d--and this I think will never take place.

"As to the king and queen, I have changed them into beasts of burden and
given them to wicked and cruel masters who will make them suffer for all
their brutality to Rosette. Besides this, they have all been transported
into your kingdom and they will be compelled to hear unceasingly the
praises of Rosette and her husband.

"I have but one piece of advice to give you, dear prince; hide from
Rosette the punishment I have inflicted upon her parents and sisters.
She is so good and tender-hearted that her happiness would be affected
by it, but I ought not and will not take pity upon wicked people whose
hearts are so vicious and unrepentant."

Charmant thanked the fairy eagerly and promised silence. They now
returned to Rosette, who was clothed in her wedding-robe, prepared by
the fairy Puissante.

It was a tissue of dazzling golden gauze, embroidered with garlands of
flowers and birds, in stones of all colors, of admirable beauty; the
jewels which formed the birds were so disposed as to produce, at every
motion of Rosette, a warbling more melodious than the sweetest music.
Upon her head was a crown of flowers made of gems still more beautiful
and rare than those on her robe. Her neck and arms were covered with
carbuncles more brilliant than the sun.

Charmant was completely dazzled by his bride's beauty but the fairy
recalled him from his ecstasy by saying:--

"Quick! quick! onward! I have but half an hour, after which I must give
myself up to the queen of the fairies and lose my power for eight days.
We are all subject to this law and nothing can free us from it."

Charmant presented his hand to Rosette and the fairy preceded them. They
walked towards the chapel which was brilliantly illuminated and here
Charmant and Rosette received the nuptial benediction. On returning to
the parlor, they perceived that the fairy had disappeared, but, as they
were sure of again seeing her in eight days her absence caused them no
anxiety. Charmant presented the new queen to his court. Everybody found
her as charming and good as the prince and they felt disposed to love
her as they loved him.

With a most amiable and thoughtful attention, the fairy had transported
the farm, upon which Rosette had been so happy, and all its occupants
into Charmant's kingdom. This farm was placed at the end of the park,
so that Rosette could walk there every day and see her good nurse. The
fairy had also br