the gift of pleasing, it cannot really give
satisfaction. By degrees I wearied of what had so delighted me at first,
especially as I perceived more and more plainly that it is impossible to
be constantly smart and amusing without being frequently ill-natured,
and too apt to turn all things, even the most serious, into mere
occasions for a brilliant jest.'

The Fairy in her heart agreed with Sylvia's conclusions, and felt
pleased with herself for having brought her up so well.

But now the time was come for Sylvia to receive her gift, and all her
companions were assembled; the Fairy stood in the midst and in the usual
manner asked what she would take with her into the great world.

Sylvia paused for a moment, and then answered: 'A quiet spirit.' And the
Fairy granted her request.

This lovely gift makes life a constant happiness to its possessor, and
to all who are brought into contact with her. She has all the beauty of
gentleness and contentment in her sweet face; and if at times it seems
less lovely through some chance grief or disquietude, the hardest thing
that one ever hears said is:

'Sylvia's dear face is pale to-day. It grieves one to see her so.'

And when, on the contrary, she is gay and joyful, the sunshine of her
presence rejoices all who have the happiness of being near her.

By the Comte de Caylus.

_PRINCE NARCISSUS AND THE PRINCESS POTENTILLA_

Once upon a time there lived a King and Queen who, though it is a very
long while since they died, were much the same in their tastes and
pursuits as people nowadays. The King, who was called Cloverleaf, liked
hunting better than anything else; but he nevertheless bestowed as much
care upon his kingdom as he felt equal to--that is to say, he never made
an end of folding and unfolding the State documents. As to the Queen,
she had once been very pretty, and she liked to believe that she was so
still, which is, of course, always made quite easy for queens. Her name
was Frivola, and her one occupation in life was the pursuit of
amusement. Balls, masquerades, and picnics followed one another in rapid
succession, as fast as she could arrange them, and you may imagine that
under these circumstances the kingdom was somewhat neglected. As a
matter of fact, if anyone had a fancy for a town, or a province, he
helped himself to it; but as long as the King had his horses and dogs,
and the Queen her musicians and her actors, they did not trouble
themselve