-room where she saw a table strangely served.

An enormous cushion of black satin was placed on the floor for
Bonne-Biche. On the table before her was a vase filled with the choicest
herbs, fresh and nutritious and near this vase was a golden bucket,
filled with fresh and limpid water.

Opposite Bonne-Biche was a little stool for Beau-Minon while before him
was a little porringer in gold, filled with little fried fish and the
thighs of snipes. At one side was a bowl of rich crystal full of fresh
milk.

Between Beau-Minon and Bonne-Biche a plate was placed for Blondine. Her
chair was of carved ivory covered with crimson velvet attached with
nails of diamonds. Before her was a gold plate richly chased, filled
with delicious soup made of a young pullet and fig-birds, her glass and
water-bottle were of carved rock-crystal, a muffin was placed by her
side, her fork and spoon were of gold and her napkin was of linen, finer
than anything she had ever seen.

The table was served by gazelles who were marvellously adroit. They
waited, carved and even divined the wishes of Blondine, Bonne-Biche and
Beau-Minon. The dinner was exquisite--the chicken was splendid, the game
and fish most delicate, the pastry and bonbons superlative. Blondine was
hungry so she ate of all and found all excellent.

After dinner, Bonne-Biche and Beau-Minon conducted the princess into the
garden. She found there the most delicious fruits and lovely walks.

After a charming walk, Blondine entered the castle with her new friends,
much fatigued. Bonne-Biche proposed that she retire, to which she agreed
joyfully.

Blondine entered her chamber and found two gazelles waiting to attend
her. They disrobed her with grace and adroitness, placed her in bed and
seated themselves by her couch to watch over her.

Blondine was soon peacefully asleep--not, however, without having first
thought of her father and wept bitterly over her cruel separation from
him.

BLONDINE'S SECOND AWAKENING

Blondine slept profoundly, and on awaking she found herself entirely
changed. Indeed, it seemed to her she could not be the same person. She
was much taller, her intellect was developed, her knowledge enlarged.
She remembered a number of books she thought she had read during her
sleep. She was sure she had been writing, drawing, singing and playing
on the piano and harp.

She looked around, however, and knew that the chamber was the same to
which Bonne-Biche had co