Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1896-05-28

I
have not chateau, shall die. -
The apprehensivo fisherman again
obeyed, and the fish said to him, "Go.
Your new wish Is granted. "
When he returned hcmc, what won
derful change awaited himl In place Of
his rustic house he found d beautiful
chateau with flag waving on the top OF
its lofty tower. A wide moat surround
ed the high walls inclosing the domain,
and on its awbridge stood Stora in q
silk gown with geld chain about he1
neck. Taking her husband By the hand,
she led him into their apartment. En-
tering the large door they passed from
room to room completely and beautiful
ly furnished with soft carpets, superb
hangings, statuary and pictures. On ev.
cry side were domestics i'll livery. In the
court stood a carriage with two beauti-
full horses, a coachman on the seat and
footman up bebpd. Near by was a
garden full of flowers, a conservatory
and an aviary.
"Ah, Y said Stora, with an air Of tri-
umph, 'what do you think Of all this
Is this not better than a country housei
Are you not content?'
Eyes, replied the fisherman, "but
for the love Of all that's good, let us stay
here -
A few days later Stora remarked tc
her husband: II was on the tower to-
day and was astonished and grieved tc
find how little land we have. 1t is not
enough that you should be a lord. You
must have kingdom. You must be
king"
''What extravagancen' cried the fish
erman. ''Never, ev5rwiIl permit it. -
If you do not wish to be king, " re-
piled Stora in a rcsolute tone, II never
theless am determined to be queen, and
desire you to 90 and explain my wish
to the friend, who is under so many OBJ
legations to you, to the powerful magi-
clan N
''No, indeed, " reiterated the fisher
man. He has already been wonderfully
generous with US. [ do not wish to irri-
tate and tire him. "
But the ambitious Stora insisted, beg
ged and threatened and the poor fisher.
man again gave way to her infexible
will. The fish looked upon him in pity,
saying sadly, "This time also the wish
Of your wife is granted +"
In place of the Iordly chateau there
was grand palace with a magnificent
facade and four imposing towers. A
marble stairway covered with rich car
pet led to the first floor, to the reception
room where the ministers, generals and
courtiers We're congregated and where
Stora sat on a golden throne, an ermine
mantle about her and crown Of dia-
monds on her head
Finally, said she enthusiastically
to her husband, here is a burst Of for
tune, here is power, here is happiness
There is nothing more l could wish. -
"God be praised, " he fervently re-
piled.
A few moments later, with grave
air, she took him by the hand, drawing
him into the embrasure Of a window
that she might talk to him unobserved,
and said to him, II am well satisfied
that l am a queen, am contented with
the respect of my ministers and the
tranquility Of my subjects, but some
times the sun rises too late; sometimes
the moon is too late, and sometimes the
wind whistles and blows in manner
that inconvenience me greatly. | wish
to govern them according to my pleas.
ure. The fairy fish can refuse you moth
ing. He must grant me this one addi-
tional favor 1t will be the last =
The peaceful fisherman was stupefed.
He could not believe she spoke seriously.
But when she, in a resolute manner,
repeated her demand he declared he
would never take part in any such in
sanity.
But, alas, the poor man had not the
courage to resist the headsrong will Of
his companion. After violent protesta-
tions he again acquiesced.
He went i'll fear and trembling to per
form his strange mission. This time the
fish regarded him coldly and said to him
in formidable voice:
This is enough. Your wife is insane,
and you are an imbecile You will nc
longer have either chateau or lands. In
pity will give you back your ancient
cottage. You deserve no more.
As the fairy fish disappeared beneath
the waters the fisherman turned home.
ward with bowed head to find his wife
dressed III wretched rags and sitting
upon the doorsill Of their old cabin, Ia,
menting their lost wealth. Translated
From the French Fer Short Stories.