e workmen had no sooner laid the foundation than
some unknown and invisible power raised the stones and they disappeared
from sight.

The queen Fourbette now sought diligently to gain the friendship of
Gourmandinet by giving him every day some delicious dainties. In this
way she made him so complete a slave to his appetite that he could not
live without the jellies, bonbons and cakes which she gave him in such
profusion. At last she sent for him to come to her, and said:--

"Gourmandinet, it depends entirely upon yourself whether you shall have
a large trunk full of bonbons and delicious dainties or never again eat
one during your life."

"Never again eat one! Oh! madam, I should die of such punishment. Speak,
madam, what must I do to escape this terrible fate?"

"It is necessary," said the queen, looking at him fixedly, "that you
should drive the princess Blondine near to the Forest of Lilacs."

"I cannot do it, madam; the king has forbidden it."

"Ah! you cannot do it; well, then, adieu. No more dainties for you. I
shall command every one in the house to give you nothing."

"Oh! madam," said Gourmandinet, weeping bitterly, "do not be so cruel.
Give me some order which it is in my power to execute."

"I can only repeat that I command you to lead the princess Blondine near
to the Forest of Lilacs; that you encourage her to descend from the
carriage, to cross the grating and enter the enchanted ground."

"But, madam," replied Gourmandinet, turning very pale, "if the princess
enters this forest she can never escape from it. You know the penalty of
entering upon enchanted ground. To send my dear princess there is to
give her up to certain death."

"For the third and last time," said the queen, frowning fearfully, "I
ask if you will take the princess to the forest? Choose! either an
immense box of bonbons which I will renew every month or never again to
taste the delicacies which you love."

"But how shall I escape from the dreadful punishment which his majesty
will inflict upon me?"

"Do not be disquieted on that account. As soon as you have induced
Blondine to enter the Forest of Lilacs, return to me. I will send you
off out of danger with your bonbons, and I charge myself with your
future fortune."

"Oh! madam, have pity upon me. Do not compel me to lead my dear princess
to destruction. She who has always been so good to me!"

"You still hesitate, miserable coward! Of what importance is the fate of
Blond