Page 166 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

It was but just that the old Princess, who had l
lived in solitude for so many years, should quit
it to partake of the public rejoicing. The same
little fairy, who came to dine with her, and
whom she received so well, entered suddenly
to relate to her all that had passed at Court.
"Let us go there," continued she, "I will
inform you as we go along of the care I have

taken of your family." The grateful Princess
ascended the Fairy's chariot, which was
brilliant with gold and azure, and preceded by
a military band, and followed by a hundred
body-guards, consisting of the first noblemen
in the kingdom. The Fairy related to the
Princess the history of her grandchildren, and

told her she had never forsaken them; that
under the form of a syren, of a turtle-dove, in
short, in a thousand various ways, she had
protected them. "You see," said she, "a good
action always meets return."
The good Princess kept incessantly kissing her
hand, to show her gratitude, and knew not in
what terms to express the extent of her joy. At
length they arrived at the palace. The King

received them with a thousand expressions of
friendship.The Princess Blondine and the ___

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