ain and Jocosa,' added the
Fairy, 'to prove to you that this little cottage and all that belongs to
it is a gift more likely to bring you happiness and contentment than
many things that would at first seem grander and more desirable. If you
will faithfully promise me to till your fields and feed your flocks,
and will keep your word better than you did before, I will see that you
never lack anything that is really for your good.'

Sylvain and Jocosa gave their faithful promise, and as they kept it they
always enjoyed peace and prosperity. The Fairy had asked all their
friends and neighbours to their wedding, which took place at once with
great festivities and rejoicings, and they lived to a good old age,
always loving one another with all their hearts.

By the Comte de Caylus.

_FAIRY GIFTS_

It generally happens that people's surroundings reflect more or less
accurately their minds and dispositions, so perhaps that is why the
Flower Fairy lived in a lovely palace, with the most delightful garden
you can imagine, full of flowers, and trees, and fountains, and
fish-ponds, and everything nice. For the Fairy herself was so kind and
charming that everybody loved her, and all the young princes and
princesses who formed her court, were as happy as the day was long,
simply because they were near her. They came to her when they were quite
tiny, and never left her until they were grown up and had to go away
into the great world; and when that time came she gave to each whatever
gift he asked of her. But it is chiefly of the Princess Sylvia that you
are going to hear now. The Fairy loved her with all her heart, for she
was at once original and gentle, and she had nearly reached the age at
which the gifts were generally bestowed. However, the Fairy had a great
wish to know how the other princesses who had grown up and left her,
were prospering, and before the time came for Sylvia to go herself, she
resolved to send her to some of them. So one day her chariot, drawn by
butterflies, was made ready, and the Fairy said: 'Sylvia, I am going to
send you to the court of Iris; she will receive you with pleasure for my
sake as well as for your own. In two months you may come back to me
again, and I shall expect you to tell me what you think of her.'

Sylvia was very unwilling to go away, but as the Fairy wished it she
said nothing--only when the two months were over she stepped joyfully
into the butterfly chariot, and could