, 1889-12-26

before q largo mirror fastened to the
wall, and rs she cast her eyes upon IL
she saw her father and mother seated In
their little homej they were weeping
and doubtless they were grieving for
their lost daughter. Ahl they little
imagined tho cruel position she was
then n.
At the sight Of them the unfortunate
girl, utterly beside herself, cried:
my poor parents; thank heaven, i
see you once more before dying!"
As sho spoke she threw herself so vic.
lently toward the father and mother to
embrace them that the gold key, strik-
ing against the glass, broke II into q
thousand pieces. Behind the mirror she
saw secret door. The door had lock,
and this lock the gold key fitted perfect
ly. As soon as the young girl tried 1t
the door opened.
She saw before her magnificent
room, at ono end Of which rose a golden
throne, and upon this throne sat a. young
aud handsome monarch, surrounded by
conrtiers In most gorgeous costumes
The king advanced toward the young
shephcrdess and said:
I'VE were only waiting for you, amia-
bic Florine,"
Florine cast her eyes upon herself
and saw that she had become complete
ly transformed. However, there was
nothing changed about her except her
dress which sparkled with diamonds.
She had been born beautiful, and there
was no need Of anything else to make
her an accomplished princess.
But In the midst of all this dazzling
splendor, the young monarch was sad
and pensive; he seemed disturbed by
some secret trouble and, us he con-
Quoted the stranger to the banquet
table, he said TO her:
"Charming Florine, you can ask one
favor of me. What do you desireY'
"Ahl sure" she replied, 81 should not
hesitate to ask you to return me to my
poor parents, but your happiness and
your glory interest mo more than all
else besidei and that is why ! ask OF
, you the pardon of every unfortunate
who may, as have done, fall into the
hands OF your cook"
She had hardly pronunced these un-
selfish words when Il triumphant strain
OF music filled the banquet hall. All
faces became radiant the prince, espo-
cially seemed perfectly delighted, and
every shadow OF pain and anxiety passed
| from his brow.
"oh, my liberatorl" he cried, kissing
Florne's hand, may heaven bless you
that you have done II. Happy prayer
which | have waited for for 500 years
and which delivers me from a frightful
| enchantment.
"You are the first, oh, Florine, who
having favor to ask of me, have for
gotten yourself for the sake of others
HenCeforth Gun lead an innocent life
My royal table will no longer be polluted
with detestable meats, which it Is true
never touched, but the sight of which
| filled me with horror. In gratitude fol
so great benefit l wish, beautiful Flo
rine, to do something for you"
| "Ah sire, understand. You will re
store me to my father and my mother?
THAT | can not do"
Then you will bring them to thei,
| al hter2'
Il can not even do that"
| "Alas what can you do for me?"
81 will send red bird, my faithful
messenger, TO tell your parents that yot
are my wife, and that there is no queer
on earth SO dearly loved as you are"
So Florine became a queen. She wal
a wife, a happy mother; but her tearfu
eyes often turned towards the mountain
behind which remained half of her hap
piness. There is not, even in fairy land
perfect felicity here below.