nderful
silver Castle suspended by strong silver chains to four of the
largest trees. It was so perfectly hung that a gentle breeze rocked it
sufficiently to send you pleasantly to sleep.

Fairer-than-a-Fairy felt a strong desire to enter this Castle, but
besides being hung a little above the ground there seemed to be neither
doors nor windows. She had no doubt (though really I cannot think why)
that the moment had come in which to use the nut which had been given
her. She opened it, and out came a diminutive hall porter at whose belt
hung a tiny chain, at the end of which was a golden key half as long as
the smallest pin you ever saw.

The Princess climbed up one of the silver chains, holding in her hand
the little porter who, in spite of his minute size, opened a secret door
with his golden key and let her in. She entered a magnificent room which
appeared to occupy the entire Castle, and which was lighted by gold and
jewelled stars in the ceiling. In the midst of this room stood a couch,
draped with curtains of all the colours of the rainbow, and suspended by
golden cords so that it swayed with the Castle in a manner which rocked
its occupant delightfully to sleep.

On this elegant couch lay Prince Rainbow, looking more beautiful than
ever, and sunk in profound slumber, in which he had been held ever since
his disappearance.

Fairy-than-a-Fairy, who now saw him for the first time in his real
shape, hardly dared to gaze at him, fearing lest his appearance might
not be in keeping with the voice and language which had won her heart.
At the same time she could not help feeling rather hurt at the apparent
indifference with which she was received.

She related all the dangers and difficulties she had gone through, and
though she repeated the story twenty times in a loud clear voice, the
Prince slept on and took no heed. She then had recourse to the golden
pomegranate, and on opening it found that all the seeds were as many
little violins which flew up in the vaulted roof and at once began
playing melodiously.

The Prince was not completely roused, but he opened his eyes a little
and looked all the handsomer.

Impatient at not being recognised, Fairer-than-a-Fairy now drew out her
third present, and on opening the crystal scent-bottle a little syren
flew out, who silenced the violins and then sang close to the Prince's
ear the story of all his lady love had suffered in her search for him.
She added some gentle repro