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248 astonished. She took the hem of the Queen's robe and kissed it, and then stood erect before her, her eyes modestly cast down, and her cheeks coloured with crimson, which heightened the brilliant whiteness of her complexion. It was easy to remark in her manners that simplicity and sweetness which is so charming in young maidens.

"What are you doing here, pretty girl," said the Queen; "are you not afraid of robbers?" "Alas! Madam," replied Fortunée, "I have but a linen gown; what would they take from a poor shepherdess like me." "You are not rich, then?" said the Queen, smiling. "I am so poor," answered Fortunée, "that I only inherited from my father a pot of pinks and a silver ring."

"But you have a heart," said the Queen. "If any one wished to have that, would you give it them?" "I do not know what it is to give my heart, Madam," she replied; "I have always understood that without a heart we could not live, that if it is wounded we must die, and notwithstanding my poverty I am not sorry to live." "You are quite right to defend your heart, my child; but tell me," continued the Queen, "have you had a good supper?" "No, Madam," said Fortunée, "My brother ate it all." The Queen commanded a cover to be laid for her, and, desiring her to be seated, helped her to the very best. The young shepherdess was so lost in admiration, and so charmed with the goodness of the Queen, that she could scarcely eat a morsel.

"I am very anxious to know," said the Queen, "what has brought you so late to the fountain." "Madam, there is my pitcher, I came to fetch water to water my pinks." Saying this, she stooped to pick up the pitcher which was near her, but as she showed it to the Queen, what was her astonishment to find it was a golden one, covered with large diamonds, and filled with water which had a delicious perfume. She dared not take it, thinking it could not be hers. "I give it you, Fortunée," said the Queen; "go and water the flowers you take such care of, and remember that the Queen of the Woods would be numbered amongst your friends." At these words, the shepherdess threw herself at the Queen's feet. "After having offered you my most humble thanks, Madam," she said, "for the honour you have done me, I venture to take the liberty to ask you to remain here a moment. I wish