ions of the mind. There were muttered conferences and all the
pomp which even the most cunning doctors knew how to exercise. Later
there were bickerings and words of scorn and hatred among the healers.
But it seemed they could not agree upon a remedy. One suggested this,
the other urged that; but the giant remained indifferent to it
all--unconscious of it all. And his condition was not bettered in the
least. On the contrary, he sank deeper and deeper into the despondent
mood which held him.

The others discussed his strange affliction. It seemed that many of
them had known of the giant's great longing to find his mother again.
For days and days he had been quitting the castle early in the morning
and going upon far and dangerous journeys in the hope of finding her.
He had seemed quite confident of finding her. No wonder that he should
be smitten hard, now that he had been obliged to abandon his search.

At last a new, alarming report spread through the castle: the giant was
no longer remaining silent, but was addressing all who came within
hearing of him. But he was speaking only evil and false words. He was
depicting the whole world as a place of shame and cruelties. He was
painting everything black.

Everychild listened to him speaking in this strain on one occasion, and
the effect upon him was unbelievable. Everything seemed different to
him. The golden furniture in the finest room in the castle no longer
seemed to be of gold. It was merely painted yellow, he thought. Even
the Sleeping Beauty seemed changed in his eyes. Her face did not seem
so perfect, after all! There were moments when she seemed even
commonplace, not to say dreadfully old-fashioned. He fought against
this state of mind, but all in vain.

Seeing how things were going, the physicians urged that the giant's
friends be prevented from seeing him any more. They were even for
removing him to the castle dungeons and confining him. But so great
was the outcry against this extreme measure that if was not carried out.

Nevertheless, as one day after another passed, it was plain that
something must be done. The giant's voice could be heard far and near,
uttering evil words and pretending that things were quite unlike what
they really were. And all this had an effect upon all his former
companions.

Cinderella was heard to say with a fearful sigh: "I am sure the prince
of the crystal slipper will never find me. It is absurd to suppo