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478 their caskets, they found bits of glass instead of diamonds, and false pistoles,—the Fairy not choosing that they should partake of her kindness; they therefore thought their sister was laughing at them, and they felt extremely vexed at her; but the Count, perceiving how angry they were with her, gave them the greater part of the jewels he had just received. As soon as they touched them they changed like the others; they concluded, therefore, that an unknown power was working against them, and begged their father to keep the remainder for himself. The handsome Fortuné did not wait the return of his messenger before he quitted the city—his business was too urgent; he was bound to obey the King's orders. He paid his visit to the governor, at whose house all the people had assembled to see him. There was in his person and all his actions such an air of goodness, that they could but admire and love him. He said nothing but what was pleasant to hear; and the crowd was so great around him, he did not know how to account for so extraordinary a circumstance; for, having lived always in the country, he had seen very few people.

He continued his journey on his excellent horse, which amused him with a thousand stories, or by recounting to him the most remarkable events in ancient and modern history. "My dear Master," said he, "I am delighted to be your property. I know you possess much frankness and honour. I am disgusted with certain people with whom I have lived a long time, and who made me weary of my life, their society was so insupportable. Among them was a man who professed great friendship for me, who ranked me above Pegasus and Bucephalus when he spoke in my presence; but as soon as I was out of sight, he treated me as a jaded and sorry horse; he affected an admiration of my faults, in order to induce me to commit greater. It is true, that one day, being tired of his caresses, which properly speaking were treacheries, I gave him so severe a kick, that I had the pleasure of knocking out nearly all his teeth; and I have never seen him since, that I do not tell him with great sincerity, it is not right that a mouth that is opened so often to abuse those who do you no harm, should be as handsome as others." "Ho! ho!" cried the Chevalier; "thou art very mettlesome; dost thou not fear that this man will some day