ng lived on in the most innocent and peaceful manner for three
years (the princess being just turned of eighteen years old) the fairy
told the queen that she would now tell her some news of her kingdom,
which she had heard in her journey; namely, that her sister-in-law
was dead, and her brother-in-law had made proclamation throughout the
kingdom, of great rewards to any one who should produce the queen and
the Princess Hebe, whom he would immediately reinstate on the throne.

The Princess Hebe was by when she related this, and said she begged
to lead a private life, and never more be exposed to the temptation of
entering into vice, for which she already had so severely smarted.

The fairy told her, that, since she doubted herself, she was now fit
to be trusted; for, said she, 'I did not like your being so sure of
resisting temptation, when first I conferred on you the gift of wisdom.
But you will, my princess, if you take the crown, have an opportunity
of doing so much good, that, if you continue virtuous, you will have
perpetual pleasures; for power, if made a right use of, is indeed a very
great blessing.'

The princess answered, that if the queen, her mother, thought it her
duty to take the crown, she would cheerfully submit, though a private
life would be otherwise her choice.

The queen replied, that she did not blame her for choosing a private
life; but she thought she could not innocently refuse the power that
would give her such opportunities of doing good, and making others
happy; since, by that refusal, the power might fall into hands that
would make an ill use of it.

After this conversation, they got into the same car in which they
travelled to the wood of Ardella; arrived safely at the city of
Algorada; and the Princess Hebe was seated, with universal consent, on
her father's throne; where she and her people were reciprocally happy,
by her great wisdom and prudence; and the queen-mother spent the
remainder of her days in peace and joy, to see her beloved daughter
prove a blessing to such numbers of human creatures; whilst she herself
enjoyed that only true content and happiness this world can produce;
namely, a peaceful conscience, and a quiet mind.

When Miss Jenny had finished her story, Mrs. Teachum left them for
the present, that they might with the utmost freedom make their own
observations; for she knew she should be acquainted with all their
sentiments from Miss Jenny afterwards.

The littl