ch
fairy were examined and discussed, a proposal was made to lessen, as far
as possible, the mischief caused by Dindonette by enchanting the
fountain. And it was decided that, as she had meant nothing but
kindness, she should have the power of undoing one half of the spell. Of
course she might always have destroyed the fatal fountain, which would
have been best of all; but this she never thought of. Yet, in spite of
this, her heart is so good, that I am sure that the moment she hears
that she is wanted she will fly to help. Only, before she comes, it is
for you, Madam, to make up your mind which of the two shall regain their
former strength and beauty.'

At these words the fairy's soul sank. Both Cornichon and Toupette were
equally dear to her, and how could she favour one at the cost of the
other? As to the courtiers, none of the men were able to understand why
she hesitated a second to declare for Toupette; while the ladies were
equally strong on the side of Cornichon.

But, however undecided the fairy might be, it was quite different with
Cornichon and Toupette.

'Ah, my love,' exclaimed Cornichon, 'at length I shall be able to give
you the best proof of my devotion by showing you how I value the
beauties of your mind above those of your body! While the most charming
women of the court will fall victims to my youth and strength, I shall
think of nothing but how to lay them at your feet, and pay heart-felt
homage to your age and wrinkles.'

'Not so fast,' interrupted Toupette, 'I don't see why you should have it
all. Why do you heap such humiliations upon me? But I will trust to the
justice of the fairy, who will not treat me so.'

Then she entered her own rooms, and refused to leave them, in spite of
the prayers of Cornichon, who begged her to let him explain.

No one at the court thought or spoke of any other subject during the few
days before the arrival of Dindonette, whom everybody expected to set
things right in a moment. But, alas! she had no idea herself what was
best to be done, and always adopted the opinion of the person she was
talking to. At length a thought struck her, which seemed the only way of
satisfying both parties, and she asked the fairy to call together all
the court and the people to hear her decision.

'Happy is he,' she began, 'who can repair the evil he has caused, but
happier he who has never caused any.'

As nobody contradicted this remark, she continued:

'To me it is only allo