the little gold-fish. I
was received by my father with affectionate welcome, and--and what
else shall I say? I have mourned your absence day after day, until I
almost ceased to hope that I should ever see you again. But," added
the princess, with a look of unutterable tenderness, "thou hast come
back once more to me--thou hast sought and found thy little gold-fish,
and I am happy."

The prince had scarcely time to return suitable acknowledgments, and
vow eternal love, when they were roused by the sound of the hunter's
horn, announcing the return of King Grabyall from the chase. The
princess introduced him to the prince; and his majesty being in high
good humor, having been very successful that morning, beside having
an excellent appetite for dinner, received him most graciously. The
ardent prince lost no time in declaring his love; and King Grabyall,
knowing that he had been chosen to govern the territories of the
enchanter, Curmudgeon, beside inheriting all his vast riches,
graciously consented to the marriage. He did this the more willingly,
knowing from late experience that the princess, having fulfilled the
denunciation of the malicious old fairy, had survived her infirmity.

There was never in this world such a splendid and happy wedding; and
what added to the pleasure of all parties, was seeing the good fairy,
Violetta, enter the superb saloon to honor the ceremony.

"Welcome, my prince," said she, holding out her little, delicate hand,
"I congratulate you; you have triumphed by valor and constancy."

When the ceremony was over, the prince inquired anxiously whether she
knew aught of his father, and was informed that he had married the
daughter of good King Doddipol, and was wasting his substance as fast
as possible, by giving _fetes_ to the bride, and lending great sums to
his father-in-law. Prince Violet sighed at the fate of the Old Man of
the Hills, but in good time forgot all his griefs in the arms of love
and beauty.

The Princess Violetta made a most excellent wife, and never afterward
talked more than became a reasonable woman. The wicked giant, who, it
should have been premised, had been extricated from the moat, and
finished his fit of sneezing, being freed from the diabolical
influence of the enchanter, Curmudgeon, took the pledge, became a
tetotailer, and lived ever after an example to all overgrown monsters,
past, present, and future.

THE VESPER BELL.

BY PARK BENJAMIN.

How d