injured mother made her start back, and run half
wild into the fatal castle. Rozella used frequently to throw herself
in her way; and on hearing her sighs, and seeing her tears, would burst
into a sneering laugh at her folly; to avoid which laugh, the poor
princess first suffered herself to throw off all her principles of
goodness and obedience, and was now fallen into the very contempt she so
much dreaded.

The first time the fairy got a sight of her, she called to her with the
most friendly voice; but the princess, stung to the soul with the sight
of her, fled away, and did not venture out again in several days. The
kind Sybella began almost to despair of regaining her lost child; but
never failed walking round the castle many hours every day. And one
evening, just before the sun set, she heard within the gates a loud
tumultuous noise, but more like riotous mirth, than either the voice
either of rage or anger; and immediately she saw the princess rush out
at the gate, and about a dozen girls, laughing and shouting, running
after her. The poor princess flew with all her speed till she came to a
little arbour, just by the side of the wood; and her pursuers, as they
intended only to tease her, did not follow her very close; but, as soon
as they lost sight of her, turned all back again to the castle.

Sybella went directly into the arbour, where she found the little
trembler prostrate on the ground, crying and sobbing as if her heart was
breaking. The fairy seized her hand, and would not let her go till she
had prevailed with her to return to the Placid Grove, to throw herself
once more at her mother's feet, assuring her, that nothing but this
humble state of mind could cure her misery and restore her wonted peace.

The queen was filled with the highest joy to see her child; but
restrained herself so much, that she showed not the least sign of it,
till she had seen her some time prostrate at her feet, and had heard
her with tears properly confess, and ask pardon for, all her faults. She
then raised, and once more forgave her; but told her that she must learn
more humility and distrust of herself, before she should again expect to
be trusted.

The princess answered not, but with a modest downcast look which
expressed her concern and true repentance, and in a short time recovered
her former peace of mind; and as she never afterwards disobeyed her
indulgent mother, she daily increased in wisdom and goodness.

After havi