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196 peculiar a feeling for him, that she had already lost her former indifference, while the young Prince, thinking of his charming Bee, threw himself at Trufio's feet. "Great Queen," said he, "I am infinitely indebted to thee; thou hast given me new life, by restoring me to my original form; but, if thou wouldst that I should owe thee my peace and happiness, a blessing even greater than the life thou hast recalled me to, restore me my Princess!" In uttering these words he took hold of the little Bee, whom he never ceased gazing upon. "Thou shalt be satisfied," answered the generous Trufio. She recommenced her ceremonies, and the Princess Aimée appeared with so many charms that there was not one of the ladies who was not envious of her. Linda hesitated within herself, whether she ought to be pleased or vexed at so extraordinary an adventure; and, particularly, at the metamorphose of the Bee.

At length her reason got the better of her passion, which was only in its infancy; she embraced Aimée a thousand times, and Trufio begged her to relate her adventures. She was under too much obligation to her to refuse what she wished. The graceful and easy manner with which she spoke interested the whole assembly; and when she told Trufio she had performed so many wonders by virtue of her name and her wand, there was an exclamation of joy throughout the hall, and every one entreated the Fairy to complete this great work. Trufio, on her side, felt extreme pleasure at all she had heard. She folded the Princess in her arms.

"Since I was so useful to you, without knowing you," said she to her, "judge, charming Aimée, now that I do know you, how much I am inclined to serve you. I am a friend of the King your father, and of the Queen your mother: let us instantly go, in my flying chariot, to the Happy Island, where both of you will be received as you deserve." Linda begged them to remain one day with her, during which she made them very costly presents, and the Princess Aimée left off her tiger's skin for dresses of incomparable beauty. Let all now imagine the joy of our happy lovers. Yes, let them imagine it, if they can; but to do that, they should have met with the same misfortunes, have been amongst Ogres, and undergone as many transformations. They set out at last; Trufio conducted them through the air to the Happy Island. They