i I o ^ I 1 s? *5>^-^ *? dllVJ-JO v x^LOSANGElfj^ II! I r , ^OFCAllFOff*, 1 t- ^* i I I s I I t * i I g ^ % ^ 5 i ^OF CALIFO/?^ FAIRY FROM THE FRENCH MADAME LA COMTESSE DE SEGUR TRANSLATED BY MRS. CHAPMAN COLEMAN AND HER DAUGHTERS PHILADELPHIA Published by HENRY T. COATES & CO. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by PORTER 4 COATES, IB the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, iu and for Eastern District of Pennsylvania. TZL8 S 45 JL T Dt TO MY GRANDDAUGHTERS, CAMILLE AND MADELINE DE MALARET, My very dear Children: Here are the tales with which you were so well pleased, and that I promised you to have published. In reading them, dear little ones, think of your old grandmother, who, to please you, has left her seclusion, and offered to public criticism the name of Comtesse De SEGUR, Nee ROSTOPCUINK. 432240 CONTENTS. BLONDINE, BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. L Blondine 15 II. Blondine Lost 20 III. The Forest of Lilac 28 IV. Blondine's Awakening Beau-Minon .... 80 V. Bonne-Biche . S3 VI. Blondine's Second Awakening 38 VII. The Parrot 45 VIII. Repentance . 55 IX. TheTortois 61 X. The Journey and Arrival 64 GOOD LITTLE HENRY. I. The Poor Sick Mother T* II. The Crow, the Coek, and the Frog . . . .79 III. The Harvest 83 IV. The Vintage 8C (ix) CONTENTS. MM V. The Chase 8ft VL The Fishing 93 VIL The Plant of Life 98 I. The Farm 107 II. Rosette at the Court of the King her Father . .113 m. Family Council . . 120 IV. Second Day of the Festival 123 V. Third and Last Day of the Festival . . . .134 THE LITTLE GRAY MOUSE. i. The Little House 147 II. The Fairy Detestable 154 III. The Prince Gracious 167 IV. The Tree in the Rotundo 173 V. Th Casket ... . .179 OURSON. L The Lark and the Toad 183 n. Birth and Infancy of Ourson 184 HL Violette 197 CONTENTS. MM IV. The Dream 210 V. The Toad again 218 VI. Sickness and Sacrifice 225 VII. The Wild Boar 230 VIII. The Conflagration 240 IX. The We. 251 X. The Farm the Castle the Porg* . . . .261 XI. The Sacrifice 268 XII. The Combat 273 XIII. The Recompense .... 184 londfttt, lonne-licfo, and lean- linen. HISTOEY onnq- jjiclje, and mm- Jpum. CHAPTER FIRST. BLONDINE. [HERE 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 ner mother the queen. Unfortunately, the poor queen died a short time after the birth of Blondine, and for a long time the (15) 16 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, king wept bitterly for this great loss. Blondine WAS too young to understand her mother's death :^he did not weep, but continued to laugh, to play, and to Bleep 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 under- take 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. BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 17 At last he arrived at the kingdom of the monarch Turbulent, who had a lovely daughter, acute, amiable, 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. Turbulent was enchanted at the prospect of getting rid of his daughter, who was jealous, proud, and wicked. Besides this, her presence often interfered with his excursions for pleasure, with the chase, and with his progresses through his kingdom. Without a moment's hesitation, he acceded to Leger's request, who returned with her to the king- dom of the good king Benin. The princess Fourbette was accompanied by four thousand mules, loaded with the jewels and toilet 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. 18 HISTOR Y OF EL ON DINE, "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 her- self 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 sud- denly 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 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, the queen Fourbette gave birth to a daughter, 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. BONNE- BICIIE, AND EEAU-MINON. 19 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, and 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 alcne 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- 20 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, CHAPTER SECOND. BLONDINE LOST. LONDINE was now 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. This 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 yourself of this villanous fault, which will make you despised by all the world." Gourmar dinet kissed her hand, and promised to reform. But, alas ! he continued to steal cakes from the kitchen and bonbons from the store-room. Often, BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 21 indeed, lie was whipped for his iisobedience and gluttony. The queen Fourbette heard on every hand the reproaches lavished upon the page, and she was cun- ning enough to think that she might make use of thia villanous fault of Gourmandinet, and thus get rid of poor Blondine. I will now tell you the plot she had conceived. 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 inadvertence Blondine might pass the grating and place her little feet on the enchanted ground. Many times the king Benin had sought to build a wafc the entire length of the grating, or to secure it in some way, so as to make an entrance there impos- 22 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, sible. 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 this 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 he use to give you nothing." "Oh! madam," said Gourmandinet, weeping bit BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 23 terly, " 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 yon 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 punish- ment 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 mt compel me to lead my dear princess to destruction. She who has always been so good to me !" 24 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, " 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 ycu enter the service of Brunette, and I declare to you solemnly that the bonbons shall never fail." Gourmandinet hesitated and reflected a few mo- ments longer, and, alas ! at last resolved to sacrifice his good little mistress to his gluttony. The remainder of that day and night he still hesi- tated and delayed to commit this great crime; 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 four 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 start- ing, turned the ostriches away from the Forest of Lilacs. Whta, however, they were entirely out of light 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. BONNE-BICHE, AND SEAU-MINON. 25 "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 those good im- pressions. 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 large bouquet of those splendid 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 select and gather your flowers." " That is true. I should be very sorry to get you a scolding, my poor Gourmandinet." 3 26 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, While saying these words she sprung 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. Eor 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 in 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 Blon- dine 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 BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-M1NON. 27 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 at the same time in his hand 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 ; he had not even tasted of the bonbons which the queen had given him. No one regretted him. No one but the poor Blon- dine had ever loved him. We will now rejoin this unfortunate princess in the Forest of Lilacs. HISTORY OF BLONDINE, CHAPTER THIRD. THE FOREST OF LILACS. 'HEN Blondine entered the forest she coin- menced gathering the splendid 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 Gour- mandinet, but no one replied. " I have wandered off further than I intended," gaid Blondine. "I will retrace my steps at once, though I am much fatigued. Gourmandinet will hear me, and will surely come to meet me." Blondine walked on rapidly for some time, but she could not see the boundaries of the forest. BONNE-BICUE, AND BEAU-MIKON. 29 Many times she called anxiously upon Gourmandi- net, 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? Unfor- tunate wretch that I am ! I shall die of hunger and thirst in this fores^ if the wolves do not eat me up this night." Saying thus, and 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. 30 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, CHAPTER FOURTH. BLONDINE'S AWAKING BEAU-MIN ON. LONDINE slept calmly all night; no ferocious beast came to trouble her slumbers. She did not suffer from the cold, and awaked 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 BONNE-mCHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 31 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 seemed to munch them with 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 we will call 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 comprehend you." She rose, advanced some 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 Blondiae 32 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, and Beau-M ; .non to pass, and then closed up immedi- ately. Blondine walked on for about half an hour. AB she advanced, the forest became more luminous, 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 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. Blondine did not know, however, how to enter. There was no bell, and the gate was closed. Beau-Minoo had disappeared, and Blondine was once more alone. BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 33 CHAPTEE FIFTH. BONNE-BICHE. EAU-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, and saw no one. The door of the castle opened of itself. Blon- dine 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 saloons. At last, in the back part of a charming saloon, fur- nished with blue and gold, she perceived a white hind, couched 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 myself have expected yon for a long time." At these words, Blondine seemed much frightened. " Take courage, princess ; you are with friends. I 34 HISTORY OF BLOND1NK, know the king your father, and I love him, and 1 love you also." " Oh, madam," said Blondine, " if you know the king my father, I beseech you to conduct me to him ; my absence must make him very wretched." "My dear Blondine," said 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 apprise him that you are safe with me." " How, 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 recom- pensed. You will see your father again, but not now. In the mean time be good and docile. Beau-Minon and myself 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-Bicho. She resolved, therefore, to control herself and to be cheerful. BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 35 Bonne-Biche took her to see the apartment they destined 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 embroi- dery. 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 magnifi- cent portraits, representing a young and superbly handsome woman, and an elegant and attractive v jung man, hung on the walls. Their costumes in A. 3ated that they were of royal race. " Whose portraits are these, madam ?" sai Blon- dine 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 with alacrity, and 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 86 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, was a vase filled with the choicest herbs, fresh and nutritious; near this vase was a golden bucket, filled with fresh and limpid water. Opposite Bonne-Biche was a little stool for Beau- Minon; before him was a little porringer in gold, filled with little fried fish and the thighs of snipes ; at one side, 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, and her fork and spoon were of gold ; her napkin was of linen, finer than anything she had ever seen. The table was served by gazelles, who were marvel- lously 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 ; she ate of all, and found all excellent. After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon con- ducted the princess into the garden. She found there the most nutritious fruits and lovely walks. BONNE-BICUE, AND BEAU-MINON. 37 After a charming walk, Blondine entered the castle with her new friends, much fatigued. Bonne-Biche proposed to her to retire, which she agreed to 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. 432240 88 HISTORY OF BLOND IKE, CHAPTER SIXTH. BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENINJ. 1 LONDINE 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 con- ducted 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, arid we must con- fess she found herself charming; a hundred times tore 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 ; her form erect and graceful. In short, Blon- BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-WNON. 39 dine thought herself the most beautiful perscn sho had ever seen. Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily, and ran to seek Bonne-Biche, \vhom 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 myself 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 myself 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, now, 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 40 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, tried the harp, and drew from it the most ravishm tt Bounds, and 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, ravished, she threw her arms around th* neck of Bonne-Biche, embraced Beau-Minon tenderly, and said to them : " Oh ! ay dear, true, good friends, what a debt of gratitude do I owe you for having thus watched over my infancy, 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. Dees he still weep my absence ? is he happy since he lost me ?" " Dear Blondine, your anxiety on this point is most BONNE-BICIIE, AND BEAU-HINON. 41 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." Blondine raised her eyes to the mirror, and saw into the apartment of her father. The king seemed much agitated, and was walking backwards and for- wards. He appeared to be expecting some one. The queen, Fourbette, entered, and related to him that notwithstanding the remonstrances of Gourman- dinet, 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 be- loved 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 4* 42 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, 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 dis- appeared ; 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 Mad. He held in his hand a little portrait of Blon- dine ; 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 weariness. 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 30NNE-11ICIIE, AND BEAU-MINON. 43 hex 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 of Blondine passed away quietly and without tediousness. She was much occupied, and 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 44 HISTORY OF BLOND WE, 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 magni- ficent trees, the lovely and fragrant flowers, the thousand graceful birds flying and singing, and seem- ing to call her name. "Alas!" said she, "why will not Bonne-Biche allow me to walk in this beautiful forest ? What pos- sible 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 com- panion, and recommenced her walk in the solitary park. BONNE-BICEE, AND BEAU-MINON. 4 CHAPTER SEVENTH. THB PARROT. IX 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. She was disturbed in her reverie by three soft little strokes upon her window. Raising her head, she perceived a parrot with beautiful greer plumage, and throat and breast of bright orange. 46 HISTORY OF BL ONLINE, Surprised at the appearance of a bird entirety un- known 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 say 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 con- ceal 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 had an opportunity to converse. You Beem to me gay and witty. I do not doubt that you will amuse me much." Blondiue listened with delight to the lively talk of the Parrot, who complimented her beauty, her wit, and her talents extravagantly. Blondine was enchanted. In about an hour the Parrot flew away, promising to return the next day BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 47 In short, hb returned every day, ami continued to comj liment 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, opened the window with alacrity, and said : " Is it true, my beau- tiful Parrot, that you bring me news of my dear father ? Speak quickly ! What is he doing ? 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 igno- rant 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! Blcndine," 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 48 HISTORY OF BLOND IKE, sometimes succeeded in rescuing their victims from them. You will never see your father again, Blon- dine; you will never leave this forest, unless you yourself shall hreak 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 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 see Bonne-Biche is 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, Blon- dine!" 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. BONKE-BICHE, AND BEAV-MINON. 49 " 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 engrossed in reflection. 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 intelli- gent, to put an infant to sleep for seven years, to dedi- cate 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 exist- 5 50 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, ence 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 Hose, 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 insist 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, have you noticed 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 BONNE-BICES, AND BEAU-MINON. 61 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 future, Blon- dine, when you will be in the arms of your father. Be firm ! After breakfast, disembarrass yourself in some way of 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 52 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, 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. Blon- dine 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 at the sound, and was on the point of recalling him and renouncing the Rose, and confess- ing all to the good Hind, 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 to the park of Bonne- Bicke, became wilder and more entangled. Brambles and stones almost filled up the path, the sweet songs of the biids were no longer heard, and the flowers had BONNE-BICIIE, AND BEAU-NINON. 53 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 and pursues you, she will kill me, and you will never again see your father." Blondine, fatigued, almost breathless, with her arms torn by the briers, and her shoes in shreds, now de- clared 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, majes- tic rose-bush grew in the midst of this sterile spot, adorned with one Rose, which was more beautiful than all the roses of the world. "Take it, Blondine!" said the parrot; "you de- serve 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 Roee was scarcely firmly grasped in her hand, 5* 54 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, 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. I had more difficulty in tempting and deceiving you than I expected. I flattered your vanity, and in this way it was easy to make you ungrateful and disobedi- dient. You have destroyed your friends ; for I am their mortal enemy !" Saying tlese cruel words, the Parrot and the Rose disappeared, leaving Blondine alone in the forest. BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MIKON. 65 CHAPTER EIGHTH. REPENTANCE. 'LONDINE 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 con- tinued, however, to force her way bravely through the thickets, and, after three hours of most painful walk- ing, she came before 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 66 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, place of the magnificent trees and rare flowtrs "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 unwel- come presence !" "Alas! alas!" cried Blondine, "my poor friends, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon, why can I not expiate by my death the sufferings I have caused them ?" And she fell, sobbing piteously, upon the stones and net- tles ; 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 shel- ter 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 BONNE-BICIIE, AND BEAU-MINON. 57 Baying : " True repentance can redeem 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 bo utterly cast down by grief." The poor princess arose, and withdrew from this scene of desolation. She followed a little path, where the large trees seemed to have rooted out the bram- bles, 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 ; "cour- age and hope !" She saw only a Frog near her, which was looking at her compassionately. "Poor 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 58 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, 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, which, on arriv- ing near her, paused, bowed down, and showed her a porringer attached to her neck. 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, Badly : " Thanks, Blanchette, it is without doubt to my poor friends that I owe this sweet charity. Perhaps in another and better world they witness the repent- ance of their poor Blondine, and wish to ameliorate 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 the night approached. Notwith standing her anguish and repentance, Blondine began to reflect upon some means of securing herself from BONNE- BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 59 the ferocious wild beasts, whose terrible roars she already believed she heard in the distance. She sa\v 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 adroitly attaching 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 excite- ment and fatigue. When Blondine awoke it was broad daylight. At first she could scarcely collect her thoughts and under- stand her position ; but the sad realities of her lot were soon apparent to her, and she commenced groan- ing and weeping as before. Blondine was hungry, and much disquieted on this point, when she heard again joyfully the sound of the cow-bells. Some moments after, 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 Blanchetto, hoping to see her again during the day. Every day in the morning, at midday, and in the evening Blan- chette came to offer Blondine her frugal repast 30 UISTOR Y OF JiL ONDINE, 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 geniu? reigns supreme." Blondine sought to amuse and employ herself in every possible way. Her little home was neatly arranged; fresh moss and leaves composed her simple couch ; she had tied some branches together and formed a seat ; 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. BONNE-BICHE. AND BEAU-MINON. 61 CHAPTER NINTH. THE TORTOISE. iNE day Blondine was seated at the entrance of her hut, musing sadly, as usual, upon 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?" " How ! 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 thj frightful despair of having caused their death." " But how do you know, Blondine, that this seem- ing neglect is not forced upon them ? They may now be subjected to a power greater than their own. You 62 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, j 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 expiation which I will not gladly accept 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, pro- vided I can only learn what has become of my friends.' " Take care, Blondine ! reflect well. Six montha without descending from my back ; 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 Kose, and I cannot even con- tinue 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, imme- BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 63 diately. I prefer to die of hunger and fatigue rather than of grief and disquietude. Your words have given birth to hope in 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 nor cold, nor sunshine, nor any accident during our long journey. As long as it lasts, you shall not sufler 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." 64 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, CHAPTER TENTH. THE JOURNEY AND ARRIVAL ?HE 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. At this time 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 in- deed learn the fate of her dear friends at this castle ? Notwithstanding 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 impa- tience. The Tortoise seemed rather to relax than to increase her speed. She consumed fourteen days still BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 65 in passing through this avenue. They seemed four- teen 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 Tor- toise 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 Bienveil- lante, and she will kindly 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 ; 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 precipitately 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 ? " I wish to see the fairy Bienveillante. Tell her, I pray you, miss, that the princess Blondine begs earnestly to see her without delay." 6* 66 HIST OR T OF BL ONDINE, " 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 recognised her, and smiled graciously. At last Blondine arrived in a room in every re- spect resembling that of Bonne-Biche in the Forest of Lilacs. The remembrances which this recalled were BO 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 apart- ment 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 swaet, 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 BONNE-BICHE, AND BEjiU-MINON. 67 Beau-Minon. You know, madam, without doubt, by what culpable disobedience I gave them up to destruc- tion, 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 Bicnveillante, 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 Blon- dine, 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 trem- bling 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 : 68 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, " Oil, my mother ! this is too severe a trial for my dear Blondine !" " Alas ! iny 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 conscious- ness ; 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 those 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. 1 knew the misfortunes to which you BONNE-BICUE, AND BEAU-MINON. 69 would be exposed on delivering your evil genius from nis prison ; and Heaven is my witness, tliat my son and myself 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 pre- cautions. 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 thanked her repeatedly, and the handsome Prince also. She addressed a thousand questions to them. " 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 subjected to this sad metamorphosis." " 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 powor over us, 70 HISTORY OF BLONDINE, on condition of obtaining from you one last proof of submission, compelling you to take this long and fatiguing journey, and inflicting the terrible punish- ment of making you believe that my son and myself had died from your imprudence. I implored, en- treated 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 ; they expected the princess Blondine. When the chariot appeared, the cries of joy and BONNE-BICHE, AND BEAU-MINON. 71 welcome were so tumultuous, that the swans were con- fused, and almost lost their way. Prince Parfait, who guided them, succeeded in arresting their atten- tion, 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 inten- tion to return home. But Prince Parfait and Blon- dine were so melancholy at the prospect of this sepa- ration, that King Benin resolved they should never quit the palace. 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, who had entirely reformed her character, came often to see Blondine. Prince Violent, her hus- 72 HISTORY OF KLONDIKE. band, became more amiable as Brunette became more gentle, and they were very happy. As to Blondine, she had no misfortunes, no griefs. She gave birth to lovely daughters, who resembled her, and to good and handsome sons, the image of their manly father, Prince Parfait. Everybody loved them, and every one connected with them was happy. tf |tttlit ood CHAPTER FIRST. THB POOR SICK MOTHER. /HERE was a poor woman, a widow, who live \ 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 charm- ing 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 culti- vated 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. (75) 76 GOOD LITTLE HENRY. The house in which they lived belonged to them, and was very lonesome. In front of their dwelling there was a lofty mountain, so high that no one had ever ascended to its summit; besides, it was sur- rounded 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 eat his little morsel of dry bread at the foot of her bed. When she slept he looked at her pen- sively 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 ; 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 said to him, in a soft voice : " What do you wish of me, my little friend ? You called me here I am !" GOOD LITTLE HENRY, 77 " Madam," cried Henry, throwing himself on hia 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 compassion- ately ; then, without saying a word, she approached the poor woman, bent over her, examined her atten- tively, 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 the 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." " I will start out immediately, madam. But who jvill take care of my poor mother during my absence ? And, moreover," said he, sobbing bitterly, "she will be dead before my return." " Be composed, my dear child. If you go tHEN 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 innu- merable plants utterly unknown to him, and it was impossible for him 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 amongst the plants near him, and saw issue from them a little man, no taller than a chimney brush. He had a book under his arm, spectacles on his crooked little nose, and wore the great black cloak of a doctor. " What are you seeking, little one ?" said the Doc- GOOD LITTLE HENRY. 99 tor ; " 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 amongst 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 wuich met me as I came up the mountain, I 100 GOOD LITTLE HENRY. 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 him- self at home. In the same moment he felt himself raised in the air, which he traversed with the rapidity of lightning, and found himself almost instantly by his mother's bed. Henry sprang to his mother, and embraced her ten- derly. 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, &3ven 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 em- braced Henry, and, approaching the couch of his GOOD LITTLE IIENRT. KM, 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 him- self thus praised by the fairy. His mother pressed him to her heart, and could not cease from covering him with kisses. After the first moments of happi- ness and emotion had passed away, the fairy said : " Now, Henry, you can make use of the presents 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." . . GOOD LITTLE HENRY. 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. GOOD LITTLE HENRY. 103 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 ar- ranged all the dishes, and then put the kitcken 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 ; 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. of IjrttueajJ |oBdte. Xistorg of irin^ss CHAPTER FIRST. THE FARM. JHERE 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 not 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. (107) 108 PRINCESS ROSETTE. 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, &c., but 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. PEINCESS ROSETTE. 109 " Yes, without doubt," answered the princess ; " I am the princess Rosette." "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; 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 10 110 PKINCESS ROSETTE. 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 1 always wear on holidays, my dear nurse." " My poor little one, that robe is indeed very suit- able 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, PRINCESS ROSETTE. Ill and black shoes, and then a little bouquet of flowers for Rosette to wear in her hair. Just as nhe 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 1 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, 112 PRINCESS ROSETTE. here is a necklace of nuts, a band for your hair of medlars, and bracelets of dried beans." She kissed Rosette's brow, 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, Rosette ! my poor Rosette ! I entreat you not to go to this festival. Pretend that 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 her- self in the morning, when the chariot of the fairy came for her. She embraced her nurse, took hei little trunk, and departed. PRINCESS ROSETTE. 113 CHAPTER SECOND. ROSETTE AT THE COURT OF THE KING HER FATHER. iHEY were but two hours on the way, for the king's capital was only ten leagues from the farm. When Rosette arrived, she was sur- prised 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 stair- case. She ascended, slowly, a long, long time before 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 a\r of embarrassment, 114 PRINCESS ROSETTE. "Pardon me, princess, for having led you into thi* chamber, so unworthy of you. The queen has disj osed of all the other apartments for her guests, the kings, queens, 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 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 med- lars. 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, embroidei-ed 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 PRINCESS ROSETTE. 115 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 mag- nificently 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 range of superb saloons, 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 comio surprise. 116 PRINCESS ROSETTE. "Madam," said the king at last to her, "be gra- ciously 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 daughtei 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: "These 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. PRINCESS ROSETTE. 117 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 atten- tion ; no one paid any attention to the sisters. At table the young king 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, proposed to sing. They sung, indeed, admirably, and accompanied themselves on the harp. Rosette, who was truly good, and who wished her sisters to love her, applauded them rapturously, and boasted of their talent. Orangine, in place of being touched by this gene- rous sentiment, and hoping to play her sister a mali- cious trick, now insisted upon her singing. Rosette for some time modestly refused. Her sisters, who supposed that she did not know how to sing, insisted importunately. The queen herself, desiring to humi- liate poor Rosette, joined her entreaties to those of 118 PRINCESS ROSETTE. 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 com- menced her prelude, for they saw at a glance that her talent was very superior to theirs. But when, with a beautiful and melodious voice, she sung a romance, composed by herself, on the happiness of being gocd 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 amiable 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 pene- tration, divined the true motive of her refusal, and admired Rosette still more for her disinterestedness. ROSETTE. 110 The queen, irritated by the success of Rosette, ter minated 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 medlars, 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 Prince Charmant, who appeared so good, and who had been so flattering in his attention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully, and awoko late in the morning. 120 PRINCESS ROSETTE. CHAPTER THIRD. FAMILY COUNCIL. ; IIILE Rosette was only occupied with sail ing and amiable 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 those 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 PRINCESS ROSETTE. 121 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 com- pare 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 disput- ing 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 threat- ening air. " If you dare to touch Rosette," said she, 11 122 PRINCESS KOSETTE. with a thundering voice, " if you lo 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 Kosette!" 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 bad 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. PRINCESS ROSETLE. 123 CHAPTER FOURTH. SECOND DAT OP THE FESTIVAL. 'N the morning a coarse servant brought Rosette bread and milk, and offered her services to dresa 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 disap- peared, and in its place was a small wooden trunk, upon which there lay a folded paper. She took it, and read the folloing 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 124 PlilNCXSS ROSETTE. necklace, her shoes, her bracelets, and then stood before the glass. When she saw her own image she was amazed. She was attired in the richest and most splendid riding- suit of sky-blue velvet, with 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 whis- pered 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 saloons, where her appearance produced PRINCESS ROSETTE. 125 a greater effect than before. Her fine, SY eet counte- nance, 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 Char- mant, seeing her distress, approached and asked per- mission 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 iefend 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 intoxicated by this gracious reply, and, notwithstanding the malice of Orangine 126 PRINCESS ROSETTE. and Rcussette, who tried in every possible way to attract him to themselves, he did not leave Rosette's Bide for a moment. After breakfast they descended to the court to 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 ap- peared, 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 Ro- sette wished to mount the horse knelt down, and rose quietly when she had placed herself in the saddle. PM1XCESS ROSETTE. 127 King Charmant sprang lightly upon nis beautiful /teed 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 insignifi- cant princes, who were neither BO young nor so hand- some 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 she then related to Prince Charmant how she had been educated on a farm, and that she was indebted to the fairy Puissante for every thing that she knew and everything she valued. The 128 PEINCESS ROSETTE. 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 ago 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 per- mission 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 PKINCESS ROSETTE. 129 herself with her usual neatness, and then ran to the glass. She could not suppress a cry of admi- ration. 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 bril- liant 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 saloon. King Charmant was await- ing her at the door, offered her his arm, and con- ducted 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 130 PItlNCESS ROSETTE. 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 per- mit me to ask your hand of your father ? In rny 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 interrogate on the subject this evening." They were now summoned to dinner. ,. Charmant placed himself at Rosette's side, who conversed with him 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 mock- ing, 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 PRINCESS ROSETTE. 131 she declined, the more her envious sisters insisted, hoping that she would at last suffer a humiliating defeat. 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 recognise and am grate- ful for your courtesy. I accept you for my partner, and hope that you will not have occasion to blush for my performance." 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 ; wished to throw themselves upon the young princess, choke her, and tear her diamonds from her. The king and queen, who had been watch- ing them, and divined their intention, stopped them, and whispered in their ears : " Remember the threats and power of the fairy Fr.issante ! To-morrow shall be the last day." 132 PRINCESS ROSETTE. 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 io 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. " To morrow !" said Rosette, " to-morrow I hope to Bay, yours eternally." PRINCESS ROSETTE. 133 Rosette entered her little room. As she undressed, her clothing arranged itself as the d*y 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 King Charmant. Dictate my response, dear godmother. I will obey your com- mand, no matter how painful it may be." " Say yes, my dear Rosette, to King Charmant," reglied the soft voice of the fairy. "I myself arranged this marriage. It was to make you acquainted with King Charmant that I forced your father to send for 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. 12 134 PHINCESS ROSETTE. CHAPTER FIFTH. THIRD AND LAST DAY OF THE FESTIVAL. 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 ahout the triumph of Rosette, and their own humi- liating 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. " King Charmant will have no chariot and horses to exchange," said the queen, " as he had this morn- ing 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 between these four wicked beings. They retired, and dreamed of the next best means PRINCESS ROSETTE. 135 of disembarrassing themselves of Rosette if the cha- riot 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 con- tented 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 136 PRINCESS ROSETTE. a chain of sapphire, at the end of which was a watch, of which the face 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 saloon she perceived King 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 be- witching 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 King Charmant, "Press the marriage, PRINCESS ROSETTE. 137 prince, and speak to the king without delay. Ro- sette'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 ; hut 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 proposed to himself 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 horse- back, 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 12* 138 PRINCESS ROSETTE. 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, ex- claimed 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 ; 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 ; 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 after wards, 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 PIUKCESS KOSETTE. 130 have been crushed had it not been constructs 1 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 im- movable; whilst Rosette, who had recognised 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 cha'riot 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 ; 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 overcome 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 140 PRINCESS ROSETTE a,n hour. During six hours they kepr u

other and Violette every moment, and continued to c&ll them most importunately, and to complain of their absence, even while they were hold- ing him in their arms. Agnella and Violette never left him day nor night during all hia sickness- The eighth day, Agnella, exhausted with fatigue, had fallen asleep near the poor sufferer's bed ; his difficult respiration and life- less eye seemed to announce the near approach of death. Violette was on her knees, holding and press- ing 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 happi- ness; she raised her head and saw a lark perched upon the open shutter. OUR SON. 227 "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 ! I 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 re- member 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 hor- rible 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." 228 OURSON. "Well, my child, very well," replied tlie fairy ; " Kiss his left ear three times, saying at each Kiss : To thee ! For thee ! With thee V Reflect again, Violette, before undertaking this cure. If you are not prepared for the most difficult sacrifices, the greatest misfortunes will overwhelm you, and iny 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 her- self upon Ourson, she kissed his left ear three times, saying, with an accent loving and penetrating : " To thee ! For thee ! With thee I' 1 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 OURSON. 229 long time ; the is much fatigued. You have been very ill, Ourson !'* "And you, dear Violette, have you been repcs- ing?" 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 and kissed her hands ; he 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. At the close of this day, Ourson and Violette loved each other more tenderly than ever ; they never left each other unless their occupations forced them to be apart. 20 230 OUItSOX. CHAPTER SEVENTH. THE WILD BOAR. /WO years had passed since the events we have recorded. One day Ourson had been to cut wood in the forest. Violette was to convey 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 ; 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 vsUd OUESON. 231 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 dis- tinctly heard as his step. Violette did not know where to fly or to hide herself. While she was hesi- tating 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 terrific growl, and sprang towards Violette. Hap- pily 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 fright- ened. 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 ; Vio- 232 OURS OK lette trembling, but holding on steadily ; the wild boa? sometimes calm, sometimes in a terrible rage, spring ing against the tree, and tearing it with his tusks. 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; 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 for- gotten 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. lie also wished to shorten the way, and determined to cross the forest. Soon he thought he heard plain- tive cries of distress. He paused he listened ; his heart beat violently; he believed he recognised the OUIiSJX. 233 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 Vio- lette who was in danger, and calling upon Our- son 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, accompa- nied by ferocious cries and violent blows. Poor Ourson ran on ; ran 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 20* 234 OUBSON. 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 endea- vored 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 kick- ing 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 ; the brute uttered 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 whis- pered in his ear " Ourson, it was the fairy Furious who sent this wild boar. I arr:vei in time to save you. Profit OUR SON. 235 by the gratitude of Violette, and change skins \iith 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 for 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 con- sciousness. 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 amiable and tender ; tut I desire no less to render you some real 236 OURSO*. and signal service, which will show all the gratitude aid 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 ; the day is declining ; we must try 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 OURSOX. 237 strength. The pie and the bread sompletely lestored 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 : 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; 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 : 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 Our- son, and always thought that what he decided to do was right. 238 OURSON. 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 pos- session of all her senses, he lay at her feet, and soon slept most profoundly. Ourson was much fatigued. Violette was the first awake in the morning. It was broad day. She smiled on remarking Ourson's menacing attitude, with his axe clasped in his right hand, as if defying all the wild boars in the forest. She arose noise- lessly, and began to look around for the road to lead them back to the farm. While she was walking 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. I see you alive and well, however, and I am reassured and happy. Let us go now quickly, in order to reach home before mamma and Passerose are awake." OUR SON. 239 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 diquietude for the future. Passerose alone was made the con- fidant of their dangerous adventures. 240 OUR SON. CHAPTER EIGHJH. THE CONFLAGRATION. URSON now forbade Violette to go alone in the forest. She was no longer allowed to carry him his dinner 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, " 1 have something to say something to relate Oh, come." Ourson was much alarmed, and followed her pre- cipitately. "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 Our UK SON. 241 BOH, your life is menaced! If you die, I will die also !" " How ! By whom is my life threatened ?" "Listen! I was sleeping; 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 sacri- fice 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 fright- ened by the fato which menaced himself he waa agitated by the sacrifice which Furicus announced, 21 242 OUR SON. 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 depicted in his countenance, and Violette, who was regarding 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 trem- ble 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 sac- rifice had come, that she was about to be called upon to keep the promise she had made to the fairy Dro- lette. 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 tender- OUHSON. 243 ness 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 dis- quiet, 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 alsc had a dream. The fairy Drolette had appeared to her : " Courage, queen," she said to her, "in a few days 244 OUKSON. Ourson will lose his bear's skin, and you can give him the 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 feel- ings. 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 pro- fusely ; Ourson after having invoked the fairy Dro- lette ; 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 some- thing?" " The house is on fire," said Agnella. " Look what a light is round about us !" ouitsoy. 245 They sprang from their beds and ran to the par- lor. The flames had already taken possession of it and of the neighboring chambers. " Curson ! 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 were inef- fectual to open them, or the windows. " 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 door of the house ; but notwithstanding his extraor- dinary 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 nd Violette 21* 246 OUR SON. were embracing, expecting instant death. Before they had time to recognise 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 col- lected at the commencement of the fire. Agnella and Violette had escaped barefooted and in their night dress, 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 los- ing 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 pur- pose 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 OUR SON. 247 them to be burned up alive. Is any one ever in dan- ger when you are present ? Is not this the third time you have saved Violette's life ?" Violette pressed Ourson's hands tenderly, and car- ried them to her lips. Agnella embraced her, and said : " Dear Violette, Ourson is happy in your tender- ness, 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." Before Violetta could speak, Ourson said, with ani- mation : " Mother, do not say anything to Violette of sac- rificing 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 con- 248 OUR SON. tained m 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, ind, notwithstanding the tears and supplications of Ag- nella, 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 ; 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, augmented in violence. Suddenly, a frightful noise made Vio- lette and Agnella utter a cry of despair. The roof, covered with flames, had fallen in, and Ourson was bui ied under the ruins crushed by the ruins, consumed by the fire. The silence of death succeeded this dreadful catas- OUR SON. 249 troplie. The flames diminished, then died away- no sound now interrupted the despair of Agnella and Violette. Violette had fallen into the arms of Agnella ; they Bobbed thus a long time in silence. Passerose con- templated the smoking ruins and wept. Poor Ourson was there buried, 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 is lovely." " 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 hia tenderness for us." 250 OURS ON. Passerose shrugged her shoulders ; she remembered the cow, and that the stable had not been burned she ran there with all speed, milked her, and drank a cupful of milk, and tried in vain to make Agnella and Violette do the same. Agnella now 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 ; he loved you more than he loved himself to spare you a grief he sacrificed his happiness." 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 her- self, 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 admira- tion and regret which filled the heart of Violette after this confidence ; 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. OUKSON. 251 CHAPTER NINTH. THE WELL. GNELLA, Violette, and Passerose walked slowly towards the burned walls of the farm- house. With the courage of despair, they removed the smoking ruins. They worked diligently two days before this work was com- pleted. 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 aper- ture, 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 encloseu 9 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 to the bot- tom, 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 ; u 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 OUR SON. 253 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 precipi- tated 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; but she 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, in order 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. Whilst Passerose was seeking the ladder, Ourson and Violette talked incessantly of their present hap- piness, and the despair and anguish they had endured, " I passed uninjured through the flames," said Our- son, " and sought groping about for the wardrobe of 22 254 OURSOK my mother. The smoke suffocated and l>l.nded 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 Dro- lette 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 em- braced 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 foith from this tomb, and you shall see OUR SON. 255 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 " ' 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 con- tains your happiness arid 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 hap- piness. You will find it here. We will meet again, Ourson.' " * Yes, madam ; I hope it will be soon.' " * When you see me again, my poor child, you wfll be scarcely content, and then you will wish that yon had never seen me. Silence and farewell.' " She flew away smiling sweetly, leaving behind her a delicious perfume, and an atmosphere so soft 256 OUItSON. and heavenly that it diffused a peaceful calm in toy 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. J 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 some- what destitute above here. For two days I have only drank a little milk and eaten 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 immova- ble as a statue. OURSOK 257 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 Inld 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 to hold him safe once more. Finally Passe- rose terminated this melting scene by seizing Ourson and saying to him : " It is now 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 well; and indeed I thank you for drawing me from the well, 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, Violotte, 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." 258 OURS ON. " Yes, the good and amiable fairy," said Ourson. " She is always counteracting the cruelties of her wicked sister." While thus conversing merrily, their stomachs gave indication that they were suffering for dinner. Our- son 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 ever, Passerose was surprised that the fairy Drolette had not provided for all their wants. US SON. 259 "Look," said she, "the house is in ruins! we are destitute of everything ! The stable is our only shel- ter, 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 snail we do?" "Dismiss all anxiety, dear mother," said Oureon. " Am I not tall and strong ? I will seek for w. rk, 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 foi me to do." 260 OURSON. "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 recep- tion which awaited him in the three houses where he sought employment. OURSON. 261 CHAPTER TENTH. THE FARM THE CASTLE THE FORGK. jURSON 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 child- ren, 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 menagerie. 262 OUItSOX. Ourson, seeing tliis movement of terror and prepara- tion for attack, now spoke, 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 interro- gate 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 tho 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 hereto- fore." " 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 villanous 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 OURSON. 263 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 with- drew 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 cover- ing 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 mow- ing, some raking, some currying horses, some sweep- ing, some watering plant, 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." 264 OUR SON. 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 employ- ment." " 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 list- ened 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. OUKSON. 265 "It is the bear ! it is the bear !" cried the grooms. "It has terrified the horses. Drive it off! chase it away !" " 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, wicked vagabond. I will regale you with a chase. Halloa, men ! run and seek 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; I have time to continue my search for work." He now 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 23 266 OUR SON. down the poor workmen who could only find employ- ment 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. I have always every kind of work. 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 ridicu- lous masquerade ? Throw off your ugly bear's skin instantly, or I will make you pass through the fire of my forge, and crisp your bristles for you." "This, sir, is no masquerade," replied Ourson, sadly ; " it is, alas ! my natural skin ; but I am not the less a good workman, and 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 OUR SON. 267 I will throw you into a den with your brother bears. You will have work enough to defend yourself from their claws. Be off! unless you wish to go to a menagerie." And brandishing his club, he would have dealt Ourson a heavy blow if the poor boy had not made hasty retreat. OURSON. CHAPTER ELEVENTH. THE SACRIFICE. URSON turned his steps homeward, discour- aged 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 Our- son 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 tender- ness and devotion of my dearly-loved brother Ourson, I demand to make this exchange allowed by the fairy Prolette, and I entreat her to complete the transfer immediately." OURSOK 269 " 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, with- draw your words !" " Dear Ourson," said Violette, calmly, but reso- lutely, " 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 23* 270 OUItSON. 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 Our- son." 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 ; 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 Bingle ruby ; her beautiful face, soft, yet gay, breathed contentment. She fixed upon Violette a most affec- tionate regard. "You wish it, then, my daughter?" said she. OUKSON. 271 " Madam," cried Ourson, falling at her feet, "deign to listen to me. You, who ha\e loaded me with un deserved 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 ap- peared 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. 272 OURSON. 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 hun- dred 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." OUR SON. 278 CHAPTEE TWELFTH. THE COMBAT. PIOLETTE 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 enourmous toads. All the toads were hissing and blowing, and would have cast their infectious venom in every direc- tion, if they had not been restrained by the power of the fairy Drolette. When the chariot reached the ground, a huge and heavy creature issued from it: this was the fairy Furious. 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 ; 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 ; her thin red hair fell in locks of unequal length around her throat, which was disfigured 274 OURSON. by a goitre ; her large, flat hands looked like the fina of a shark ; her dress was made of snail's skins, and her mantle of the skins of toads. She advanced towards Ourson (whom we shall hereafter call by his true name of PKINCE MARVEL- LOUS) 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 Marvel- lous. 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 Oursine ! You will weep a long time and you will regret bit- terly, 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 OURSON. 275 over the misfortunes of Violette. 1 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 douht your rage, sister, hut 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, arid tried to launch upon Drolette all the venom of her toads, in order to suffocate her. But Drolette knew her sister perfectly. Her faith- ful 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 thun- derbolt, 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 276 OURSON. 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, under 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 trans- port of rage ; but her power was destroyed. OUR SON. 277 The fairy Drolette lowered her chariot, descended to the earth, and said : " The (jueen 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 appear- ance of a modest farmer woman. The name of your father sufficiently indicates his character. Your mother having having prevented him from killing hia brother Indolent and his sister-in-law Nonchalante, he turned his rage against her. I was her protectress, 24 278 OURSON 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 tes- tify 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 whih attach me to you for ever? Can you believe that I will be OURSON. 279 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 re- pulsive as your poor Violette ? How will you dare to brave the raillery of your subjects and of the neighbor- ing 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 Vio- lette, and simply allow her to live near to them, but hidden from the world. Passerose wopt, and in a low tone encouraged the prince in his determination. "Violette,' said the prince, at last, "since you 280 OURSON. absolutely refuse to ascend the throne with me, 1 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 trea- sure 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 glit- tered like a constellation. OUIiSON. 281 " 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 ex- claimed : "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." Ourson 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 brace- lets 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, euor- 282 OURSON. mous riches, and resplendent beauty, with wit, intel- lect, and all desirable happiness. Use them for the children who will be born of your union with Prince Marvellous." Then taking the vial of oil, she said : " As to this vial of perfumed oil, it is the wedding gift of the prince your cousin. I know you love per- fumes, this has peculiar virtues ; use it to-day. To- morrow I will return to seek you, and carry you all to your kingdom." "I have renounced my kingdom, madam," said Ourson ; " I will live here in solitude with my dear Violette." "And who, then, will govern your people, my son ?" said Agnella. " You, my mother, if you are willing to accept the charge," replied Ourson. The queen was about to refuse her son's offer, 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, how- ever, 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 OURS02T. 28S to-morrow. When you are truly happy, my deaf 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. 284 OUItSON. CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. THE RECOMPENSE. CRINGE 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 OUESON. 285 Passerose. They called their attention tj the happy effect of this perfumed oil given them by the fairy. Both partook of 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 Ourson, " 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 success 286 OURSON. fully the rarest pearls, that the richness of her blond* hair surpasses a crown of brilliants?" " Yes, yes, my children," replied Agnella, " with- out doubt, you are both of you handsome and at- tractive; 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 in the midst of 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 OUR SON. 287 with such warmth and animation, 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 prin- cess 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 re- turn 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 imme- diately for your son's kingdom. Are you and your faithful Passerose ready for the journey?" " Madam," replied the queen, with a slight embar- rassment, " we are ready to follow you ; but will you not blush for our dress, BO 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 288 OURS ON. Saying this, she described a circle with lier 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 ; her boots were of velvet, spangled with gold. Aimee looked at her robe with an air of com- plaisance. " 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 con- tinue 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 hen elf, then the prince, Violette and Passerose. OURSON. 289 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 en- hanced 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 hex wand. Her robe was of gold lace ; 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 25 290 OUSSON. 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 Vio- lette!" 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 king- dom, and she consented to reign there on con- dition that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come every year and pass three months with her. Queen Aimee, beiore parting with her children, OURSON. 291 wished to witness their marriage. The fairy Droiette 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 tc bo present at the birth of the first child of King Mar- vellous. Violette gave birth to 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 good- ness, 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 awhile ; but, as she loved the genius, she was not inconsolable ; indeed she promptly con- sented 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. 292 OURS ON. 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. 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, Passe- rose, 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 Vio- lette. 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 expla- nations ; " 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 OURSON. 293 their old nurse. I love them, and I will remain with them. They love 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 arid never could be found. The same night he was bitten by a venomous serpent, and expired some moment* after- wards. The master of the forge having reprimanded his workmen too brutally, they resolved upon vengearce : seized him, and cast him into the blazing furnace, where he perished miserably. THE END. UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles University of California Library Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. NOWMWiLE ;i-L/tvv SEP 04 DUE 2 WKS FROM Mil HEOtlVEO 1 1 I 1 OF-CAllFORfo ^EllNIVEIi% ^ 1158 00321 3484 ...i* 5 o .