e prince once more, under some metamorphose in which it
is impossible for him to recognise me."

"Very well," replied the fairy. "But since you wish to risk it, and
that a simple butterfly can scarcely compromise her dignity in
following a king, under this form I shall transport you to his court."

So saying, the Fairy of the Fountain placed on her finger a little
emerald ring, and the princess distinctly felt her arms change their
shape--expand--become flexible, and form two light wings, clothed in
the most brilliant colours. Her little feet quitted the earth, and as
the window was open, she flew out, traversing the air, with a degree
of rapidity which at first caused some sensations of fear. But soon
the eager desire of seeing Patipata urged her forward, although
natural instinct so far prevailed, as to cause frequent descents to
earth, where she rested on every tempting flower.

At length, entering the prince's gardens, she beheld him walking on a
terrace watering a beautiful orange-tree. Her heart beat so violently,
that her first emotion was to hide, but, soon recovering
self-possession, she flew forwards and rested on a branch which he had
just gathered.

"What a charming butterfly!" observed the king to his chief gardener.
"Its colours are truly exquisite; I never recollect having seen any
such before."

"Some new species, come to do mischief, I suppose," said the gardener,
preparing to brush it rudely away. But it took refuge on the bosom of
the king, with such caressing and tender familiarity, that only a hard
heart could have done it injury.

"Ah, little traitor!" cried Patipata, "thou wishest to win me by thy
fleeting charms, and then escape for ever. I already know too well the
pain of loving fickle beings such as thou. Yet still I must defend
thee, and permit thy return to my orange-tree as often as thou
desirest."

Papillette easily penetrated the thoughts of the prince, and although
they uttered a reproach for her inconstancy, she fancied they also
breathed the language of love; and returned in better spirits than
usual to her father's palace, where her absence had been unobserved.
From thenceforward she never omitted making use of the emerald ring,
which transported her in a few moments to her royal lover: she
followed him to his palace, saw him give audiences, preside in
council, and everywhere prove himself just, great, generous, and
worthy of all her affection. It is true that his eyes were s