er, in which she hoped to sleep in peace.

But Lagree had not given up her pursuit, and arrived just as
Fairer-than-a-Fairy had fallen fast asleep. This time she made sure of
catching her victim, but the cat spied her out, and, springing from one
of the boughs of the arbour she flew at Lagree's face and tore out her
only eye, thus delivering the Princess for ever from her persecutor.

One might have thought that all would now be well, but no sooner had
Lagree been put to fight than our heroine was overwhelmed with hunger
and thirst. She felt as though she should certainly expire, and it was
with some difficulty that she dragged herself as far as a pretty little
green and white house, which stood at no great distance. Here she was
received by a beautiful lady dressed in green and white to match the
house, which apparently belonged to her, and of which she seemed the
only inhabitant.

She greeted the fainting Princess most kindly, gave her an excellent
supper, and after a long night's rest in a delightful bed told her that
after many troubles she should finally attain her desire.

As the green and white lady took leave of the Princess she gave her a
nut, desiring her only to open it in the most urgent need.

After a long and tiring journey Fairer-than-a-Fairy was once more
received in a house, and by a lady exactly like the one she had quitted.
Here again she received a present with the same injunctions, but instead
of a nut this lady gave her a golden pomegranate. The mournful Princess
had to continue her weary way, and after many troubles and hardships she
again found rest and shelter in a third house exactly similar to the two
others.

These houses belonged to three sisters, all endowed with fairy gifts,
and all so alike in mind and person that they wished their houses and
garments to be equally alike. Their occupation consisted in helping
those in misfortune, and they were as gentle and benevolent as Lagree
had been cruel and spiteful.

The third Fairy comforted the poor traveller, begged her not to lose
heart, and assured her that her troubles should be rewarded.

She accompanied her advice by the gift of a crystal smelling-bottle,
with strict orders only to open it in case of urgent need.
Fairer-than-a-Fairy thanked her warmly, and resumed her way cheered by
pleasant thoughts.

After a time her road led through a wood, full of soft airs and sweet
odours, and before she had gone a hundred yards she saw a wo