hose of Orangine and Roussette and in fact commanded the young princess
to sing.

Rosette curtsied to the queen. "I obey, madam," said she.

She took the harp and the enchanting grace of her position astonished
her sisters. They would have been glad indeed to interrupt her when she
commenced her prelude for they saw at a glance that her talent was much
superior to theirs. But when, in a beautiful and melodious voice, she
sang a romance, composed by herself on the happiness of being good and
beloved there was an outbreak of admiration, the enthusiasm became
general and her sisters almost fainted with jealousy and envy.

Charmant was transported with admiration. He approached Rosette, his
eyes moistened with tears and said to her:

"Enchanting and lovely princess, I have never heard so touching a voice.
Can I not have the happiness of hearing you once more?"

Rosette, who was painfully aware of the jealousy of her sisters, excused
herself, saying she was fatigued. Prince Charmant, who had clear
intellect and penetration, divined the true motive of her refusal and
admired Rosette still more for her delicacy. The queen, irritated by the
success of Rosette, terminated the party at an early hour and retired.

Rosette returned to her little room and undressed herself. She removed
her robe and her ornaments and put them in a superb case of ebony which
she found in her room. Much to her surprise, she found in her little
trunk the robe of coarse cloth, the pullet feather, the necklace of
nuts, the burrs, the dry beans, the coarse shoes of felt and the blue
yarn stockings. She would not allow herself, however, to be disquieted,
certain that her good godmother would come to her assistance at the
proper time. Rosette was indeed saddened by the coldness of her parents
and the jealousy of her sisters; but, as she scarcely knew them, this
painful impression was effaced by the remembrance of the Prince
Charmant, who appeared so good and who had been so flattering in his
attention to her. Rosette soon slept peacefully and awoke late in the
morning.

FAMILY COUNCIL

While Rosette was only occupied with smiling and pleasant thoughts, the
king, the queen and the princesses Orangine and Roussette were choking
with rage. They had all assembled in the queen's apartment.

"This is too horrible," said the princesses. "Why did you send for this
Rosette, who has such dazzling jewels and makes herself admired and
sought after by a