esist the opportunity afforded
of looking over a great quantity of writing which lay on the bureau.
What was her surprise and joy, on there finding verses, the most
passionate and tender, which Patipata had written in her praise! They
indeed revealed that he was proud, and would not risk a second
refusal; but they vowed to remain faithful to her, and never to wed
another.

The princess was so affected, that two little tiny tears stood in her
butterfly-eyes. Well indeed she might shed them, for at this moment,
the wicked little prince, her enemy, came behind, and seizing her by
her two lovely wings, popped her into his hat.

"Now I have you!" cried he; and it is impossible to say what would
have happened, had not the king opportunely returned; when, in taking
off his hat to his uncle, he let the butterfly go.

She, recovering from her fright, testified affection by many little
endearments; and Patipata, now accustomed to speak to her, exclaimed:
"Beautiful insect, how happy art thou!--thou wanderest from flower to
flower, without giving the preference to any--thou knowest not
love--thou hast not found ingratitude! I, a king, can not boast of
such happiness. I adore the lovely Princess Papillette, and am
dismissed from her court. I am ugly, it is true; but were I ever so
handsome, I should not be more fortunate, for I too well know her
fickle--"

The butterfly here sighed so deeply, that the king started.

"Is it possible thou canst feel?" said he. "Oh, if my princess had but
as much sensibility, I would know no other care! With her I would live
in a hut, far, far from the deceitful splendour of a throne."

"The Princess Papillette would willingly accompany you," said a little
voice, in tones of the finest and purest melody: and the butterfly's
rosy wings blushed deep as crimson.

"What a prodigy!" cried Patipata. "Ah! butterfly, what dost thou know
of my Papillette?"

"Suppose it were herself!" said a voice, which seemed to proceed from
a little fountain of rock-crystal which stood between the windows.

The prince turned round; but instead of the butterfly, he beheld the
Fairy of the Fountain, holding the fair Papillette by the hand. They
were both encircled by a light rose-coloured cloud, which shed a
softly brilliant light around the apartment.

Patipata bent one knee to the earth, and kissed the hem of the
princess's garment.

"Come, prince," said the fairy, "King Merinous is apprised of what
passes her