Page:The Yellow Dwarf Picture Book-1875.djvu/5

Rh while she was in this state she was transported to the palace, and placed in her own bed. When she awoke and recollected what had befallen her, she tried to persuade herself that it was all a dream and that she had never met with this dreadful adventure: but she fell into a melancholy state, so that she could scarcely speak, eat, or sleep.

The Princess, who loved her mother with all her heart, grew very uneasy. She often begged her to say what was the matter, but the Queen always put her off with some reason that the Princess saw plainly enough was not the real one. Being unable to control her anxiety, she resolved to seek the famous Fairy of the Desert, whose advice as to marrying she was also desirous of obtaining, for everybody pressed her to choose a husband. She took care to knead the cake herself, and pretending to go to bed early one evening, she went out by a back staircase, and thus, all alone, set out to find the Fairy. But on arriving at the orange-tree, she was seized with a desire to gather some of the fruit. She set down her basket and plucked some oranges; but when she looked again for it, it had disappeared. Alarmed and distressed, she suddenly saw beside her the frightful little Dwarf. What ails you, fair maid?” said he. “Alas!” replied she, “I have lost the cake which was so necessary to insure my safe arrival at the abode of the Desert Fairy.” “And what do you want with her?” said the Dwarf. “I am her kinsman, and as clever as she is.” “The Queen, my mother,” replied the Princess, “has lately fallen into despair. I fancy I am the cause of it; for she wishes me to marry; but I have not yet seen any one I think worthy of me. It is for this reason I would consult the Fairy.” “Don’t give yourself that trouble, Princess,” said the Dwarf; “I can advise you better than she. The Queen is sorry that she has promised you in marriage.” “The Queen promised me!” cried the Princess. “Oh, you must be mistaken.” “Beautiful Princess,” said the Dwarf, flinging himself at her feet, “it is I who am destined to enjoy such happiness.” “My mother have you for her son-in-law!” exclaimed Toutebelle, recoiling; “was there ever such madness!” “I care very little about the honour,” said the Dwarf, angrily. “Here come the lions; in three bites they will avenge me.” At the same moment the poor Princess heard the roars of the savage beasts. “What will become of me?” she cried. The Dwarf looked at her, and laughed contemptuously. “Be not angry,” said the Princess; “I would rather