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LABOULAYE’S FAIRY BOOK
as large as a rabbit, was seated in a velvet easy-chair. It
was the fairy of the place. The charming Crapaudine
was draped in a scarlet mantle covered with glittering
spangles, and wore on her head a ruby diadem whose luster
lighted up her fat cheeks mottled with green and yellow.
As soon as she perceived Graceful she extended to him her
fingers, covered with rings, which the poor boy was obliged
respectfully to raise to his lips as he bowed.
"My friend,” said the fairy to him, in a hoarse voice,
which she vainly tried to soften, "I was expecting you, and
I will not be less generous to you than my sisters have been.
On the way here you have seen but a small part of my
riches. This palace, with its pictures, its statues, and its
coffers full of gold, these vast domains, and these innumer¬
able flocks, all may be yours if you wish; it depends only
on yourself to become the richest and happiest of men."
“What must I do for this?" asked Graceful, greatly
excited.
"Less than nothing,” replied the fairy;> ““chop me up
into little pieces and eat me. It is not a very disagreeable
thing to do,” added Crapaudine, looking at Graceful with
eyes redder than usual.
"Can I not season you, at least?” said Graceful, who
had been unable to look without envy at the beautiful
gardens of the fairy.
"No, you must eat me without seasoning; but walk about
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