rs. The hem of this robe, the corsage and the waist were
trimmed with diamond fringe which sparkled like suns. Her hair was
partly covered with a net of diamonds from which a tassel of immense
diamonds fell to her shoulders. Every diamond was as large as a pear and
was worth a kingdom. Her necklace and bracelets were so immense and so
brilliant that you could not look at them fixedly without being
blinded.

The young princess thanked her godmother most tenderly and felt again
upon her fair cheek the sweet kiss of the morning. She followed the page
and entered the royal salon. Prince Charmant was awaiting her at the
door, offered her his arm and conducted her to the apartment of the king
and queen. Rosette advanced to salute them.

Charmant saw with indignation the glances of rage and revenge which the
king, queen and princesses cast upon poor Rosette. He remained by her
side as he had done in the morning and was witness to the admiration
which she inspired and the malice and envy of her sisters.

Rosette was indeed sad to find herself the object of hatred to her
father, mother and sisters. Charmant perceived her melancholy and asked
the cause. She explained it to him frankly.

"When, oh! when, my dear Rosette, will you permit me to ask your hand of
your father? In my kingdom every one will love you and I more than all
the rest."

"To-morrow, dear prince, I will send you the reply of my godmother whom
I shall question on the subject this evening."

They were now summoned to dinner. Charmant placed himself at Rosette's
side and they conversed in a most agreeable manner.

After dinner the king gave orders for the ball to commence. Orangine and
Roussette, who had taken lessons for ten years, danced well but without
any peculiar grace. They believed that Rosette had never had any
opportunity to dance and with a mocking, malicious air, they now
announced to her that it was her turn.

The modest Rosette hesitated and drew back because it was repugnant to
her to show herself in public and attract the general regard. But the
more she declined, the more her envious sisters insisted, hoping that
she would at last suffer a real humiliation.

The queen now interfered and sternly commanded Rosette to dance. Rosette
rose at once to obey the queen. Charmant, seeing her embarrassment, said
to her in low tones:

"I will be your partner, dear Rosette. If you do not know a single step,
let me execute it for you alone."

"Than