ks had flown over the three thousand leagues
which separated them from the kingdom of Prince Marvellous. All his
court and all his subjects, apprised beforehand by the fairy, expected
him. The streets and the palaces were filled by the eager, happy crowd.

When the chariot appeared in sight, the people uttered cries of joy
which were redoubled when it drew up before the great entrance of the
palace, when they saw descend Queen Aimee, a little older, no doubt, but
still pretty and gracious, and the Prince Marvellous, whose natural
beauty and grace were enhanced by the splendor of his clothing,
glittering with gold and precious stones, which were also a present from
the fairy.

But the acclamations arose to frenzy when the prince, taking Violette
by the hand, presented her to the people.

Her sweet, attractive countenance, her superb and elegant form, were
adorned with a dress with which the fairy had clothed her by one stroke
of her wand.

Her robe was of gold lace, while her waist, her arms and shoulders shone
with innumerable larks formed of diamonds larger than humming-birds. On
her graceful head she wore a crown of larks made of precious stones of
all colors. Her countenance, soft but gay, her grace, her beauty, won
the hearts of all.

For a long time nothing was heard but shouts of "Long live King
Marvellous! Long live Queen Violette!" The noise and tumult were so
great that many persons became deaf. The good fairy, who desired that
only joy and happiness should prevail throughout the kingdom on this
auspicious day, cured them instantly at the request of Violette.

There was a magnificent feast spread for the court and the people. A
million, three hundred and forty-six thousand, eight hundred and
twenty-two persons dined at the expense of the fairy and each guest was
permitted to carry away enough for eight days.

During the repast the fairy set off for the kingdom of King Benin,
promising to return in time for the wedding of Marvellous and Violette.
During the eight days of the fairy's absence Marvellous, who saw that
his mother was a little sad at not being queen, entreated her earnestly
to accept Violette's kingdom and she consented to reign there on
condition that King Marvellous and Queen Violette would come every year
and pass three months with her.

Queen Aimee, before parting with her children, wished to witness their
marriage. The fairy Drolette and many other fairies of her acquaintance
and many