Page:Fairytales00auln.djvu/135

Rh in it, and since that time I have never asked you any favour in return; but the moment has arrived when you can grant me an essential one. Pardon this lovely Princess, and consent to her union with the young king. I will answer for his fidelity. Their days will be as a tissue of gold and silk. The alliance will afford you the greatest satisfaction, and I shall never forget the pleasure you will give me." "I consent to anything you wish, charming Gentille!" cried the Fairy. "Come, my children, come to my arms; receive the assurance of my affection." With these words she embraced the Princess and her lover. The Fairy Gentille was in raptures of joy, and all her train commenced singing nuptial hymns, the sweet symphonies of which awoke the nymphs of the palace, who came running, in their light robes of gauze, to ascertain what was passing.

What an agreeable surprise for Abricotine! She had scarcely cast her eyes on Leander when she recognised him, and seeing him holding the hand of the Princess, she doubted not an instant of their mutual happiness. The confirmation of it was the declaration of the Fairy mother that she would transport the Island of Peaceful Pleasures, the palace, and all the marvels it contained, into Leander's dominions; that she would reside there with them; and that she would confer many greater gifts upon them. "Whatever your generosity may suggest to you, Madam," said the king to her, "it is impossible you can make me a present equal to that bestowed upon me to-day. You have made me the happiest of men, and I feel convinced that you will find me also the most grateful." This little compliment very much pleased the Fairy. She was one of the old school, in whose time people would compliment each other all day long on some thing as trifling as the leg of a fly.

As Gentille had thought of everything, she had caused to be transported to the palace, by the power of Brelic-breloc, the generals and captains of the army raised by Furibon, in