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320 "Verily, you are too skilful, it would be a great pity not to keep you employed. Here, Queen, make me some nets with this thread strong enough to catch salmons in." "Nay, for mercy's sake," replied the Queen, "remember that it is barely strong enough to hold flies." "You are a great casuist, my pretty friend," said Magotine, "but it will avail you nothing." She quitted the grotto, had the stone replaced at the mouth of it, and assured Laidronette that if the nets were not finished in two hours, she was a lost creature.

"Oh, Fairy Protectrice!" exclaimed the Queen, "if it be true that my sorrows can move your pity, do not deny me your assistance." As she spoke, the nets were made. Laidronette was extremely surprised. She thanked, with all her heart, the friendly fairy who had conferred on her such a benefit, and thought with delight that it was undoubtedly her husband who had secured for her such a friend. "Alas, Green-Serpent," said she, "you are very generous, to continue to love me after the injuries I have done you." No reply was made, for Magotine entered, and was much astonished to find the nets so exceedingly well made, that no common hands were capable of executing such a work. "What!" she cried, "will you have the audacity to maintain that you have woven these nets?" "I have no friend in your Court, Madam," said the Queen; "and even if I had, I am so carefully imprisoned that it would be difficult for any one to speak to me without your permission." "As you are so clever and skilful, you will be of great use to me in my kingdom," rejoined the fairy.

She immediately ordered her fleet to be got ready for sea, and all the puppets to be prepared to go on board. She had the Queen heavily chained down, fearing that in some fit of despair she might fling herself overboard. One night as the unhappy Princess was deploring her sad fate, she perceived, by the light of the stars, the green serpent, who quietly approached the vessel. "I am always afraid of alarming you," said he, "and despite the reasons I have for not sparing you, you are infinitely dear to me." "Can you pardon my imprudent curiosity?" replied she, "and may I say to you without offence,—