in 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 wonderful
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.

Fairer-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