away. She complained to her father; assured
him, that by mere chance she had heard the most odious calumnies
uttered by a prince who sported with their dignity, by falsely
pretending to the hand of her whom he slighted and despised. The king
was surprised; but, not having entered into any positive engagements
with Patipata, he readily entered into her feelings, and intimated to
the prince that his adieus would be well received. This Patipata
expected; but, although not naturally presumptuous, he had read
sufficiently into the heart of Papillette to feel some degree of
consolation.

As no decisive explanation of any kind occurred, he was permitted to
take leave of the princess. This he did with much firmness; while she
appeared so much agitated, that it was remarked by all the court. The
men attributed this to hatred; but the ladies, who knew better,
pronounced it love. They were convinced of the fact, when day by day
she began to pine and refused to eat; and had not the chief cook every
day invented some new ragout, she would inevitably have died of
hunger.

The queen was in despair, and dispatched a billet to the Fairy of the
Fountain, fastening it to the tail of a little white mouse, which
served as a messenger on this occasion; it was perfectly acquainted
with the way, and in a few minutes the fairy arrived at the palace.
The late events were mentioned to her, and the melancholy situation of
the princess.

"I understand this case," said the fairy; "but it is necessary that
Papillette should give me her confidence."

The fairy was so amiable and so much beloved by the princess, that she
easily yielded; and casting down her eyes, confessed that she loved
one who regarded her with contemptuous indifference; and what rendered
her choice still more degrading was, its object being equally ugly as
insensible.

"I am then to understand," replied the fairy, "that you wish to be
cured of this unfortunate passion?"

"Alas, no!" rejoined Papillette, "for my only pleasure is in thinking
of him, speaking to him as if he could hear, and persuading myself
that, notwithstanding appearances, he could have loved me, had he
believed my heart capable of steady affections. I shall therefore die,
leaving him alike ignorant of my regrets and my repentance."

"I would not advise you to die," said the fairy "that is the only evil
in the world without a remedy. But, my dear Papillette, what can I do
to console you?"

"Let me see th