't
know what is good for me and what is bad for me; and I wonder how
I came to be thought worth bringing into the world at all. But if
I must wish for any thing, it is that you will please to do
whatever you think best; I shall be happy to live or die, just as
you would have me.'

"When the precious little silver trout had said all this so
sweetly and modestly, Neptune immediately felt an immense liking
for him, and determined to take great care of this sweet little
fish who had such entire trust in his goodness; so he watched
tenderly over him, and was a father and a friend to him. He put a
perfect fountain of contentment into his gills, and, consequently,
happiness into his heart.

"Thus, this dear little trout slept always in peace, and wakened
in gladness; and whether he was full or hungry, or whatever
happened to him, he was still pleased and thankful; and he is now
the happiest of all the little fishes that swim in our beautiful
brook."

A delighted murmur of applause rose on every side as Charm-ear
finished this excellent story; and Charley was, if possible, still
more enchanted to find such a capital moral in a story told by a
fairy. Peas-cod and Bean-pod looked very uncomfortable as the Queen
said, "Thank you, Charm-ear; you have related the story well; and I
hope," she continued, looking kindly at the discontented fays, "it
will have a profitable effect. It is no doubt a great blessing to
possess what one wishes; but it is a greater blessing still, not to
desire that which we can never possess."

Then the Queen, who ruled altogether by LOVE, said: "Go, dear
Peas-cod and Bean-pod--go join the dances; I give you Lilliebelle and
Dewdrop for partners, and let me hear no more of discontent."

The two green fairies brightened up amazingly when they heard their
Queen speaking so kindly; really, their green coats became quite
fashionable-looking--and not such a bad color either; and though
Lilliebelle and Dewdrop pouted a little at their humble partners,
they dared not disobey the Queen; but soon the inspiring music and
the pleasure of dancing, of which, like all fairies and most young
ladies, they were immoderately fond, caused them to forget their
annoyance, especially as Peas-cod and Bean-pod were accomplished
dancers, and hopped about in the most surprising manner.

And Charley looked on in an ecstasy of delight, and the flush deepened
an