nducted her and in which she had gone to sleep.

Agitated, disquieted, she rose and ran to the glass. She saw that she
was much grown and she found herself charming, a hundred times more
beautiful than when she retired the night before. Her fair ringlets fell
to her feet, her complexion was like the lily and the rose, her eyes
celestial blue, her nose beautifully formed, her cheeks rosy as the
morn, and her form was erect and graceful. In short, Blondine thought
herself the most beautiful person she had ever seen.

Trembling, almost frightened, she dressed herself hastily and ran to
seek Bonne-Biche whom she found in the apartment where she had first
seen her.

"Bonne-Biche, Bonne-Biche!" she exclaimed, "I entreat you to explain to
me the change which I see and feel in myself. Last night I went to sleep
a child--I awoke this morning, and found myself a young lady. Is this an
illusion or have I indeed grown and developed thus during the night?"

"Yes, my dear Blondine, you are fourteen years old to-day. But you have
slept peacefully seven years. My son Beau-Minon and I wished to spare
you the weariness of all early studies. When you first entered the
castle you knew nothing; not even how to read. I put you to sleep for
seven years, and Beau-Minon and I have passed this time in instructing
you during your sleep. I see by the wonder expressed in your eyes, sweet
princess, that you doubt all this. Come into your study and reassure
yourself on this point."

Blondine followed Bonne-Biche to the little room. She ran first to the
piano, commenced playing and found that she played remarkably well. She
then tried the harp and drew from it the most ravishing sounds, and she
sang enchantingly.

She took her pencil and brushes and drew and painted with a facility
which denoted a true talent. She wrote and found her handwriting clear
and elegant. She looked at the countless books which were ranged round
the room and knew that she had read them all.

Surprised, delighted, she threw her arms around the neck of Bonne-Biche,
embraced Beau-Minon tenderly and said to them:

"Oh! my dear true good friends, what a debt of gratitude do I owe you
for having thus watched over my childhood and developed my intellect and
my heart. I feel how much I am improved in every respect and I owe it
all to you."

Bonne-Biche returned her caresses and Beau-Minon patted her hand
delicately. After the first few happy moments had passed, Blondine cas