke. Agnella
+awoke at the same moment.</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," said Violette, "do you not smell something?"</p>
+
+<p>"The house is on fire," said Agnella. "Look what a
+light is round about us!"</p>
+
+<p>They sprang from their beds and ran to the parlor.
+The flames had already taken possession of it and of the
+neighboring chambers.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! Passerose!" cried Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson! Ourson!" exclaimed Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose sprang half clothed into the parlor.</p>
+
+<p>"We are lost, madam! The flames are all through the
+house. The doors and windows are firmly closed&mdash;it is impossible
+to open them."</p>
+
+<p>"My son! my son!" cried Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"My brother! my brother!" exclaimed Violette.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>They ran to the doors; all their efforts to open them or
+the windows were ineffectual.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh! my terrible dream!" murmured Violette. "Dear
+Ourson, adieu for ever!"</p>
+
+<p>Ourson had also been awakened by the flames and
+smoke. He slept out of the farm-house, and near the stable.
+His first impulse was to run to the front of the house but notwithstanding
+his extraordinary strength he could not open
+it. One would have thought that the door would break to
+pieces under his efforts. It was evidently held fast by the
+fairy Furious.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson sprang upon a ladder and passed across the
+flames into a granary through an open window, then descended
+into the room where his mother and Violette were
+embracing, expecting instant death. Before they had time
+to recognize him he seized them in his arms and cried to Passerose
+to follow him. He ran along the granary and descended
+the ladder with his mother in one arm and Violette
+in the other and followed by Passerose. The moment after
+they reached the ground in safety, the ladder and granary became
+a prey to the flames.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson led Agnella and Violette some distance from the
+fire. Passerose was self-possessed: she had quite a large
+package of clothing which she had collected at the commencement
+of the fire. Agnella and Violette had escaped
+barefooted and in their night robes, and the clothing brought<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span>
+by Passerose was thus very necessary to protect them from
+the cold. After having thanked Ourson for saving their
+lives at the peril of his own they complimented Passerose
+upon her forethought.</p>
+
+<p>"See," said Passerose, "the advantage of not losing one's
+senses. Whilst you two were only thinking of your Ourson,
+I made up this package of necessary things."</p>
+
+<p>"That is true, my good Passerose; but what purpose
+would your package have served, if my mother and Violette
+had perished in the flames?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I knew very well that you would not allow them to
+be burned up alive. Is any one ever in danger when you
+are present? Is not this the third time you have saved Violette's
+life?"</p>
+
+<p>Violette pressed Ourson's hands tenderly and carried
+them to her lips. Agnella embraced her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Violette, Ourson is happy in your tenderness
+which fully rewards him for all he has done for you. I feel
+assured that on your part you would be happy to sacrifice
+yourself for him if an occasion offered, that only too willingly
+would you help him."</p>
+
+<p>Before Violette could speak, Ourson said with animation:</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, do not say anything to Violette of sacrificing
+herself for me. You know the thought alone makes me
+wretched."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>In place of replying to Ourson, Agnella placed her
+hand on her forehead and cried out anxiously:</p>
+
+<p>"The casket, Passerose! the casket! Have you saved
+the casket?"</p>
+
+<p>"I forgot it, madam," said Passerose.</p>
+
+<p>The countenance of Agnella expressed such regret and
+anxiety, that Ourson questioned her as to this precious casket
+which seemed to trouble her so much.</p>
+
+<p>"The casket was a present of the fairy Drolette. She
+told me that the happiness of Violette was contained in it. It
+was in the wardrobe, at the foot of my bed. Alas! by what
+fatality did I forget it?"</p>
+
+<p>She had scarcely uttered these words when the brave
+Ourson sprang towards the burning house and notwithstanding
+the tears and supplications of Agnella, Violette and Passerose,
+disappeared in the flames exclaiming:</p>
+
+<p>"You shall have the casket, mother, or I will perish with
+it!"</p>
+
+<p>A horrible silence followed this act of Ourson. Violette
+fell on her knees with her arms extended towards the
+burning house, Agnella with her hands clasped looked with
+straining eyes at the opening through which Ourson had
+entered while Passerose was motionless, hiding her face with
+her hands. Some moments passed thus and they appeared
+ages to the three women who were expecting a sentence of life
+or death.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Ourson did not reappear. The crackling of the burning
+wood, the flashing of the flames, increased in violence.
+Suddenly, a frightful noise made Violette and Agnella utter
+a cry of despair.</p>
+
+<p>The roof, covered with flames, had fallen in and Ourson
+was buried under the ruins&mdash;crushed by the ruins, consumed
+by the fire.</p>
+
+<p>The silence of death succeeded this dreadful catastrophe.
+The flames diminished, then died away&mdash;no sound
+now interrupted the despair of Agnella and Violette.</p>
+
+<p>Violette had fallen into the arms of Agnella and they
+sobbed thus a long time in silence. Passerose contemplated
+the smoking ruins and wept. Poor Ourson was buried there
+a victim of his courage and his devotion! Agnella and Violette
+still wept bitterly; they appeared neither to hear nor
+understand what was passing around them.</p>
+
+<p>"Let us leave this place," said Passerose, at last.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella and Violette made no response.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose tried to lead Violette away.</p>
+
+<p>"Come," said she; "come, Violette, let us seek a shelter
+for the night&mdash;the evening fortunately is mild."</p>
+
+<p>"What shelter do I want?" said Violette. "What is the
+evening to me or the morning? There are no more beautiful
+days for me! The sun will shine no more but to illumine
+my despair!"</p>
+
+<p>"But if we remain here weeping we shall die of hunger,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span>
+Violette, and in spite of the bitterest grief, we must think of
+the necessities of life."</p>
+
+<p>"Better to die of hunger than of grief! I will not
+leave this place where I saw my dear Ourson for the last
+time&mdash;where he perished, a victim of his tenderness for
+us."</p>
+
+<p>Passerose shrugged her shoulders; she remembered that
+the stable had not been burned so she ran there with all speed,
+milked the cow, drank a cupful of milk and tried in vain to
+make Agnella and Violette do the same.</p>
+
+<p>Agnella rose and said to Violette in a solemn tone:</p>
+
+<p>"Your grief is just, my daughter. Never did a more
+noble or generous heart beat in a human form than Ourson's
+and he loved you more than he loved himself&mdash;to spare your
+grief he sacrificed his happiness and his life."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella now recounted to Violette the scene which preceded
+Ourson's birth, the power Violette had to deliver him
+from his deformity by accepting it for herself and Ourson's
+constant prayer that Violette should never be informed of
+the possibility of such a sacrifice.</p>
+
+<p>It is easy to comprehend the feelings of loving tenderness
+and regret which filled the heart of Violette after this
+confidence and she wept more bitterly than ever.</p>
+
+<p>"And now, my daughter," continued Agnella, "there
+remains one duty to fulfil, that is to give burial to my son.
+We must clear away these ruins and remove the ashes and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span>
+when we have found the remains of our well-beloved Ourson&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>Sobs interrupted her speech; she could say no more.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_WELL" id="THE_WELL"></a>THE WELL</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">A</span><span class="upper">gnella,</span> Violette and Passerose walked slowly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span>
+towards the burned walls of the farmhouse. With
+the courage of despair they removed the smoking
+ruins. They worked diligently two days before this work
+was completed. No vestige of poor Ourson appeared and
+yet they had removed piece by piece, handful by handful, all
+that covered the site. On removing the last half-burned
+planks, Violette perceived an aperture, which she quickly
+enlarged. It was the orifice of a well. Her heart beat violently&mdash;a
+vague hope inspired it.</p>
+
+<p>"Ourson!" cried she, with a faint voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette! dear Violette! I am here; I am saved!"</p>
+
+<p>Violette could reply only by a smothered cry; she lost
+her consciousness and fell into the well which enclosed her
+dear Ourson. If the good fairy Drolette had not watched
+over her fall, she would have broken her head and limbs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span>
+against the sides of the well. But their kind protectress, who
+had already rendered them so many services, sustained her
+and she fell safely at Ourson's feet.</p>
+
+<p>Violette soon returned to consciousness. Their happiness
+was too great to be believed in&mdash;to be trusted. They did
+not cease to give the most tender assurances of affection.
+And now they were aroused from their ecstasy by the cries of
+Passerose, who, losing sight of Violette and seeking her
+amongst the ruins, discovered the open well. Peering into
+the darkness she saw Violette's white robe and she imagined
+that the poor girl had thrown herself intentionally into the
+well and there found the death she sought. Passerose
+screamed loud enough to destroy her lungs. Agnella came
+slowly forward to know the cause of this alarm.</p>
+
+<p>"Be silent, Passerose," cried Ourson in a loud voice;
+"you are frightening our mother. I am in the well with
+Violette; we are happy and want for nothing."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh blessed news! blessed news!" cried Passerose; "I
+see them! I see them! Madam, madam, come quickly,
+quickly! They are here&mdash;they are well&mdash;they have need
+of nothing!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, pale, and half dead with emotion, listened to
+Passerose without comprehending 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<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span>
+well, and would have precipitated herself within, had not
+Passerose seized her by the arms and drawn her back suddenly.</p>
+
+<p>"For the love of Ourson, dear queen, do not throw yourself
+into this hole; you will kill yourself! I will restore
+Ourson and Violette to you unharmed."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, trembling with happiness, comprehended the
+wisdom of the counsel given by Passerose. She remained
+rooted to the spot but shuddering with agitation while Passerose
+ran to seek a ladder.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose was absent a long time which was excusable
+as she was somewhat confused. First she seized a cord, then
+a pitchfork, then a chair. For an instant she thought of lowering
+the cow to the bottom of the well so that poor Ourson
+might have a drink of fresh warm milk. At last she found
+the ladder before her eyes, almost in her hands, but she had
+not seen it.</p>
+
+<p>While Passerose was seeking the ladder, Ourson and
+Violette talked incessantly of their present happiness and the
+despair and anguish they had endured.</p>
+
+<p>"I passed uninjured through the flames," said Ourson,
+"and sought groping about for the wardrobe of my mother.
+The smoke suffocated and blinded me. Then I felt myself
+raised by the hair and cast to the bottom of this well where
+you have come to join me, dear Violette.</p>
+
+<p>"In place of finding water, or even moisture here, I felt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span>
+at once a sweet, fresh air. A soft carpet was spread on the
+bottom: you see it is still here. There was from some source
+sufficient light around me. I found ample provisions at my
+side. Look at them, Violette, I have not touched them. A
+few drops of wine was all I could swallow.</p>
+
+<p>"The knowledge of your despair and that of my mother
+rendered me too unhappy and the fairy Drolette took pity
+on me. She appeared to me under your form, dear Violette,
+and I took her for you and sprang forward to seize you in
+my arms but I embraced only a vague form of air or vapor.
+I could see her but I could not touch her.</p>
+
+<p>"'Ourson', said the fairy, smiling sweetly upon me, 'I
+have assumed Violette's form to testify my friendship in the
+most agreeable way. Be comforted; you shall see her to-morrow.
+She weeps bitterly, because she believes you to be
+dead but I will send her to you to-morrow. She will make
+you a visit at the bottom of this well. She will accompany
+you when you go forth from this tomb and you shall see your
+mother and the blue heavens and the dazzling sun which
+neither your mother nor Violette wish to look upon since
+your loss, but which appeared beautiful to them while you
+were with them. You will return once more to this well for
+it contains your happiness.'</p>
+
+<p>"'My happiness!' I exclaimed to the fairy; 'when I have
+found my mother and my Violette I shall be in possession of
+all my happiness.'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"'Believe implicitly what I say. This well contains
+your happiness and that of Violette.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Violette's happiness, madam, is to live with me and
+my mother.'"</p>
+
+<p>"Ah! you replied well," interrupted Violette. "But
+what said the fairy?"</p>
+
+<p>"'I know what I say,' she answered. 'In a few days
+something will be wanting to complete your happiness.
+You will find it here. We will meet again, Ourson. Remember
+what I have said.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Yes, madam; I hope it will be soon.'</p>
+
+<p>"'When you see me again, my poor child, you will be
+scarcely content and then you will wish that you had never
+seen me. Silence and farewell.'</p>
+
+<p>"She flew away smiling sweetly, leaving behind her a
+delicious perfume and an atmosphere so soft and heavenly
+that it diffused a peaceful calm in my heart. I suffered no
+more&mdash;I expected you."</p>
+
+<p>Violette on her part comprehended better than Ourson
+why the next return of the fairy would be painful to him.
+Since Agnella had revealed to her in confidence the nature of
+the sacrifice that she could impose upon herself, she was resolved
+to accomplish it, in spite of the opposition of Ourson.
+She thought only of the delight of giving an immense proof
+of her affection. This hope tempered her joy at having
+found him.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>When Ourson had completed his narrative, they heard
+the shrill voice of Passerose crying out to them:</p>
+
+<p>"Look, look, my children! the ladder. I will put it
+down to you. Take care that it does not fall on your heads.
+You must have some provisions down there; send them up,
+if you please; we are somewhat destitute above here. 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! here they are: here are Ourson's and Violette's
+heads&mdash;Good! Step up! There you are!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, still pallid and trembling, was immovable as
+a statue.</p>
+
+<p>After having seen Violette in safety, Ourson sprang
+from the well and threw himself into his mother's arms. She
+covered him with tears and kisses and held him a long time
+clasped to her heart. After having thought him dead during
+so many painful hours, it seemed a dream to her almost
+impossible to realize that she was holding him safe once
+more. Finally Passerose terminated this melting scene by
+seizing Ourson and saying to him:</p>
+
+<p>"Now it is my turn! I am forgotten, forsooth, because
+I do not bathe myself 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."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, my good Passerose! You may believe that I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span>
+love you and indeed I thank you for drawing me out of it
+where, however, I was doing very well after my sweet Violette
+came down to me."</p>
+
+<p>"But now I think of it," said Passerose, "tell me, Violette,
+how did you get to the bottom of that well without killing
+yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"I did not go down purposely. I fell and Ourson received
+me in his arms."</p>
+
+<p>"All this is not very clear," said Passerose. "The fairy
+Drolette had something to do with it."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, the good and amiable fairy," said Ourson. "She
+is always counteracting the cruelties of her wicked sister."</p>
+
+<p>While thus talking merrily, their stomachs gave indication
+that they were suffering for dinner. Ourson had left in
+the well the provisions furnished by the fairy. The rest of
+the happy family were still embracing and weeping over past
+remembrances but Passerose without saying a word descended
+into the well and remounted with the provisions
+which she placed on a bundle of straw; she then placed
+around the table four other bundles of straw for seats.</p>
+
+<p>"Dinner is ready," said she; "come and eat; you all need
+food. The good queen and Violette will soon fall from exhaustion.
+Ourson has had a little wine but he has eaten
+nothing. Here is a pie, a ham, bread and wine. Long life
+to the good fairy!"</p>
+
+<p>Agnella, Violette and Ourson did not require to be told<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span>
+a second time but placed themselves gayly at the table.
+Their appetites were good and the repast excellent. Happiness
+illuminated every countenance; they talked, laughed,
+clasped each other's hands and were in paradise.</p>
+
+<p>When dinner was over, Passerose was surprised that the
+fairy Drolette had not provided for all their wants.</p>
+
+<p>"Look," said she, "the house is in ruins, we are destitute
+of everything! The stable is our only shelter, the straw
+our only bed and the provisions I brought up from the well
+our only food. Formerly everything was provided before
+we had the time to ask for it."</p>
+
+<p>Agnella looked suddenly at her hand&mdash;the ring was no
+longer there! They must now gain their bread by the sweat
+of their brows. Ourson and Violette seeing her air of consternation
+demanded the cause of it.</p>
+
+<p>"Alas! my children, you will no doubt think me very
+ungrateful to feel disquieted about the future in the midst of
+our great happiness but I perceive that during the fire I have
+lost the ring given me by the good fairy and this ring would
+have furnished us with all the necessaries of life so long as it
+was upon my finger. Alas! I have it no longer. What
+shall we do?"</p>
+
+<p>"Dismiss all anxiety, dear mother," said Ourson. "Am
+I not tall and strong? I will seek for work and you can all
+live on my wages."</p>
+
+<p>"And I, too," said Violette, "can I not assist my good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span>
+mother and Passerose? In seeking work for yourself, Ourson,
+you can also find something for me to do."</p>
+
+<p>"I will go at once and seek work," said Ourson.
+"Adieu, mother. We will meet again, Violette."</p>
+
+<p>Kissing their hands, he set off with a light step.</p>
+
+<p>He had no presentiment, poor boy, of the reception
+which awaited him in the three houses where he sought employment.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_FARM_THE_CASTLE_THE_FORGE" id="THE_FARM_THE_CASTLE_THE_FORGE"></a>THE FARM&mdash;THE CASTLE&mdash;THE FORGE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> walked more than three hours before he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span>
+arrived at a large and beautiful farm where he
+hoped to obtain employment. He saw from a distance
+the farmer and his family seated before his front door
+taking their evening meal.</p>
+
+<p>He was but a short way off when one of the children, a
+little boy about ten years of age, perceived him. He sprang
+from his seat, uttered a cry of terror and fled into the house.</p>
+
+<p>A second child, a little girl eight years old, hearing the
+cry of her brother turned towards Ourson and commenced
+the most piercing shrieks.</p>
+
+<p>All the family now followed the movement of the children
+and turned around. At the sight of Ourson the women
+cried out with terror and the children fled in wild alarm.
+The men seized sticks and pitchforks expecting to be attacked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span>
+by poor Ourson whom they took for some extraordinary
+animal escaped from a menagerie.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson, seeing this movement of terror and preparation
+for attack, spoke to them hoping to dissipate their fears.</p>
+
+<p>"I am not a bear, as you seem to suppose, but a poor
+boy seeking work and who would be very glad if you should
+give him employment."</p>
+
+<p>The farmer was greatly amazed to hear a bear speak.
+He did not know whether to fly or to interrogate him further.
+He resolved, however, to speak.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you and from whence do you come?"</p>
+
+<p>"I come from the Woodland Farm and I am the son of
+Agnella," Ourson replied.</p>
+
+<p>"Ah, then it was you who in your childhood went with
+your mother to market and frightened all our children to
+death. You have lived in the woods and done without our
+help. Why do you seek us now? Go away and live as you
+have lived heretofore."</p>
+
+<p>"Our farm-house is burned to the ground. I have to
+work now with my hands to support my mother and sister.
+For this reason, I pray you to give me work. I will do all
+you command me."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you suppose, boy, that I will take into my service a
+villainous animal like you who will frighten my wife and my
+servants to death and throw my children into convulsions?
+I am not quite such a fool, my boy; not quite such a fool.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span>
+Enough of this. Be off, and allow us to finish our dinner."</p>
+
+<p>"Master farmer, be merciful. Only try my work.
+Place me altogether by myself; then no one will fear me. I
+will conceal myself so well that your children shall not see
+me."</p>
+
+<p>"Will you be done talking, wicked bear? Go instantly;
+if you don't you shall feel the teeth of my pitchfork."</p>
+
+<p>Poor Ourson bowed his head. Tears of humiliation
+and disappointment glittered in his eyes. He withdrew
+slowly, followed by the coarse laugh and shouts of the farm
+hands.</p>
+
+<p>When out of sight he no longer restrained his tears, but
+in all this shame and despair the thought that Violette could
+take upon herself his ugly covering did not enter his
+thoughts.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson walked on till he came in sight of a castle where
+he saw a crowd of men coming, going and laboring at every
+kind of work. Some were mowing, some raking, some
+currying horses, some sweeping, some watering plants, some
+sowing.</p>
+
+<p>"Here is a house where I shall certainly find work," said
+Ourson to himself. "I see neither women nor children and
+I think the men will not be afraid of me."</p>
+
+<p>Ourson drew near without being seen. He took off his
+hat and stood before a man who seemed to be the superintendent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Sir&mdash;" said he.</p>
+
+<p>The man looked up, recoiled a step when he saw Ourson
+and examined him with the greatest surprise.</p>
+
+<p>"Who are you and what do you want?" said he, in a
+rude voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I am the son of Agnella, mistress of the Woodland
+Farm."</p>
+
+<p>"Well! and what has brought you here?"</p>
+
+<p>"Our house is burned down, sir. I am seeking work in
+order to support my mother and sister. I hope you will be
+good enough to give me employment."</p>
+
+<p>"Give employment to a bear?"</p>
+
+<p>"Sir, I have only the appearance of a bear. Under this
+rough outside, which is so repugnant to you, there beats a
+human heart&mdash;a heart capable of gratitude and affection.
+You shall have no reason to complain either of my work or
+of my good will."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Ourson spoke and the superintendent listened
+with a mocking air, a great noise was heard amongst the
+horses. They began to kick and prance and the grooms
+could scarcely hold them. Some of them indeed escaped
+and fled in terror to the woods.</p>
+
+<p>"It is the bear! It is the bear!" cried the grooms. "It
+has terrified the horses. Drive it off! Chase it away! We
+cannot control our horses."</p>
+
+<p>"Off with you!" cried the superintendent.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Ourson was stupefied by his misfortunes and was immovable.</p>
+
+<p>"Ha! you will not go," vociferated the man. "Wait a
+few moments, you hairy beast. I will give you something to
+run for. Halloa, men! bring out the dogs, and set them
+upon this animal. Hurry!&mdash;see him scampering off!"</p>
+
+<p>In fact Ourson, more dead than alive at this cruel treatment,
+precipitately withdrew from the presence of these
+wicked and inhuman men. This second attempt had failed
+utterly but he would not allow himself to be discouraged.</p>
+
+<p>"It is still three or four hours before sunset so I have
+time to continue my search for work."</p>
+
+<p>He directed his steps towards a forge which was some
+distance from Woodland Farm. The master of the forge
+employed a great many workmen. He gave work to those
+who asked it, not in charity, but in view of his own interest.
+He was feared but he was not loved. He developed the
+riches of the country but no one thanked him for it because
+he alone profited by it. By his avidity and his opulence he
+ground down the poor workmen who could only find employment
+with this new Marquis of Carabas.</p>
+
+<p>Poor Ourson arrived at the forge. The master was at
+the door, scolding some, threatening others and terrifying
+all.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir," said Ourson, drawing near, "have you any work
+to give me?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Certainly. What kind of work&mdash;&mdash;?"</p>
+
+<p>He raised his head at these words for he had replied
+without looking at Ourson. When his eye fell upon him he
+did not finish his phrase; his eyes flashed with rage and he
+stammered out:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"What foolery is this? Are we in the midst of the
+Carnival, that a workman ventures upon such a ridiculous
+masquerade? Throw off your ugly bear's skin instantly or
+I will crisp your bristles for you in my fire."</p>
+
+<p>"This, sir, is no masquerade," replied Ourson, sadly; "it
+is, alas! my natural skin but if you will be humane enough
+to employ me you will see that my strength is equal to my
+goodwill."</p>
+
+<p>"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 a menagerie or I will throw you into a den
+with your brother bears. You will have work enough to
+defend yourself from their claws. Be off!"</p>
+
+<p>And brandishing his club he would have dealt Ourson a
+heavy blow if the poor boy had not made a hasty retreat.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_SACRIFICE" id="THE_SACRIFICE"></a>THE SACRIFICE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">O</span><span class="upper">urson</span> turned his steps homeward, discouraged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span>
+and exhausted. He walked slowly and arrived at
+the farm late. Violette ran to meet him, took him
+by the hand, and without saying a word led him to his mother.
+There she fell on her knees and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"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 fairy Drolette has confirmed her
+story. My mother, when our Ourson was, as we believed,
+lost to us for ever and lost for my sake you revealed to me that
+which in his nobility and goodness he wished to conceal. I
+know that by changing skins with him I can restore to him
+his original beauty. Happy, a hundred times happy in having
+this opportunity to recompense the tenderness and devotion
+of my dearly-loved brother Ourson, I demand to make
+this exchange allowed by the fairy Drolette and I entreat her
+to complete the transfer immediately."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Violette! Violette!" exclaimed Ourson, in great agitation,
+"take back your words! You do not know to what you
+engage yourself; you are ignorant of the life of anguish and
+misery unparalleled, the life of solitude and isolation to
+which you thus condemn yourself; you know not the unceasing
+desolation you will feel at knowing that you are an
+object of fear to all mankind. Violette, Violette, in pity to
+me, withdraw your words!"</p>
+
+<p>"Dear Ourson," said Violette, calmly, but resolutely,
+"in making what you believe to be so great a sacrifice, I accomplish
+the dearest wish of my heart; I secure my own
+happiness; I satisfy an ardent and imperious desire to testify
+my tenderness and my gratitude. I esteem myself for doing
+what I propose. I should despise myself if I left it undone."</p>
+
+<p>"Pause, Violette, for one instant longer, I beseech you!
+Think of my grief, when I no longer see my beautiful Violette,
+when I think of you exposed to the railleries, the horror
+of men. Oh! Violette, do not condemn your poor Ourson
+to this anguish."</p>
+
+<p>The lovely face of Violette was veiled with sadness.
+The fear that Ourson would feel repugnance towards her
+made her heart tremble; but this thought, which was wholly
+personal, was very fleeting&mdash;it could not triumph over her
+devoted tenderness. Her only response was to throw herself
+in the arms of Agnella, and say:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span>&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Mother, embrace your fair and pretty Violette for the
+last time."</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Agnella, Ourson and Passerose embraced her
+and looked lovingly upon her&mdash;whilst Ourson, on his knees,
+supplicated her to leave him his bear-skin to which he had
+been accustomed for twenty years&mdash;Violette called out again
+in a loud voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Fairy Drolette! Fairy Drolette! come and accept the
+price of the life and health of my dear Ourson."</p>
+
+<p>At this moment the fairy Drolette appeared in all her
+glory. She was seated 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 brilliant colors 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 it
+was light as gauze. Her hair, glittering like tissue of gold,
+was ornamented by a crown of carbuncles more brilliant
+than the sun; each of her slippers was carved from a single
+ruby and her beautiful face, soft, yet gay, breathed contentment.
+She fixed upon Violette a most affectionate regard.</p>
+
+<p>"You wish it, then, my daughter?" said she.</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," cried Ourson, falling at her feet, "deign to
+listen to me. You, who have loaded me with undeserved
+benefits&mdash;you, who have inspired me with boundless gratitude&mdash;you,
+good and just&mdash;will you execute the mad wish of
+my dear Violette? Will you make my whole life wretched<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span>
+by forcing me to accept this sacrifice? No, no, charming
+and humane fairy, you could not, you will not do it!"</p>
+
+<p>Whilst Ourson was thus supplicating, the fairy gave
+Violette a light touch with her wand of pearl and Ourson
+another&mdash;then said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Let it be according to the wish of your heart, my
+daughter. Let it be contrary to your ardent desires, my
+son."</p>
+
+<p>At the same moment, the face, arms and the whole body
+of the lovely young girl were covered with the long hair
+which Ourson had worn, and Ourson appeared with a white
+smooth skin, which set off his extreme beauty to advantage.</p>
+
+<p>Violette gazed at him with admiration, while he, his eyes
+cast down and full of tears, dared not look at his poor Violette,
+so horribly metamorphosed. At last he looked up,
+threw himself in her arms, and they wept together.</p>
+
+<p>Ourson was marvellously handsome. Violette was, as
+Ourson had been, without form, without beauty, but not
+ugly. When Violette raised her head and looked at Agnella,
+the latter extended her hands towards her, and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Thanks, my daughter, my noble, generous child."</p>
+
+<p>"Mother," said Violette, in low voice, "do you love me
+still?"</p>
+
+<p>"Do I love you, my cherished child? Yes, a hundred
+times, a thousand times more than ever before."</p>
+
+<p>"Violette," said Ourson, "never fear being ugly in our<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span>
+eyes. To my eyes, you are a hundred times more beautiful
+than when clothed with all your loveliness. To me you are
+a sister&mdash;a friend incomparable. You will always be the
+companion of my life, the ideal of my heart."</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_COMBAT" id="THE_COMBAT"></a>THE COMBAT</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">V</span><span class="upper">iolette</span> was about to reply, when a kind of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span>
+roaring was heard in the air, and they saw descend
+a chariot made of crocodile's skin, drawn by fifty
+enormous toads. All the toads were hissing and blowing,
+and would have cast their infectious venom in every direction,
+if they had not been restrained by the power of the fairy
+Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>When the chariot reached the ground, the fairy Furious,
+a huge and heavy creature, issued from it. Her big eyes
+seemed bursting from their sockets, her large flat nose covered
+her wrinkled, withered cheeks, her monstrous mouth
+extended from ear to ear and when it was open a long pointed
+black tongue was seen licking her horrid teeth.</p>
+
+<p>She was not more than three feet in height and was very
+corpulent; her grizzly skin was gluey and cold, like a snail's
+and her thin red hair fell in locks of unequal length around<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span>
+her throat, which was disfigured by a goitre. Her large,
+flat hands looked like the fins of a shark, her dress was made
+of snail's skins and her mantle of the skins of toads.</p>
+
+<p>She advanced towards Ourson (who shall hereafter
+be known by his true name of <span class="smcap">Prince Marvellous</span>) with a
+slow step. She paused in front of him and casting a furious
+glance upon the fairy Drolette and an eye of mocking
+triumph upon Violette, she folded her great cold arms and
+said in a sharp yet hoarse voice:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"My sister has triumphed over me, Prince Marvellous.
+I have, however, one consolation: you will not be happy,
+because you have obtained your original beauty at the expense
+of that little fool, who is now frightful and repugnant
+and whom you will now never wish to approach. Yes! yes!
+weep, my handsome Ourson! You will weep a long time,
+Violette, and you will regret bitterly, if you do not already
+regret, that you have given your beautiful skin to the prince
+Marvellous."</p>
+
+<p>"Never, madam, never! My only regret is that I did
+not know sooner what I could do to testify my gratitude."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Drolette, whose countenance had assumed an
+unaccustomed expression of severity and irritation, now
+waved her wand and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Silence, sister! You shall not triumph long over the
+misfortunes of Violette. I will provide a remedy for those
+misfortunes: her generous devotion merits recompense."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"I defy you to come to her assistance under penalty of
+my wrath," said Furious.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your rage, sister, but I disdain to punish
+you for it," replied Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>"To punish me!&mdash;Do you dare to threaten me?" said
+Furious. And hissing furiously, she called her chariot,
+mounted it, rose in the air and tried to launch upon Drolette
+all the venom of her toads in order to suffocate her.</p>
+
+<p>But Drolette knew her sister perfectly. Her faithful
+larks held the door of 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 turning adroitly
+to one side. They however threw their venom on the larks
+which were nearest to them, who died instantly.</p>
+
+<p>Drolette detached them with the rapidity of a thunder-bolt,
+rose again in the air and fell so adroitly on the toads,
+that the larks tore out their eyes with their claws, before
+Furious had time to come to the rescue of her army.</p>
+
+<p>The outcries of the toads and the hissing of the larks
+made a deafening noise; and the fairy Drolette called out to
+her friends, who were regarding the combat with terror:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Withdraw immediately and stop your ears!"</p>
+
+<p>Which was done instantly, in obedience to her command.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Furious made one last effort. She guided her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span>
+blinded toads in such a way as to meet the larks face to face,
+and to dart their venom upon them.</p>
+
+<p>But Drolette rose higher and higher in the air and
+Furious found herself always under her sister's chariot.</p>
+
+<p>At last, unable to contain her rage, Furious cried out:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"You are assisted by the queen of the fairies, an old fool
+whom I should gladly see in the lower regions!"</p>
+
+<p>Scarcely had she pronounced these words when her
+chariot fell heavily to the earth. The toads perished and the
+chariot disappeared. The fairy Furious only remained, in
+the form of an enormous toad. She wished to speak but she
+could only bellow and snuffle. She gazed at Drolette and
+her larks&mdash;at Prince Marvellous, Violette and Agnella, in a
+transport of rage but her power was destroyed.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy Drolette lowered her chariot, descended to the
+earth and said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The queen of the fairies has punished you for your
+audacity, sister. Repent, if you wish to obtain pardon."</p>
+
+<p>The only answer of Furious was to spit forth her
+poisonous venom, which happily reached no one.</p>
+
+<p>Drolette extended her wand towards her and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I command you to disappear and never to appear again
+to the prince Marvellous, to Violette or to their mother."</p>
+
+<p>Drolette had scarcely uttered these words when the toad
+disappeared; there remained no vestige of the chariot or of
+herself.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>Drolette remained some time motionless. She passed
+her hand over her brow, as if to chase away a sad thought;
+then approaching Prince Marvellous, she said to him:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Prince, the title which I give you indicates your birth.
+You are the son of King Ferocious and the queen Aimee,
+concealed till now under the appearance of a modest farmer
+woman. The name of your father sufficiently indicates his
+character. Your mother having prevented him from killing
+his brother Indolent and his sister-in-law Nonchalante, he
+turned his rage against her. I was her protectress, and
+carried her off with her faithful Passerose in a cloud.</p>
+
+<p>"And you, Princess Violette, your birth is equal to that
+of Prince Marvellous. Your father and mother were that
+same King Indolent and Queen Nonchalante who, saved
+once by Queen Aimee, became at last the victims of King
+Ferocious and their own apathy. Since that time King
+Ferocious has been killed by his subjects who could no
+longer support his cruel yoke.</p>
+
+<p>"They expect you, prince, to reign over them. I have
+revealed to them your existence and I have promised them
+that you will take a wife worthy of you. You can select
+from the twelve princesses whom your father retained captive
+after having slain their parents. They are all wise
+and beautiful and each has a kingdom for her marriage
+portion."</p>
+
+<p>Surprise had kept Prince Marvellous silent. At the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span>
+last words of the fairy he turned towards Violette, and seeing
+that she was weeping, he said:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"Why do you weep, my Violette? Do you fear that I
+will blush for you&mdash;that I will not dare to testify before my
+whole court the tenderness with which you inspire me?
+That I will conceal what you have done for me or forget the
+bonds which attach me to you for ever? Can you believe
+that I will be ungrateful enough to seek any other affection
+than yours and fill your place by any of those princesses held
+captive by my father? No, dearest Violette! Until this
+time I have seen in you only a sister but from this moment
+you are the companion of my life, my sole friend, my
+wife!"</p>
+
+<p>"Your wife, dear brother? That is impossible! How
+can you seat upon your throne a creature so repulsive as
+your poor Violette? How will you dare to brave the raillery
+of your subjects and of the neighboring kings? And how
+could I show my deformity in the midst of the festivals given
+on your 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 be your wife! No one shall
+blame you for having made so sad a choice."</p>
+
+<p>The prince insisted long and firmly. Violette could
+scarcely control her emotions but she resisted with as much
+resolution as devotion. Agnella said nothing. She would
+have been willing that her son should accept even this last<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span>
+sacrifice from poor Violette and simply allow her to live near
+to them but hidden from the world.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose wept and in a low tone encouraged the prince
+in his determination.</p>
+
+<p>"Violette," said the prince, at last, "since you absolutely
+refuse to ascend the throne with me, I abandon
+it and all royal power in order to live with you as before
+in solitude and happiness. Without your sweet presence,
+the sceptre would be a heavy burden; with you at my side,
+our little farm will be a paradise! Say, dear Violette, shall
+it be so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, dear brother, you have triumphed; let us live as
+we have lived so many years: modest in our lives, happy in
+our affections."</p>
+
+<p>"Noble prince and generous princess," said the fairy,
+"you shall be recompensed for this rare and devoted tenderness.
+Prince, in the well to which I carried you during the
+fire, there is a priceless treasure for Violette and yourself.
+Descend into the well, seek for it, and when you have found
+it bring it to me. I will teach you its value."</p>
+
+<p>The prince did not wait to be told a second time; he ran
+towards the well; the ladder was still there and he descended.
+On arriving at the bottom, he saw nothing but the carpet
+which had been there from the first; he searched the walls of
+the well, but saw no indication of treasure. Finally he
+raised the carpet, and perceived a black stone with a ring<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span>
+attached; he raised the stone and discovered a casket which
+glittered like a constellation.</p>
+
+<p>"This must contain the treasure spoken of by the fairy,"
+said he.</p>
+
+<p>The prince seized the casket; it was as light as a nutshell.
+He ascended the ladder hastily, holding the casket
+carefully in his arms.</p>
+
+<p>They were awaiting his return with impatience. He
+handed the casket to the fairy. Agnella exclaimed:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"This is the same casket you confided to me, madam,
+and which I supposed I had lost in the fire."</p>
+
+<p>"It is the same," replied the fairy. "Here is the key;
+open it, prince."</p>
+
+<p>Prince Marvellous hastened to open it. But who can
+describe the general disappointment, when, in place of some
+rich treasure which they supposed it contained, they found
+only the bracelets which Violette had worn when her cousin
+found her sleeping in the wood, and a vial of perfumed oil!</p>
+
+<p>The fairy looked from one to the other, and enjoyed
+their surprise and consternation. She took the bracelets and
+gave them to Violette.</p>
+
+<p>"This is my bridal present, my dear child; every one of
+these diamonds has the property of guarding from all evil
+influences the person who wears it, and of endowing its
+wearer with every virtue, enormous riches and resplendent
+beauty, with wit, intellect and all desirable happiness. Use<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span>
+them for the children who will be born of your union with
+Prince Marvellous.</p>
+
+<p>"As to this vial of perfumed oil, it is the wedding gift of
+the prince your cousin. I know you love perfumes, this
+has peculiar virtues; use it to-day. To-morrow I will return
+to seek you and carry you all to your kingdom," she said.</p>
+
+<p>"I renounce my kingdom, madam," said Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>"Who will govern your people?" said Agnella.</p>
+
+<p>"You, my mother, if you are willing," replied Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>The queen was about to refuse, when the fairy interfered.</p>
+
+<p>"We will speak of this to-morrow," said she. "You,
+madam, I know, desire to accept the crown which you are
+about to refuse. I forbid you, however, to accept it before
+my return. And you, dear and amiable prince," added she,
+in a sweet voice, accompanied with an affectionate glance,
+"I forbid you to repeat this offer before my return. Adieu
+till to-morrow. When you are truly happy, my dear children,
+think kindly of your friend the fairy Drolette."</p>
+
+<p>The fairy ascended her chariot. The larks flew like
+lightning and she soon disappeared, leaving behind her a delicious
+perfume.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr />
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_start.jpg" width="365" height="263" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+
+<h3 class="chapter2"><a name="THE_RECOMPENSE" id="THE_RECOMPENSE"></a>THE RECOMPENSE</h3>
+
+
+<p><span class="dropcap">P</span><span class="upper">rince</span> Marvellous looked at Violette and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span>
+sighed heavily; Violette gazed at the prince and
+smiled sweetly.</p>
+
+<p>"How handsome you are, my dear cousin! I am so
+happy to have it in my power to restore you your beauty.
+And now I will pour some of this perfumed oil upon my
+hands; since I cannot please your eye, I will at least embalm
+you," said she, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>She uncorked the vial, and entreated Marvellous to
+sprinkle some drops on her forehead and cheeks. The heart
+of the prince was too full for words. He took the vial and
+obeyed the order of his cousin. Their surprise and joy
+were indescribable on seeing that as soon as the oil touched
+Violette's forehead the hair disappeared and her skin resumed
+its original purity and dazzling whiteness.</p>
+
+<p>The prince and Violette, on seeing the virtue of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span>
+wonderful oil, uttered loud cries of delight and ran towards
+the stable where they saw Agnella and Passerose. They
+called their attention to the happy effect of this perfumed oil
+given them by the fairy. Both joined in their happiness.
+The prince could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses.
+And now nothing could prevent his union with Violette, so
+good, so devoted, so tender, so lovely, so well constituted to
+make him supremely happy.</p>
+
+<p>The queen thought of the morrow&mdash;of her return to her
+kingdom, which she had abandoned twenty years ago. She
+wished that she herself, that Violette, that her son the prince
+had clothing worthy of so great an occasion but, alas! she
+had neither the time nor the means to procure them: they
+would therefore be compelled to wear their coarse clothing,
+and thus show themselves to their people. Violette and
+Marvellous laughed at this distress of their mother.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you not think, mamma," said Violette, "that our
+dear prince is sufficiently adorned with his rare beauty and
+that a rich and royal robe would not make him more beautiful
+or more amiable?"</p>
+
+<p>"And do you not agree with me, my dear mother," said
+Marvellous, "in thinking that our dear Violette is lovely
+enough in the simplest clothing, that the lustre of her eyes
+surpasses the most brilliant diamonds, that the clear whiteness
+of her teeth rivals successfully the rarest pearls, that the
+richness of her blonde hair surpasses a crown of brilliants?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Yes, yes, my children," replied Agnella, "without
+doubt, you are both of you handsome and attractive but a rich
+dress spoils nothing, not even beauty. Jewels, embroidery
+and heavy brocades would detract nothing from your charms.
+And I who am old&mdash;&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>"But not ugly, madam," interrupted Passerose, hastily.
+"You are still amiable and handsome, in spite of your little
+country cap, your skirts of coarse striped cloth, your waist of
+red camlet and your stomacher of simple cloth. Besides,
+when you return to your kingdom, you can buy every kind
+of dress your heart desires."</p>
+
+<p>The evening passed away gayly and there seemed no
+anxiety about the future. The fairy had provided their supper;
+they passed the night on the bundles of hay in the stable
+and as they were all fatigued by the emotions of the day they
+slept profoundly. The sun had been shining a long time
+and the fairy Drolette was with them, before they awoke.</p>
+
+<p>A soft "Hem! hem!" of the fairy aroused them. The
+prince was the first to open his eyes; he threw himself on his
+knees before the fairy and thanked her with such warmth
+and gratitude that her heart was touched.</p>
+
+<p>Violette was on her knees by his side and joining her
+thanks to those of the prince.</p>
+
+<p>"I do not doubt your gratitude, dear children," said the
+fairy; "but I have much to do. I am expected in the kingdom
+of the king Benin where I am to attend at the birth of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span>
+the third son of the princess Blondine. This prince is to be
+the husband of your first daughter, Prince Marvellous, and
+I am resolved to endow him with all the qualities which will
+obtain for him the warm love of your daughter. And now I
+must conduct you to your kingdom; I will return in time to
+be present at your wedding. Queen," she continued, turning
+to Aimee, who was now just opening her eyes, "we are
+about to set out immediately for your son's kingdom. Are
+you and your faithful Passerose ready for the journey?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam," replied the queen, with a slight embarrassment,
+"we are ready to follow you but will you not blush for
+our dress, so little worthy of our rank?"</p>
+
+<p>"It is not I who will blush, queen," said the fairy,
+smiling, "but rather yourself who have this sensation of
+shame. But I will remedy this evil also."</p>
+
+<p>Saying this, she described a circle with her wand above
+the head of the queen, who in the same moment found herself
+clothed in a robe of gold brocade. Upon her head was a hat
+with splendid plumes, fastened with a band of superb
+diamonds and her boots were of velvet, spangled with gold.</p>
+
+<p>Aimee looked at her robe with an air of complaisance.</p>
+
+<p>"And Violette and my son the prince, will you not extend
+your goodness to them also?"</p>
+
+<p>"Violette and the prince have asked for nothing. I will
+do as they wish. Speak, Violette, do you desire to change
+your costume?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Madam," replied Violette, casting down her sweet eyes
+and blushing, "I have been sufficiently happy in this robe of
+simple cloth. In this costume my brother knew me and
+loved me. Permit me to continue to wear it as far as regard
+for my station allows and allow me to preserve it always in
+remembrance of the happy years of my childhood."</p>
+
+<p>The prince thanked Violette for these sweet words, and
+pressed her hand tenderly.</p>
+
+<p>The fairy kindly nodded her approval and called for her
+chariot, which was waiting a few steps from them. She entered
+and placed the queen next herself, then the prince,
+Violette and Passerose.</p>
+
+<p>In less than an hour the larks had flown over the three
+thousand leagues which separated them from the kingdom of
+Prince Marvellous. All his court and all his subjects, apprised
+beforehand by the fairy, expected him. The streets
+and the palaces were filled by the eager, happy crowd.</p>
+
+<p>When the chariot appeared in sight, the people uttered
+cries of joy which were redoubled when it drew up before the
+great entrance of the palace, when they saw descend Queen
+Aimee, a little older, no doubt, but still pretty and gracious,
+and the Prince Marvellous, whose natural beauty and grace
+were enhanced by the splendor of his clothing, glittering
+with gold and precious stones, which were also a present
+from the fairy.</p>
+
+<p>But the acclamations arose to frenzy when the prince,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span>
+taking Violette by the hand, presented her to the people.</p>
+
+<p>Her sweet, attractive countenance, her superb and elegant
+form, were adorned with a dress with which the fairy
+had clothed her by one stroke of her wand.</p>
+
+<p>Her robe was of gold lace, while her waist, her arms and
+shoulders shone with innumerable larks formed of diamonds
+larger than humming-birds. On her graceful head she wore
+a crown of larks made of precious stones of all colors. Her
+countenance, soft but gay, her grace, her beauty, won the
+hearts of all.</p>
+
+<p>For a long time nothing was heard but shouts of "Long
+live King Marvellous! Long live Queen Violette!" The
+noise and tumult were so great that many persons became
+deaf. The good fairy, who desired that only joy and happiness
+should prevail throughout the kingdom on this auspicious
+day, cured them instantly at the request of Violette.</p>
+
+<p>There was a magnificent feast spread for the court and
+the people. A million, three hundred and forty-six thousand,
+eight hundred and twenty-two persons dined at the
+expense of the fairy and each guest was permitted to carry
+away enough for eight days.</p>
+
+<p>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 that his mother was a
+little sad at not being queen, entreated her earnestly to accept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span>
+Violette's kingdom and she consented to reign there on condition
+that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come
+every year and pass three months with her.</p>
+
+<p>Queen Aimee, before parting with her children, wished
+to witness their marriage. The fairy Drolette and many
+other fairies of her acquaintance and many genii were invited
+to the marriage. They all received the most magnificent
+presents, and were so satisfied with the welcome given
+them by King Marvellous and Queen Violette that they
+graciously promised to return whenever they were invited.</p>
+
+<p>Two years afterwards they received an invitation to be
+present at the birth of the first child of King Marvellous.
+There came to Queen Violette a daughter, who, like her
+mother, was a marvel of goodness and beauty.</p>
+
+<p>The king and queen could not fulfil the promise they
+had made to Queen Aimee. One of the genii who had been
+invited to the wedding of Marvellous and Violette, found in
+Queen Aimee so much of goodness, sweetness, and beauty,
+that he loved her, and, visiting her several times in her new
+kingdom and being affectionately and graciously received
+by her, he carried her off one day in a whirlwind. Queen
+Aimee wept 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 granted to her as a wedding
+present the power of participating in all the privileges of her
+husband: never to die, never to grow old and the ability to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span>
+transport herself in the twinkling of an eye wherever she
+wished to go. Aimee used this power very often to visit her
+son and his children.</p>
+
+<p>King Marvellous and Queen Violette had eight sons
+and four daughters and they were all charming. They were
+happy, without doubt, for they loved each other tenderly and
+their grandmother, who, it was said spoiled them a little induced
+their grandfather, the genius Bienveillant, to contribute
+all in his power to their happiness. Consequently,
+they received many rich gifts.</p>
+
+<p>Passerose, who was warmly attached to Queen Aimee,
+had followed her into her new kingdom but when the genius
+carried her off in a whirlwind, Passerose, seeing herself forgotten
+and not being able to follow her mistress was so sad in
+the loneliness caused by the departure of Aimee, that she
+prayed the fairy Drolette to transport her to the kingdom of
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette. She remained with
+them and took care of their children to whom she often recounted
+the adventures of Ourson and Violette. She still
+remains, it is said, though the genius and his queen have
+made her many excuses for not having carried her off in the
+whirlwind.</p>
+
+<p>"No, no," Passerose replied to all these explanations;
+"let us remain as we are. You forgot me once&mdash;you might
+forget me another time. Here, my dear Ourson and my
+sweet Violette never forget their old nurse. I love them and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span>
+I will remain with them. They loved me and they will take
+care of me."</p>
+
+<p>The farmer, the superintendent, and the master of the
+forge who had been so cruel to Ourson were severely
+punished by the fairy Drolette.</p>
+
+<p>The farmer was devoured by a bear, some hours after he
+had chased away Ourson.</p>
+
+<p>The superintendent was dismissed by his master for having
+let loose the dogs, who escaped and never could be found.
+The same night he was bitten by a venomous serpent and expired
+some moments afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>The master of the forge having reprimanded his workmen
+too brutally, they resolved upon vengeance: seized him
+and cast him into the blazing furnace where he perished
+miserably.</p>
+
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="nanospace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="image">
+<img src="images/i_ourson_end.jpg" width="180" height="182" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+<div class="minispace">&nbsp;</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de S�gur
+
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+</pre>
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+</body>
+</html>
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@@ -0,0 +1,6901 @@
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de Segur
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Old French Fairy Tales
+
+Author: Comtesse de Segur
+
+Illustrator: Virginia Frances Sterrett
+
+Release Date: September 29, 2009 [EBook #30129]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OLD FRENCH FAIRY TALES ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Iona Vaughan, Meredith Bach, Mark Akrigg and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at
+http://www.pgdpcanada.net (This file was produced from
+images generously made available by The Internet
+Archive/American Libraries.)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[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 by
+The 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 loved
+him; he was just and the wicked feared him. His wife, the Queen
+Doucette, was also good, and much beloved.
+
+This happy pair had a daughter called the Princess Blondine, because of
+her superb fair hair, and she was as amiable and charming as her father
+the king and her mother the queen.
+
+Unfortunately, the poor queen died a short time after the birth of
+Blondine 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 not
+weep but continued to laugh, to play and to sleep peacefully. The king
+loved her tenderly and she loved him more than all the world. He gave
+his little daughter the most beautiful jewels, the finest bonbons, and
+the most rare and delicious fruits. Blondine was very happy.
+
+One day it was announced to the king, that all his subjects demanded
+that he should marry again in order to have a son who should reign after
+him. He refused at first but finally yielded to the pressing desires of
+his people and said to his minister Leger:--
+
+"My dear friend, my subjects wish me to marry again but my heart is so
+sad because of the death of my cherished queen Doucette that I cannot
+undertake the task of seeking another wife. Go, then, my good Leger and
+find me a princess who will make my sweet Blondine happy. Go; I ask for
+nothing more. When you have found a perfect woman, you will demand her
+hand in marriage and conduct her to my court."
+
+Leger set off immediately, visited many courts and saw innumerable
+princesses--ugly, humpbacked and wicked.
+
+At last he arrived at the kingdom of the monarch Turbulent, who had a
+lovely daughter, bright, winning and apparently good. Leger found her so
+charming, that he asked her hand in marriage for his king Benin, without
+sufficiently inquiring into her real character.
+
+[Illustration: _Leger meets the wicked princess, Fourbette_]
+
+Turbulent was enchanted at the prospect of getting rid of his daughter
+who was jealous, proud and wicked. Also, her presence often interfered
+with his excursions for pleasure, with the chase and with his various
+entertainments at the palace.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation, he acceded to the Prime Minister's
+request, and he returned with the princess to the kingdom of the good
+king Benin.
+
+The princess Fourbette was accompanied by four thousand mules, loaded
+with the jewels and wardrobe of the charming bride.
+
+King Benin had been apprised of their approach by a courier and went
+forward to receive the princess Fourbette. He found her beautiful but he
+noted the absence of the mild and attractive expression of the poor lost
+Doucette.
+
+When Fourbette's eyes fell upon Blondine her glance was so cruel, so
+wicked, that the poor child, who was now three years old, was greatly
+terrified and began to weep bitterly.
+
+"What is the matter?" said the king. "Why does my sweet and sensible
+Blondine weep like a bad little girl?"
+
+"Papa! dear papa!" cried Blondine, throwing herself into the arms of the
+king, "do not give me into the hands of this princess. I am afraid of
+her--her eyes are cruel!"
+
+The king was much surprised. He turned so suddenly towards the princess
+Fourbette that she had no time to control herself and he perceived the
+terrible glance with which she regarded the little Blondine.
+
+Benin immediately resolved that Blondine should be wholly separated from
+the new queen and remain as before under the exclusive protection of the
+nurse who had taken care of her and who loved her tenderly.
+
+The queen thus saw Blondine rarely, and when she met her by chance she
+could 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 the
+raven's wing.
+
+Brunette was pretty but not so lovely as Blondine; moreover she was as
+wicked as her mother. She detested Blondine and played all sorts of
+cruel tricks upon her, bit her, pinched her, pulled her hair, broke her
+toys and tore her beautiful dresses.
+
+The good little Blondine was never in a passion with her sister but
+always tried to make excuses for her conduct.
+
+"Oh, papa!" she said to the king, "do not scold Brunette; she is so
+little! 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 knew
+that Brunette was cruel and wicked; that Blondine was too gentle and
+good to accuse her. He loved Blondine, therefore, more and more from day
+to day and his heart grew cold to Brunette.
+
+The ambitious queen Fourbette saw all this clearly and hated intensely
+the innocent and gentle Blondine. If she had not feared the rage of the
+king she would have made Blondine the most wretched child in the world.
+
+Benin had commanded that Blondine should never be left alone with the
+queen. He was known to be just and good but he punished disobedience
+severely 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 by
+ostriches, and a little coachman ten years of age, who was the nephew of
+her 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 thousand
+acts of kindness.
+
+But Gourmandinet had one terrible fault; he was a gourmand--was so fond
+of dainties and sweet things, that for a paper of bonbons he would
+commit almost any wicked action. Blondine often said to him:
+
+"I love you dearly, Gourmandinet, but I do not love to see you so
+greedy. I entreat you to correct this villainous fault which will make
+you despised by all the world."
+
+Gourmandinet kissed her hand and promised to reform. But, alas! he
+continued to steal cakes from the kitchen and bonbons from the
+store-room. Often, indeed, he was whipped for his disobedience and
+gluttony.
+
+The queen Fourbette heard on every hand the reproaches lavished upon the
+page and she was cunning enough to think that she might make use of this
+weakness of Gourmandinet and thus get rid of poor Blondine.
+
+The garden in which Blondine drove in her little carriage, drawn by
+ostriches and guided by her little coachman, Gourmandinet, was separated
+by a grating from an immense and magnificent forest, called the Forest
+of Lilacs because during the whole year these lilacs were always covered
+with superb flowers.
+
+No one, however, entered these woods. It was well known that it was
+enchanted ground and that if you once entered there you could never hope
+to escape.
+
+Gourmandinet knew the terrible secret of this forest. He had been
+severely forbidden ever to drive the carriage of Blondine in that
+direction lest by some chance Blondine might pass the grating and place
+her little feet on the enchanted ground.
+
+Many times the king Benin had sought to build a wall the entire length
+of the grating or to secure it in some way so as to make an entrance
+there impossible. But the workmen had no sooner laid the foundation than
+some unknown and invisible power raised the stones and they disappeared
+from sight.
+
+The queen Fourbette now sought diligently to gain the friendship of
+Gourmandinet by giving him every day some delicious dainties. In this
+way she made him so complete a slave to his appetite that he could not
+live without the jellies, bonbons and cakes which she gave him in such
+profusion. At last she sent for him to come to her, and said:--
+
+"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself whether you shall have
+a large trunk full of bonbons and delicious dainties or never again eat
+one 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 you
+should 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. I
+shall 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 near
+to the Forest of Lilacs; that you encourage her to descend from the
+carriage, to cross the grating and enter the enchanted ground."
+
+"But, madam," replied Gourmandinet, turning very pale, "if the princess
+enters this forest she can never escape from it. You know the penalty of
+entering upon enchanted ground. To send my dear princess there is to
+give her up to certain death."
+
+"For the third and last time," said the queen, frowning fearfully, "I
+ask if you will take the princess to the forest? Choose! either an
+immense box of bonbons which I will renew every month or never again to
+taste the delicacies which you love."
+
+"But how shall I escape from the dreadful punishment which his majesty
+will inflict upon me?"
+
+"Do not be disquieted on that account. As soon as you have induced
+Blondine to enter the Forest of Lilacs, return to me. I will send you
+off out of danger with your bonbons, and I charge myself with your
+future fortune."
+
+"Oh! madam, have pity upon me. Do not compel me to lead my dear princess
+to destruction. She who has always been so good to me!"
+
+"You still hesitate, miserable coward! Of what importance is the fate of
+Blondine to you? When you have obeyed my commands I will see that you
+enter the service of Brunette and I declare to you solemnly that the
+bonbons shall never fail."
+
+Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few moments longer and, alas! at
+last resolved to sacrifice his good little mistress to his gluttony.
+
+The remainder of that day he still hesitated and he lay awake all night
+weeping bitter tears as he endeavored to discover some way to escape
+from the power of the wicked queen; but the certainty of the queen's
+bitter revenge if he refused to execute her cruel orders, and the hope
+of rescuing Blondine at some future day by seeking the aid of some
+powerful fairy, conquered his irresolution and decided him to obey the
+queen.
+
+In the morning at ten o'clock Blondine ordered her little carriage and
+entered it for a drive, after having embraced the king her father and
+promised him to return in two hours.
+
+The garden was immense. Gourmandinet, on starting, turned the ostriches
+away from the Forest of Lilacs. When, however, they were entirely out of
+sight of the palace, he changed his course and turned towards the
+grating which separated them from the enchanted ground. He was sad and
+silent. His crime weighed upon his heart and conscience.
+
+"What is the matter?" said Blondine, kindly. "You say nothing Are you
+ill, Gourmandinet?"
+
+"No, my princess, I am well."
+
+"But how pale you are! Tell me what distresses you, poor boy, and I
+promise to do all in my power to make you happy."
+
+Blondine's kind inquiries and attentions almost softened the hard heart
+of Gourmandinet, but the remembrance of the bonbons promised by the
+wicked queen, Fourbette, soon chased away his good resolutions. Before
+he had time to reply, the ostriches reached the grating of the Forest of
+Lilacs.
+
+"Oh! the beautiful lilacs!" exclaimed Blondine; "how fragrant--how
+delicious! I must have a bouquet of those beautiful flowers for my good
+papa. Get down, Gourmandinet and bring me some of those superb
+branches."
+
+"I cannot leave my seat, princess, the ostriches might run away with you
+during my absence."
+
+"Do not fear," replied Blondine; "I could guide them myself to the
+palace."
+
+"But the king would give me a terrible scolding for having abandoned
+you, 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 poor
+Gourmandinet."
+
+While saying these words she sprang lightly from the carriage, crossed
+the 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 was
+only ten steps from him,--although he saw her perfectly--she could not
+hear his voice, and in a short time she was lost to view in the
+enchanted forest.
+
+For a long time Gourmandinet wept over his crime, cursed his gluttony
+and despised the wicked queen Fourbette.
+
+At last he recalled to himself that the hour approached at which
+Blondine would be expected at the palace. He returned to the stables
+through the back entrance and ran at once to the queen, who was
+anxiously expecting him.
+
+On seeing him so deadly pale and his eyes inflamed from the tears of
+awful 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 the
+mules which had brought her jewelry.
+
+"I confide this box to Gourmandinet, in order that he may take it to my
+father," she said. "Go, boy, and return in a month for another." She
+placed in his hand at the same time a purse full of gold.
+
+Gourmandinet mounted the mule in perfect silence and set off in full
+gallop. The mule was obstinate and wilful and soon grew restive under
+the weight of the box and began to prance and kick. He did this so
+effectually that he threw Gourmandinet and his precious box of bonbons
+upon the ground.
+
+Gourmandinet, who had never ridden upon a horse or mule, fell heavily
+with 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 beautiful
+branches of lilacs. She rejoiced in their profusion and delighted in
+their fragrance.
+
+As she made her selection, it seemed to her that those which were more
+distant 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 to
+suffer from the heat and to feel great fatigue. She found the branches
+of lilacs heavy to carry and thought it was time to return to the
+palace. She looked around and saw herself surrounded with lilacs. She
+called Gourmandinet but no one replied.
+
+"I have wandered further than I intended," said Blondine. "I will return
+at once, though I am very weary. Gourmandinet will hear me and will
+surely come to meet me."
+
+Blondine walked on rapidly for some time but she could not find the
+boundaries of the forest.
+
+Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandinet but he did not respond
+and at last she became terribly frightened.
+
+"What will become of me, all alone in this vast forest? What will my
+poor papa think when I do not return? And Gourmandinet, how will he dare
+go back to the palace without me? He will be scolded, perhaps beaten and
+all 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 this
+forest if the wolves do not eat me up this night."
+
+Weeping bitterly, Blondine fell on the ground at the foot of a large
+tree. She wept a long time. At last her great fatigue mastered her
+grief. She placed her little head upon her bundle of lilacs, and slept
+peacefully.
+
+
+
+
+BLONDINE'S AWAKENING--BEAU-MINON
+
+
+Blondine slept calmly all night; no ferocious beast came to trouble her
+slumbers. She did not suffer from the cold and awakened at a late hour
+in the morning. She rubbed her eyes, much surprised to see herself
+surrounded 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. Astonished
+and almost frightened, she looked around and saw at her feet a superb
+white cat, looking gently upon her and continuing to mew plaintively.
+
+"Ah! pretty puss! how beautiful you are!" cried Blondine, placing her
+little hand caressingly upon the soft fur, white as snow. "I am so happy
+to see you, pretty puss, for you will conduct me to your home. I am
+indeed very hungry and I have not the strength to walk much further
+without food."
+
+Blondine had scarcely uttered these words, when the white pussy mewed
+again 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 it
+contained bread and butter which she found delicious. She gave the
+crumbs to pussy, who munched them with seeming delight.
+
+When they had finished their simple meal, Blondine leaned over towards
+her little companion, and said, caressingly:
+
+"Thanks, pretty puss, for the breakfast you have given me. Now, can you
+conduct me to my papa, who is certainly in despair because of my
+absence?"
+
+Pussy, whom Blondine named Beau-Minon, shook her head and mewed
+plaintively.
+
+"Ah! you understand me, Beau-Minon," said Blondine. "I entreat you to
+have 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 her
+little graceful white head which seemed to say, "I understand you." She
+rose, advanced a few steps and paused to see if Blondine followed her.
+
+"I am here, Beau-Minon; I am following you gladly," said Blondine; "but
+how can we pass through these bushy thickets? I see no path."
+
+Beau-Minon made no reply but sprang lightly into the thicket which
+opened of itself to allow Blondine and Beau-Minon to pass, and then
+closed up immediately.
+
+Blondine walked on for about half an hour. As she advanced, the forest
+became lighter, the grass was finer and the flowers more abundant. She
+saw 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 and
+see her dear father again, was enchanted with all that she saw; she
+wished to pause and gather the lovely wild flowers; but Beau-Minon
+advanced steadily and mewed plaintively whenever Blondine relaxed her
+speed.
+
+In about an hour Blondine perceived an elegant castle. Beau-Minon led
+her to the gilded grating. However, Blondine did not know how to enter.
+There was no bell and the gate was closed. Beau-Minon had disappeared
+and Blondine was once more alone.
+
+
+
+
+BONNE-BICHE
+
+
+Beau-Minon had entered by a little passage, which seemed made expressly
+for him and had probably given notice to some one at the castle, as the
+gate 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 vestibule
+which was of rare white marble. All the doors of the castle now opened
+like the first and the princess passed through a suite of beautiful
+rooms.
+
+At last, in the back part of a charming salon, furnished with blue and
+gold, she perceived a white hind, lying upon a bed of fine and fragrant
+grasses. 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 I
+have expected you for a long time."
+
+At these words, Blondine was much frightened.
+
+"Take courage, princess; you are with friends. I know the king your
+father and I love him and I love you also."
+
+"Oh, madam," said Blondine, "if you know the king my father, I pray you
+to 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 the
+hands of the magician of the Forest of Lilacs. I myself am subject to
+his power which is superior to mine but I can send soft dreams to your
+father, which will reassure him as to your fate and let him know that
+you are safe with me."
+
+"Oh, madam!" said Blondine, in an agony of grief, "shall I never again
+see my father whom I love so tenderly? My poor father!"
+
+"Dear Blondine, do not distress yourself as to the future. Wisdom and
+prudence are always recompensed. You will see your father again but not
+now. In the meantime be good and docile. Beau-Minon and I will do all in
+our power to make you happy."
+
+Blondine sighed heavily and shed a few tears. She then reflected that to
+manifest such grief was a poor recompense for all the goodness of
+Bonne-Biche. She resolved, therefore, to control herself and to be
+cheerful.
+
+Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they had prepared for her. The
+bedroom was hung with rose-colored silk embroidered with gold. The
+furniture was covered with white velvet worked with silks of the most
+brilliant hues. Every species of animal, bird and butterfly were
+represented in rare embroidery.
+
+Adjoining Blondine's chamber was a small study. It was hung with
+sky-blue damask, embroidered with fine pearls. The furniture was covered
+with silver moire, adorned with nails of turquoise. Two magnificent
+portraits, representing a young and superbly handsome woman and a
+strikingly attractive young man, hung on the walls. Their costumes
+indicated 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 know
+later;--but this is the hour for dinner. Come, Blondine, I am sure you
+are hungry."
+
+Blondine was in fact almost dying of hunger. She followed Bonne-Biche
+and they entered the dining-room where she saw a table strangely served.
+
+An enormous cushion of black satin was placed on the floor for
+Bonne-Biche. On the table before her was a vase filled with the choicest
+herbs, 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 him
+was a little porringer in gold, filled with little fried fish and the
+thighs of snipes. At one side was a bowl of rich crystal full of fresh
+milk.
+
+Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was placed for Blondine. Her
+chair was of carved ivory covered with crimson velvet attached with
+nails of diamonds. Before her was a gold plate richly chased, filled
+with delicious soup made of a young pullet and fig-birds, her glass and
+water-bottle were of carved rock-crystal, a muffin was placed by her
+side, her fork and spoon were of gold and her napkin was of linen, finer
+than anything she had ever seen.
+
+The table was served by gazelles who were marvellously adroit. They
+waited, carved and even divined the wishes of Blondine, Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon. The dinner was exquisite--the chicken was splendid, the game
+and fish most delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine was
+hungry so she ate of all and found all excellent.
+
+After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted the princess into the
+garden. 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 agreed
+joyfully.
+
+Blondine entered her chamber and found two gazelles waiting to attend
+her. They disrobed her with grace and adroitness, placed her in bed and
+seated themselves by her couch to watch over her.
+
+Blondine was soon peacefully asleep--not, however, without having first
+thought of her father and wept bitterly over her cruel separation from
+him.
+
+
+
+
+BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING
+
+
+Blondine slept profoundly, and on awaking she found herself entirely
+changed. Indeed, it seemed to her she could not be the same person. She
+was much taller, her intellect was developed, her knowledge enlarged.
+She remembered a number of books she thought she had read during her
+sleep. She was sure she had been writing, drawing, singing and playing
+on the piano and harp.
+
+She looked around, however, and knew that the chamber was the same to
+which 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 she
+was much grown and she found herself charming, a hundred times more
+beautiful than when she retired the night before. Her fair ringlets fell
+to her feet, her complexion was like the lily and the rose, her eyes
+celestial blue, her nose beautifully formed, her cheeks rosy as the
+morn, and her form was erect and graceful. In short, Blondine thought
+herself the most beautiful person she had ever seen.
+
+Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily and ran to
+seek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the apartment where she had first
+seen her.
+
+"Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat you to explain to
+me the change which I see and feel in myself. Last night I went to sleep
+a child--I awoke this morning, and found myself a young lady. Is this an
+illusion or have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?"
+
+"Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day. But you have
+slept peacefully seven years. My son Beau-Minon and I wished to spare
+you the weariness of all early studies. When you first entered the
+castle you knew nothing; not even how to read. I put you to sleep for
+seven years, and Beau-Minon and I have passed this time in instructing
+you during your sleep. I see by the wonder expressed in your eyes, sweet
+princess, that you doubt all this. Come into your study and reassure
+yourself on this point."
+
+Blondine followed Bonne-Biche to the little room. She ran first to the
+piano, commenced playing and found that she played remarkably well. She
+then tried the harp and drew from it the most ravishing sounds, and she
+sang enchantingly.
+
+She took her pencil and brushes and drew and painted with a facility
+which denoted a true talent. She wrote and found her handwriting clear
+and elegant. She looked at the countless books which were ranged round
+the 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 you
+for having thus watched over my childhood and developed my intellect and
+my heart. I feel how much I am improved in every respect and I owe it
+all to you."
+
+Bonne-Biche returned her caresses and Beau-Minon patted her hand
+delicately. After the first few happy moments had passed, Blondine cast
+down her eyes and said timidly:
+
+"Do not think me ungrateful, my dear good friends, if I wish you to add
+one more to the benefits you have already conferred upon me. Tell me
+something of my father. Does he still weep my absence? Is he happy since
+he lost me?"
+
+"Dear Blondine, your anxiety on this point is most natural and shall be
+relieved. Look in this mirror, Blondine, and you shall see the king
+your 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 of
+her father. The king seemed much agitated and was walking backwards and
+forwards. He appeared to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette,
+entered and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances of
+Gourmandinet, Blondine had herself seized the reins and guided the
+ostriches who becoming frightened dashed off in the direction of the
+Forest of Lilacs and overturned the carriage. Blondine was thrown over
+the grating which bounded the forest. She stated that Gourmandinet had
+become insane from terror and grief and she had sent him home to his
+parents. The king was in wild despair at this news. He ran to the Forest
+of Lilacs and he had to be withheld by force from throwing himself
+across the boundary in order to search for his cherished Blondine. They
+carried him to the palace where he yielded to the most frightful sorrow
+and despair, calling unceasingly upon his dear Blondine, his beloved
+child. At last, overcome by grief, he slept and saw in a dream Blondine
+in the castle of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. Bonne-Biche gave him the
+sweet assurance that Blondine should one day be restored to him and that
+her childhood should be calm and happy.
+
+The mirror now became misty and everything disappeared, then again clear
+as crystal and Blondine saw her father a second time. He had become
+old, his hair was white as snow and his countenance was sad. He held in
+his hand a little portrait of Blondine, his tears fell upon it and he
+pressed it often to his lips. The king was alone. Blondine saw neither
+the 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, my
+princess, that your father's heart was filled with hatred and suspicion
+towards her and he sent her back to the king Turbulent, her father, who
+confined her in a tower, where she soon died of rage and anger. All the
+world supposed you to be dead. As to your sister Brunette, she became so
+wicked, so insupportable, that the king hastened to give her in marriage
+last year to the prince Violent, who charged himself with the duty of
+reforming the character of the cruel and envious princess Brunette. The
+prince was stern and harsh. Brunette saw that her wicked heart prevented
+her from being happy and she commenced trying to correct her faults. You
+will see her again some day, dear Blondine and your example may complete
+her reformation."
+
+Blondine thanked Bonne-Biche tenderly for all these details. Her heart
+prompted her to ask, "But when shall I see my father and sister?" But
+she feared to appear ungrateful and too anxious to leave the castle of
+her good friends. She resolved then to await another more suitable
+opportunity 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 but
+Bonne-Biche and she was only with her during the hours of lessons and
+repasts. Beau-Minon could not converse and could only make himself
+understood by signs. The gazelles served Blondine with zeal and
+intelligence but they had not the gift of speech.
+
+Blondine walked every day, always accompanied by Beau-Minon, who pointed
+out to her the most lovely and sequestered paths and the rarest and
+richest flowers.
+
+Bonne-Biche had made Blondine promise solemnly never to leave the
+enclosure of the park and never to enter the forest. Many times Blondine
+had asked Bonne-Biche the reason of this prohibition. Sighing
+profoundly, 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 eminence
+near the boundary of the forest. She looked admiringly and longingly at
+the magnificent trees, the lovely and fragrant flowers, the thousand
+graceful birds flying and singing and seeming to call her name.
+
+"Alas!" said she, "why will not Bonne-Biche allow me to walk in this
+beautiful forest? What possible danger can I encounter in that lovely
+place and under her protection?"
+
+Whenever she was lost in these reflections, Beau-Minon, who seemed to
+comprehend what was passing in her heart, mewed plaintively, pulled her
+robe and tried to draw her from the pavilion.
+
+Blondine smiled sweetly, followed her gentle companion and recommenced
+her 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 her
+dear father often saddened her heart.
+
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon seemed to divine her thoughts. Beau-Minon
+mewed plaintively, and Bonne-Biche heaved the most profound sighs.
+Blondine spoke but rarely of that which occupied her thoughts
+continually. She feared to offend Bonne-Biche, who had said to her three
+or four times:
+
+"Dear Blondine, be patient. You will see your father when you are
+fifteen, if you continue wise and good. Trust me, dear child; do not
+trouble yourself about the future and above all do not seek to leave
+us."
+
+One morning Blondine was alone and very sad. She was musing upon her
+singular and monotonous existence. Suddenly she was disturbed in her
+reverie by three soft little strokes upon her window. Raising her head,
+she perceived a parrot with beautiful green plumage and throat and
+breast of bright orange.
+
+Surprised at the appearance of a bird entirely unknown to her, she
+opened 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 time
+of it, because you have no one to talk to. I have taken pity upon you
+and come to have a chat with you. But I pray you do not mention that you
+have 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 and
+only hates the wicked."
+
+"Blondine, listen! If you do not promise to conceal my visit from
+Bonne-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 opportunity
+to converse. You seem to me gay and witty. I do not doubt that you will
+amuse me much."
+
+Blondine listened with delight to the lively talk of the Parrot, who
+complimented extravagantly her beauty, her wit and her talents.
+
+Blondine was enchanted. In about an hour the Parrot flew away, promising
+to return the next day. In short, he returned every day and continued to
+compliment and amuse her.
+
+One morning he struck upon the window and said:
+
+"Blondine! Blondine! open the window, quickly! I bring you news of your
+father. But above all make no noise unless you want my throat cut."
+
+Blondine was overwhelmed with joy. She opened the window with alacrity
+and said: "Is it true, my beautiful Parrot, that you bring me news of my
+dear father? Speak quickly! What is he doing and how is he?"
+
+"Your father is well, Blondine, but he weeps your loss always. I have
+promised him to employ all my power to deliver you from your prison but
+I can do nothing without your assistance."
+
+"My prison!" said Blondine. "But you are ignorant of all the goodness
+which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon have shown me, of the pains they have
+lavished upon my education, of all their tenderness and forbearance.
+They will be enchanted to find a way of restoring me to my father. Come
+with me, beautiful Parrot and I will present you to Bonne-Biche. Come, I
+entreat 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 me
+because I have sometimes succeeded in rescuing their victims from them.
+You will never see your father again, Blondine, you will never leave
+this forest, unless you yourself shall break the charm which holds you
+here."
+
+"What charm?" said Blondine. "I know of no charm and what interest have
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in keeping me a prisoner?"
+
+"Is it not to their interest to enliven their solitude, Blondine? There
+is a talisman which can procure your release. It is a simple Rose,
+which, gathered by yourself, will deliver you from your exile and
+restore you to the arms of your fond father."
+
+"But there is not a single Rose in the garden. How then can I gather
+one?"
+
+"I will explain this to you another day, Blondine. Now I can tell you no
+more, as I hear Bonne-Biche coming. But to convince you of the virtues
+of the Rose, entreat Bonne-Biche to give you one and see what she will
+say. To-morrow--to-morrow, Blondine!"
+
+The Parrot flew away, well content to have scattered in Blondine's heart
+the first seeds of discontent and ingratitude.
+
+The Parrot had scarcely disappeared when Bonne-Biche entered. She
+appeared greatly agitated.
+
+"With whom have you been talking, Blondine?" looking suspiciously
+towards 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 her
+eyes.
+
+Blondine was also engaged in thought. The cunning words of the Parrot
+made her look upon the kindness of Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon in a
+totally 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 seven
+years, to dedicate seven years to a tiresome and ignorant little girl,
+in short, a hind lodged and served like a queen, could be no ordinary
+criminal; in place of cherishing a sentiment of gratitude for all that
+Bonne-Biche had done for her, Blondine, alas! believed blindly in the
+Parrot, the unknown bird of whose character and veracity she had no
+proof. She did not remember that the Parrot could have no possible
+motive for risking its life to render her a service. Blondine believed
+it though, implicitly, because of the flattery which the Parrot had
+lavished upon her. She did not even recall with gratitude the sweet and
+happy existence which Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon had secured to her. She
+resolved to follow implicitly the counsels of the Parrot. During the
+course of the day she said to Bonne-Biche:--
+
+"Why, madam, do I not see among your flowers the most lovely and
+charming 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, which
+pierces all who touch it! Never speak to me of the Rose, Blondine. You
+cannot know what fatal danger this flower contains for you!"
+
+The expression of Bonne-Biche was so stern and severe that Blondine
+dared not question her further.
+
+The day passed away sadly enough. Bonne-Biche was unhappy and Beau-Minon
+very sad.
+
+Early in the morning, Blondine ran to her window and the Parrot entered
+the 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 by
+which you could obtain one of these charming flowers. Listen now to my
+counsel. You will leave this park and enter the forest. I will accompany
+you and I will conduct you to a garden where you will find the most
+beautiful Rose in the world!"
+
+"But how is it possible for me to leave the park? Beau-Minon always
+accompanies me in my walks."
+
+"Try to get rid of him," said the Parrot; "but if that is impossible, go
+in 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 separate
+you as far as possible from the Rose in order that you might not find
+the means to escape from her power."
+
+"But why does she wish to hold me captive? She is all-powerful and could
+surely find pleasures more acceptable than educating an ignorant child."
+
+"All this will be explained to you in the future, Blondine, when you
+will be in the arms of your father. Be firm! After breakfast, in some
+way get away from Beau-Minon and enter the forest. I will expect you
+there."
+
+Blondine promised, and closed the window, fearing that Bonne-Biche would
+surprise her.
+
+After breakfast, according to her usual custom, she entered the garden.
+Beau-Minon followed her in spite of some rude rebuffs which he received
+with 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 and
+enraged. She forgot herself so far as to strike Beau-Minon with her
+foot. When poor Beau-Minon received this humiliating blow, he uttered a
+cry of anguish and fled towards the palace. Blondine trembled and was on
+the point of recalling him, when a false shame arrested her. She walked
+on rapidly to the gate, opened it not without trembling and entered the
+forest. The Parrot joined her without delay.
+
+"Courage, Blondine! in one hour you will have the Rose and will see your
+father, who weeps for you."
+
+At these words, Blondine recovered her resolution which had begun to
+falter. She walked on in the path indicated by the Parrot, who flew
+before her from branch to branch. The forest, which had seemed so
+beautiful and attractive near the park of Bonne-Biche, became wilder and
+more entangled. Brambles and stones almost filled up the path, the sweet
+songs of the birds were no longer heard and the flowers had entirely
+disappeared. Blondine felt oppressed by an inexplicable restlessness.
+The Parrot pressed her eagerly to advance.
+
+"Quick, quick, Blondine! time flies! If Bonne-Biche perceives your
+absence you will never again see your father."
+
+Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms torn by the briers
+and her shoes in shreds, now declared that she would go no further when
+the Parrot exclaimed:--
+
+"We have arrived, Blondine. Look! that is the enclosure which separates
+us from the Rose."
+
+Blondine saw at a turn in the path a small enclosure, the gate of which
+was quickly opened by the Parrot. The soil was arid and stony but a
+magnificent, majestic rose-bush adorned with one Rose, which was more
+beautiful than all the roses of the world grew in the midst of this
+sterile spot.
+
+"Take it, Blondine!" said the parrot; "you deserve it--you have truly
+earned it!"
+
+Blondine seized the branch eagerly and in spite of the thorns which
+pierced her fingers cruelly, she tore it from the bush.
+
+The Rose was scarcely grasped firmly in her hand, when she heard a burst
+of mocking laughter. The Flower fell from her grasp, crying:--
+
+"Thanks, Blondine, for having delivered me from the prison in which
+Bonne-Biche held me captive. I am your evil genius! Now you belong to
+me!"
+
+"Ha! ha!" now exclaimed the Parrot. "Thanks, Blondine! I can now resume
+my form of magician. You have destroyed your friends for I am their
+mortal enemy!"
+
+Saying these cruel words, the Parrot and the Rose disappeared, leaving
+Blondine alone in the forest.
+
+
+
+
+REPENTANCE
+
+
+Blondine was stupefied! Her conduct now appeared to her in all its
+horror. She had shown a monstrous ingratitude towards the friends who
+had been so tenderly devoted to her--who had dedicated seven years to
+the care of her education. Would these kind friends ever receive her,
+ever pardon her? What would be her fate, if they should close their
+doors against her? And then, what did those awful words of the wicked
+Parrot signify: "You have caused the destruction of your friends"?
+
+Blondine turned round and wished to retrace her steps to the castle of
+Bonne-Biche. The briers and thorns tore her arms and face terribly. She
+continued however to force her way bravely through the thickets and
+after three hours of most painful walking she came before the castle of
+Bonne-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 saw
+only an appalling ruin--in place of the magnificent trees and rare
+flowers which surrounded it, only briers and thorns, nettles and
+thistles, could be seen. Terrified and most desolate, she tried to force
+her way in the midst of the ruins, to seek some knowledge of her kind
+friends. 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 friends
+by the basest ingratitude? Begone! do not insult their memory by your
+unwelcome presence!"
+
+"Alas! alas!" cried Blondine, "my poor friends, Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon, why can I not atone by my death for the sufferings I have
+caused them?" And she fell, sobbing piteously, upon the stones and
+nettles; her grief and her repentance were so excessive that she did not
+feel their sharp points in her tender flesh. She wept profusely a long
+time. At last she arose and looked about her, hoping to find some
+shelter 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 of
+hunger and thirst, if I can expiate my sins here upon the tomb of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon!"
+
+As she uttered these words, she heard a soft voice saying: "True
+repentance 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 bitter
+it may be, can never give me back the lives of my dear Bonne-Biche and
+Beau-Minon!"
+
+"Courage, courage, Blondine! redeem your fault by your repentance and
+do not allow yourself to be utterly cast down by grief."
+
+The poor princess arose and left the scene of desolation. She followed a
+little path, where the large trees seemed to have rooted out the
+brambles and the earth was covered with moss. She was utterly exhausted
+with grief and fatigue and fell at the foot of a large tree, sobbing
+piteously.
+
+"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 will
+become 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 herb
+or fruit to appease her hunger and thirst. She saw nothing and her tears
+flowed freely. The sound of bells now somewhat dissipated her despairing
+thoughts. She saw a beautiful cow approaching her, gently and slowly. On
+arriving near her, the cow paused, bowed down, and showed her a silver
+porringer attached to her neck by a chain of beaten gold.
+
+Blondine was very grateful for this unexpected succor. She detached the
+porringer, milked the cow and drank the sweet milk with delight. The
+pretty, gentle cow signed to her to replace the porringer. Blondine
+obeyed, kissed her on the neck and said, sadly:--
+
+"Thanks, Blanchette, it is without doubt to my poor friends that I owe
+this sweet charity. Perhaps in another and better world they can see the
+repentance of their poor Blondine and wish to assist her in her
+frightful position."
+
+"A true repentance will obtain pardon for all faults," said a kind
+voice.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Blondine, "years of sorrow and weeping for my crimes
+would not suffice! I can never pardon myself!"
+
+In the mean time, night approached. Notwithstanding her anguish and
+repentance, Blondine began to reflect upon some means of securing
+herself from the ferocious wild beasts, whose terrible roars she already
+believed she heard in the distance. She saw some steps before her a kind
+of hut, formed by several trees growing near together and interlacing
+their branches. Bowing her head, she entered, and found that by
+carefully connecting some branches she could form a pretty and secure
+retreat. She employed the remainder of the day in arranging this little
+room and gathered a quantity of moss, with which she made herself a bed
+and pillow. She concealed the entrance to this little retreat by some
+broken branches and leaves and went to rest, utterly worn out with
+regret and fatigue.
+
+When Blondine awoke it was broad daylight. At first she could scarcely
+collect her thoughts and understand her position but the sad realities
+of her lot were soon apparent to her and she commenced weeping as
+before.
+
+Blondine was hungry, and she could not imagine how she was to secure
+food but soon she heard again the sound of the cow-bells. In a few
+moments, Blanchette stood near her. Blondine again loosened the
+porringer, drew the milk and drank till her hunger was appeased, then
+replaced the porringer and kissed Blanchette, hoping to see her again
+during the day. Every day--in the morning, at midday and in the
+evening--Blanchette came to offer Blondine her frugal repast.
+
+Blondine passed the time in tears for her poor friends, and bitter
+self-reproach for her crimes.
+
+"By my unpardonable disobedience," she said to herself, "I have caused
+the most terrible misfortunes, which it is not in my power to repair. I
+have not only lost my good and true friends but I am deprived of the
+only means of finding my father, my poor father, who perhaps still
+expects his Blondine, his most unhappy Blondine, condemned to live and
+die alone in this frightful forest where her evil genius reigns
+supreme."
+
+Blondine sought to amuse and employ herself in every possible way. Her
+little home was neatly arranged, and fresh moss and leaves composed her
+simple couch. She had tied some branches together and formed a seat and
+she made herself some needles and pins of the thorns and twisted some
+thread from the hemp which grew near her little hut, and with these
+implements she had mended the rents in her shoes.
+
+In this simple way Blondine lived for six months; her grief was always
+the same and it is just to say that it was not her sad and solitary life
+which made her unhappy but sincere regret for her fault. She would
+willingly have consented to pass her life in the forest if she could
+thus have brought to life Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon.
+
+
+
+
+THE TORTOISE
+
+
+One day Blondine was seated at the entrance of her hut, musing sadly as
+usual, thinking of her lost friends and of her father, when she saw
+before her an enormous Tortoise.
+
+"Blondine," said the Tortoise, "if you will place yourself under my
+protection, I will conduct you out of this forest."
+
+"And why, Madam Tortoise, should I seek to leave this forest? Here I
+caused 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 the
+ruins of their castle. The Parrot and the Toad assured me of their
+death. 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 would
+not have left me alone with the frightful despair of having caused their
+death."
+
+"But how do you know, Blondine, that this seeming neglect is not forced
+upon them? They may now be subjected to a power greater than their own.
+You know, Blondine, that a true repentance will obtain pardon for many
+crimes."
+
+"Ah! Madam Tortoise, if they still live, if you can give me news of
+them, if you can assure me that I need no longer reproach myself with
+their death, assure me that I shall one day see them again, there is no
+price which I will not gladly pay to merit this great happiness."
+
+"Blondine, I am not permitted to disclose to you the fate of your
+friends but if you have the courage to mount on my back, remain there
+for six months and not address a single question to me during the
+journey, I will conduct you to a place where all will be revealed."
+
+"I promise all that you ask, Madam Tortoise, provided I can only learn
+what has become of my friends."
+
+"Take care, Blondine! reflect well. Six months without descending from
+my back and without asking me a single question! When once you have
+accepted the conditions, when we have commenced our journey, if you have
+not the courage to endure to the end, you will remain eternally in the
+power of the enchanter, Perroquet, and his sister Rose and I cannot
+even continue to bestow upon you the little assistance to which you owe
+your life during the last six months."
+
+"Let us go, Madam Tortoise let us be off, immediately. I prefer to die
+of hunger and fatigue rather than of grief and uncertainty. Your words
+have brought hope to my poor heart, and I have courage to undertake even
+a more difficult journey than that of which you speak."
+
+"Let it be according to your wish, Blondine. Mount my back. Fear neither
+hunger nor thirst nor cold nor sunshine nor any accident during our long
+journey. As long as it lasts you shall not suffer from any
+inconvenience."
+
+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 that
+time she found herself on an arid plain which it required six weeks to
+cross. Then Blondine perceived a castle which reminded her of that of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. They were a full month passing through the
+avenue to this castle.
+
+Blondine burned with impatience. Would she indeed learn the fate of her
+dear friends at the palace? In spite of her extreme anxiety, she dared
+not ask a single question. If she could have descended from the back of
+the Tortoise, ten minutes would have sufficed for her to reach the
+castle. But, alas! the Tortoise crept on slowly and Blondine remembered
+that she had been forbidden to alight or to utter a word. She resolved,
+therefore, to control her impatience. The Tortoise seemed rather to
+relax than to increase her speed. She consumed fourteen days still in
+passing through this avenue. They seemed fourteen centuries to Blondine.
+She never, however, lost sight of the castle or of the door. The place
+seemed deserted; she heard no noise, she saw no sign of life.
+
+At last, after twenty-four days' journey, the Tortoise paused, and said
+to Blondine:--
+
+"Now, princess, descend. By your courage and obedience you have earned
+the recompense I promised. Enter the little door which you see before
+you. The first person you will meet will be the fairy Bienveillante and
+she will make known to you the fate of your friends."
+
+Blondine sprang lightly to the earth. She had been immovable so long she
+feared her limbs would be cramped but on the contrary she was as light
+and active as when she had lived so happily with her dear Bonne-Biche
+and Beau-Minon and ran joyously and gracefully gathering flowers and
+chasing butterflies.
+
+After having thanked the Tortoise most warmly she opened the door which
+had been pointed out to her and found herself before a young person
+clothed 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 several
+beautiful rooms and met many young girls clothed in white, like her
+guide. They looked at her as if they recognized her and smiled
+graciously.
+
+At last Blondine arrived in a room in every respect resembling that of
+Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs. The remembrances which this
+recalled were so painful that she did not perceive the disappearance of
+her fair young guide.
+
+Blondine gazed sadly at the furniture of the room. She saw but one piece
+which had not adorned the apartment of Bonne-Biche in the Forest of
+Lilacs. This was a wardrobe in gold and ivory, exquisitely carved. It
+was closed. Blondine felt herself drawn towards it in an inexplicable
+manner. She was gazing at it intently, not having indeed the power to
+turn 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 been
+assured that you could give me news of my dear, kind friends,
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon. You know, madam, without doubt by what
+heedless disobedience I gave them up to destruction and that I wept for
+them a long time, believing them to be dead but the Tortoise, who
+conducted me here, has given me reason to hope I may one day see them
+again. Tell me, madam, tell me if they yet live and if I may dare hope
+for the happiness of rejoining them?"
+
+"Blondine", replied the fairy Bienveillante, sadly, "you are now about
+to know the fate of your friends, but no matter what you see or hear, do
+not lose courage or hope."
+
+Saying these words, she seized the trembling Blondine and conducted her
+in front of the wardrobe which had already so forcibly attracted her
+attention.
+
+"Blondine, here is the key to this wardrobe. Open it, and be brave!"
+
+She handed Blondine a gold key. With a trembling hand the princess
+opened the wardrobe. What was her anguish when she saw the skins of
+Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon fastened to the wardrobe with diamond nails!
+At this terrible sight the unfortunate princess uttered a cry of horror
+and fell insensible at the feet of the fairy. At this moment the door
+opened 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 last
+punishment was indispensable to deliver her for ever from the yoke of
+the cruel genius of the Forest of Lilacs."
+
+The fairy Bienveillante now with her wand touched Blondine, who was
+immediately restored to consciousness but despairing and sobbing
+convulsively, 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! my
+cherished friends! I will join you soon in the land of shadows!"
+
+"Blondine! ever dear Blondine!" said the fairy, clasping her in her
+arms, "your friends live and love you tenderly. I am Bonne-Biche and
+this is my son, Beau-Minon. The wicked genius of the Forest of Lilacs,
+taking advantage of the negligence of my son, obtained dominion over us
+and forced us into the forms under which you have known us. We could not
+resume our natural appearance unless you should pluck the Rose, which I,
+knowing it to be your evil genius, retained captive. I placed it as far
+as possible from the castle in order to withdraw it from your view. I
+knew the misfortune to which you would be exposed on delivering your
+evil genius from his prison and Heaven is my witness, that my son and I
+would willingly have remained a Hind and a Cat for ever in your eyes in
+order to spare you the cruel tortures to which you have been subjected.
+The Parrot gained you over, in spite of all our precautions. You know
+the rest, my dear child. But you can never know all that we have
+suffered in witnessing your tears and your desolation."
+
+Blondine embraced the Fairy ardently and addressed a thousand questions
+to 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 who
+accompanied you. They also were changed when the evil genius gained his
+power 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 this
+light 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 and
+your grief, deprived the Evil Genius of the Forest of all power over us
+on condition of obtaining from you one last proof of submission,
+compelling you to take this long and fatiguing journey and inflicting
+the terrible punishment of making you believe that my son and I had died
+from your imprudence. I implored, entreated the Queen of the Fairies to
+spare you at least this last anguish but she was inflexible."
+
+Blondine gazed at her lost friends, listened eagerly to every word and
+did not cease to embrace those she had feared were eternally separated
+from her by death. The remembrance of her dear father now presented
+itself. The prince Parfait understood her secret desire and made it
+known to his mother, the fairy Bienveillante.
+
+"Prepare yourself, dear Blondine, to see your father. Informed by me, he
+now 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 Parfait
+at her feet, regarding her kindly and tenderly. The chariot was drawn by
+four swans of dazzling whiteness. They flew with such rapidity, that
+five minutes brought them to the palace of King Benin. All the court was
+assembled about the king, all were expecting the princess Blondine.
+
+When the chariot appeared, the cries of joy and welcome were so
+tumultuous that the swans were confused and almost lost their way.
+Prince Parfait, who guided them, succeeded in arresting their attention
+and the chariot drew up at the foot of the grand stairway. King Benin
+sprang towards Blondine who, jumping lightly from the chariot, threw
+herself in her father's arms. They remained a long time in this position
+and everybody wept tears of joy.
+
+When King Benin had somewhat recovered himself he kissed, respectfully
+and tenderly, the hand of the good fairy who, after having protected and
+educated the princess Blondine had now restored her to him. He embraced
+the prince Parfait whom he found most charming.
+
+There were eight resplendent gala days in honor of the return of
+Blondine. At the close of this gay festival, the fairy Bienveillante
+announced her intention of returning home. But Prince Parfait and
+Blondine were so melancholy at the prospect of this separation that King
+Benin resolved they should never quit the place. He wedded the fairy and
+Blondine became the happy wife of Prince Parfait who was always for her
+the Beau-Minon of the Forest of Lilacs.
+
+Brunette, whose character had entirely changed, came often to see
+Blondine. Prince Violent, her husband, became more amiable as Brunette
+became more gentle and they were very happy.
+
+As to Blondine, she had no misfortunes, no griefs. She had lovely
+daughters, who resembled her, and good and handsome sons, the image of
+their manly father, Prince Parfait. Everybody loved them and every one
+connected 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 son
+Henry. She loved him tenderly and she had good reason to do so, for no
+one had ever seen a more charming child. Although he was but seven years
+old, he kept the house while his good mother labored diligently and then
+left home to sell her work and buy food for herself and her little
+Henry. He swept, he washed the floor, he cooked, he dug and cultivated
+the garden and when all this was done he seated himself to mend his
+clothes 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 very
+lonesome. In front of their dwelling there was a lofty mountain so high
+that no one had ever ascended to its summit, and besides it was
+surrounded by a rushing torrent, by high walls and insurmountable
+precipices.
+
+The mother and her little boy were happy but alas! one day the poor
+mother fell sick. They knew no doctor and besides they had no money to
+pay for one. Poor Henry did not know how to cure her. He brought her
+fresh cool water for he had nothing else to give her, he stayed by her
+night and day and ate his little morsel of dry bread at the foot of her
+bed. When she slept he looked at her sadly and wept. The sickness
+increased from day to day and at last the poor woman was almost in a
+dying condition. She could neither speak nor swallow and she no longer
+knew her little Henry, who was sobbing on his knees near her bed. In his
+despair, he cried out:
+
+"Fairy Bienfaisante, come to my help! Save my mother!"
+
+Henry had scarcely pronounced these words, when a window opened and a
+lady 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 his
+hands, "if you are the fairy Bienfaisante, save my poor mother who is
+about to die and leave me alone in the world."
+
+The good fairy looked at Henry most compassionately and then, without
+saying a word, she approached the poor woman, bent over her, examined
+her attentively, breathed upon her and said:
+
+"It is not in my power, my poor child, to cure your mother; her life
+depends upon you alone, if you have the courage to undertake the journey
+I will point out to you."
+
+"Speak, madam! I entreat you to speak! there is nothing I will not
+undertake 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 the
+mountain that you see from this window. When you have obtained this
+plant, press its juice into the mouth of your mother and she will be
+immediately restored to health."
+
+"I will start out immediately, madam. But who will take care of my poor
+mother 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, your
+mother will need nothing before your return; she will remain precisely
+in the condition in which you leave her. But you must dare many dangers
+and endure many things before you pluck the plant of life. Great courage
+and great perseverance are necessary on your part."
+
+"I fear nothing, madam, my courage and perseverance shall not fail. Tell
+me only how I shall know this plant amongst all the others which cover
+the top of the mountain."
+
+"When you reach the summit, call the doctor who has charge of this
+plant, inform him that I have sent you and he will give you a branch of
+the plant of life."
+
+Henry kissed the good fairy's hands and thanked her heartily, took a
+sorrowful leave of his mother, covering her with kisses, put some bread
+in his pocket and set out, after saluting the fairy respectfully.
+
+The fairy smiled encouragingly at this poor child who so bravely
+resolved to ascend a mountain so dangerous that none of those who had
+attempted it had ever reached the summit.
+
+
+
+
+THE CROW, THE COCK, AND THE FROG
+
+
+Little Henry marched resolutely to the mountain which he found much more
+distant than it had appeared to him. Instead of arriving in a half hour
+as he had expected, he walked rapidly the whole day without reaching its
+base.
+
+About one-third of the way he saw a Crow which was caught by the claw in
+a snare which some wicked boy had set for him. The poor Crow sought in
+vain to release himself from this trap which caused him cruel
+sufferings. Henry ran to him, cut the cord which bound him and set him
+at 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 his
+speed.
+
+Some time afterwards while he was resting in a grove and eating a morsel
+of bread, he saw a Cock followed by a fox and about to be taken by him
+in spite of his efforts to escape. The poor frightened Cock passed very
+near to Henry, who seized it adroitly, and hid it under his coat without
+the fox having seen him. The fox continued his pursuit, supposing that
+the Cock was before him. Henry did not move till he was entirely out of
+sight. 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 had
+advanced a considerable distance he saw a poor Frog about to be devoured
+by a serpent. The Frog trembled and, paralyzed by fear, could not move.
+The serpent advanced rapidly, its horrid mouth open. Henry seized a
+large stone and threw it so adroitly that it entered the serpent's
+throat the moment it was about to devour the Frog. The frightened Frog
+leaped 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 now
+astonished 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 was
+greatly 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 he
+paused 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 a
+boat."
+
+Henry followed the course of the river which flowed entirely around the
+mountain but everywhere it was equally wide and deep and he saw neither
+bridge nor boat. Poor Henry seated himself on the bank of the river,
+weeping bitterly.
+
+"Fairy Bienfaisante! Fairy Bienfaisante! come to my help," he
+exclaimed. "Of what use will it be to me to know that there is a plant
+at 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 on
+the borders of the river, and said to him:
+
+"The fairy Bienfaisante can do nothing for you. This mountain is beyond
+her control. But you have saved my life and I wish to prove my
+gratitude. Mount my back, Henry, and by the faith of a Cock I will take
+you safe to the other side."
+
+Henry did not hesitate. He sprang on the Cock's back, fully expecting to
+fall into the water but his clothes were not even moist. The Cock
+received him so adroitly on his back that he felt as secure as if he had
+been on horseback. He held on firmly to the crest of the Cock who now
+commenced the passage.
+
+The river was so wide that he was flying constantly twenty-one days
+before he reached the other shore; but during these twenty-one days
+Henry was not sleepy and felt neither hunger nor thirst.
+
+When they arrived, Henry thanked the Cock most politely, who graciously
+bristled his feathers and disappeared. A moment after this Henry turned
+and to his astonishment the river was no longer to be seen.
+
+"It was without doubt the genius of the mountain who wished to prevent
+my approach," said Henry. "But, with the help of the good fairy
+Bienfaisante, 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 he
+was no farther from the foot of the mountain and no nearer to the summit
+than he had been when he crossed the river. Any other child would have
+retraced his steps but the brave little Henry would not allow himself to
+be discouraged. Notwithstanding his extreme fatigue he walked on
+twenty-one days without seeming to make any advance. At the end of this
+time 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 on
+till I reach the summit."
+
+"You have then a great desire to arrive there, little boy?" said an old
+man, looking at him maliciously and standing just in his path. "What are
+you seeking at the top of this mountain?"
+
+"The plant of life, my good sir, to save the life of my dear mother who
+is about to die."
+
+The little old man shook his head, rested his little pointed chin on the
+top 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 of
+this mountain. I will allow you to advance on condition that you will
+gather all my wheat, that you will beat it out, make it into flour and
+then into bread. When you have gathered, beaten, ground and cooked it,
+then call me. You will find all the necessary implements in the ditch
+near you. The fields of wheat are before you and cover the mountain."
+
+The old man disappeared and Henry gazed in terror at the immense fields
+of wheat which were spread out before him. But he soon mastered this
+feeling of discouragement--took off his vest, seized a scythe and
+commenced cutting the wheat diligently. This occupied him a hundred and
+ninety-five days and nights.
+
+When the wheat was all cut, Henry commenced to beat it with a flail
+which he found at hand. This occupied him sixty days.
+
+When the grain was all beaten out he began to grind it in a mill which
+rose up suddenly near him. This occupied him seventy days.
+
+When the wheat was all ground he began to knead it and to cook it. He
+kneaded and cooked for a hundred and twenty days.
+
+As the bread was cooked he arranged it properly on shelves, like books
+in a library.
+
+When all was finished Henry was transported with joy and called the
+genius of the mountain who appeared immediately and counted four hundred
+and sixty-eight thousand three hundred and twenty-nine new loaves of
+bread. He bit and ate a little end off of two or three, drew near to
+Henry, 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 and
+said, maliciously:
+
+"When you return home, open this box and you will find in it the most
+delicious tobacco you have ever seen."
+
+Now Henry had never used tobacco and the present of the little genius
+seemed to him very useless but he was too polite to let this be seen and
+he 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 every
+step brought him nearer to the summit of the mountain. In three hours he
+had walked two-thirds of the way. But suddenly he found himself arrested
+by a very high wall which he had not perceived before. He walked around
+it, and found, after three days' diligent advance, that this wall
+surrounded the entire mountain and that there was no door, not the
+smallest opening by which he could enter.
+
+Henry seated himself on the ground, to reflect upon his situation. He
+resolved to wait patiently--he sat there forty-five days. At the end of
+this 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 crumbled
+away 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 seeking
+beyond my wall?"
+
+"I am seeking the plant of life, Master Giant, to cure my poor mother
+who is dying. If it is in your power and you will allow me to pass this
+wall, I will do anything for you that you may command."
+
+"Is it so? Well, listen! Your countenance pleases me. I am one of the
+genii of this mountain. I will allow you to pass this wall if you will
+fill my wine-cellar. Here are all my vines. Gather the grapes, crush
+them, put the juice in the casks and arrange them well in my
+wine-cellar. You will find all the implements necessary at the foot of
+this wall. When it is done, call me."
+
+The Giant disappeared, closing the wall behind him. Henry looked around
+him and as far as he could see, the vines of the Giant were growing
+luxuriously.
+
+"Well, well," said Henry to himself, "I cut all the wheat of the little
+old man--I can surely also gather the grapes of the big Giant. It will
+not take me so long and it will not be as difficult to make wine of
+these 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 his
+feet and began to cut the grapes and throw them into the vats. It took
+him thirty days to gather this crop. When all was finished, he
+crushed the grapes, poured the juice into the casks and ranged them in
+the cellar, which they completely filled. He was ninety days making the
+wine.
+
+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. It
+shall 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 this
+thistle."
+
+Henry did not think the Giant very generous but he received the thistle
+with an amiable smile.
+
+Then the Giant whistled so loudly that the mountain trembled and the
+wall and Giant disappeared entirely and Henry was enabled to continue
+his journey.
+
+
+
+
+THE CHASE
+
+
+Henry was within a half-hour's walk of the summit of the mountain when
+he reached a pit so wide that he could not possibly jump to the other
+side and so deep that it seemed bottomless. Henry did not lose courage,
+however. He followed the borders of the pit till he found himself where
+he started from and knew that this yawning pit surrounded the mountain.
+
+"Alas! what shall I do?" said poor Henry; "I scarcely overcome one
+obstacle when another more difficult seems to rise up before me. How
+shall I ever pass this pit?"
+
+The poor child felt for the first time that his eyes were filled with
+tears. He looked around for some means of passing over but saw no
+possible chance and seated himself sadly on the brink of the precipice.
+Suddenly he heard a terrible growl. He turned and saw within ten steps
+of him an enormous Wolf gazing at him with flaming eyes.
+
+"What are you seeking in my kingdom?" said the Wolf, in a threatening
+voice.
+
+"Master Wolf, I am seeking the plant of life which alone can save my
+dear mother who is about to die. If you will assist me to cross this
+pit, I will be your devoted servant and will obey any command you may
+give 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 the
+faith of the genius of the mountain, I will pass you over to the other
+side. You will find near this tree all the instruments necessary to
+catch 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 the
+ground, and began to shoot at the partridges, woodcocks, pheasants and
+game of all kinds which abounded there. But, alas! he did not understand
+it and killed nothing.
+
+During eight days he was shooting right and left in vain and was at last
+wearied and despairing, when he saw near him the Crow whose life he had
+saved in the commencement of his journey.
+
+"You rescued me from mortal danger," said the Crow, "and I told you I
+should see you again. I have come to redeem my promise. If you do not
+fulfil your promise to the Wolf, he will change you into some terrible
+wild beast. Follow me. I am going a-hunting and you have only to gather
+the game and cook it."
+
+Saying these words, the Crow flew above the trees of the forest and with
+his beak and his claws killed all the game to be found. In fact, during
+one hundred and fifty days he caught one million eight hundred and sixty
+thousand seven hundred and twenty-six animals and birds, squirrels,
+moor-cocks, pheasants, and quails. As the Crow killed them, Henry
+plucked the feathers, skinned them, cut them up and cooked them in
+roasts or pies. When all was cooked he arranged them neatly and then the
+Crow said to him:
+
+"Adieu, Henry. There remains one obstacle yet to overcome but in that
+difficulty I cannot aid you. But do not be discouraged. The good fairies
+protect filial love."
+
+Before Henry had time to thank the Crow, he had disappeared. He then
+called the Wolf and said to him:
+
+"Master Wolf, here is all the game of your forest. I have prepared it as
+you 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 shall
+not be said that you have worked for the Wolf of the mountain without
+receiving your reward."
+
+Saying these words, he gave Henry a staff which he cut in the forest and
+said to him:
+
+[Illustration: _Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back_]
+
+"When you have gathered the plant of life and wish yourself transported
+to 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 but
+he wished to be polite, and receiving it smilingly, he thanked the Wolf
+cordially.
+
+"Get on my back, Henry," said the Wolf.
+
+Henry sprang upon the Wolf's back and he made a bound so prodigious
+that 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 the
+garden in which the plant of life was growing and his heart bounded for
+joy. He looked always upward as he walked, and went on as rapidly as his
+strength would permit, when suddenly he fell into a hole. He sprang
+backwards, 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 to
+me," said Henry to himself. "Since I have overcome all my other
+difficulties with the help of the good fairy Bienfaisante, she will
+assist 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 patiently
+till it shall please her to assist me this time."
+
+On saying these words, Henry began to walk along the ditch, hoping to
+find the end. He walked on steadily two days and found himself at the
+end of that time just where he had started. Henry would not give way to
+distress, he would not be discouraged; he seated himself on the borders
+of the ditch and said:
+
+"I will not move from this spot till the genius of the mountain allows
+me to pass this ditch."
+
+Henry had just uttered these words when an enormous Cat appeared before
+him and began to mew so horribly that he was almost deafened by the
+sound. The Cat said to him:
+
+"What are you doing here? Do you not know that I could tear you to
+pieces with one stroke of my claws?"
+
+"I do not doubt your power, Mr. Cat, but you will not do so when you
+know that I am seeking the plant of life to save my poor mother who is
+dying. If you will permit me to pass your ditch, I will do anything in
+my power to please you."
+
+"Will you?" said the Cat. "Well, then, listen; your countenance pleases
+me. If, therefore, you will catch all the fish in this ditch and salt
+and cook them, I will pass you over to the other side, on the faith of a
+Cat!"
+
+Henry advanced some steps and saw lines, fish-hooks, bait, and nets on
+the ground. He took a net, and hoped that by one vigorous haul he would
+take many fish and that he would succeed much better than with a line
+and 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 net
+again and drew it very softly: still nothing!
+
+Henry was patient. For ten days he tried faithfully without having
+caught a single fish. Then he gave up the net and tried the hook and
+line. 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 the
+ditch. He tried diligently fifteen days and caught not a single fish. He
+knew not now what to do. He thought of the good fairy Bienfaisante, who
+had abandoned him at the end of his undertaking. He seated himself sadly
+and gazed intently at the ditch when suddenly the water began to boil
+and he saw the head of a Frog appear.
+
+"Henry," said the Frog, "you saved my life--I wish now to save yours in
+return. If you do not execute the orders of the Cat of the mountain he
+will eat you for his breakfast. You cannot catch the fish because the
+water is so deep and they take refuge at the bottom. But allow me to act
+for you. Light your fire for cooking and prepare your vessels for
+salting. I will bring you the fish."
+
+Saying these words, the Frog plunged back into the water. Henry saw that
+the waves were agitated and boiling up, as if a grand contest was going
+on at the bottom of the ditch. In a moment, however, the Frog
+reappeared, sprang ashore and deposited a superb salmon which he had
+caught. Henry had scarcely time to seize the salmon when the Frog leaped
+ashore with a carp. During sixty days the Frog continued his labors.
+Henry cooked the large fish and threw the little ones into the casks to
+be salted. Finally, at the end of two months, the Frog leaped towards
+Henry and said:
+
+"There is not now a single fish in the ditch. You can call the Cat of
+the mountain."
+
+Henry thanked the Frog heartily, who extended his wet foot towards him,
+in sign of friendship. Henry pressed it affectionately and gratefully
+and the Frog disappeared.
+
+It took Henry fifteen days to arrange properly all the large fish he had
+cooked and all the casks of small fish he had salted. He then called the
+Cat, who appeared immediately.
+
+"Mr. Cat," said Henry, "here are all your fish cooked and salted. Will
+you 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 cooked
+fish, licked his lips, smiled and said to Henry:
+
+"You are a brave boy! I will recompense your fortitude and patience. It
+shall never be said that the Cat of the mountain does not pay his
+servants."
+
+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 forehead
+with this claw. Sickness, suffering and old age will disappear. This
+miraculous claw will have the same virtue for all that you love and all
+who love you."
+
+Henry thanked the Cat most warmly, took the precious claw and wished to
+try its powers immediately, as he felt painfully weary. The claw had
+scarcely touched his brow when he felt as fresh and vigorous as if he
+had 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 the
+tail lengthen itself till it reached across the ditch.
+
+
+
+
+THE PLANT OF LIFE
+
+
+When he had saluted the Cat respectfully, Henry ran towards the garden
+of the plant of life, which was only a hundred steps from him. He
+trembled lest some new obstacle should retard him but he reached the
+garden lattice without any difficulty. He sought the gate and found it
+readily, as the garden was not large. But, alas! the garden was filled
+with innumerable plants utterly unknown to him and it was impossible to
+know how to distinguish the plant of life. Happily he remembered that
+the good fairy Bienfaisante had told him that when he reached the summit
+of the mountain he must call the Doctor who cultivated the garden of the
+fairies. He called him then with a loud voice. In a moment he heard a
+noise among the plants near him and saw issue from them a little man, no
+taller than a hearth brush. He had a book under his arm, spectacles on
+his 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 it
+possible that you have gained this summit?"
+
+"Doctor, I come from the fairy Bienfaisante, to ask the plant of life to
+cure my poor sick mother, who is about to die."
+
+"All those who come from the fairy Bienfaisante," said the little
+Doctor, raising his hat respectfully, "are most welcome. Come, my boy, I
+will give you the plant you seek."
+
+The Doctor then buried himself in the botanical garden where Henry had
+some trouble in following him, as he was so small as to disappear
+entirely among the plants. At last they arrived near a bush growing by
+itself. The Doctor drew a little pruning-knife from his pocket, cut a
+bunch and gave it to Henry, saying:
+
+"Take this and use it as the good fairy Bienfaisante directed but do not
+allow it to leave your hands. If you lay it down under any circumstances
+it will escape from you and you will never recover it."
+
+Henry was about to thank him but the little man had disappeared in the
+midst of his medicinal herbs, and he found himself alone.
+
+"What shall I do now in order to arrive quickly at home? If I encounter
+on 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 my
+dear 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 to
+carry me home."
+
+Saying this, he mounted the stick and wished himself at home. In the
+same moment he felt himself raised in the air, through which he passed
+with the rapidity of lightning and found himself almost instantly by his
+mother's bed.
+
+Henry sprang to his mother and embraced her tenderly. But she neither
+saw nor heard him. He lost no time, but pressed the plant of life upon
+her lips. At the same moment she opened her eyes, threw her arms around
+Henry's neck and exclaimed:
+
+"My child! my dear Henry! I have been very sick but now I feel almost
+well. I am hungry."
+
+Then, looking at him in amazement, she said: "How you have grown, my
+darling! 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 six
+days had passed away since he left his home. He was now nearly ten years
+old. Before he had time to answer, the window opened and the good fairy
+Bienfaisante appeared. She embraced Henry and, approaching the couch of
+his mother, related to her all that little Henry had done and suffered,
+the dangers he had dared, the fatigues he endured; the courage, the
+patience, the goodness he had manifested. Henry blushed on hearing
+himself thus praised by the fairy. His mother pressed him to her heart,
+and covered him with kisses. After the first moments of happiness and
+emotion had passed away, the fairy said:
+
+"Now, Henry, you can make use of the present of the little Old Man and
+the Giant of the mountain."
+
+Henry drew out his little box and opened it. Immediately there issued
+from it a crowd of little workmen, not larger than bees, who filled the
+room. They began to work with such promptitude that in a quarter of an
+hour they had built and furnished a beautiful house in the midst of a
+lovely garden with a thick wood on one side and a beautiful meadow on
+the other.
+
+"All this is yours, my brave Henry," said the fairy. "The Giant's
+thistle will obtain for you all that is necessary. The Wolf's staff will
+transport you where you wish. The Cat's claw will preserve your health
+and your youth and also that of your dear mother. Adieu, Henry! Be happy
+and never forget that virtue and filial love are always recompensed."
+
+Henry threw himself on his knees before the fairy who gave him her hand
+to kiss, smiled upon him and disappeared.
+
+Henry's mother had a great desire to arise from her bed and admire her
+new house, her garden, her woods and her meadow. But, alas! she had no
+dress. During her first illness she had made Henry sell all that she
+possessed, as they were suffering for bread.
+
+"Alas! alas! my child, I cannot leave my bed. I have neither dresses nor
+shoes."
+
+"You shall have all those things, dear mother," exclaimed Henry.
+
+Drawing his thistle from his pocket, he smelled it while he wished for
+dresses, linen, shoes for his mother and himself and also for linen for
+the house. At the same moment the presses were filled with linen, his
+mother was dressed in a good and beautiful robe of merino and Henry
+completely clothed in blue cloth, with good, substantial shoes. They
+both uttered a cry of joy. His mother sprang from her bed to run through
+the house with Henry. Nothing was wanting. Everywhere the furniture was
+good and comfortable. The kitchen was filled with pots and kettles; but
+there was nothing in them.
+
+Henry again put his thistle to his nose and desired to have a good
+dinner served up.
+
+A table soon appeared, with good smoking soup, a splendid leg of lamb, a
+roasted pullet and good salad. They took seats at the table with the
+appetite of those who had not eaten for three years. The soup was soon
+swallowed, the leg of lamb entirely eaten, then the pullet, then the
+salad.
+
+When their hunger was thus appeased, the mother, aided by Henry, took
+off the cloth, washed and arranged all the dishes and then put the
+kitchen in perfect order. They then made up their beds with the sheets
+they found in the presses and went happily to bed, thanking God and the
+good fairy Bienfaisante. The mother also gave grateful thanks for her
+dear son Henry.
+
+They lived thus most happily, they wanted nothing--the thistle provided
+everything. 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 desire
+to leave it.
+
+Henry asked of his thistle only two cows, two good horses and the
+necessaries of life for every day. He wished for nothing superfluous,
+either in clothing or food and thus he preserved his thistle as long as
+he lived. It is not known when they died. It is supposed that the Queen
+of 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 eldest
+were twins--Orangine and Roussette--and their parents loved them very
+dearly. They were beautiful and intelligent, but they were not very
+good. In this they resembled the king and queen. The third princess was
+called Rosette and was three years younger than her sisters. She was as
+amiable as she was handsome, as good as she was beautiful.
+
+The fairy Puissante was Rosette's godmother and this made her two
+sisters, Orangine and Roussette, very jealous. They were angry because
+they also had not a fairy for their godmother.
+
+Some days after the birth of Rosette, the king and queen sent her to the
+country, on a farm, to be nursed. Rosette lived happily here for fifteen
+years without her parents coming once to see her. Every year they sent a
+small sum of money to the farmer to pay Rosette's expenses and asked
+some questions as to her health, but they never came to see her nor
+disturbed themselves about her education.
+
+Rosette would indeed have been very rude and ignorant if her good
+godmother, the fairy Puissante, had not sent her teachers and all that
+was necessary. In this way Rosette learned to read, to write, to keep
+accounts 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 amiable
+and the most excellent princess in the whole world. She had never
+disobeyed her nurse or godmother, and had therefore never been reproved.
+She did not regret her father and mother, as she did not know them and
+she did not desire any other home than the farm where she had been so
+happy.
+
+One day when Rosette was seated on a bench before the door, she saw a
+man arrive in a laced hat and coat; he approached her and asked if he
+could speak to the princess Rosette.
+
+"Yes, without doubt," answered the princess; "I am the princess
+Rosette."
+
+[Illustration: _She saw a man arrive in a laced hat and coat_]
+
+"Then, princess," said the man, respectfully taking off his hat, "be
+graciously pleased to receive this letter, which the king your father
+has 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 become
+acquainted with my father, mother and my sisters and then I will return
+to you."
+
+"But," said the nurse, shaking her head, "what dress will you wear, my
+poor child?"
+
+"My beautiful robe of white percale which I always wear on holidays, my
+dear nurse."
+
+"My poor little one, that robe is indeed very suitable for the country
+but would appear miserably poor at a party of kings and princes."
+
+"Of what consequence is all this, nurse? My father himself has said that
+no 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, whiten
+and smooth Rosette's white robe.
+
+The day before the king was to send for her, the nurse called her and
+said:
+
+"My dear child, here is your dress for the king's festival; be very
+careful with it as I shall not be there to whiten and smooth it for
+you."
+
+"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 of
+flowers for Rosette to wear in her hair. Just as she was about to close
+the trunk, the window opened violently and the fairy Puissante entered.
+
+"You are going, then, to your father's court, my dear Rosette?" said the
+fairy.
+
+"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 still
+open.
+
+The fairy smiled, drew a small bottle from her pocket and said: "I
+intend that my dear Rosette shall make a sensation by her dress. This is
+unworthy of her."
+
+The fairy opened the bottle, and threw some drops of the liquid it
+contained upon the robe, which became a coarse India rubber cloth; then
+a drop upon the cotton stockings, which changed into blue yarn; a third
+drop upon the bouquet, which became a hen's egg; a fourth upon the
+shoes, and they immediately changed into coarse felt.
+
+"In this manner," said she, with a gracious air, "do I wish my Rosette
+to appear. You must attire yourself in all this and, to complete your
+toilette, here is a necklace of nuts, a band for your hair of burrs, and
+bracelets of dried beans." She kissed Rosette who was completely
+stupefied. The fairy then disappeared and the nurse burst into tears.
+
+"Alas! it was not worth my while to give myself all the trouble of
+preparing this poor robe. Oh, my poor Rosette! Do not go to this
+festival. Pretend you are ill, my child."
+
+"No," said Rosette; "that would be to displease my godmother. I am sure
+that she does what is best for me. She is much wiser than I am. I will
+go and I will wear all that my godmother has brought me." And the good
+and obedient Rosette thought no more of her dress. She went to bed and
+slept tranquilly.
+
+She had scarce arranged her hair and dressed herself in the morning when
+the chariot of the fairy came for her. She embraced her nurse, took her
+little 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 ten
+leagues from the farm. When Rosette arrived, she was surprised to see
+that she had to descend in a little, dirty court-yard, where a page
+attended 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 will
+see her. In the mean time you can dress."
+
+Rosette followed the page, who led her through a long corridor, at the
+end of which was a narrow staircase. She ascended, slowly, after a long,
+long time arriving at another corridor where she entered the chamber
+destined for her. The queen had lodged Rosette in one of the servants'
+rooms. The little page placed Rosette's modest trunk in a corner and
+said, with an air of embarrassment,
+
+"Pardon me, princess, for having led you into this chamber, so unworthy
+of you. The queen has disposed of all the other apartments for her
+guests, the kings, queens, princes and princesses. There was no other
+room vacant and----"
+
+"Well, well," said Rosette, smiling, "I shall not blame you. Besides, I
+shall be very comfortable."
+
+"I will come for you, princess, to lead you to the king and queen at the
+proper hour."
+
+"I will be ready," said Rosette, "adieu, pretty page."
+
+Rosette now unpacked her trunk. Her heart was beating and swelling
+tumultuously. Sighing heavily, she drew out her robe of coarse cloth and
+the other articles of her toilette. Rosette was very adroit. She
+arranged her exquisite blonde hair most beautifully, with a pullet's
+feather and a band made of burrs. Her head-dress was indeed so charming
+that it made her a hundred times more lovely. When she had put on her
+shoes and stockings and her robe, what was her amazement to see that it
+was made of gold brocade, embroidered with rubies of marvellous beauty;
+her coarse heavy shoes were now white satin, adorned with buckles of one
+single ruby of wonderful splendour; her stockings were of silk and as
+fine as a spider's web; her necklace was of rubies surrounded with
+large diamonds; her bracelets of diamonds, the most splendid that had
+ever been seen.
+
+Rosette now ran to the glass and saw that the pullet's wing had become a
+magnificent locket and that the pendant was a carbuncle of such beauty
+and brilliancy that a fairy alone could possess it.
+
+Rosette, happy, delighted, exultant, danced around the little room and
+thanked her good godmother aloud for having tested her obedience and
+thus magnificently rewarded it.
+
+The page now knocked at the door, entered and started back, dazzled by
+the beauty of Rosette and the magnificence of her toilette. Rosette
+followed him. They descended the stairs, passed through many apartments
+and at last entered a suite of superb salons, filled with kings, queens
+and nobles. Every one who saw Rosette paused and turned to admire her.
+The modest princess, however, was ashamed to be thus gazed at and did
+not 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 who
+regarded her with a comic surprise.
+
+"Madam," said the king at last to her, "be graciously pleased to tell me
+your name. You are no doubt some great queen or still greater fairy
+whose unexpected presence is an honor and a happiness for us."
+
+"Sire," said Rosette, falling gracefully upon her knees, "I am neither
+a great queen nor a powerful fairy but your daughter Rosette, for whom
+you were kind enough to send."
+
+"Rosette!" exclaimed the queen; "Rosette clothed more magnificently than
+I have ever been! Who, then, miss, has given you all these beautiful
+things?"
+
+"My godmother, madam. Graciously permit me, madam, to kiss your hand and
+present 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 they
+drew back with terror, fearing that while embracing them Rosette would
+displace the red and white with which they were painted. Orangine
+covered herself with white to conceal her yellow skin and Roussette to
+hide her ugly freckles.
+
+Rosette was repulsed by her sisters but was soon surrounded by the
+ladies of the court and all the invited princes. As she conversed with
+ready grace and goodness and spoke several languages she charmed all
+those who approached her. Orangine and Roussette were frightfully
+jealous. The king and queen were furious for Rosette absorbed all
+attention; no one paid any attention to the sisters.
+
+At table the young prince Charmant, who was monarch of the most
+magnificent and beautiful of all the kingdoms of the earth and whom
+Orangine hoped to wed, placed himself by the side of Rosette and was
+completely absorbed in her during the repast.
+
+After dinner, Orangine and Roussette, in order to draw some attention
+towards themselves, sang a duet. They sang indeed admirably and
+accompanied themselves on the harp. Rosette who was truly good and
+wished her sister to love her, applauded them rapturously and
+complimented them on their talent.
+
+Orangine, in place of being touched by this generous sentiment and
+hoping to play her sister a malicious trick, now insisted upon her
+singing. Rosette for some time modestly refused. Her sisters, who
+supposed that she did not know how to sing, were insistent. The queen
+herself, desiring to humiliate poor Rosette, joined her entreaties to
+those of Orangine and Roussette and in fact commanded the young princess
+to sing.
+
+Rosette curtsied to the queen. "I obey, madam," said she.
+
+She took the harp and the enchanting grace of her position astonished
+her sisters. They would have been glad indeed to interrupt her when she
+commenced her prelude for they saw at a glance that her talent was much
+superior to theirs. But when, in a beautiful and melodious voice, she
+sang a romance, composed by herself on the happiness of being good and
+beloved there was an outbreak of admiration, the enthusiasm became
+general and her sisters almost fainted with jealousy and envy.
+
+Charmant was transported with admiration. He approached Rosette, his
+eyes 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, excused
+herself, saying she was fatigued. Prince Charmant, who had clear
+intellect and penetration, divined the true motive of her refusal and
+admired Rosette still more for her delicacy. The queen, irritated by the
+success of Rosette, terminated the party at an early hour and retired.
+
+Rosette returned to her little room and undressed herself. She removed
+her robe and her ornaments and put them in a superb case of ebony which
+she found in her room. Much to her surprise, she found in her little
+trunk the robe of coarse cloth, the pullet feather, the necklace of
+nuts, the burrs, the dry beans, the coarse shoes of felt and the blue
+yarn stockings. She would not allow herself, however, to be disquieted,
+certain that her good godmother would come to her assistance at the
+proper time. Rosette was indeed saddened by the coldness of her parents
+and the jealousy of her sisters; but, as she scarcely knew them, this
+painful impression was effaced by the remembrance of the Prince
+Charmant, who appeared so good and who had been so flattering in his
+attention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully and awoke late in the
+morning.
+
+
+
+
+FAMILY COUNCIL
+
+
+While Rosette was only occupied with smiling and pleasant thoughts, the
+king, the queen and the princesses Orangine and Roussette were choking
+with rage. They had all assembled in the queen's apartment.
+
+"This is too horrible," said the princesses. "Why did you send for this
+Rosette, who has such dazzling jewels and makes herself admired and
+sought after by all these foolish kings and princes? Was it to humiliate
+us, 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 by
+the order of the fairy Puissante I was compelled to write for her to
+come. Besides, I did not know that she was so beautiful and that----"
+
+"So beautiful!" interrupted the princesses. "Where do you find her so
+beautiful? She is indeed ugly and coarse. It is her magnificent attire
+alone which makes her admired. Why have you not given to us your most
+superb jewels and your richest robes? We have the air of young slovens
+by the side of this proud princess."
+
+"And where could I possibly have found jewels as magnificent as hers? I
+have none which would compare with them. It is her godmother, the fairy
+Puissante, who has lent her these jewels."
+
+"Why, then, did you summon a fairy to be the godmother of Rosette, when
+you gave to us only queens for our godmothers?"
+
+"It was not your father who called her," cried the queen. "The fairy
+Puissante herself, without being called, appeared to us and signified
+that 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 means
+of getting rid of Rosette and preventing Prince Charmant from seeing her
+again."
+
+"Nothing more easy than that," said the queen. "I will have her
+despoiled to-morrow of her rare jewels and her beautiful robes. I will
+order my servants to seize her and carry her back to the farm which she
+shall never leave again."
+
+The queen had scarcely uttered these words, when the fairy Puissante
+appeared with an angry and threatening air. "If you dare to touch
+Rosette," said she, with a thundering voice, "if you do not keep her at
+the palace, if she is not present at all the parties, you shall feel
+the terrible effects of my anger. You unworthy king and you heartless
+queen, you shall be changed into toads and you, odious daughters and
+sisters, shall become vipers. Dare now to touch Rosette!"
+
+Saying these words, she disappeared.
+
+The king, the queen and princesses were horribly frightened and
+separated without saying a single word but their hearts were filled with
+rage. The princesses slept but little and were yet more furious in the
+morning when they saw their eyes heavy and their features convulsed by
+evil 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 as
+unhappy and as despairing as the princesses and indeed they saw no
+remedy for their grief and disappointment.
+
+
+
+
+SECOND DAY OF THE FESTIVAL
+
+
+In the morning a coarse servant brought Rosette bread and milk and
+offered her services to dress her. Rosette, who did not wish this rude
+domestic to see the change in her dress, thanked her smilingly and
+replied that she was in the habit of arranging her hair and dressing
+herself. Rosette then began her toilette. When she had washed and combed
+her hair she wished to arrange it with the superb carbuncle she had worn
+the day before but she saw with surprise that the ebony case had
+disappeared and in its place was a small wooden trunk, upon which there
+lay 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 would
+come to her help at the proper time. She arranged her pullet wing in a
+different manner from that of the day before, put on her dress, her
+necklace, her shoes, her bracelets and then stood before the glass.
+
+When she saw her own reflection in the mirror she was amazed. She was
+attired in the richest and most splendid riding-suit of sky-blue velvet
+and pearl buttons as large as walnuts; her stockings were bordered with
+a wreath of pearls; her head-dress was a cap of sky-blue velvet with a
+long plume of dazzling whiteness, which floated down to her waist and
+was attached by a single pearl of unparalleled beauty and splendor. The
+boots were also of blue velvet embroidered in gold and pearls. Her
+bracelets and necklace also were of pearls, so large and so pure that a
+single one would have paid for the king's palace.
+
+At the moment when Rosette was about to leave her chamber to follow the
+page, a sweet voice whispered in her ear, "Rosette, do not mount any
+other horse than the one the prince Charmant will present you."
+
+She turned and saw no one; but she felt convinced that this counsel came
+from her good godmother.
+
+"Thanks, dear godmother," she said, in low tones. She felt a sweet kiss
+upon 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, allured
+all eyes and captivated all hearts.
+
+The prince Charmant, who was evidently expecting her, advanced to meet
+her, offered his arm and led her to the king and queen who received her
+with more coldness than the day before. Orangine and Roussette were
+bursting 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 this
+reception but the prince Charmant, seeing her distress, approached and
+asked permission to be her companion during the chase in the forest.
+
+"It will be a great pleasure to me," replied Rosette, who did not know
+how to dissimulate.
+
+"It seems to me," said he, "that I am your brother, so great is the
+affection which I feel for you, charming princess. Permit me to remain
+by 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 so
+worthy of the name he bears."
+
+Prince Charmant was enchanted by this gracious reply and,
+notwithstanding the malice of Orangine and Roussette, who tried in every
+possible way to attract him to themselves, he did not leave Rosette's
+side for a moment.
+
+After breakfast they descended to the court for a ride on horseback. A
+page advanced to Rosette, leading a splendid black horse, which could
+scarcely be held by the grooms, it was so wild and vicious.
+
+"You must not ride this horse, princess," said Prince Charmant, "it will
+certainly 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 no
+other horse than this," said the page. At this the prince exclaimed:
+
+"Dear princess, wait but for a moment; I myself will bring you a horse
+worthy 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 magnificent
+horse, white as snow. The saddle was of blue velvet, embroidered in
+pearls and the bridle was of gold and pearls. When Rosette wished to
+mount, the horse knelt down and rose quietly when she had placed herself
+in the saddle.
+
+Prince Charmant sprang lightly upon his beautiful steed Alezan and
+placed himself by the side of the princess Rosette. The king, the queen
+and the princesses, who had seen all this, were pale with rage but they
+dared say nothing for fear of the fairy Puissante.
+
+The king gave the signal to depart. Every lady had her attendant
+gentleman. Orangine and Roussette were obliged to content themselves
+with two insignificant princes who were neither so young nor so handsome
+as Prince Charmant. Orangine and Roussette were so sulky that even these
+princes declared they would never wed princesses so uninteresting.
+
+In place of following the chase, Prince Charmant and Rosette wandered in
+the beautiful shady walks of the forest, talking merrily and giving
+accounts of their past lives.
+
+"But," said Charmant, "if the king your father has not allowed you to
+reside in his palace, how is it that he has given you such beautiful
+jewels, worthy of a fairy?"
+
+"It is to my good godmother that I owe them," replied Rosette. And then
+she told Prince Charmant how she had been educated on a farm and that
+she was indebted to the fairy Puissante for everything that she knew and
+everything she valued. The fairy had watched over her education and
+granted her every wish of her heart.
+
+Charmant listened with a lively interest and a tender compassion. And
+now, in his turn, he told Rosette that he had been left an orphan at the
+age of seven years; that the fairy Puissante had presided over his
+education; that she had also sent him to the festivals given by the
+king, telling him he would find there the perfect woman he was seeking.
+
+"In short, I believe, dear Rosette, that I have found in you the
+charming and perfect creature of whom the fairy spoke. Deign, princess,
+to connect your life with mine and authorize me to demand your hand of
+your parents."
+
+"Before answering, dear prince, I must obtain permission of my godmother
+but you may be sure that I shall be very happy to pass my life with
+you."
+
+The morning thus passed away most agreeably for Rosette and Charmant and
+they returned to the palace to dress for dinner.
+
+Rosette entered her ugly garret and saw before her a magnificent box of
+rosewood, wide open. She undressed and as she removed her articles of
+clothing they arranged themselves in the box, which then closed firmly.
+She arranged her hair and dressed herself with her usual neatness and
+then 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 looked
+as if woven of the wings of butterflies. It was studded with diamonds as
+brilliant as stars. The hem of this robe, the corsage and the waist were
+trimmed with diamond fringe which sparkled like suns. Her hair was
+partly covered with a net of diamonds from which a tassel of immense
+diamonds fell to her shoulders. Every diamond was as large as a pear and
+was worth a kingdom. Her necklace and bracelets were so immense and so
+brilliant that you could not look at them fixedly without being
+blinded.
+
+The young princess thanked her godmother most tenderly and felt again
+upon her fair cheek the sweet kiss of the morning. She followed the page
+and entered the royal salon. Prince Charmant was awaiting her at the
+door, offered her his arm and conducted her to the apartment of the king
+and queen. Rosette advanced to salute them.
+
+Charmant saw with indignation the glances of rage and revenge which the
+king, queen and princesses cast upon poor Rosette. He remained by her
+side as he had done in the morning and was witness to the admiration
+which she inspired and the malice and envy of her sisters.
+
+Rosette was indeed sad to find herself the object of hatred to her
+father, mother and sisters. Charmant perceived her melancholy and asked
+the cause. She explained it to him frankly.
+
+"When, oh! when, my dear Rosette, will you permit me to ask your hand of
+your father? In my kingdom every one will love you and I more than all
+the rest."
+
+"To-morrow, dear prince, I will send you the reply of my godmother whom
+I shall question on the subject this evening."
+
+They were now summoned to dinner. Charmant placed himself at Rosette's
+side and they conversed in a most agreeable manner.
+
+After dinner the king gave orders for the ball to commence. Orangine and
+Roussette, who had taken lessons for ten years, danced well but without
+any peculiar grace. They believed that Rosette had never had any
+opportunity to dance and with a mocking, malicious air, they now
+announced to her that it was her turn.
+
+The modest Rosette hesitated and drew back because it was repugnant to
+her to show herself in public and attract the general regard. But the
+more she declined, the more her envious sisters insisted, hoping that
+she would at last suffer a real humiliation.
+
+The queen now interfered and sternly commanded Rosette to dance. Rosette
+rose at once to obey the queen. Charmant, seeing her embarrassment, said
+to 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. I
+accept you for my partner and hope that you will not have occasion to
+blush for your generosity."
+
+And now Rosette and Charmant commenced. A more animated, graceful and
+light dance was never seen. All present gazed at them with ever
+increasing admiration. Rosette was so superior in dancing to Orangine
+and Roussette, that they could scarcely suppress their rage. They wished
+to throw themselves upon the young princess, choke her and tear her
+diamonds from her. The king and queen, who had been watching them and
+divined their intention, stopped them, and whispered in their ears:
+
+"Remember the threats and power of the fairy Puissante! To-morrow shall
+be the last day."
+
+When the dance was concluded, the most rapturous applause resounded
+throughout the hall and every one entreated Charmant and Rosette to
+repeat the dance. As they felt no fatigue they did not wish to seem
+disobliging and executed a new dance, more graceful and attractive than
+the first.
+
+Orangine and Roussette could no longer control themselves. They were
+suffocating with rage, fainted and were carried from the room. They had
+become so marked by the passions of envy and rage that they had lost
+every vestige of beauty and no one had any sympathy for them, as all had
+seen their jealousy and wickedness.
+
+The applause and enthusiasm for Rosette and Charmant were so
+overpowering that they sought refuge in the garden. They walked side by
+side during the rest of the evening, and talked merrily and happily over
+their plans for the future, if the fairy Puissante would permit them to
+unite the smooth current of their lives. The diamonds of Rosette
+sparkled with such brilliancy that the alleys where they walked and the
+little groves where they seated themselves, seemed illuminated by a
+thousand stars. At last it was necessary to separate.
+
+[Illustration: _They walked side by side during the rest of the
+evening_]
+
+"To-morrow!" said Rosette, "to-morrow I hope to say, _yours eternally_."
+
+Rosette entered her little room. As she undressed, her clothing arranged
+itself as the day before in the case. This new case was of carved ivory
+and studded with turquoise nails. When Rosette had lain down peacefully
+upon 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 to
+Prince Charmant. Dictate my response, dear godmother. I will obey your
+command, no matter how painful it may be."
+
+"Say yes, my dear Rosette, to Prince Charmant," replied the soft voice
+of the fairy. "I myself arranged this marriage. It was to make you
+acquainted with Prince Charmant that I forced your father to invite you
+to this festival."
+
+Rosette thanked the kind fairy and slept the sleep of innocence, after
+having 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, and
+Orangine and Roussette, purple with rage, were quarrelling and disputing
+amongst themselves. Each was accusing the other of having brought about
+the triumph of Rosette and their own humiliating defeat. One last hope
+remained for them. In the morning there was to be a chariot race. Each
+chariot was to be drawn by two horses and driven by a lady. It was
+resolved 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 the
+queen, "as he had this morning in the case of the riding-horse. It is
+easy to find a horse for the saddle but it will be impossible for him to
+find a chariot ready for the course."
+
+The consoling thought that Rosette might be killed or grievously
+wounded and disfigured on the morrow brought peace to these four wicked
+beings. They retired and dreamed of the next best means of ridding
+themselves of Rosette if the chariot race failed. Orangine and Roussette
+slept but little so that in the morning they were still uglier and more
+unprepossessing than they had appeared the day before.
+
+Rosette, who had a tranquil conscience and contented heart, slept all
+night calmly. She had been much fatigued and did not wake till a late
+hour. Indeed, on rising she found she had scarcely time to dress. The
+coarse kitchen girl brought her a cup of milk and a piece of bread. This
+was by order of the queen who directed that she should be treated like a
+servant.
+
+Rosette was not difficult to please. She ate the coarse bread and milk
+with appetite and began to dress. The case of carved ivory had
+disappeared. She put on as usual her robe of coarse cloth, her pullet's
+wing, and all the rude ornaments she had brought from the farm and then
+looked at herself in the glass.
+
+She was attired in a riding habit of straw-colored satin, embroidered in
+front and at the hem with sapphires and emeralds. Her hat was of white
+velvet, ornamented with plumes of a thousand colors, taken from the
+plumage of the rarest birds and attached by a sapphire larger than an
+egg. On her neck was a chain of sapphires, at the end of which was a
+watch, the face of which was opal, the back a carved sapphire and the
+glass diamond. This watch was always going, was never out of order and
+never required to be wound up.
+
+Rosette heard her page at the door and followed him. On entering the
+salon she perceived Prince Charmant, who was awaiting her with the most
+lively impatience. He sprang forward to receive her, offered his arm and
+said with eagerness:--
+
+"Well, dear princess, what did the fairy say to you? What answer do you
+give me?"
+
+"That which my heart dictated, sweet prince. I consecrate my life to you
+as you have dedicated yours to me."
+
+"Thanks! a thousand times thanks, dear and bewitching Rosette. When may
+I 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 this
+very day. I cannot bear to see you subjected to the tyranny of your
+family 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 danger
+and during eight days from the setting of the sun this evening I cannot
+watch over her."
+
+Charmant trembled and repeated the fairy's words to Rosette, who replied
+that it was a warning they must not neglect as it undoubtedly came from
+the fairy Puissante.
+
+The princess now advanced to salute the king, the queen and her sisters
+but they neither looked at her nor spoke to her. She was however
+immediately surrounded by a crowd of kings and princes, each one of whom
+had himself proposed to ask her hand in marriage that evening but no one
+had an opportunity to speak to her as Charmant never left her side a
+single moment.
+
+After the repast they went down to get into the chariots. The kings and
+princes 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 reins
+and lifted her to the ground.
+
+"You shall not enter this chariot, princess. Look at these wild
+ungovernable horses."
+
+Rosette now saw that it took four men to hold each of the horses and
+that they were prancing and jumping alarmingly.
+
+At this instant a pretty little jockey, attired in a straw-colored satin
+vest, 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 two
+magnificent steeds with harness of straw-colored velvet ornamented with
+sapphires, drew up before the princess.
+
+Charmant scarcely knew whether to allow Rosette to mount this unknown
+chariot for he still feared some cunning wickedness of the king and
+queen. But the voice of the fairy sounded in his ear:--
+
+"Allow Rosette to ascend the chariot; these horses are a present from
+me. Follow them wherever they may take Rosette. The day is advancing. I
+have but a few hours left in which I can be of service to Rosette and
+she must be safe in your kingdom before the day closes."
+
+Charmant assisted Rosette to ascend the chariot and sprang upon his
+horse. A few moments afterwards, two chariots driven by veiled women
+advanced in front of Rosette. One of them dashed her chariot with such
+violence against that of Rosette, that the little chariot of
+mother-of-pearl would inevitably have been crushed had it not been
+constructed by fairies. The heavy and massive chariot was dashed to
+pieces instead of Rosette's. The veiled woman was thrown upon the
+stones, where she remained immovable whilst Rosette, who had recognized
+Orangine, tried to stop her own horses. The other chariot now dashed
+against that of Rosette and was crushed like the first and the veiled
+woman was also dashed upon the stones, which seemed placed there to
+receive her.
+
+Rosette recognised Roussette and was about to descend from her chariot
+when Charmant interfered, and said: "Listen, Rosette!"
+
+A voice whispered, "Go, flee quickly! The king is pursuing you with a
+great company to kill you both. The sun will set in a few hours. I have
+barely 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 more
+dead than alive. The superb steeds set off with such marvellous speed
+that they made more than twenty leagues an hour. For a long time they
+knew that they were pursued by the king with a numerous troop of armed
+men but they could not overtake the horses of the fairy. The chariot
+still flew on with lightning haste; the horses increased their speed
+till at last they made a hundred leagues an hour. During six hours they
+kept up this rate and then drew up at the foot of the stairs of Prince
+Charmant.
+
+The whole palace was illuminated and all the courtiers were waiting at
+the entrance in their most magnificent costumes to welcome the princess
+and the prince.
+
+The prince and Rosette were amazed, not knowing how to understand this
+unexpected reception. Charmant had just assisted the princess to descend
+from the chariot, when they saw before them the fairy Puissante, who
+said:--
+
+"Most welcome to your kingdom. Prince Charmant, follow me; all is
+prepared for your marriage. Conduct Rosette to her room that she may
+change her dress, whilst I explain to you all the events of this day
+which seem so incomprehensible to you. I have one hour at my disposal."
+
+The fairy and Charmant now led Rosette to an apartment, ornamented with
+the most exquisite taste, where she found her maids waiting to attend
+upon her.
+
+"I will return to seek you in a short time, my dear Rosette," said the
+fairy; "my moments are counted."
+
+She departed with Charmant and said to him:--
+
+"The hatred of the king and queen against Rosette had become so intense
+that they had blindly resolved to defy my vengeance and to get rid of
+Rosette. Seeing that their cunning arrangements in the chariot race had
+not succeeded after I substituted my horses for those which would
+certainly have killed Rosette, they resolved to have recourse to
+violence. The king employed a band of brigands, who swore to him a blind
+obedience; they pursued your steps with vengeance in their hearts and as
+the king knew your love for Rosette and foresaw that you would defend
+her 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 heavy
+chariots violently against the light chariot of the princess. I have
+punished them as they deserved.
+
+"Orangine and Roussette have had their faces so crushed and wounded by
+the stones that they have become frightful. I have aroused them from
+their state of unconsciousness, cured their wounds but left the hideous
+scars to disfigure them. I have deprived them of all their rich clothing
+and dressed them like peasants and I married them at once to two brutal
+ostlers whom I commissioned to beat and maltreat them until their wicked
+hearts are changed--and this I think will never take place.
+
+"As to the king and queen, I have changed them into beasts of burden and
+given them to wicked and cruel masters who will make them suffer for all
+their brutality to Rosette. Besides this, they have all been transported
+into your kingdom and they will be compelled to hear unceasingly the
+praises of Rosette and her husband.
+
+"I have but one piece of advice to give you, dear prince; hide from
+Rosette the punishment I have inflicted upon her parents and sisters.
+She is so good and tender-hearted that her happiness would be affected
+by it, but I ought not and will not take pity upon wicked people whose
+hearts are so vicious and unrepentant."
+
+Charmant thanked the fairy eagerly and promised silence. They now
+returned to Rosette, who was clothed in her wedding-robe, prepared by
+the fairy Puissante.
+
+It was a tissue of dazzling golden gauze, embroidered with garlands of
+flowers and birds, in stones of all colors, of admirable beauty; the
+jewels which formed the birds were so disposed as to produce, at every
+motion of Rosette, a warbling more melodious than the sweetest music.
+Upon her head was a crown of flowers made of gems still more beautiful
+and rare than those on her robe. Her neck and arms were covered with
+carbuncles more brilliant than the sun.
+
+Charmant was completely dazzled by his bride's beauty but the fairy
+recalled him from his ecstasy by saying:--
+
+"Quick! quick! onward! I have but half an hour, after which I must give
+myself 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. They
+walked towards the chapel which was brilliantly illuminated and here
+Charmant and Rosette received the nuptial benediction. On returning to
+the parlor, they perceived that the fairy had disappeared, but, as they
+were sure of again seeing her in eight days her absence caused them no
+anxiety. Charmant presented the new queen to his court. Everybody found
+her as charming and good as the prince and they felt disposed to love
+her as they loved him.
+
+With a most amiable and thoughtful attention, the fairy had transported
+the farm, upon which Rosette had been so happy, and all its occupants
+into 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. The
+fairy had also brought into the palace all those cases which contained
+the rich dresses in which Rosette had been so triumphant at the
+festivals.
+
+[Illustration: _The fairy must give herself up to the queen and lose her
+power for eight days_]
+
+Rosette and Charmant were very happy and loved each other tenderly
+always. Rosette never knew the terrible punishment of her father, mother
+and sisters. When she asked Charmant the fate of her sisters, he told
+her that their faces were much disfigured by their fall amongst the
+stones but they were well and married and the good fairy expressly
+forbade Rosette to think of them. She spoke of them no more.
+
+As to Orangine and Roussette, the more unhappy they were, the more cruel
+and wicked their hearts became, so the fairy allowed them to remain
+always ugly and in the most degraded ranks of life.
+
+The king and queen, changed into beasts of burden, found their only
+consolation in biting and kicking everything that came within their
+reach. They were obliged to carry their masters to festivals given in
+honor of Rosette's marriage and they were mad with rage when they heard
+the praises lavished upon the young couple and in seeing Rosette pass
+by, beautiful, radiant and adored by Charmant.
+
+The fairy had resolved that they should not return to their original
+forms till their hearts were changed. It is said that six thousand years
+have 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 alone
+with his little daughter. His wife had died a few days after the birth
+of this little girl, who was named Rosalie.
+
+Rosalie's father had a large fortune. He lived in a great house, which
+belonged to him. This house was surrounded by a large garden in which
+Rosalie walked whenever she pleased to do so.
+
+She had been trained with great tenderness and gentleness but her father
+had accustomed her to the most unquestioning obedience. He forbade her
+positively to ask him any useless questions or to insist upon knowing
+anything he did not wish to tell her. In this way, by unceasing care
+and watchfulness, he had almost succeeded in curing one of Rosalie's
+great faults, a fault indeed unfortunately too common--curiosity.
+
+[Illustration: _Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by
+high walls_]
+
+Rosalie never left the park, which was surrounded by high walls. She
+never saw any one but her father. They had no domestic in the house;
+everything seemed to be done of itself. She always had what she
+wanted--clothing, books, work, and playthings. Her father educated her
+himself and although she was nearly fifteen years old, she was never
+weary and never thought that she might live otherwise and might see more
+of the world.
+
+There was a little house at the end of the park without windows and with
+but one door, which was always locked. Rosalie's father entered this
+house every day and always carried the key about his person. Rosalie
+thought 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 seeking
+a 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 little
+house."
+
+"No, Rosalie, there is no watering-pot there."
+
+Prudent's voice trembled so in pronouncing these words that Rosalie
+looked up with surprise, and saw that his face was pale and his forehead
+bathed 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 for
+your 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 with
+you?"
+
+"Rosalie, you know that I do not like to be questioned and that
+curiosity is the greatest defect in your character."
+
+Rosalie said no more but she remained very thoughtful. This little
+house, of which she had never before thought, was now constantly in her
+mind.
+
+"What can be concealed there?" she said to herself. "How pale my father
+turned when I asked his permission to enter! I am sure he thought I
+should be in some sort of danger. But why does he go there himself every
+day? It is no doubt to carry food to some ferocious beast confined
+there. But if it was some wild animal, would I not hear it roar or howl
+or shake the house? No, I have never heard any sound from this cabin. It
+cannot then be a beast. Besides, if it was a ferocious beast, it would
+devour 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. What
+can it be? A prisoner? My father is good, he would not deprive any
+unfortunate innocent of light and liberty. Well, I absolutely must
+discover this mystery. How shall I manage it? If I could only secretly
+get the key from my father for a half hour! Perhaps some day he will
+forget it."
+
+Rosalie was aroused from this chain of reflection by her father, who
+called to her with a strangely agitated voice.
+
+"Here, father--I am coming."
+
+She entered the house and looked steadily at her father. His pale, sad
+countenance indicated great agitation.
+
+More than ever curious, she resolved to feign gaiety and indifference in
+order to allay her father's suspicions and make him feel secure. In this
+way she thought she might perhaps obtain possession of the key at some
+future time. He might not always think of it if she herself seemed to
+have forgotten it.
+
+They seated themselves at the table. Prudent ate but little and was sad
+and silent, in spite of his efforts to appear gay. Rosalie, however,
+seemed so thoughtless and bright that her father at last recovered his
+accustomed good spirits.
+
+Rosalie would be fifteen years old in three weeks. Her father had
+promised an agreeable surprise for this event. A few days passed
+peacefully 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 out
+to arrange something for your birth-day. Wait for me in the house, my
+dear. Do not yield yourself up to idle curiosity. In fifteen days you
+will know all that you desire to know, for I read your thoughts and I
+know what occupies your mind. Adieu, my daughter, beware of curiosity!"
+
+Prudent embraced his daughter tenderly and withdrew, leaving her with
+great reluctance.
+
+As soon as he was out of sight, Rosalie ran to her father's room and
+what was her joy to see the key forgotten upon the table! She seized it
+and ran quickly to the end of the park. Arrived at the little house, she
+remembered the words of her father, "Beware of curiosity!" She
+hesitated, and was upon the point of returning the key without having
+looked at the house, when she thought she heard a light groan. She put
+her 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 creature
+whom my father holds captive."
+
+Tapping softly upon the door, she said: "Who are you, and what can I do
+for 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 and
+I will prove my gratitude by telling you truly who I am."
+
+Rosalie no longer hesitated: her curiosity was stronger than her
+obedience. She put the key in the lock, but her hand trembled so that
+she could not open it. She was about to give up the effort, when the
+little voice continued:--
+
+"Rosalie, that which I have to tell you will teach you many things which
+will interest you. Your father is not what he appears to be."
+
+At these words Rosalie made a last effort, the key turned and the door
+opened.
+
+
+
+
+THE FAIRY DETESTABLE
+
+
+Rosalie looked in eagerly. The little house was dark; she could see
+nothing 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 corner
+two brilliant little eyes gazing at her maliciously.
+
+"My cunning trick has succeeded, Rosalie, and betrayed you into yielding
+to your curiosity. If I had not spoken and sung you would have returned
+with the key and I should have been lost. Now that you have set me at
+liberty, you and your father are both in my power."
+
+Rosalie did not yet fully comprehend the extent of the misfortune she
+had brought about by her disobedience. She knew, however, that it was a
+dangerous foe which her father had held captive and she wished to retire
+and close the door.
+
+"Stop, Rosalie! It is no longer in your power to keep me in this odious
+prison from which I never could have escaped if you had waited until
+your fifteenth birth-day."
+
+At this moment the little house disappeared entirely, and Rosalie saw
+with 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 its
+sparkling little eyes and began to laugh in a thin, discordant voice.
+
+"Ha! ha! ha! What a frightened air you have, Rosalie! In truth you amuse
+me very much. But it is lucky for me that you had so much curiosity. It
+has been nearly fifteen years since I was shut up in this frightful
+prison, having no power to injure your father, whom I hate, or to bring
+any 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 fairy
+Detestable and the name suits me, I assure you. All the world hates me
+and I hate all the world. I shall follow you now for the rest of your
+life, wherever you go."
+
+"Go away at once, miserable creature! A mouse is not to be feared and I
+will 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 her
+hands_]
+
+Rosalie now ran rapidly towards the house; every time she turned she saw
+the mouse galloping after her, and laughing with a mocking air. Arrived
+at the house, she tried to crush the mouse in the door, but it remained
+open in spite of every effort she could make and the mouse remained
+quietly upon the door-sill.
+
+"Wait awhile, wicked monster!" cried Rosalie, beside herself with rage
+and terror.
+
+She seized a broom and tried to dash it violently against the mouse but
+the broom was on fire at once, blazed up and burned her hands; she threw
+it 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 was
+boiling on the fire, she emptied it upon the mouse but the boiling water
+was changed into good fresh milk and the mouse commenced drinking it,
+saying:--
+
+"How exceedingly amiable you are, Rosalie! Not content with having
+released me from captivity, you give me an excellent breakfast."
+
+Poor Rosalie now began to weep bitterly. She was utterly at a loss what
+to do, when she heard her father entering.
+
+"My father!" cried she, "my father! Oh! cruel mouse, I beseech you in
+pity to go away that my father may not see you!"
+
+"No, I shall not go but I will hide myself behind your heels until your
+father knows of your disobedience."
+
+The mouse had scarcely concealed herself behind Rosalie, when Prudent
+entered. He looked at Rosalie, whose paleness and embarrassed air
+betrayed her fear.
+
+"Rosalie," said Prudent, with a trembling voice, "I forgot the key of
+the little garden-house; have you found it?"
+
+"Here it is, father," said Rosalie, presenting it to him, and coloring
+deeply.
+
+"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 of
+the room and upset it there?"
+
+"No! no! father, it was I that did it; in carrying it, I accidentally
+overturned 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 unquiet
+glance about the room, sighed and turned his steps slowly towards the
+little house in the garden.
+
+Rosalie fell sobbing bitterly upon a chair; the mouse did not stir. A
+few moments afterwards, Prudent entered hastily, his countenance marked
+with horror.
+
+"Rosalie! unhappy child! what have you done? You have yielded to your
+fatal curiosity and released our most cruel enemy from prison."
+
+"Pardon me, father! oh pardon me!" she cried, throwing herself at his
+feet; "I was ignorant of the evil I did."
+
+"Misfortune is always the result of disobedience, Rosalie; disobedient
+children think they are only committing a small fault, when they are
+doing the greatest injury to themselves and others."
+
+"But, father, who and what then is this mouse, who causes you this
+terrible fear? How, if it had so much power, could you keep it so long a
+prisoner and why can you not put it in prison again?"
+
+"This mouse, my unhappy child, is a wicked fairy, but very powerful. For
+myself, I am the genius Prudent and since you have given liberty to my
+enemy, I can now reveal to you that which I should have concealed until
+you were fifteen years old.
+
+"I am, then, as I said to you, the genius Prudent; your dear mother was
+a simple mortal but her virtues and her graces touched the queen of the
+fairies 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 to
+invoke the fairy Detestable, who was already irritated against me for
+having married a princess, after having refused one of her daughters.
+She was so exasperated against me that she swore an implacable hatred
+against 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 beloved
+by 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 most
+violent convulsions which I could not calm. I left her for a few moments
+to invoke the aid of the queen of the fairies. When I returned your
+mother was dead.
+
+"The wicked fairy Detestable had profited by my absence and caused her
+death. She was about to endow you with all the passions and vices of
+this evil world, when my unexpected return happily paralyzed her
+efforts. I interrupted her at the moment when she had endowed you with a
+curiosity sufficient to make you wretched and to subject you entirely to
+her power at fifteen years of age. By my power, united to that of the
+queen of the fairies, I counter-balanced this fatal influence and we
+decided that you should not fall under her power at fifteen years of
+age, unless you yielded three times under the gravest circumstances to
+your idle curiosity.
+
+"At the same time the queen of the fairies, to punish the fairy
+Detestable, changed her into a mouse, shut her up in the little garden
+house, and declared that she should never leave it unless you
+voluntarily opened the door. Also, that she should never resume her
+original form of fairy unless you yielded three times to your criminal
+curiosity before you were fifteen years of age. Lastly, that if you
+resisted once the fatal passion you should be for ever released, as well
+as myself, from the power of the fairy Detestable.
+
+"With great difficulty I obtained all these favors and only by promising
+that I would share your fate and become, like yourself, the slave of
+the fairy Detestable, if you weakly allowed yourself to yield three
+times to your curiosity. I promised solemnly to educate you in such a
+manner as to destroy this terrible passion, calculated to cause so many
+sorrows.
+
+"For all these reasons I have confined myself and you, Rosalie, in this
+enclosure. I have permitted you to see no one, not even a domestic. I
+procured by my power all that your heart desired and I have been feeling
+quite satisfied in having succeeded so well with you. In three weeks you
+would have been fifteen, and for ever delivered from the odious yoke of
+the fairy Detestable.
+
+"I was alarmed when you asked for the key of the little house, of which
+you had never before seemed to think. I could not conceal the painful
+impression which this demand made upon me. My agitation excited your
+curiosity. In spite of your gaiety and assumed thoughtlessness, I
+penetrated your thoughts, and you may judge of my grief when the queen
+of the fairies ordered me to make the temptation possible and the
+resistance meritorious by leaving the key at least once in your reach. I
+was thus compelled to leave it, that fatal key, and thus facilitate by
+my 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 saw
+your embarrassment and blushes on my return, indicating to me too well
+that you had allowed your curiosity to master you.
+
+"I was commanded to conceal everything from you; to tell you nothing of
+your birth or of the dangers which surround you, until your fifteenth
+birthday. If I had disobeyed, you would at once have fallen into the
+power of the fairy Detestable.
+
+"And yet, Rosalie, all is not lost. You can yet repair your fault by
+resisting for fifteen days this terrible passion. At fifteen years of
+age you were to have been united to a charming prince, who is related to
+us, the prince Gracious. This union is yet possible.
+
+"Ah, Rosalie! my still dear child, take pity on yourself, if you have no
+mercy for me and resist your curiosity."
+
+Rosalie was on her knees before her father, her face concealed in her
+hands and weeping bitterly. At these words she took courage, embraced
+him tenderly and said to him:--
+
+"Oh, father! I promise you solemnly that I will atone for this fault. Do
+not leave me, dear father! With you by me, I shall be inspired with a
+courage which would otherwise fail me. I dare not be deprived of your
+wise paternal counsel."
+
+"Alas! Rosalie! it is no longer in my power to remain with you for I am
+now under the dominion of my enemy. Most certainly she will not allow me
+to stay by your side and warn you against the snares and temptations
+which she will spread at your feet. I am astonished at not having seen
+my cruel foe before this time. The view of my affliction and despair
+would have for her hard heart an irresistible charm."
+
+"I have been near you all the time, at your daughter's feet," said the
+little gray mouse, in a sharp voice, stepping out and showing herself to
+the unfortunate genius. "I have been highly entertained at the recital
+of all that I have already made you suffer, and the pleasure I felt in
+hearing you give this account to your daughter induced me to conceal
+myself 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 sharp
+little teeth and tried to draw her away. Rosalie uttered a piercing cry
+and clung convulsively to her father but an irresistible force bore her
+off. The unfortunate genius seized a stick and raised it to strike the
+mouse but before he had time to inflict the blow the mouse placed one of
+her little paws on the genius's foot and he remained as immovable as a
+statue. Rosalie embraced her father's knees and implored the mouse to
+take 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 the
+temptations to yield twice to your irresistible fault! We will travel
+all over the world together and I will show you many countries in
+fifteen days."
+
+The mouse pulled Rosalie without ceasing. Her arms were still clasped
+around her father, striving to resist the overpowering force of her
+enemy. The mouse uttered a discordant little cry and suddenly the house
+was in flames. Rosalie had sufficient presence of mind to reflect that
+if she allowed herself to be burned there would be no means left of
+saving her father, who must then remain eternally under the power of
+Detestable. Whereas, if she preserved her own life there remained always
+some chance of rescuing him.
+
+"Adieu, adieu, dear father!" she cried; "we will meet again in fifteen
+days. After having given you over to your enemy, your Rosalie will yet
+save 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 half
+dead with hunger, she resolved to approach a kind-looking woman who was
+seated at her door.
+
+"Madam," said she, "will you give me a place to sleep? I am dying with
+hunger and fatigue. Will you not be so kind as to allow me to enter and
+pass the night with you?"
+
+"How is it that so beautiful a girl as yourself is found upon the
+highways and what ugly animal is that with the expression of a demon
+which accompanies you."
+
+Rosalie turned round and saw the little gray mouse smiling upon her
+mockingly. She tried to chase it away but the mouse obstinately refused
+to 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 cannot
+lodge with me."
+
+Weeping bitterly, Rosalie continued her journey, and wherever she
+presented herself they refused to receive her and the mouse, who never
+quitted her side. She entered a forest where happily she found a brook
+at which she quenched her thirst. She found also fruits and nuts in
+abundance. She drank, ate and seated herself near a tree, thinking with
+agony of her father and wondering what would become of him during the
+fifteen days.
+
+While Rosalie was thus musing she kept her eyes closed so as not to see
+the wicked little gray mouse. Her fatigue, and the silence and darkness
+around her, brought on sleep and she slept a long time profoundly.
+
+
+
+
+THE PRINCE GRACIOUS
+
+
+While Rosalie was thus quietly sleeping, the prince Gracious was engaged
+in a hunt through the forest by torch-light. The fawn, pursued fiercely
+by the dogs, came trembling with terror to crouch down near the brook by
+which Rosalie was sleeping. The dogs and gamekeepers sprang forward
+after the fawn. Suddenly the dogs ceased barking and grouped themselves
+silently around Rosalie. The prince dismounted from his horse to set the
+dogs again upon the trail of the deer but what was his surprise to see a
+lovely young girl asleep in this lonely forest! He looked carefully
+around but saw no one else. She was indeed alone--abandoned. On
+examining her more closely, he saw traces of tears upon her cheeks and
+indeed they were still escaping slowly from her closed eyelids.
+
+Rosalie was simply clothed but the richness of her silk dress denoted
+wealth. Her fine white hands, her rosy nails, her beautiful chestnut
+locks, carefully and tastefully arranged with a gold comb, her elegant
+boots and necklace of pure pearls indicated elevated rank.
+
+Rosalie did not awake, notwithstanding the stamping of the horses, the
+baying of the dogs and the noisy tumult made by a crowd of sportsmen.
+
+The prince was stupefied and stood gazing steadily at Rosalie. No one
+present recognized her. Anxious and disquieted by this profound sleep,
+Prince Gracious took her hand softly. Rosalie still slept. The prince
+pressed her hand lightly in his but even this did not awaken her.
+
+Turning to his officers, he said: "I cannot thus abandon this
+unfortunate child, who has perhaps been led astray by some design, the
+victim 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 thus
+remove her to some hostel in the neighborhood while your highness
+continues the chase?"
+
+"Your idea is good, Hubert. Make the litter and we will immediately
+place her upon it, only you will not carry her to a hostel, but to my
+palace. This young maiden is assuredly of high birth, and she is
+beautiful as an angel. I will watch over her myself, so that she may
+receive the care and attention to which she is entitled."
+
+Hubert, with the assistance of his men, soon arranged the litter upon
+which Prince Gracious spread his mantle; then approaching Rosalie, who
+was still sleeping softly, he raised her gently in his arms and laid her
+upon the cloak. At this moment Rosalie seemed to be dreaming. She smiled
+and murmured, in low tones:--
+
+"My father! my father! saved for ever! The Queen of the Fairies! The
+Prince Gracious! I see him; he is charming!"
+
+The prince, surprised to hear his name pronounced, did not doubt that
+Rosalie was a princess under some cruel enchantment. He commanded his
+gamekeepers to walk very softly so as not to wake her and he walked by
+the side of the litter.
+
+On arriving at the palace, Prince Gracious ordered that the queen's
+apartment should be prepared for Rosalie. He suffered no one to touch
+her but carried her himself to her chamber and laid her gently upon the
+bed, ordering the women who were to wait upon and watch over her to
+apprise him as soon as she awaked. Then, casting a farewell look upon
+the sad, sweet face of the sleeper, he strode from the room.
+
+Rosalie slept tranquilly until morning. The sun was shining brightly
+when she awoke. She looked about her with great surprise. The wicked
+mouse 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 many
+officers, dressed in brilliant uniforms. More and more surprised, she
+was about to call one of the men, whom she believed to be either genii
+or enchanters, when she heard footsteps approaching. She turned and saw
+the prince Gracious, clothed in an elegant and rich hunting-dress,
+standing before her and regarding her with admiration. Rosalie
+immediately recognized the prince of her dream and cried out
+involuntarily:--
+
+"The prince Gracious!"
+
+"You know me then?" said the prince, in amazement. "How, if you have
+ever known me, could I have forgotten your name and features?"
+
+"I have only seen you in my dreams, prince," said Rosalie, blushing. "As
+to my name, you could not possibly know it, since I myself did not know
+my father's name until yesterday."
+
+"And what is the name, may I ask, which has been concealed from you so
+long?"
+
+Rosalie then told him all that she had heard from her father. She
+frankly confessed her culpable curiosity and its terrible consequences.
+
+"Judge of my grief, prince, when I was compelled to leave my father in
+order to escape from the flames which the wicked fairy had lighted;
+when, rejected everywhere because of the wicked mouse, I found myself
+exposed to death from hunger and thirst! Soon, however, a heavy sleep
+took possession of me, during which I had many strange dreams. I do not
+know how I came here or whether it is in your palace that I find
+myself."
+
+Gracious then related to Rosalie how he had found her asleep in the
+forest and the words which he had heard her utter in her dream. He then
+added:--
+
+"There is one thing your father did not tell you, Rosalie; that is, that
+the queen of the fairies, who is our relation, had decided that we
+should be married when you were fifteen years of age. It was no doubt
+the queen of the fairies who inspired me with the desire to go hunting
+by torchlight, in order that I might find you in the forest where you
+had wandered. Since you will be fifteen in a few days, Rosalie, deign to
+consider 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 happy
+marriage."
+
+Rosalie thanked her young and handsome cousin heartily and then returned
+to her chamber, where she found her maids awaiting her with a wonderful
+selection of rich and splendid robes and head-dresses. Rosalie, who had
+never given much attention to her toilet, took the first dress that was
+presented to her. It was of rose-colored gauze, ornamented with fine
+lace with a head-dress of lace and moss rosebuds. Her beautiful chestnut
+hair was arranged in bands, forming a crown. When her toilet was
+completed, the prince came to conduct her to breakfast.
+
+Rosalie ate like a person who had not dined the day before. After the
+repast, the prince led her to the garden and conducted her to the
+green-houses, which were very magnificent. At the end of one of the
+hot-houses there was a little rotunda, ornamented with choice flowers;
+in the centre of this rotunda there was a large case which seemed to
+contain a tree but a thick heavy cloth was thrown over it and tightly
+sewed together. Through the cloth however could be seen a number of
+points of extraordinary brilliancy.
+
+
+
+
+THE TREE IN THE ROTUNDA
+
+
+Rosalie admired all the flowers very much but she waited with some
+impatience for the prince to remove the cloth which enveloped this
+mysterious tree. He left the green-house, however, without having spoken
+of 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 see
+it 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 you
+will 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 heavy
+penalties, to show it to you until after you become my wife. I do hope
+that you love me enough to control your curiosity till that time."
+
+These last words made Rosalie tremble, for they recalled to her the
+little gray mouse and the misfortunes which menaced her as well as her
+father, if she allowed herself to fall under the temptation, which,
+without doubt, her enemy the fairy Detestable had placed before her. She
+spoke no more of the mysterious case, and continued her walk with the
+prince. The day passed most agreeably. The prince presented her to the
+ladies of his court and commanded them to honor and respect in her the
+princess Rosalie, whom the queen of the fairies had selected as his
+bride. Rosalie was very amiable to every one and they all rejoiced in
+the idea of having so charming and lovely a queen.
+
+The following days were passed in every species of festivity. The prince
+and Rosalie both saw with joyous hearts the approach of the birth-day
+which was to be also that of their marriage:--the prince, because he
+tenderly loved his cousin, and Rosalie because she loved the prince,
+because she desired strongly to see her father again, and also because
+she hoped to see what the case in the rotunda contained. She thought of
+this incessantly. She dreamed of it during the night and whenever she
+was alone she could with difficulty restrain herself from rushing to
+the green-house to try to discover the secret.
+
+Finally, the last day of anticipation and anxiety arrived. In the
+morning Rosalie would be fifteen. The prince was much occupied with the
+preparations for his marriage; it was to be a very grand affair. All the
+good fairies of his acquaintance were to be present as well as the queen
+of the fairies. Rosalie found herself alone in the morning and she
+resolved to take a walk. While musing upon the happiness of the morrow,
+she involuntarily approached the green-house. She entered, smiling
+pensively, and found herself face to face with the cloth which covered
+the treasure.
+
+"To-morrow," said she, "I shall at last know what this thick cloth
+conceals from me. If I wished, indeed I might see it to-day, for I
+plainly perceive some little openings in which I might insert my fingers
+and by enlarging just a little----. In fact, who would ever know it? I
+would sew the cloth after having taken a glimpse. Since to-morrow is so
+near, 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 to
+gratify her curiosity, she forgot the goodness of the prince and the
+dangers which menaced them all if she yielded to this temptation.
+
+She passed her fingers through the little apertures and strained them
+lightly. The cloth was rent from the top to the bottom with a noise
+like thunder and Rosalie saw before her eyes a tree of marvellous
+beauty, with a coral trunk and leaves of emeralds. The seeming fruits
+which covered the tree were of precious stones of all colors--diamonds,
+sapphires, pearls, rubies, opals, topazes, all as large as the fruits
+they were intended to represent and of such brilliancy that Rosalie was
+completely dazzled by them. But scarcely had she seen this rare and
+unparalleled tree, when a noise louder than the first drew her from her
+ecstasy. 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 the
+most frightful cries of terror and suffering issue from its walls. Soon
+Rosalie saw the prince himself creep from the ruins bleeding and his
+clothing almost torn from him. He advanced towards her and said sadly:--
+
+"Rosalie! ungrateful Rosalie! see what you have done to me, not only to
+me, but to my whole court. After what you have done, I do not doubt that
+you will yield a third time to your curiosity; that you will complete my
+misfortunes, those of your unhappy father and your own. Adieu, Rosalie,
+adieu! May sincere repentance atone for your ingratitude towards an
+unhappy 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 him
+tenderly but he disappeared without ever turning to contemplate her
+despair. Rosalie was about to faint away, when she heard the little
+discordant laugh of the gray mouse and saw it before her.
+
+"Your thanks are due to me, my dear Rosalie, for having assisted you so
+well. It was I who sent you those bewitching dreams of the mysterious
+tree during the night. It was I who nibbled the cloth, to help you in
+your wish to look in. Without this last artifice of mine, I believe I
+should 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 guilty
+girl.
+
+"This is all my fault," said she; "had it not been for my fatal
+curiosity and my base ingratitude, the gray mouse would not have
+succeeded in making me yield so readily to temptation. I must atone for
+all this by my sorrow, by my patience and by the firmness with which I
+will resist the third proof to which I am subjected, no matter how
+difficult it may be. Besides, I have but a few hours to wait and my dear
+prince has told me that his happiness and that of my dearly loved father
+and my own, depends upon myself."
+
+Before her lay the smouldering ruins of the palace of the Prince
+Gracious. So complete had been its destruction that a cloud of dust and
+smoke hung over it, and hardly one stone remained upon another. The
+cries of those in pain were borne to her ears and added to her
+bitterness of feeling.
+
+Rosalie continued to lie prone on the ground. The gray mouse employed
+every possible means to induce her to move from the spot. Rosalie, the
+poor, unhappy and guilty Rosalie, persisted in remaining in view of the
+ruin 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 order
+to punish me for all I have made my father and my cousin endure? I will
+await in this terrible spot the dawning of my fifteenth birthday."
+
+The night was falling when an old woman who was passing by, approached
+and 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 of
+my relations?"
+
+"Willingly, madam," replied Rosalie, who was very obliging. The old
+woman placed the casket in her hands, saying:--
+
+"Many thanks, my beautiful child! I shall not be absent long. But I
+entreat you not to look in this casket, for it contains things--things
+such as you have never seen--and as you will never have an opportunity
+to see again. Do not handle it rudely, for it is of very fragile ware
+and would be very easily broken and then you would see what it contains
+and no one ought to see what is there concealed."
+
+The old woman went off after saying this. Rosalie placed the casket near
+her and reflected on all the events which had just passed. It was now
+night and the old woman did not return. Rosalie now threw her eyes on
+the casket and saw with surprise that it illuminated the ground all
+around 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 but
+nothing could explain this extraordinary light and she placed it
+carefully upon the ground, saying:--
+
+"Of what importance is it to me what this casket contains? It is not
+mine but belongs to the old woman who confided it to me. I will not
+think 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 father
+and 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 I
+am 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 the
+casket and began to gnaw the lid.
+
+"Monster!" cried Rosalie, seizing the casket and pressing it against her
+bosom, "if you touch this casket again I will wring your neck."
+
+The mouse cast a diabolical glance upon Rosalie but it dared not brave
+her anger. While it was meditating some other means of exciting the
+curiosity of Rosalie, a clock struck twelve. At the same moment the
+mouse 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 and
+my temptations as are also your odious father and hated prince. As to
+myself, I am compelled to keep this ignoble form of a mouse until I can
+tempt some young girl beautiful and well born as yourself to fall into
+my 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 follow
+her last counsel, and resolved to guard the casket carefully till the
+dawn. Scarcely had she taken this resolution, when an owl, which was
+flying above her head, let a stone fall upon the casket, which broke
+into a thousand pieces. Rosalie uttered a cry of terror and at the same
+moment she saw before her the queen of the fairies, who said:--
+
+"Come Rosalie, you have finally triumphed over the cruel enemy of your
+family. I will now restore you to your father but first you must eat and
+drink, as you are much exhausted."
+
+The fairy now presented her with a rare fruit, of which a single
+mouthful satisfied both hunger and thirst. Then a splendid chariot,
+drawn by two dragons, drew up before the fairy. She entered and
+commanded Rosalie to do the same. Rosalie, as soon as she recovered from
+her surprise, thanked the queen of the fairies with all her heart for
+her protection and asked if she was not to see her father and the prince
+Gracious.
+
+"Your father awaits you in the palace of the prince."
+
+"But, madam, I thought that the palace of the prince was destroyed and
+he himself wounded sadly?"
+
+"That, Rosalie, was only an illusion to fill you with horror and remorse
+at the result of your curiosity and to prevent you from falling before
+the third temptation. You will soon see the palace of the prince just as
+it was before you tore the cloth which covered the precious tree he
+destined 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 the
+prince, who seemed to have no remembrance of the fault she had committed
+the day before. All was ready for the marriage ceremony which was to be
+celebrated immediately. All the good fairies assisted at this festival
+which lasted several days.
+
+Rosalie's father lived with his child and she was completely cured of
+her curiosity. She was tenderly loved by Prince Gracious whom she loved
+fondly all her life. They had beautiful children, for whom they chose
+powerful fairies as godmothers in order that they might be protected
+against the wicked fairies and genii.
+
+
+
+
+OURSON
+
+
+
+
+OURSON
+
+
+THE LARK AND THE TOAD
+
+
+There was once a pretty woman named Agnella, who cultivated a farm. She
+lived alone with a young servant named Passerose. The farm was small but
+beautiful and in fine order. She had a most charming cow, which gave a
+quantity of milk, a cat to destroy the mice and an ass to carry her
+fruit, butter, vegetables, eggs, and cheese to markets every Wednesday.
+
+No one knew up to that time how Agnella and Passerose had arrived at
+this unknown farm which received in the county the name of the Woodland
+Farm.
+
+One evening Passerose was busy milking the pretty white cow while
+Agnella prepared the supper. At the moment she was placing some good
+soup and a plate of cream upon the table, she saw an enormous toad
+devouring with avidity some cherries which had been put on the ground in
+a vine-leaf.
+
+"Ugly toad!" exclaimed Agnella, "I will teach you how to eat my
+cherries!" At the same moment she lifted the leaves which contained the
+cherries, 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 sharp
+whistle and raised itself upon its hind legs; its great eyes were
+flashing, and its enormous mouth opening and shutting with rage, its
+whole ugly body was trembling and from its quivering throat was heard a
+terrible bellowing.
+
+Agnella paused in amazement; she recoiled, indeed, to avoid the venom of
+the monstrous and enraged toad. She looked around for a broom to eject
+this hideous monster, when the toad advanced towards her, made with its
+fore paws a gesture of authority, and said in a voice trembling with
+rage:--
+
+"You have dared to touch me with your foot! You have prevented me from
+satisfying my appetite with the cherries which you had placed within my
+reach! You have tried to expel me from your house! My vengeance shall
+reach you and will fall upon that which you hold most dear! You shall
+know and feel that the fairy Furious is not to be insulted with
+impunity. You shall have a son, covered with coarse hair like a bear's
+cub and----"
+
+"Stop, sister," interrupted a small voice, sweet and flute-like, which
+seemed to come from above. Agnella raised her head and saw a lark
+perched on the top of the front door. "You revenge yourself too cruelly
+for an injury inflicted, not upon you in your character of a fairy but
+upon the ugly and disgusting form in which it has pleased you to
+disguise yourself. By my power, which is superior to yours, I forbid you
+to exaggerate the evil which you have already done in your blind rage
+and 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 a
+possible remedy for the deformity of your child. I will accord to him
+the power of changing his skin with any one whom he may, by his goodness
+and service rendered, inspire with sufficient gratitude and affection to
+consent to the change. He will then resume the handsome form which would
+have been his if my sister, the fairy Furious, had not given you this
+terrible proof of her malice and cruelty."
+
+"Alas! madam Lark," replied Agnella, "all this goodness cannot prevent
+my poor, unhappy son from being disgusting and like a wild beast. His
+very playmates will shun him as a monster."
+
+"That is true," replied the fairy Drolette; "and the more so as it is
+forbidden to yourself or to Passerose to change skins with him. But I
+will neither abandon you nor your son. You will name him Ourson until
+the day when he can assume a name worthy of his birth and beauty. He
+must then be called the prince Marvellous."
+
+Saying these words, the fairy flew lightly through the air and
+disappeared from sight.
+
+The fairy Furious withdrew, filled with rage, walking slowly and turning
+every instant to gaze at Agnella with a menacing air. As she moved
+slowly along, she spat her venom from side to side and the grass, the
+plants and the bushes perished along her course. This was a venom so
+subtle that nothing could ever flourish on the spot again and the path
+is called to this day the Road of the Fairy Furious.
+
+When Agnella found herself alone, she began to sob. Passerose, who had
+finished her work and saw the hour of supper approaching, entered the
+dining-room and with great surprise saw her mistress in tears.
+
+"Dear queen, what is the matter? Who can have caused you this great
+grief? I have seen no one enter the house."
+
+"No one has entered, my dear, except those who enter everywhere. A
+wicked fairy under the form of a toad and a good fairy under the
+appearance of a lark."
+
+"And what have these fairies said to you, my queen, to make you weep so
+piteously? Has not the good fairy interfered to prevent the misfortunes
+which the wicked fairy wished to bring about?"
+
+"No, my dear friend. She has somewhat lightened them but it was not in
+her 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 have
+a son with a skin like a bear. At this narrative Passerose wept as
+bitterly as her mistress.
+
+"What a misfortune!" she exclaimed. "What degradation and shame, that
+the 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 flight
+we were swept away by a whirlwind and dashed from cloud to cloud for
+twelve hours with such astonishing rapidity that we found ourselves more
+than three thousand leagues from the kingdom of Ferocious. Besides, you
+know his wickedness. You know how bitterly he hates me since I prevented
+him from killing his brother Indolent and his sister Nonchalante. You
+know that I fled because he wished to kill me also. I have no reason to
+fear that he will pursue me for I am sure that he will wish never to see
+me 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 at
+the table.
+
+"If we wept all night, dear queen, we could not prevent your son from
+being shaggy but we will endeavor to educate him so well, to make him so
+good, that he will not be a long time in finding some good and grateful
+soul who will exchange a white skin for this hairy one which the evil
+fairy Furious has put upon him. A beautiful present indeed! She would
+have done well to reserve it for herself."
+
+The poor queen, whom we will continue to call Agnella for fear of giving
+information to King Ferocious, rose slowly, dried her eyes and succeeded
+in somewhat overcoming her sadness. Little by little the gay and
+cheering conversation of Passerose dissipated her forebodings. Before
+the close of the evening, Passerose had convinced her that Ourson would
+not remain a long time a bear; that he would soon resume a form worthy
+of a noble prince. That she would herself indeed be most happy to
+exchange with him, if the fairy would permit it.
+
+Agnella and Passerose now retired to their chambers and slept
+peacefully.
+
+
+
+
+BIRTH AND INFANCY OF OURSON
+
+
+Three months after the appearance of the toad and the cruel sentence of
+the fairy Furious, Agnella gave birth to a boy whom she named Ourson, as
+the fairy Drolette had commanded. Neither Agnella nor Passerose could
+decide if he was ugly or handsome for he was so hairy, so covered with
+long 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 her
+like a sister, poor Ourson would have died from neglect for he was so
+frightful no one would have dared to touch--he would have been taken for
+a little cub and killed with pitchforks. But Agnella was his mother and
+her first movement was to embrace him lovingly and, bathed in tears, to
+exclaim:--
+
+"Poor little Ourson! who can ever love you well enough to deliver you
+from this horrible curse? Alas! why will not the fairy permit me to make
+this exchange, which is allowed to another who may love you? No one can
+ever 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 the
+habit of afflicting herself for a long time on any occasion so she dried
+her eyes and said to Agnella:--
+
+"Dear queen, I am very certain that your dear son will be clothed but a
+short time with this villainous bear-skin and from this day I shall call
+him Prince Marvellous."
+
+"I beseech you not to do so," said the queen, anxiously; "you know that
+the fairies love to be obeyed."
+
+Passerose took the child, clothed it in the linen that had been prepared
+for it and leaned over to embrace it but she pricked her lips against
+the rough bristles of Ourson and drew back precipitately.
+
+"It will not be I who will embrace you frequently, my boy," said she, in
+a low voice; "you prick like a real hedgehog."
+
+It was Passerose, however, to whom Agnella gave the charge of the little
+Ourson. He had nothing of the bear but his skin: he was the
+sweetest-tempered, the most knowing, the most affectionate child that
+ever was seen. Passerose soon loved him with all her heart.
+
+As Ourson grew up he was sometimes permitted to leave the farm. He was
+in no danger for no one knew him in the country. The children always ran
+away at his approach and the women repulsed him. Men avoided him--they
+looked upon him as something accursed. Sometimes when Agnella went to
+market she put him on her donkey and took him with her and on those days
+she found more difficulty in selling her vegetables and cheese. The
+mothers fled from her, fearing that Ourson would come too near them.
+
+Agnella wept often and vainly implored the fairy Drolette. Whenever a
+lark 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 eyes
+and a sweet voice; his bristles were no longer stiff but his hair was
+soft as silk, and those who loved him could embrace him without being
+scratched, as Passerose had been the day of his birth. Ourson loved his
+mother tenderly and Passerose almost as well but he was often alone and
+very sad. He saw too well the horror he inspired and he saw also that he
+was unlike other children.
+
+One day he was walking along a beautiful road which bordered on the
+farm. He had walked a long time and overcome with heat and fatigue he
+looked about him for some fresh and quiet spot for repose when he
+thought 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 to
+be about three years old and she was beautiful as the Loves and Graces.
+Her blonde hair partly covered her fair and dimpled shoulders while her
+soft cheeks were round and fresh and dimpled and a half smile played
+upon her rosy and parted lips, through which small teeth, white and even
+as pearls, could be seen. Her charming head was reposing upon a lovely
+rounded arm and the little hand was beautifully formed and white as
+snow. The attitude of this little girl was so graceful, so enchanting,
+that Ourson stood before her immovable with admiration. He watched with
+as much surprise as pleasure, this child sleeping as soundly and
+peacefully 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 more
+rich and elegant than anything he had ever seen. Her dress was of white
+silk embroidered in gold; her boots were of blue satin also embroidered
+in gold; her stockings were silk and fine as a spider's web; magnificent
+bracelets were sparkling upon her arms and the clasp seemed to contain
+her portrait; a string of beautiful pearls encircled her throat.
+
+A lark now commenced its song just above the lovely little girl and
+awakened her from her profound slumber. She looked about her, called her
+nurse but finding herself alone in the woods, began to weep bitterly.
+
+Ourson was much affected at her tears and his embarrassment was very
+great.
+
+"If I show myself," said he to himself, "this poor little one will take
+me for some wild beast of the forest. If she sees me she will be
+terrified; she will take to flight and wander still further from her
+home. If I leave her here, she will die of terror and hunger. What shall
+I 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, soft
+voice; "I would not injure you for the whole world; on the contrary, I
+will 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 might
+suppose, but a poor and most unfortunate little boy, who inspires every
+one with terror and whom everybody avoids."
+
+The sweet child's eyes became calmer and softer, her fear seemed melting
+away 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 paused
+and began to weep bitterly.
+
+"Unfortunate wretch that I am," he said; "I cannot even assist this poor
+lost child. My appearance fills her with terror! She would rather be
+lost than have help from me!"
+
+So saying, poor Ourson covered his face with his hands and sobbing
+piteously threw himself on the ground. A few moments afterwards he felt
+a little hand seeking to take possession of his own. He raised his head
+and saw the child standing before him, her eyes filled with tears. She
+caressed and patted the hairy cheeks of poor Ourson.
+
+"Don't cry, little cub, don't cry," said she. "Violette is no longer
+afraid, 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 rosy
+lips to Ourson's hairy cheek and gave him several kisses.
+
+"You see, little cub, that Violette is no longer afraid. Violette kisses
+you! The little cub won't eat Violette--she will follow you!"
+
+If Ourson had followed the dictates of his heart, he would have pressed
+her to his bosom and covered with kisses the good and charming child who
+overcame her natural terror in order to assuage the grief and
+mortification 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, and
+kissing them delicately. Violette permitted this smilingly.
+
+"Now little cub is satisfied. Little cub will love Violette, poor
+Violette, who is lost!"
+
+Ourson understood well that her name was Violette; but he could not
+comprehend how this little girl, so richly clad, was left alone in the
+forest.
+
+"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! so
+fast--so fast, a long time! Violette was so tired, she fell down and
+slept!"
+
+"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 smiled
+sweetly.
+
+"Shall I go and seek mamma, Violette?"
+
+"No, no! Violette cannot stay all alone in this wood. Violette will
+go."
+
+"Come, then, with me, dear little girl. I will take you to my mother."
+
+Ourson and Violette now turned their steps towards the farm. Ourson
+gathered strawberries and cherries for Violette, who would not touch
+them till Ourson had eaten half. When she found that he still held his
+half 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. Violette
+cannot have little cub unhappy. Violette will not see you weep."
+
+She looked at him to see if he was content and happy. Ourson was really
+happy. He saw that his good and pretty little companion not only
+tolerated him but was interested in him and sought to make herself
+agreeable. His eyes were sparkling with joy, his voice, always soft and
+sad, 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 not
+leave him."
+
+"You are willing, then, that I shall embrace you? you are no longer
+afraid of me?"
+
+Violette, without further reply, threw herself in his arms. Ourson
+embraced her tenderly and pressed her to his heart.
+
+"Dear Violette, I will always love you. I will never forget that you
+are the only child who was ever willing to speak to me, touch me or
+embrace me."
+
+A short time after they arrived at the farm. Agnella and Passerose were
+seated at the door, talking together. When they saw Ourson arrive
+holding a little girl richly dressed by the hand, they were so surprised
+that neither could utter a word.
+
+"Dear mamma, here is a good and charming little girl whom I found
+sleeping in the forest. She is called Violette. She is very well bred
+and 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 and
+trembling 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 with
+cherries and strawberries."
+
+"But what is all this about?" said Passerose. "Why has our Ourson the
+charge 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 saw
+this little child asleep in the wood all alone. She awoke and began to
+weep. Suddenly she saw me and cried out in terror. I spoke to her and
+began to approach her; but she screamed again with fright. I was
+sorrowful--oh! so very sorrowful! I wept bitterly."
+
+"Hush! hush! poor Ourson," exclaimed Violette, putting her little hand
+on his mouth; "Violette will certainly never make you cry again."
+
+While saying these words Violette's voice was trembling and her sweet
+eyes were full of tears.
+
+"Good little girl!" said Agnella, embracing her; "you love our poor
+Ourson, 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 she
+had already told Ourson. Her father was a king, her mother a queen and
+she did not know how she came to be alone in the forest.
+
+Agnella did not hesitate to take under her protection this poor lost
+child. She loved her already because of the affection the little one
+seemed to entertain for Ourson and because of the happiness Ourson's
+whole manner expressed on seeing himself loved by some one else than his
+mother and Passerose.
+
+It was now the hour for supper. Passerose laid the cloth and they all
+took their seats at the table. Violette asked to be put at Ourson's
+side. She was gay and laughed and talked merrily. Ourson was more happy
+than he had ever been. Agnella was contented, and Passerose jumped for
+joy on seeing a little playmate for her dear Ourson. In her transports
+she spilled a pan of cream which was not lost, however, as a cat came
+and licked it up to the last drop. After supper, Violette fell asleep in
+her 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 in
+the stable."
+
+Agnella and Passerose at first refused but Ourson insisted so much upon
+being allowed to make this little sacrifice, that they at last
+consented. 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 bundles
+of hay. He slept peacefully with content in his heart.
+
+Passerose rejoined Agnella in the parlor. She found her meditating, with
+her 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 the
+little stranger. This medallion ought to open but I have tried in vain
+to open it. Perhaps we shall find here a portrait or a name."
+
+"Give it to me, my child. These bracelets are beautiful; they may aid
+us, perhaps, in finding a resemblance which presents itself vaguely to
+my remembrance and which I am trying in vain to make clear."
+
+Agnella took the bracelets and turned them from side to side and pressed
+them in every way, trying to open the medallion, but she succeeded no
+better than Passerose had done.
+
+At the moment when, weary of her vain efforts, she returned them to
+Passerose, she saw in the middle of the room a woman glittering as the
+sun; her face was of dazzling whiteness, her hair seemed made of threads
+of gold and a crown of glittering stars adorned her brow. Her waist was
+small and her person seemed transparent, it was so delicate and
+luminous; her floating robe was studded with stars like those which
+formed her crown. Her glance was soft yet she smiled maliciously but
+still with goodness.
+
+"Madam," said she to Agnella, "you see in me the fairy Drolette, the
+protectress of your son and of the little princess whom he brought home
+this morning from the forest. This princess is nearly related to you for
+she is your niece--the daughter of your brother-in-law Indolent and
+sister-in-law Nonchalante. Your husband succeeded after your flight in
+killing Indolent and Nonchalante, who did not distrust him and who
+passed all their time in sleeping, eating and lounging. Unfortunately, I
+could not prevent this crime as I was absent assisting at the birth of a
+prince whose parents are under my protection, and I forgot myself while
+playing tricks upon a wicked old maid of honor and an old chamberlain
+who was cruel and avaricious, both of them friends of my sister, the
+fairy Furious. But I arrived in time to save the princess Violette, only
+daughter and heiress of King Indolent and Queen Nonchalante. She was
+playing in the garden while the king Ferocious was seeking her with his
+poniard 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 directed
+the steps of the prince your son. Conceal from both of them their birth
+and your own and do not allow Violette to see these bracelets, which
+contain the portraits of her father and mother, nor the rich clothing
+which I have replaced by other articles better suited to the quiet
+existence she will lead here. I have here," said the fairy, "a casket of
+precious stones. It contains the happiness of Violette but you must hide
+them from all eyes and not open the casket until she shall have been
+lost and found."
+
+"I will execute your orders most faithfully, madam, but I pray you tell
+me if my unhappy son must long wear his frightful covering."
+
+"Patience! patience!" cried the fairy, "I watch over you, over Violette
+and over your son. Inform Ourson of the faculty he has of exchanging his
+skin with any one who loves him well enough to make this sacrifice for
+his sake. Remember that no one must know the rank of Ourson or of
+Violette. Passerose, on account of devotion, deserves to be the only one
+initiated into this mystery and she can always be trusted. Adieu,
+queen; count always upon my protection. Here is a ring, which you must
+place upon your little finger. As long as you wear it there you will
+want for nothing."
+
+Waving her farewell with her hand, the fairy took the form of a lark and
+flew away singing merrily.
+
+Agnella and Passerose looked at each other. Agnella sighed, Passerose
+smiled.
+
+"Let us hide this precious casket, dear queen, and the clothing of
+Violette. I am going now to see what the fairy has prepared for
+Violette's dress to-morrow morning."
+
+She ran quickly and opened the wardrobe, and found it filled with
+clothing, linen and hosiery, all plain but good and comfortable. After
+having looked at all, counted all and approved all and after having
+assisted Agnella to undress, Passerose went to bed and was soon sound
+asleep.
+
+
+
+
+THE DREAM
+
+
+In the morning Ourson was the first awake, aroused by the lowing of the
+cow. He rubbed his eyes and looked about him and asked himself why he
+was in a stable. Then he recalled the events of the day before, sprang
+up from his bundle of hay and ran quickly to the fountain to wash his
+face.
+
+While he was washing, Passerose, who had like Ourson risen at a very
+early 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, who
+was still sleeping. He drew back the curtains from Violette's bed and
+found her sleeping as peacefully as Agnella.
+
+Ourson watched her for a long time and was happy to see that she smiled
+in her dreams. Suddenly Violette's brow contracted and she uttered a cry
+of alarm, half raised herself in the bed, and throwing her little arms
+around Ourson's neck, she exclaimed:
+
+"Ourson! good Ourson! save poor Violette! poor Violette is in the water
+and 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 to
+reassure and control her but she still exclaimed:
+
+"Wicked toad! good Ourson! save Violette!"
+
+Agnella, who had awaked at her first cry, could not yet understand
+Violette's alarm but she succeeded at last in calming her and the child
+told her dream.
+
+"Violette was walking with Ourson but he did not give his hand to
+Violette nor look at her. A wicked toad came and pulled Violette into
+the water; she fell and called Ourson; he came and saved Violette. She
+loves good Ourson," she added, in a tender voice; "will never forget
+him."
+
+Saying these words, Violette threw herself into his arms. He, no longer
+fearing the effect of his bear-skin, embraced her a thousand times and
+comforted and encouraged her.
+
+Agnella had no doubt that this dream was a warning sent by the fairy
+Drolette. She resolved to watch carefully over Violette and to make
+known to Ourson all that she could reveal to him without disobeying the
+fairy.
+
+When she had washed and dressed Violette, she called Ourson to
+breakfast. 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 everything
+here, with good Ourson and good Mamma Ourson!"
+
+"I am not called Mamma Ourson," said Agnella, laughing; "call me only
+Mamma."
+
+"Oh no, no! not mamma!" cried Violette, shaking her head sadly. "Mamma!
+mamma is lost! she was always sleeping, never walking, never taking care
+of poor Violette, never kissing little Violette, Mamma Ourson speaks,
+walks, kisses Violette and dresses her. I love Mamma Ourson, oh, so
+much!" 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 and
+passing 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 breakfast
+and then we will take a walk."
+
+They breakfasted with good appetites. Violette clapped her hands
+frequently 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 and
+Passerose attended to the house. Ourson played with Violette and
+gathered her flowers and strawberries. She said to him:
+
+"We will always walk with each other. You must always play with
+Violette."
+
+"I cannot always play, little girl. I have to help mamma and Passerose
+to work."
+
+"What sort of work, Ourson?"
+
+"To sweep, scour, take care of the cow, cut the grass and bring wood and
+water."
+
+"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 she
+was helping him but she was really too small to be useful. After some
+days had passed away, she began to wash the cups and saucers, spread the
+cloth, fold the linen and wipe the table. She went to the milking with
+Passerose, helped to strain the milk and skim it and wash the marble
+flag-stones. She was never out of temper, never disobedient and never
+answered impatiently or angrily.
+
+Ourson loved her more and more from day to day. Agnella and Passerose
+were also very fond of her and the more so because they knew that she
+was Ourson's cousin.
+
+Violette loved them but Ourson most of all. How could she help loving
+this good boy, who always forgot himself for her, who was constantly
+seeking to amuse and please her and who would indeed have been willing
+to die for his little friend?
+
+One day, when Passerose had taken Violette with her to market, Agnella
+related to Ourson the sad circumstances which had preceded his birth.
+She revealed to him the possibility of his getting rid of his hairy skin
+and receiving a smooth white skin in exchange if he could ever find any
+one who would voluntarily make this sacrifice from affection and
+gratitude.
+
+"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 of
+wretchedness which the vengeance of the fairy Furious has condemned me
+to endure; never, from a wish of mine, shall a heart capable of such a
+sacrifice suffer all that I have suffered and all that I still suffer
+from the fear and antipathy of men."
+
+Agnella argued in vain against this firm and noble resolve of Ourson. He
+declared that she must never again speak to him of this exchange, to
+which he would most assuredly never give his consent and that it must
+never be named to Violette or any other person who loved him.
+
+Agnella promised compliance, after a few weak arguments. In reality she
+approved and admired his sentiments. She could not but hope, however,
+that the fairy Drolette would recompense the generous and noble
+character of her little charge and, by some extraordinary exercise of
+her power, release him from his hairy skin.
+
+
+
+
+THE TOAD AGAIN
+
+
+Some years passed away in this peaceful manner without the occurrence of
+any remarkable event. Ourson and Violette both grew rapidly. Agnella
+thought no more of Violette's frightful dream; her vigilance had greatly
+relaxed and she often allowed her to walk alone or under the care of
+Ourson.
+
+Ourson was now fifteen years of age and he was tall and strong. No one
+could say whether he was handsome or homely for his long black hair
+covered his body and face entirely. He was good, generous and
+loving--always ready to render a service, always contented and cheerful.
+Since the day when he had found Violette in the wood his melancholy had
+disappeared; he was utterly indifferent to the general antipathy which
+he inspired and he no longer walked in uninhabited places but lived
+happily in the circle of the three beings whom he cherished and who
+loved him supremely.
+
+Violette was now ten years old and she had not lost a single sweet charm
+of her beauty in growing up. Her eyes were softer and more angelic, her
+complexion fresher and purer, her mouth more beautiful and arch in its
+expression. She had grown much in height--was tall, light and graceful
+and her rich blonde hair, when unbound, fell to her feet and entirely
+enveloped her like a veil. Passerose had the care of this superb hair
+and Agnella never ceased to admire it.
+
+Violette had learned many things during those seven years. Agnella had
+taught her how to do housework. In other things, Ourson had been her
+teacher. He had taught her to read, write and keep accounts and he often
+read aloud to her while she was sewing. Instructive and amusing books
+were 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 for
+going to market to sell or the neighboring village to buy. Through the
+agency of the ring on Agnella's little finger everything they wished
+for, or had need of, was speedily brought to them.
+
+One day when Ourson was walking with Violette she stumbled against a
+stone, fell and hurt her foot. Ourson was frightened when he saw his
+cherished Violette bleeding. He did not know what to do to relieve her;
+he saw how much she suffered, for, notwithstanding all her efforts, she
+could not suppress the tears which escaped from her eyes but finally he
+remembered that a brook flowed not ten paces from them.
+
+"Dear Violette," he said, "lean upon me and we will endeavor to reach
+the rivulet--the fresh water will relieve you."
+
+Violette tried to walk while Ourson supported her. He succeeded in
+seating her on the borders of the stream where she took off her shoe and
+bathed her delicate little foot in the fresh flowing water.
+
+"I will run to the house, dear Violette, and bring some linen to wrap up
+your foot. Wait for me, I shall not be long absent and take good care
+not to get nearer the stream for this little brook is deep and if you
+slip you might drown."
+
+When Ourson was out of sight Violette felt an uneasiness which she
+attributed to the pain caused by her wound. An unaccountable repulsion
+made her feel inclined to withdraw her foot from the water in which it
+was hanging. Before she decided to obey this strange impulse she saw the
+water troubled and the head of an enormous toad appear upon the surface.
+The great swollen angry eyes of the loathsome animal were fixed upon
+Violette, who since her dream had always had a dread of toads. The
+appearance of this hideous creature, its monstrous swollen body and
+menacing glance, froze her with such horror that she could neither move
+nor 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. "I
+am the fairy Furious, the enemy of your family. I have been lying in
+wait 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 warn
+you against me. Ourson whose hairy skin is a talisman of safety is now
+absent, my sister is on a journey and you are at last mine."
+
+Saying these words, she seized Violette's foot with her cold and shining
+paws and tried to draw her down into the water. Violette uttered the
+most piercing shrieks; she struggled and caught hold of the plants and
+shrubs 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 poor
+Violette! 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, more
+despairing, more terrible, answered to her own. But, alas! her hair
+alone appeared above the water when Ourson reached the spot, breathless
+and panting with terror. He had heard Violette's cries and had turned
+back with the rapidity of lightning.
+
+Without a moment's hesitation he sprang into the water and seized
+Violette by her long hair but he felt instantly that he was sinking
+with her. The fairy Furious was drawing them to the bottom of the
+stream. He knew he was sinking but he did not lose his self-possession.
+Instead of releasing Violette, he seized her both arms and invoked the
+fairy Drolette. When they reached the bottom, he gave one vigorous
+stroke with his heel which brought him again to the surface. Holding
+Violette securely with one arm, he swam sturdily with the other and
+through some supernatural force he reached the shore where he deposited
+the unconscious Violette.
+
+Her eyes were closed, her teeth tightly clenched and the pallor of death
+was on her face. Ourson threw himself on his knees by her side weeping
+bitterly. Brave Ourson, whom no dangers could intimidate, no privation,
+no suffering could master, now wept like a child. His sweet sister, so
+well beloved! his only friend, his consolation, his happiness was lying
+there motionless, lifeless! Ourson's strength and courage had deserted
+him and he sank down without consciousness by the side of his beloved
+Violette.
+
+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 and
+disappeared.
+
+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 which
+succeeded them. She ran to the house to apprise Agnella and they both
+ran rapidly toward the stream from which the cries for help seemed to
+come.
+
+On approaching, they saw with surprise and alarm that Violette and
+Ourson were lying on the ground in a state of unconsciousness. Passerose
+placed her hand on Violette's heart and felt it still beating. Agnella
+ascertained at the same moment that Ourson was still living. She
+directed Passerose to take Violette home, undress her and put her to bed
+while she endeavored to restore consciousness to Ourson with salts and
+other restoratives before conducting him to the farm. Ourson was too
+tall and heavy to be carried while Violette, on the contrary, was light
+and it was easy for Passerose to carry her to the house. When she
+arrived there, she was soon restored to animation. It was some moments
+before she was conscious. She was still agitated with a vague
+remembrance 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 himself
+weeping 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. Passerose
+has carried her to the house and will bestow upon her all the attention
+she requires."
+
+Ourson seemed to revive on hearing these words. He rose and wished to
+run to the farm but his second thought was consideration for his mother
+and he restrained his impatience to suit her steps. On their way to the
+farm he told his mother all that he knew of the events which had almost
+cost Violette and himself their lives. He added that the slime from the
+mouth of the fairy Furious had left a strange dulness in his head.
+
+Agnella now told him how Passerose and herself had found them stretched
+unconscious upon the border of the stream. They soon arrived at the
+farm, 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 wept
+and Agnella and Passerose were both in tears. It was a concert of
+emotion, enough to soften all hearts. Passerose put an end to it by
+crying out:
+
+"Would not one say--ha! ha!--that we were the most--ha! ha!--unfortunate
+people--ha! ha!--in the universe!--Look at our poor Ourson, wet as a
+water-reed, bathing himself in his own and Violette's tears. Courage,
+children, courage and happiness! See, we are all alive, thanks to
+Ourson."
+
+"Oh, yes!" interrupted Violette; "thanks to Ourson--to my dear, my
+well-beloved Ourson. How shall I ever repay him for all I owe him? How
+can I ever testify my profound gratitude, my tender affection?"
+
+"By loving me always as you do now, my dear Violette, my sister. Ah! if
+it has indeed been in my power to render you some little service, have
+you not changed my whole existence? Have you not made me gay and
+happy--me who was so wretched and so miserable before? Are you not every
+day and every hour of the day the consolation and happiness of my life
+and of that of my excellent mother?"
+
+Violette was still weeping and she answered only by pressing more
+tenderly to her heart her Ourson, her adopted brother.
+
+"Dear son," said his mother, "you are dripping wet. Go and change your
+clothing. Violette has need of some hours' repose. We will meet again at
+dinner."
+
+Violette consented to go to bed but did not sleep for her heart was
+melting, overflowing with gratitude and tenderness. She sought in vain
+for some means of rewarding the devotion of Ourson. She could think of
+no other way than that of trying to become perfect so as to increase the
+happiness of Ourson and Agnella.
+
+
+
+
+VIOLETTE'S SACRIFICE
+
+
+When the dinner hour came, Violette arose, dressed herself and entered
+the dining-room where Agnella and Passerose were awaiting her. Ourson
+was 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 head
+resting 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 strange
+heaviness in my head."
+
+Passerose flew to inform Agnella and Violette of his illness and they
+were by his side in an instant. Ourson made an effort to rise in order
+to reassure them but he fell upon a chair. Agnella found that he had a
+violent fever and she prevailed upon him to lie down. Violette
+absolutely refused to leave him.
+
+"I am the cause of his illness," she said, "and I will not leave his
+side till he is well. I shall die of anxiety if you force me to leave my
+dear brother."
+
+Agnella and Passerose also installed themselves near their dear invalid
+but alas! soon poor Ourson did not recognise them. He was delirious! He
+called his mother and Violette every moment and continued to call them
+most importunately and to complain of their absence, even while they
+were holding him in their arms.
+
+Agnella and Violette never left him day nor night during all his
+sickness. The eighth day, Agnella, exhausted with fatigue, had fallen
+asleep near the poor sufferer's bed; his difficult respiration and
+lifeless eye seemed to announce the near approach of death. Violette was
+on her knees, holding and pressing in her fine white hands the hairy
+hands of Ourson and covering them with tears and kisses.
+
+In the midst of this scene of desolation, a clear sweet song interrupted
+the mournful silence of the chamber of the dying boy. Violette started.
+This soft melody seemed to bring consolation and happiness; she raised
+her 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 love
+Ourson?"
+
+"Do I love him? Ah! love him--I love him more than any one else--more
+than 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 my
+happiness and of my own life."
+
+"Listen, then, Violette. I am the fairy Drolette. I love Ourson, I love
+you and I love your family. The venom which my sister the fairy Furious
+has blown upon the head of Ourson is sufficient to cause his death.
+Nevertheless, if you are sincere, if you really feel for Ourson the
+sentiments of gratitude and tenderness which you express, his life is in
+your hands. You are permitted to redeem it! But remember that you will
+soon be called upon to give the most terrible proof of your attachment
+and that if he lives you will pay for his existence by a most horrible
+sacrifice."
+
+"Oh, madam! quick, quick, tell me what I am to do to save my dear
+Ourson. Nothing will be terrible to me, all will be joy and happiness if
+you aid me to save my brother Ourson."
+
+"Well, my child, very well," replied the fairy. "Kiss his left ear three
+times, saying at each kiss: _'To thee!--For thee!--With thee!'_ Reflect
+again, Violette, before undertaking this cure. If you are not prepared
+for the most difficult sacrifices, the greatest misfortunes will
+overwhelm you and my sister Furious will be the mistress of your life."
+
+As her only reply, Violette crossed her hands upon her breast, cast upon
+the 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 them
+to 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 and
+thin? Your cheeks are hollow, you seem to have grown old and your
+beautiful eyes are red with weeping."
+
+"Hush!" said Violette, "do not wake your mother, who is sleeping by your
+side. She has not slept for a long time and is much fatigued. You have
+been 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 your
+sufferings?"
+
+Ourson was silent. He looked at her tenderly, kissed her hands and again
+asked her to tell him what had passed. She told him but she was too
+modest and too truly devoted to reveal to him the price that the fairy
+had affixed to his cure. Ourson, therefore, was far from knowing the
+truth.
+
+Ourson now felt himself restored to health, rose up, proceeded to his
+mother softly and awakened her by a kiss. Agnella thought he was
+delirious and called Passerose who was astonished when Violette told
+them that Ourson had been restored by the good fairy Drolette.
+
+After all this, Ourson and Violette loved each other more tenderly than
+ever and they never left each other unless their occupations forced them
+to 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 set
+off eagerly. The morning had appeared to her very long and she was
+impatient to be again with Ourson. To shorten the way she went through
+the forest which was composed of large trees under which she could
+easily 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 path
+to her dear Ourson. When she had passed over about half the distance she
+heard the noise of a heavy and precipitate step but too far off for her
+to imagine what it could be. After some moments of expectation she saw
+an enormous wild boar coming towards her. He seemed greatly enraged,
+ploughed the ground with his tusks and rubbed the bark from the trees as
+he passed along. His heavy snorting and breathing were as distinctly
+heard as his step. Violette did not know where to fly or to hide
+herself. While she was hesitating the wild boar came in sight, saw her,
+and paused. His eyes were flaming, his whole body bristling, his tusks
+clashing together. He uttered a ferocious grunt, and sprang towards
+Violette. Happily she was near a tree whose branches were within her
+reach. She seized one, sprang up with it, and climbed from branch to
+branch, until she knew she was beyond his reach. Scarcely was she in
+safety when the savage animal precipitated himself with all his weight
+against the tree in which she had taken refuge. Furious at this
+obstacle, he commenced tearing the bark from the tree and gave it such
+furious blows with his snout that Violette was terribly frightened. The
+concussion caused by these violent and repeated blows might at last
+cause 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 at
+the foot of the tree casting from time to time a menacing look at
+Violette.
+
+Many hours passed in this painful situation, Violette trembling but
+holding on steadily and the wild boar, sometimes calm, sometimes in a
+terrible rage, springing against the tree and tearing it with his
+tusks.
+
+[Illustration: _Violette takes refuge from the wild boar_]
+
+Violette called on her brother, her dear Ourson, for help. At every new
+attempt of the wild boar she renewed her cries for aid but alas! Ourson
+was 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 the
+tree, the wild boar had trampled upon it, crushed it and eaten up
+everything it contained.
+
+Whilst Violette was a prey to these terrors and vainly calling for help
+Ourson was amazed at not seeing her come with the dinner.
+
+"Can they have forgotten me?" he said to himself. "No, neither my mother
+nor Violette could have forgotten me. I could not have explained myself
+well. Without doubt they expected me back to dinner; they are looking
+for me now and are perhaps uneasy."
+
+At this thought Ourson abandoned his work and commenced walking
+precipitately towards the house. He also wished to shorten the way and
+determined to cross the forest. Soon he thought he heard plaintive cries
+of distress. He paused--he listened, his heart beat violently as he
+believed he recognized the voice of Violette. But, no--he heard nothing
+now. He was about to resume his march when he heard a more distinct and
+piercing cry.
+
+Now he knew that it must be Violette, his Violette, who was in danger
+and calling upon Ourson for help. He ran in the direction from which the
+noise seemed to come. Approaching, he heard not only calls for help but
+roars and growls accompanied by ferocious cries and violent blows. Poor
+Ourson ran on with the speed of despair. At last he perceived the wild
+boar shaking with his snout the tree upon which Violette was still
+crouched in safety though pale and overcome.
+
+This sight gave him new strength. He invoked the protection of the good
+fairy Drolette and rushed upon the wild boar with his axe in his hand.
+The wild boar in his rage bellowed furiously. He gnashed his formidable
+tusks one against the other and sprang towards Ourson, who dodged the
+attack and jumped to one side. The boar passed beyond him, paused a
+moment, then turned more furious than ever against Ourson who had now
+taken 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 violent
+blow but his bones were so hard he scarcely seemed to feel it. The
+violence of the attack overthrew Ourson. The wild boar, seeing his enemy
+on the ground, did not give him time to rise but sprang upon him and
+with 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 jeering
+song was heard just above the combatants. The wild boar shuddered,
+suddenly quitted Ourson, raised his head and saw a lark flying above
+them. 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 rested
+supported by the branches of the tree. Ourson, who thought himself torn
+to pieces, scarcely dared attempt to move but feeling no pain he rose
+promptly to assist Violette. His heart was full of gratitude to the
+fairy Drolette to whom he attributed his rescue. At this moment the lark
+flew towards him, pecked his cheeks and whispered in his ear:
+
+"Ourson, it was the fairy Furious who sent this wild boar. I arrived in
+time to save you. Profit by the gratitude of Violette and change skins
+with her. She will consent joyfully."
+
+"Never!" cried Ourson. "I would rather be a bear all my life--rather
+die. Poor Violette! I should indeed be base if I abused her tenderness
+towards me in this way."
+
+"Good-bye, obstinate one!" said the lark, flying away singing, "till we
+meet 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. He
+laid her upon the soft green moss and bathed her forehead with a little
+wine he found in a broken bottle.
+
+In a few moments Violette was restored to consciousness. She could
+scarcely 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! tell
+me, what can I do to prove my gratitude?"
+
+"Do not speak of gratitude, my cherished Violette. Do I not owe all my
+happiness 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 no
+less to render you some real and signal service, which will show all the
+gratitude and all the love with which my heart is filled."
+
+"Good! good! we shall see," said Ourson, laughing. "In the mean time let
+us think of preserving our lives. You have eaten nothing since morning,
+poor Violette, for I see on the ground the remnants of the provisions
+you brought, as I suppose, for our dinner. It is late and the day is
+declining so we must hurry to return to the farm before dark."
+
+Violette now tried to rise but her terror and her long fast had weakened
+her 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 had
+grown so large that he could not carry her so far, neither could he
+leave her exposed to the attacks of the ferocious beasts of the forest
+and he feared she could not do without food till the morning. In this
+perplexity he saw a packet fall at his feet. He raised it, opened it and
+found a pie, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. Ourson knew that this
+bounty was from the hand of the fairy Drolette and with a heart full of
+gratitude he put the bottle to Violette's lips. One mouthful of this
+good wine which was indeed unequalled restored a portion of Violette's
+strength. The pie and the bread completely restored her as well as
+Ourson who did full honor to the repast. While eating and drinking they
+conversed of their past terrors and present happiness.
+
+Now, however, it was night and neither Violette nor Ourson knew which
+way to turn their steps in order to reach the farm. They were in the
+midst of a wood. Violette was reclining against the tree which had been
+her refuge from the wild boar. They dared not quit this spot lest in the
+obscurity they might not find as comfortable a one.
+
+"Well, dear Violette, do not be alarmed. It is warm, the weather is
+beautiful and you are reclining upon a bed of soft green moss. Let us
+pass the night where we are. I will cover you with my coat and I will
+lie at your feet to protect you from all danger and alarm. Mamma and
+Passerose will not be very anxious for they are ignorant of the dangers
+we have encountered and you know that we have often on a lovely evening
+like this reached home after they had retired."
+
+Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the forest. In the
+first place, they could not do otherwise; secondly, she was never afraid
+with Ourson and always thought that what he decided to do was right.
+
+[Illustration: _Violette consented willingly to pass the night in the
+forest_]
+
+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 possession
+of 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 tree
+which had sheltered them during the night. Ourson awaked and not seeing
+Violette he sprang up in an instant and called her name in a voice
+choking 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? you
+tremble!"
+
+"I thought you had been carried away by some wicked fairy, dear
+Violette, and I reproached myself for having fallen asleep. Let us go
+now quickly in order to reach home before mamma and Passerose are
+awake."
+
+Ourson knew the forest well. He soon found the path to the farm and they
+arrived some moments before Agnella and Passerose awoke. They agreed to
+conceal from Agnella the dangers to which they had been exposed, to
+spare her anguish and disquietude for the future. Passerose alone was
+made the confidant of their dangerous adventures.
+
+
+
+
+THE CONFLAGRATION
+
+
+Ourson now forbade Violette to go alone in the forest. She was no longer
+allowed to carry him his dinner so he always returned to the house at
+midday. Violette never left the farm without Ourson.
+
+Three years after the event in the forest, Ourson saw Violette arise in
+the morning pale and exhausted. She was seeking him.
+
+"Come, come," she said, drawing him along, "I have something to
+say--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! What
+can 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 is
+terrible! terrible! Ourson, dear Ourson, your life is menaced! If you
+die, 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 to
+me and said:
+
+"'The moment approaches when your dear Ourson is to resume his natural
+skin. To you he is to be indebted for this change. I hate him! I hate
+you! You shall not make each other happy! Ourson shall perish and you
+cannot accomplish the sacrifice which in your folly you meditate. In a
+few days, yes, perhaps in a few hours I shall take a signal vengeance
+upon you both. Good-bye--do you hear?--till we meet again!'
+
+"I awoke, suppressed a cry which was about to issue from my lips and
+saw, as I saw on that day in which you saved me from the water, the
+hideous toad creeping upon the shutter and gazing at me menacingly. It
+disappeared, leaving me more dead than alive. I arose dressed myself and
+came to find you my brother, my friend to warn you against the vengeance
+of the fairy Furious and to entreat you to seek the aid of the good
+fairy Drolette."
+
+Ourson listened in great alarm. He was not frightened by the fate which
+menaced himself--he was agitated by the sacrifice which Furious
+announced and which he understood but too well. The thought alone of his
+dear and lovely Violette being muffled up in his hideous bear's skin
+through devotion to him made him tremble and he preferred death.
+Ourson's anguish was pictured in his countenance, and Violette, who was
+watching 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 me
+encourage me and sustain me in all my fears have now no word to utter to
+restore my failing courage. You who have combated the most terrible
+dangers now bow your head and are resigned to fate."
+
+"No, Violette, it is not fear which makes me tremble--it is not fear
+which agitates me. It is a word which the fairy Furious has uttered, of
+which you do not comprehend the meaning but which I understand
+perfectly. The threat was addressed to you, my Violette. It is for you I
+tremble!"
+
+Violette divined from this that the moment of sacrifice had come, that
+she was about to be called upon to keep the promise she had made to the
+fairy Drolette. In place of trembling and shrinking, she felt the most
+lively joy. She could now at last make some return for the devotion, the
+incessant watchful tenderness of her dear Ourson--could in her turn be
+useful to him. She made no response to the fears expressed by Ourson but
+thanked him and spoke to him more tenderly than ever before, thinking
+that soon perhaps she would be separated from him by death. Ourson had
+the same thought. They both fervently invoked the protection of the
+fairy Drolette. Ourson, indeed, called upon her in a loud voice but she
+did not respond to his appeal.
+
+The day passed away sadly. Neither Ourson nor Violette spoke to Agnella
+on the subject of their disquiet for fear of aggravating her melancholy
+which had been constantly increasing as Ourson grew to manhood.
+
+"Already twenty years old!" thought she. "If he persists in living in
+this 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 this
+bear-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. The
+fairy Drolette had appeared to her:
+
+"Courage, queen," she said to her, "in a few days Ourson will lose his
+bear's skin and you can give him his true name of Prince Marvellous."
+
+Agnella had awaked full of hope and happiness. She redoubled her
+tenderness to Violette, believing that it was to her she would owe the
+happiness 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's
+heart bounding with joy at that same future which appeared so near and
+so replete with happiness, Passerose, astonished at the melancholy of
+the one and the joy of the other and ignorant of the cause of both.
+
+All slept, however. Violette after weeping profusely. Ourson after
+having invoked the fairy Drolette; Agnella after smiling and thinking of
+Ourson handsome and attractive and Passerose after saying to herself a
+hundred times: "But what is the matter with them all to-day?"
+
+Scarcely an hour after all at the farm were asleep, Violette was aroused
+by 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 about
+us!"
+
+They sprang from their beds and ran to the parlor. The flames had
+already 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 and
+windows 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 windows
+were ineffectual.
+
+"Oh! my terrible dream!" murmured Violette. "Dear Ourson, adieu for
+ever!"
+
+Ourson had also been awakened by the flames and smoke. He slept out of
+the farm-house, and near the stable. His first impulse was to run to the
+front of the house but notwithstanding his extraordinary strength he
+could not open it. One would have thought that the door would break to
+pieces under his efforts. It was evidently held fast by the fairy
+Furious.
+
+Ourson sprang upon a ladder and passed across the flames into a granary
+through an open window, then descended into the room where his mother
+and Violette were embracing, expecting instant death. Before they had
+time to recognize him he seized them in his arms and cried to Passerose
+to follow him. He ran along the granary and descended the ladder with
+his mother in one arm and Violette in the other and followed by
+Passerose. The moment after they reached the ground in safety, the
+ladder and granary became a prey to the flames.
+
+Ourson led Agnella and Violette some distance from the fire. Passerose
+was self-possessed: she had quite a large package of clothing which she
+had collected at the commencement of the fire. Agnella and Violette had
+escaped barefooted and in their night robes, and the clothing brought
+by Passerose was thus very necessary to protect them from the cold.
+After having thanked Ourson for saving their lives at the peril of his
+own they complimented Passerose upon her forethought.
+
+"See," said Passerose, "the advantage of not losing one's senses. Whilst
+you two were only thinking of your Ourson, I made up this package of
+necessary things."
+
+"That is true, my good Passerose; but what purpose would your package
+have 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 up
+alive. Is any one ever in danger when you are present? Is not this the
+third 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 rewards
+him for all he has done for you. I feel assured that on your part you
+would 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 forehead
+and 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, that
+Ourson questioned her as to this precious casket which seemed to trouble
+her so much.
+
+"The casket was a present of the fairy Drolette. She told me that the
+happiness of Violette was contained in it. It was in the wardrobe, at
+the foot of my bed. Alas! by what fatality did I forget it?"
+
+She had scarcely uttered these words when the brave Ourson sprang
+towards the burning house and notwithstanding the tears and
+supplications of Agnella, Violette and Passerose, disappeared in the
+flames exclaiming:
+
+"You shall have the casket, mother, or I will perish with it!"
+
+A horrible silence followed this act of Ourson. Violette fell on her
+knees with her arms extended towards the burning house, Agnella with her
+hands clasped looked with straining eyes at the opening through which
+Ourson had entered while Passerose was motionless, hiding her face with
+her hands. Some moments passed thus and they appeared ages to the three
+women who were expecting a sentence of life or death.
+
+Ourson did not reappear. The crackling of the burning wood, the flashing
+of the flames, increased in violence. Suddenly, a frightful noise made
+Violette and Agnella utter a cry of despair.
+
+The roof, covered with flames, had fallen in and Ourson was buried under
+the ruins--crushed by the ruins, consumed by the fire.
+
+The silence of death succeeded this dreadful catastrophe. The flames
+diminished, then died away--no sound now interrupted the despair of
+Agnella and Violette.
+
+Violette had fallen into the arms of Agnella and they sobbed thus a long
+time in silence. Passerose contemplated the smoking ruins and wept. Poor
+Ourson was buried there a victim of his courage and his devotion!
+Agnella and Violette still wept bitterly; they appeared neither to hear
+nor 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 the
+night--the evening fortunately is mild."
+
+"What shelter do I want?" said Violette. "What is the evening to me or
+the morning? There are no more beautiful days for me! The sun will shine
+no more but to illumine my despair!"
+
+"But if we remain here weeping we shall die of hunger, Violette, and in
+spite 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 place
+where I saw my dear Ourson for the last time--where he perished, a
+victim of his tenderness for us."
+
+Passerose shrugged her shoulders; she remembered that the stable had not
+been burned so she ran there with all speed, milked the cow, drank a
+cupful of milk and tried in vain to make Agnella and Violette do the
+same.
+
+Agnella rose and said to Violette in a solemn tone:
+
+"Your grief is just, my daughter. Never did a more noble or generous
+heart beat in a human form than Ourson's and he loved you more than he
+loved himself--to spare your grief he sacrificed his happiness and his
+life."
+
+Agnella now recounted to Violette the scene which preceded Ourson's
+birth, the power Violette had to deliver him from his deformity by
+accepting it for herself and Ourson's constant prayer that Violette
+should never be informed of the possibility of such a sacrifice.
+
+It is easy to comprehend the feelings of loving tenderness and regret
+which filled the heart of Violette after this confidence and she wept
+more bitterly than ever.
+
+"And now, my daughter," continued Agnella, "there remains one duty to
+fulfil, that is to give burial to my son. We must clear away these ruins
+and remove the ashes and when we have found the remains of our
+well-beloved Ourson----"
+
+Sobs interrupted her speech; she could say no more.
+
+
+
+
+THE WELL
+
+
+Agnella, Violette and Passerose walked slowly towards the burned walls
+of the farmhouse. With the courage of despair they removed the smoking
+ruins. They worked diligently two days before this work was completed.
+No vestige of poor Ourson appeared and yet they had removed piece by
+piece, handful by handful, all that covered the site. On removing the
+last half-burned planks, Violette perceived an aperture, which she
+quickly enlarged. It was the orifice of a well. Her heart beat
+violently--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 consciousness
+and fell into the well which enclosed her dear Ourson. If the good fairy
+Drolette had not watched over her fall, she would have broken her head
+and limbs against the sides of the well. But their kind protectress,
+who had already rendered them so many services, sustained her and she
+fell safely at Ourson's feet.
+
+Violette soon returned to consciousness. Their happiness was too great
+to be believed in--to be trusted. They did not cease to give the most
+tender assurances of affection. And now they were aroused from their
+ecstasy by the cries of Passerose, who, losing sight of Violette and
+seeking her amongst the ruins, discovered the open well. Peering into
+the darkness she saw Violette's white robe and she imagined that the
+poor girl had thrown herself intentionally into the well and there found
+the death she sought. Passerose screamed loud enough to destroy her
+lungs. Agnella came slowly forward to know the cause of this alarm.
+
+"Be silent, Passerose," cried Ourson in a loud voice; "you are
+frightening our mother. I am in the well with Violette; we are happy and
+want for nothing."
+
+"Oh blessed news! blessed news!" cried Passerose; "I see them! I see
+them! Madam, madam, come quickly, quickly! They are here--they are
+well--they have need of nothing!"
+
+Agnella, pale, and half dead with emotion, listened to Passerose without
+comprehending 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 her
+by the arms and drawn her back suddenly.
+
+"For the love of Ourson, dear queen, do not throw yourself into this
+hole; you will kill yourself! I will restore Ourson and Violette to you
+unharmed."
+
+Agnella, trembling with happiness, comprehended the wisdom of the
+counsel given by Passerose. She remained rooted to the spot but
+shuddering with agitation while Passerose ran to seek a ladder.
+
+Passerose was absent a long time which was excusable as she was somewhat
+confused. First she seized a cord, then a pitchfork, then a chair. For
+an instant she thought of lowering the cow to the bottom of the well so
+that poor Ourson might have a drink of fresh warm milk. At last she
+found the ladder before her eyes, almost in her hands, but she had not
+seen it.
+
+While Passerose was seeking the ladder, Ourson and Violette talked
+incessantly of their present happiness and the despair and anguish they
+had endured.
+
+"I passed uninjured through the flames," said Ourson, "and sought
+groping about for the wardrobe of my mother. The smoke suffocated and
+blinded me. Then I felt myself raised by the hair and cast to the bottom
+of this well where you have come to join me, dear Violette.
+
+"In place of finding water, or even moisture here, I felt at once a
+sweet, fresh air. A soft carpet was spread on the bottom: you see it is
+still here. There was from some source sufficient light around me. I
+found ample provisions at my side. Look at them, Violette, I have not
+touched them. A few drops of wine was all I could swallow.
+
+"The knowledge of your despair and that of my mother rendered me too
+unhappy and the fairy Drolette took pity on me. She appeared to me under
+your form, dear Violette, and I took her for you and sprang forward to
+seize you in my arms but I embraced only a vague form of air or vapor. I
+could see her but I could not touch her.
+
+"'Ourson', said the fairy, smiling sweetly upon me, 'I have assumed
+Violette's form to testify my friendship in the most agreeable way. Be
+comforted; you shall see her to-morrow. She weeps bitterly, because she
+believes you to be dead but I will send her to you to-morrow. She will
+make you a visit at the bottom of this well. She will accompany you when
+you go forth from this tomb and you shall see your mother and the blue
+heavens and the dazzling sun which neither your mother nor Violette wish
+to look upon since your loss, but which appeared beautiful to them while
+you were with them. You will return once more to this well for it
+contains your happiness.'
+
+"'My happiness!' I exclaimed to the fairy; 'when I have found my mother
+and my Violette I shall be in possession of all my happiness.'
+
+"'Believe implicitly what I say. This well contains your happiness and
+that 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 be
+wanting to complete your happiness. You will find it here. We will meet
+again, 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 and
+then you will wish that you had never seen me. Silence and farewell.'
+
+"She flew away smiling sweetly, leaving behind her a delicious perfume
+and an atmosphere so soft and heavenly that it diffused a peaceful calm
+in my heart. I suffered no more--I expected you."
+
+Violette on her part comprehended better than Ourson why the next return
+of the fairy would be painful to him. Since Agnella had revealed to her
+in confidence the nature of the sacrifice that she could impose upon
+herself, she was resolved to accomplish it, in spite of the opposition
+of Ourson. She thought only of the delight of giving an immense proof of
+her affection. This hope tempered her joy at having found him.
+
+When Ourson had completed his narrative, they heard the shrill voice of
+Passerose crying out to them:
+
+"Look, look, my children! the ladder. I will put it down to you. Take
+care that it does not fall on your heads. You must have some provisions
+down there; send them up, if you please; we are somewhat destitute above
+here. 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! here
+they are: here are Ourson's and Violette's heads--Good! Step up! There
+you are!"
+
+Agnella, still pallid and trembling, was immovable as a statue.
+
+After having seen Violette in safety, Ourson sprang from the well and
+threw himself into his mother's arms. She covered him with tears and
+kisses and held him a long time clasped to her heart. After having
+thought him dead during so many painful hours, it seemed a dream to her
+almost impossible to realize that she was holding him safe once more.
+Finally Passerose terminated this melting scene by seizing Ourson and
+saying to him:
+
+"Now it is my turn! I am forgotten, forsooth, because I do not bathe
+myself 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 and
+indeed I thank you for drawing me out of it where, however, I was doing
+very well after my sweet Violette came down to me."
+
+"But now I think of it," said Passerose, "tell me, Violette, how did you
+get to the bottom of that well without killing yourself?"
+
+"I did not go down purposely. I fell and Ourson received me in his
+arms."
+
+"All this is not very clear," said Passerose. "The fairy Drolette had
+something to do with it."
+
+"Yes, the good and amiable fairy," said Ourson. "She is always
+counteracting the cruelties of her wicked sister."
+
+While thus talking merrily, their stomachs gave indication that they
+were suffering for dinner. Ourson had left in the well the provisions
+furnished by the fairy. The rest of the happy family were still
+embracing and weeping over past remembrances but Passerose without
+saying a word descended into the well and remounted with the provisions
+which she placed on a bundle of straw; she then placed around the table
+four other bundles of straw for seats.
+
+"Dinner is ready," said she; "come and eat; you all need food. The good
+queen and Violette will soon fall from exhaustion. Ourson has had a
+little wine but he has eaten nothing. Here is a pie, a ham, bread and
+wine. Long life to the good fairy!"
+
+Agnella, Violette and Ourson did not require to be told a second time
+but placed themselves gayly at the table. Their appetites were good and
+the repast excellent. Happiness illuminated every countenance; they
+talked, laughed, clasped each other's hands and were in paradise.
+
+When dinner was over, Passerose was surprised that the fairy Drolette
+had not provided for all their wants.
+
+"Look," said she, "the house is in ruins, we are destitute of
+everything! The stable is our only shelter, the straw our only bed and
+the provisions I brought up from the well our only food. Formerly
+everything was provided before we had the time to ask for it."
+
+Agnella looked suddenly at her hand--the ring was no longer there! They
+must now gain their bread by the sweat of their brows. Ourson and
+Violette seeing her air of consternation demanded the cause of it.
+
+"Alas! my children, you will no doubt think me very ungrateful to feel
+disquieted about the future in the midst of our great happiness but I
+perceive that during the fire I have lost the ring given me by the good
+fairy and this ring would have furnished us with all the necessaries of
+life so long as it was upon my finger. Alas! I have it no longer. What
+shall we do?"
+
+"Dismiss all anxiety, dear mother," said Ourson. "Am I not tall and
+strong? 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 and
+Passerose? In seeking work for yourself, Ourson, you can also find
+something for me to do."
+
+"I will go at once and seek work," said Ourson. "Adieu, mother. We will
+meet again, Violette."
+
+Kissing their hands, he set off with a light step.
+
+He had no presentiment, poor boy, of the reception which awaited him in
+the three houses where he sought employment.
+
+
+
+
+THE FARM--THE CASTLE--THE FORGE
+
+
+Ourson walked more than three hours before he arrived at a large and
+beautiful farm where he hoped to obtain employment. He saw from a
+distance the farmer and his family seated before his front door taking
+their evening meal.
+
+He was but a short way off when one of the children, a little boy about
+ten years of age, perceived him. He sprang from his seat, uttered a cry
+of terror and fled into the house.
+
+A second child, a little girl eight years old, hearing the cry of her
+brother turned towards Ourson and commenced the most piercing shrieks.
+
+All the family now followed the movement of the children and turned
+around. At the sight of Ourson the women cried out with terror and the
+children fled in wild alarm. The men seized sticks and pitchforks
+expecting to be attacked by poor Ourson whom they took for some
+extraordinary animal escaped from a menagerie.
+
+Ourson, seeing this movement of terror and preparation for attack, spoke
+to them hoping to dissipate their fears.
+
+"I am not a bear, as you seem to suppose, but a poor boy seeking work
+and who would be very glad if you should give him employment."
+
+The farmer was greatly amazed to hear a bear speak. He did not know
+whether to fly or to interrogate him further. He resolved, however, to
+speak.
+
+"Who are you and from whence do you come?"
+
+"I come from the Woodland Farm and I am the son of Agnella," Ourson
+replied.
+
+"Ah, then it was you who in your childhood went with your mother to
+market and frightened all our children to death. You have lived in the
+woods and done without our help. Why do you seek us now? Go away and
+live as you have lived heretofore."
+
+"Our farm-house is burned to the ground. I have to work now with my
+hands to support my mother and sister. For this reason, I pray you to
+give me work. I will do all you command me."
+
+"Do you suppose, boy, that I will take into my service a villainous
+animal like you who will frighten my wife and my servants to death and
+throw 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 finish
+our dinner."
+
+"Master farmer, be merciful. Only try my work. Place me altogether by
+myself; then no one will fear me. I will conceal myself so well that
+your children shall not see me."
+
+"Will you be done talking, wicked bear? Go instantly; if you don't you
+shall feel the teeth of my pitchfork."
+
+Poor Ourson bowed his head. Tears of humiliation and disappointment
+glittered in his eyes. He withdrew slowly, followed by the coarse laugh
+and shouts of the farm hands.
+
+When out of sight he no longer restrained his tears, but in all this
+shame and despair the thought that Violette could take upon herself his
+ugly covering did not enter his thoughts.
+
+Ourson walked on till he came in sight of a castle where he saw a crowd
+of men coming, going and laboring at every kind of work. Some were
+mowing, some raking, some currying horses, some sweeping, some watering
+plants, some sowing.
+
+"Here is a house where I shall certainly find work," said Ourson to
+himself. "I see neither women nor children and I think the men will not
+be afraid of me."
+
+Ourson drew near without being seen. He took off his hat and stood
+before a man who seemed to be the superintendent.
+
+"Sir--" said he.
+
+The man looked up, recoiled a step when he saw Ourson and examined him
+with 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 my
+mother and sister. I hope you will be good enough to give me
+employment."
+
+"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 capable
+of gratitude and affection. You shall have no reason to complain either
+of 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 and
+prance and the grooms could scarcely hold them. Some of them indeed
+escaped and fled in terror to the woods.
+
+"It is the bear! It is the bear!" cried the grooms. "It has terrified
+the 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, you
+hairy beast. I will give you something to run for. Halloa, men! bring
+out the dogs, and set them upon this animal. Hurry!--see him scampering
+off!"
+
+In fact Ourson, more dead than alive at this cruel treatment,
+precipitately withdrew from the presence of these wicked and inhuman
+men. This second attempt had failed utterly but he would not allow
+himself to be discouraged.
+
+"It is still three or four hours before sunset so I have time to
+continue my search for work."
+
+He directed his steps towards a forge which was some distance from
+Woodland Farm. The master of the forge employed a great many workmen. He
+gave work to those who asked it, not in charity, but in view of his own
+interest. He was feared but he was not loved. He developed the riches of
+the country but no one thanked him for it because he alone profited by
+it. By his avidity and his opulence he ground down the poor workmen who
+could only find employment with this new Marquis of Carabas.
+
+Poor Ourson arrived at the forge. The master was at the door, scolding
+some, 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 at
+Ourson. When his eye fell upon him he did not finish his phrase; his
+eyes flashed with rage and he stammered out:--
+
+"What foolery is this? Are we in the midst of the Carnival, that a
+workman ventures upon such a ridiculous masquerade? Throw off your ugly
+bear'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! my
+natural skin but if you will be humane enough to employ me you will see
+that 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 a
+menagerie or I will throw you into a den with your brother bears. You
+will have work enough to defend yourself from their claws. Be off!"
+
+And brandishing his club he would have dealt Ourson a heavy blow if the
+poor boy had not made a hasty retreat.
+
+
+
+
+THE SACRIFICE
+
+
+Ourson turned his steps homeward, discouraged and exhausted. He walked
+slowly and arrived at the farm late. Violette ran to meet him, took him
+by the hand, and without saying a word led him to his mother. There she
+fell 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 fairy
+Drolette has confirmed her story. My mother, when our Ourson was, as we
+believed, lost to us for ever and lost for my sake you revealed to me
+that which in his nobility and goodness he wished to conceal. I know
+that by changing skins with him I can restore to him his original
+beauty. Happy, a hundred times happy in having this opportunity to
+recompense the tenderness and devotion of my dearly-loved brother
+Ourson, I demand to make this exchange allowed by the fairy Drolette and
+I entreat her to complete the transfer immediately."
+
+"Violette! Violette!" exclaimed Ourson, in great agitation, "take back
+your words! You do not know to what you engage yourself; you are
+ignorant of the life of anguish and misery unparalleled, the life of
+solitude and isolation to which you thus condemn yourself; you know not
+the unceasing desolation you will feel at knowing that you are an object
+of fear to all mankind. Violette, Violette, in pity to me, withdraw your
+words!"
+
+"Dear Ourson," said Violette, calmly, but resolutely, "in making what
+you believe to be so great a sacrifice, I accomplish the dearest wish of
+my heart; I secure my own happiness; I satisfy an ardent and imperious
+desire to testify my tenderness and my gratitude. I esteem myself for
+doing what I propose. I should despise myself if I left it undone."
+
+"Pause, Violette, for one instant longer, I beseech you! Think of my
+grief, when I no longer see my beautiful Violette, when I think of you
+exposed to the railleries, the horror of men. Oh! Violette, do not
+condemn your poor Ourson to this anguish."
+
+The lovely face of Violette was veiled with sadness. The fear that
+Ourson would feel repugnance towards her made her heart tremble; but
+this thought, which was wholly personal, was very fleeting--it could not
+triumph over her devoted tenderness. Her only response was to throw
+herself 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 lovingly
+upon her--whilst Ourson, on his knees, supplicated her to leave him his
+bear-skin to which he had been accustomed for twenty years--Violette
+called out again in a loud voice:--
+
+"Fairy Drolette! Fairy Drolette! come and accept the price of the life
+and health of my dear Ourson."
+
+At this moment the fairy Drolette appeared in all her glory. She was
+seated 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 brilliant
+colors 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 it
+was light as gauze. Her hair, glittering like tissue of gold, was
+ornamented by a crown of carbuncles more brilliant than the sun; each of
+her slippers was carved from a single ruby and her beautiful face, soft,
+yet gay, breathed contentment. She fixed upon Violette a most
+affectionate 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 me
+with boundless gratitude--you, good and just--will you execute the mad
+wish of my dear Violette? Will you make my whole life wretched by
+forcing 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 light
+touch with her wand of pearl and Ourson another--then said:--
+
+"Let it be according to the wish of your heart, my daughter. Let it be
+contrary to your ardent desires, my son."
+
+At the same moment, the face, arms and the whole body of the lovely
+young girl were covered with the long hair which Ourson had worn, and
+Ourson appeared with a white smooth skin, which set off his extreme
+beauty to advantage.
+
+Violette gazed at him with admiration, while he, his eyes cast down and
+full of tears, dared not look at his poor Violette, so horribly
+metamorphosed. At last he looked up, threw himself in her arms, and they
+wept together.
+
+Ourson was marvellously handsome. Violette was, as Ourson had been,
+without form, without beauty, but not ugly. When Violette raised her
+head 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 thousand
+times more than ever before."
+
+"Violette," said Ourson, "never fear being ugly in our eyes. To my
+eyes, you are a hundred times more beautiful than when clothed with all
+your loveliness. To me you are a sister--a friend incomparable. You will
+always 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 the
+air, and they saw descend a chariot made of crocodile's skin, drawn by
+fifty enormous toads. All the toads were hissing and blowing, and would
+have cast their infectious venom in every direction, if they had not
+been restrained by the power of the fairy Drolette.
+
+When the chariot reached the ground, the fairy Furious, a huge and heavy
+creature, issued from it. Her big eyes seemed bursting from their
+sockets, her large flat nose covered her wrinkled, withered cheeks, her
+monstrous mouth extended from ear to ear and when it was open a long
+pointed black tongue was seen licking her horrid teeth.
+
+She was not more than three feet in height and was very corpulent; her
+grizzly skin was gluey and cold, like a snail's and her thin red hair
+fell in locks of unequal length around her throat, which was disfigured
+by a goitre. Her large, flat hands looked like the fins of a shark, her
+dress 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 true
+name of Prince Marvellous) with a slow step. She paused in front of him
+and casting a furious glance upon the fairy Drolette and an eye of
+mocking triumph upon Violette, she folded her great cold arms and said
+in 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 your
+original beauty at the expense of that little fool, who is now frightful
+and repugnant and whom you will now never wish to approach. Yes! yes!
+weep, my handsome Ourson! You will weep a long time, Violette, and you
+will regret bitterly, if you do not already regret, that you have given
+your beautiful skin to the prince Marvellous."
+
+"Never, madam, never! My only regret is that I did not know sooner what
+I could do to testify my gratitude."
+
+The fairy Drolette, whose countenance had assumed an unaccustomed
+expression of severity and irritation, now waved her wand and said:--
+
+"Silence, sister! You shall not triumph long over the misfortunes of
+Violette. I will provide a remedy for those misfortunes: her generous
+devotion merits recompense."
+
+"I defy you to come to her assistance under penalty of my wrath," said
+Furious.
+
+"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 hissing
+furiously, she called her chariot, mounted it, rose in the air and tried
+to launch upon Drolette all the venom of her toads in order to suffocate
+her.
+
+But Drolette knew her sister perfectly. Her faithful larks held the door
+of 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 turning
+adroitly to one side. They however threw their venom on the larks which
+were nearest to them, who died instantly.
+
+Drolette detached them with the rapidity of a thunder-bolt, rose again
+in the air and fell so adroitly on the toads, that the larks tore out
+their eyes with their claws, before Furious had time to come to the
+rescue of her army.
+
+The outcries of the toads and the hissing of the larks made a deafening
+noise; and the fairy Drolette called out to her friends, who were
+regarding 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 in
+such a way as to meet the larks face to face, and to dart their venom
+upon them.
+
+But Drolette rose higher and higher in the air and Furious found herself
+always 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 should
+gladly see in the lower regions!"
+
+Scarcely had she pronounced these words when her chariot fell heavily to
+the earth. The toads perished and the chariot disappeared. The fairy
+Furious only remained, in the form of an enormous toad. She wished to
+speak but she could only bellow and snuffle. She gazed at Drolette and
+her larks--at Prince Marvellous, Violette and Agnella, in a transport of
+rage but her power was destroyed.
+
+The fairy Drolette lowered her chariot, descended to the earth and
+said:--
+
+"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, which
+happily reached no one.
+
+Drolette extended her wand towards her and said:
+
+"I command you to disappear and never to appear again to the prince
+Marvellous, 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 her
+brow, as if to chase away a sad thought; then approaching Prince
+Marvellous, she said to him:--
+
+"Prince, the title which I give you indicates your birth. You are the
+son of King Ferocious and the queen Aimee, concealed till now under the
+appearance of a modest farmer woman. The name of your father
+sufficiently indicates his character. Your mother having prevented him
+from killing his brother Indolent and his sister-in-law Nonchalante, he
+turned his rage against her. I was her protectress, and carried her off
+with her faithful Passerose in a cloud.
+
+"And you, Princess Violette, your birth is equal to that of Prince
+Marvellous. Your father and mother were that same King Indolent and
+Queen Nonchalante who, saved once by Queen Aimee, became at last the
+victims of King Ferocious and their own apathy. Since that time King
+Ferocious has been killed by his subjects who could no longer support
+his cruel yoke.
+
+"They expect you, prince, to reign over them. I have revealed to them
+your existence and I have promised them that you will take a wife worthy
+of you. You can select from the twelve princesses whom your father
+retained captive after having slain their parents. They are all wise and
+beautiful and each has a kingdom for her marriage portion."
+
+Surprise had kept Prince Marvellous silent. At the last words of the
+fairy he turned towards Violette, and seeing that she was weeping, he
+said:--
+
+"Why do you weep, my Violette? Do you fear that I will blush for
+you--that I will not dare to testify before my whole court the
+tenderness with which you inspire me? That I will conceal what you have
+done for me or forget the bonds which attach me to you for ever? Can you
+believe that I will be ungrateful enough to seek any other affection
+than yours and fill your place by any of those princesses held captive
+by my father? No, dearest Violette! Until this time I have seen in you
+only a sister but from this moment you are the companion of my life, my
+sole friend, my wife!"
+
+"Your wife, dear brother? That is impossible! How can you seat upon your
+throne a creature so repulsive as your poor Violette? How will you dare
+to brave the raillery of your subjects and of the neighboring kings? And
+how could I show my deformity in the midst of the festivals given on
+your 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 be
+your wife! No one shall blame you for having made so sad a choice."
+
+The prince insisted long and firmly. Violette could scarcely control her
+emotions but she resisted with as much resolution as devotion. Agnella
+said nothing. She would have been willing that her son should accept
+even this last sacrifice from poor Violette and simply allow her to
+live near to them but hidden from the world.
+
+Passerose wept and in a low tone encouraged the prince in his
+determination.
+
+"Violette," said the prince, at last, "since you absolutely refuse to
+ascend the throne with me, I abandon it and all royal power in order to
+live with you as before in solitude and happiness. Without your sweet
+presence, the sceptre would be a heavy burden; with you at my side, our
+little 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 so
+many years: modest in our lives, happy in our affections."
+
+"Noble prince and generous princess," said the fairy, "you shall be
+recompensed for this rare and devoted tenderness. Prince, in the well to
+which I carried you during the fire, there is a priceless treasure for
+Violette and yourself. Descend into the well, seek for it, and when you
+have 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 the
+well; the ladder was still there and he descended. On arriving at the
+bottom, he saw nothing but the carpet which had been there from the
+first; he searched the walls of the well, but saw no indication of
+treasure. Finally he raised the carpet, and perceived a black stone with
+a ring attached; he raised the stone and discovered a casket which
+glittered 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 ascended
+the ladder hastily, holding the casket carefully in his arms.
+
+They were awaiting his return with impatience. He handed the casket to
+the fairy. Agnella exclaimed:--
+
+"This is the same casket you confided to me, madam, and which I supposed
+I 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 general
+disappointment, when, in place of some rich treasure which they supposed
+it contained, they found only the bracelets which Violette had worn when
+her 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 and
+consternation. She took the bracelets and gave them to Violette.
+
+"This is my bridal present, my dear child; every one of these diamonds
+has the property of guarding from all evil influences the person who
+wears it, and of endowing its wearer with every virtue, enormous riches
+and resplendent beauty, with wit, intellect and all desirable happiness.
+Use them for the children who will be born of your union with Prince
+Marvellous.
+
+"As to this vial of perfumed oil, it is the wedding gift of the prince
+your cousin. I know you love perfumes, this has peculiar virtues; use it
+to-day. To-morrow I will return to seek you and carry you all to your
+kingdom," 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, desire
+to accept the crown which you are about to refuse. I forbid you,
+however, to accept it before my return. And you, dear and amiable
+prince," added she, in a sweet voice, accompanied with an affectionate
+glance, "I forbid you to repeat this offer before my return. Adieu till
+to-morrow. When you are truly happy, my dear children, think kindly of
+your friend the fairy Drolette."
+
+The fairy ascended her chariot. The larks flew like lightning and she
+soon disappeared, leaving behind her a delicious perfume.
+
+
+
+
+THE RECOMPENSE
+
+
+Prince Marvellous looked at Violette and sighed heavily; Violette gazed
+at the prince and smiled sweetly.
+
+"How handsome you are, my dear cousin! I am so happy to have it in my
+power to restore you your beauty. And now I will pour some of this
+perfumed oil upon my hands; since I cannot please your eye, I will at
+least embalm you," said she, laughing.
+
+She uncorked the vial, and entreated Marvellous to sprinkle some drops
+on her forehead and cheeks. The heart of the prince was too full for
+words. He took the vial and obeyed the order of his cousin. Their
+surprise and joy were indescribable on seeing that as soon as the oil
+touched Violette's forehead the hair disappeared and her skin resumed
+its 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 saw
+Agnella and Passerose. They called their attention to the happy effect
+of this perfumed oil given them by the fairy. Both joined in their
+happiness. The prince could scarcely believe the evidence of his senses.
+And now nothing could prevent his union with Violette, so good, so
+devoted, so tender, so lovely, so well constituted to make him supremely
+happy.
+
+The queen thought of the morrow--of her return to her kingdom, which she
+had abandoned twenty years ago. She wished that she herself, that
+Violette, that her son the prince had clothing worthy of so great an
+occasion but, alas! she had neither the time nor the means to procure
+them: they would therefore be compelled to wear their coarse clothing,
+and thus show themselves to their people. Violette and Marvellous
+laughed at this distress of their mother.
+
+"Do you not think, mamma," said Violette, "that our dear prince is
+sufficiently adorned with his rare beauty and that a rich and royal robe
+would not make him more beautiful or more amiable?"
+
+"And do you not agree with me, my dear mother," said Marvellous, "in
+thinking that our dear Violette is lovely enough in the simplest
+clothing, that the lustre of her eyes surpasses the most brilliant
+diamonds, that the clear whiteness of her teeth rivals successfully the
+rarest pearls, that the richness of her blonde hair surpasses a crown of
+brilliants?"
+
+"Yes, yes, my children," replied Agnella, "without doubt, you are both
+of you handsome and attractive but a rich dress spoils nothing, not even
+beauty. Jewels, embroidery and heavy brocades would detract nothing from
+your charms. And I who am old----"
+
+"But not ugly, madam," interrupted Passerose, hastily. "You are still
+amiable and handsome, in spite of your little country cap, your skirts
+of coarse striped cloth, your waist of red camlet and your stomacher of
+simple cloth. Besides, when you return to your kingdom, you can buy
+every kind of dress your heart desires."
+
+The evening passed away gayly and there seemed no anxiety about the
+future. The fairy had provided their supper; they passed the night on
+the bundles of hay in the stable and as they were all fatigued by the
+emotions of the day they slept profoundly. The sun had been shining a
+long time and the fairy Drolette was with them, before they awoke.
+
+A soft "Hem! hem!" of the fairy aroused them. The prince was the first
+to open his eyes; he threw himself on his knees before the fairy and
+thanked 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 of
+the prince.
+
+"I do not doubt your gratitude, dear children," said the fairy; "but I
+have much to do. I am expected in the kingdom of the king Benin where I
+am to attend at the birth of the third son of the princess Blondine.
+This prince is to be the husband of your first daughter, Prince
+Marvellous, and I am resolved to endow him with all the qualities which
+will obtain for him the warm love of your daughter. And now I must
+conduct you to your kingdom; I will return in time to be present at your
+wedding. Queen," she continued, turning to Aimee, who was now just
+opening her eyes, "we are about to set out immediately for your son's
+kingdom. Are you and your faithful Passerose ready for the journey?"
+
+"Madam," replied the queen, with a slight embarrassment, "we are ready
+to follow you but will you not blush for our dress, so little worthy of
+our rank?"
+
+"It is not I who will blush, queen," said the fairy, smiling, "but
+rather yourself who have this sensation of shame. But I will remedy this
+evil also."
+
+Saying this, she described a circle with her wand above the head of the
+queen, who in the same moment found herself clothed in a robe of gold
+brocade. Upon her head was a hat with splendid plumes, fastened with a
+band of superb diamonds and her boots were of velvet, spangled with
+gold.
+
+Aimee looked at her robe with an air of complaisance.
+
+"And Violette and my son the prince, will you not extend your goodness
+to 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, "I
+have been sufficiently happy in this robe of simple cloth. In this
+costume my brother knew me and loved me. Permit me to continue to wear
+it as far as regard for my station allows and allow me to preserve it
+always in remembrance of the happy years of my childhood."
+
+The prince thanked Violette for these sweet words, and pressed her hand
+tenderly.
+
+The fairy kindly nodded her approval and called for her chariot, which
+was waiting a few steps from them. She entered and placed the queen next
+herself, then the prince, Violette and Passerose.
+
+In less than an hour the larks had flown over the three thousand leagues
+which separated them from the kingdom of Prince Marvellous. All his
+court and all his subjects, apprised beforehand by the fairy, expected
+him. The streets and the palaces were filled by the eager, happy crowd.
+
+When the chariot appeared in sight, the people uttered cries of joy
+which were redoubled when it drew up before the great entrance of the
+palace, when they saw descend Queen Aimee, a little older, no doubt, but
+still pretty and gracious, and the Prince Marvellous, whose natural
+beauty and grace were enhanced by the splendor of his clothing,
+glittering with gold and precious stones, which were also a present from
+the fairy.
+
+But the acclamations arose to frenzy when the prince, taking Violette
+by the hand, presented her to the people.
+
+Her sweet, attractive countenance, her superb and elegant form, were
+adorned with a dress with which the fairy had clothed her by one stroke
+of her wand.
+
+Her robe was of gold lace, while her waist, her arms and shoulders shone
+with innumerable larks formed of diamonds larger than humming-birds. On
+her graceful head she wore a crown of larks made of precious stones of
+all colors. Her countenance, soft but gay, her grace, her beauty, won
+the hearts of all.
+
+For a long time nothing was heard but shouts of "Long live King
+Marvellous! Long live Queen Violette!" The noise and tumult were so
+great that many persons became deaf. The good fairy, who desired that
+only joy and happiness should prevail throughout the kingdom on this
+auspicious day, cured them instantly at the request of Violette.
+
+There was a magnificent feast spread for the court and the people. A
+million, three hundred and forty-six thousand, eight hundred and
+twenty-two persons dined at the expense of the fairy and each guest was
+permitted 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 that
+his mother was a little sad at not being queen, entreated her earnestly
+to accept Violette's kingdom and she consented to reign there on
+condition that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come every year
+and pass three months with her.
+
+Queen Aimee, before parting with her children, wished to witness their
+marriage. The fairy Drolette and many other fairies of her acquaintance
+and many genii were invited to the marriage. They all received the most
+magnificent presents, and were so satisfied with the welcome given them
+by King Marvellous and Queen Violette that they graciously promised to
+return whenever they were invited.
+
+Two years afterwards they received an invitation to be present at the
+birth of the first child of King Marvellous. There came to Queen
+Violette a daughter, who, like her mother, was a marvel of goodness and
+beauty.
+
+The king and queen could not fulfil the promise they had made to Queen
+Aimee. One of the genii who had been invited to the wedding of
+Marvellous and Violette, found in Queen Aimee so much of goodness,
+sweetness, and beauty, that he loved her, and, visiting her several
+times in her new kingdom and being affectionately and graciously
+received by her, he carried her off one day in a whirlwind. Queen Aimee
+wept 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 granted
+to her as a wedding present the power of participating in all the
+privileges of her husband: never to die, never to grow old and the
+ability to transport herself in the twinkling of an eye wherever she
+wished to go. Aimee used this power very often to visit her son and his
+children.
+
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette had eight sons and four daughters and
+they were all charming. They were happy, without doubt, for they loved
+each other tenderly and their grandmother, who, it was said spoiled them
+a little induced their grandfather, the genius Bienveillant, to
+contribute all in his power to their happiness. Consequently, they
+received many rich gifts.
+
+Passerose, who was warmly attached to Queen Aimee, had followed her into
+her new kingdom but when the genius carried her off in a whirlwind,
+Passerose, seeing herself forgotten and not being able to follow her
+mistress was so sad in the loneliness caused by the departure of Aimee,
+that she prayed the fairy Drolette to transport her to the kingdom of
+King Marvellous and Queen Violette. She remained with them and took care
+of their children to whom she often recounted the adventures of Ourson
+and Violette. She still remains, it is said, though the genius and his
+queen have made her many excuses for not having carried her off in the
+whirlwind.
+
+"No, no," Passerose replied to all these explanations; "let us remain as
+we are. You forgot me once--you might forget me another time. Here, my
+dear Ourson and my sweet Violette never forget their old nurse. I love
+them and I will remain with them. They loved me and they will take care
+of me."
+
+The farmer, the superintendent, and the master of the forge who had been
+so cruel to Ourson were severely punished by the fairy Drolette.
+
+The farmer was devoured by a bear, some hours after he had chased away
+Ourson.
+
+The superintendent was dismissed by his master for having let loose the
+dogs, who escaped and never could be found. The same night he was bitten
+by 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 blazing
+furnace where he perished miserably.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Old French Fairy Tales, by Comtesse de Segur
+
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