Page 8 - Princess Belle-Etoile and Prince Cherie

a very white napkin, highly polished
earthenware, and a good dinner of several
courses. The wine was good, there was no lack
of ice, the glasses were rinsed every moment
by the fairest hands in the world; all this
whetted the appetite of the good little old
woman. She got a little merry, and said a
thousand things, in which the Princess, who

appeared to be taking no notice, discovered
considerable wit.
The meal, being finished as gaily as it began,
the old woman arose, and said to the Princess,
"My very good friend, if I had money I would
pay you: but I have been long a beggar. I could
have found no such good cheer elsewhere, and

all I can promise you is, that I will send you
better customers than myself." The Princess
smiled, and said to her kindly, "Go, my good
mother, do not trouble yourself, I am always
paid when I have gratified any one." "We are
delighted to have waited on you," said
Blondine; "and if you will stay supper, we shall
be still more so." "How happy are they," said
the old woman, "who are born with such

benevolent hearts! But do you imagine you
will not be rewarded? Be assured," continued
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