d, are you happy?'

"'No,' said the boy, in a low voice, 'because I want to paint, and I
cannot.'

"'How do you know that you cannot?' asked the fairy.

"'Oh, fairy,' replied the boy, 'because I have tried a great many times.
It is of no use trying any longer.'

"'What if I were to help you?' said the fairy.

"'There would then indeed be some pleasure in the work and some chance
of success,' said the boy.

"'I was just closing my leaves for the night,' answered the fairy, 'when
you drew me out of the water; and I should have made you feel the
effects of my resentment if it had not happened that you are the
favorite of our race. Under the water, at the bottom of this lake, are
our palaces and castles; and when, after visiting the upper world, we
wish to return to them, we close one of these lilies over us, and sink
in it to our home. The wish that I heard you utter just now induced me
to appear to you. I know a powerful charm which will ensure your success
and the accomplishment of your highest wishes; but it is one which
requires a great deal of care and patience in the working, and I cannot
put you in possession of it unless you will promise the most implicit
obedience to my directions.'

"'Spirit of a water-lily!' said the boy, 'I promise with all my heart.'

"'Go home, then,' continued the fairy, 'and you will find lying on the
threshold a little key: take it up.'

"'I will,' answered the boy; 'and what then shall I do?'

"'Carry it to the nearest pine-tree,' said the fairy, 'strike the trunk
with it, and a keyhole will appear. Do not be afraid to unlock that
magic door. Slip in your hand, and you will bring out a wonderful
palette. I have not time now to tell you half its virtues, but they will
soon unfold themselves. You must be very careful to paint with colors
from that palette every day. On this depends the success of the charm.
You will find that it will soon give grace to your figures and beauty to
your coloring; and I promise you that, if you do not break the spell,
you shall not only in a few years be able to produce as beautiful a copy
of these flowers as can be wished, but your name shall become known to
fame, and your genius shall be honored, and your pictures admired on
both sides the Atlantic.'

"'Can it be possible?' said the boy; and the hand trembled on which
stood the fairy.

"'It shall be so, if only you do not break the charm,' said the fairy;
'but lest, like the rest of your ungrat